‘Melbourne meets Modi’: Around 30,000 people gather for PM Modi's address at Marvel Stadium | WATCH

Published 9 July 2026 · politics

Around 30,000 people gathered at Marvel Stadium for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian diaspora in Melbourne on Thursday. At the community event

Around 30,000 people gathered at Marvel Stadium for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian diaspora in Melbourne on Thursday. At the community event, Australian PM Anthony Albanese stood next to PM Modi, honouring the national anthems of India and Australia. Also Read | PM Modi leaves for Australia after concluding 3-day Indonesia visit According to the news agency ANI, the event is perhaps the largest of its kind ever held in Australia by any leader. The Indian diaspora was very enthusiastic to see PM Modi. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What was the purpose of PM Modi's address at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne? ⌵ PM Modi's address aimed to connect with the Indian diaspora in Australia, showcasing the growing relationship between India and Australia. 2 Why is the India-Australia relationship considered important at this time? ⌵ The relationship is crucial due to shared strategic interests, particularly in countering China's military ambitions and enhancing energy and trade ties.

3 How does the recent uranium supply agreement between India and Australia impact India's energy goals? ⌵ The uranium supply agreement supports India's ambition to increase its nuclear power generation, aiming for 100 gigawatts by 2047. 4 Should Australia continue to export uranium to India despite past concerns? ⌵ Continued uranium export could facilitate India's transition to cleaner energy while benefiting Australia's resources sector, provided it's used for peaceful purposes. 5 What significance does PM Modi place on the cooperation between India and Australia? ⌵ PM Modi emphasizes that the cooperation presents historic opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, especially in energy and technology. Speaking with ANI, Madan Palsule, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, “PM Modi is a dynamic and charismatic leader... We are all excited, and we are presenting an Indian drama based on Shivaji's life... and we look forward to performing in front of PM Modi.” “We welcome PM Modi here... I am waiting for him along with numerous other members of the Indian diaspora...

We hope that Indian leaders keep coming here... We listen to him despite living abroad...” said another Indian. India-Australia relationship India and Australia have grown considerably closer in recent years, a relationship partly driven by a shared desire to keep Beijing's military ambitions in check while cultivating trade ties outside China. "It's historically been quite a difficult relationship, given India and Australia's differing positions during the Cold War," AFP quoted Teesta Prakash from the Australia India Institute. "But now we are in a starkly different strategic environment." Securing a reliable uranium pipeline is expected to be a key topic of discussion when Modi sits down with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Thursday. India, the world's most populous country with 1.4 billion people, has plans to drastically expand its nuclear power capacity. And mining giant Australia is estimated to hold as much as 28 percent of the world's uranium resource, according to the World Nuclear Association.