“Mutual trust and respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia,” he said. “The real reason,the real power is all of you Indians who live here in Australia.”
Ties between India and Australia have improved rapidly during the past decade,and last year the two signed a landmark trade liberalisation deal.
Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese got a rapturous reception when they arrived at the Qudos Bank Arena,which was packed with thousands of fans of the Indian leader.
When Albanese introduced Modi he told the crowd:“The last time I saw someone on this stage was Bruce Springsteen,and he did not get the welcome that Prime Minister Modi has got. Prime Minister Modi is the Boss.”
Modi and Albanese unveiled a plaque acknowledging Harris Park as “Little India” because of the many Indian Australians who live there and its array of Indian food stores.
Modi joked that he had heard there were “very delicious” sweets in the Harris Park area. “I want you all to take my friend Australian PM Albanese to that place,” he said.