20,000 people packed Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium as Narendra Modi turned a diaspora rally into the centerpiece of his Australia visit, sharing the stage with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
Modi used the event to cast Indians as a force that "sweetens" societies and said his third trip to Australia completed a "hat trick" that showed how far bilateral ties have advanced.
1.3 million people are expected to identify with the Indian diaspora in Australia in the next census, up from 50,000 three decades ago, underscoring why diaspora outreach now carries political and diplomatic weight.
30-odd protesters outside the stadium were largely drowned out by supporters, even as rights groups criticized Modi over democracy, civil liberties and minority protections in India.
The broader visit also focused on business and strategic links, with advocates pointing to growing cooperation in critical minerals, trade and cricket as signs of a deepening India-Australia partnership.