Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to Australia in three years has sparked calls for the federal government to raise human rights concerns, while excitement builds within the nation's Indian diaspora. Modi's visit begins Wednesday evening and marks his third since becoming prime minister, returning to Melbourne after more than a decade. A stadium event is expected to attract more than 20,000 people.
Leaders Summit and Security Warnings
Anthony Albanese will meet Modi in Melbourne, with the pair attending the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit running from 8-10 July. Ahead of the three-day visit, the Australian Federal Police issued a warning to a young person alleged to have made a threat against the foreign leader. An AFP spokesperson said: "The AFP identified the source of an online threat towards a foreign head of state and spoke with an individual last Friday. There is no current or impending risk to the community."
Human Rights Concerns Raised
Human rights organisation Amnesty International urged the Albanese government to raise India's human rights record in bilateral talks. A statement described the visit as an "opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law." The statement called for Australia to encourage India to ensure journalists and human rights advocates could work free from intimidation and address discrimination of religious and ethnic minorities.
Community Event at Marvel Stadium
On Thursday, a community event to honour Modi at Marvel Stadium will be attended by thousands. Pranav Aggarwal, a spokesperson for the Australia India Foundation hosting the free event, said a crowd of between 25,000 to 30,000 people was expected. "It's a celebration of the Australia-India success story," he said. "The event is a celebration as proud Australians to welcome the prime minister of the largest democracy in the world, a natural ally for Australia." The "Melbourne Meets Modi" event will also feature performances representing Australia's Indian diaspora.
Protests and Criticism
The non-profit organisation Alliance Against Islamophobia is planning to protest against Modi's visit on Thursday evening, speaking out against "bigotry and persecution," including anti-Muslim hate and caste oppression. Critics of Modi, elected prime minister in 2014, say some of his policies are fundamentally discriminatory, including a citizenship bill that fast-tracked citizenship for refugees from some countries but excluded Muslim countries. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party champions Hindu ethno-nationalism, an ideology known as Hindutva.
Asked about planned protests, a Victoria Police spokesperson said it could not comment on security arrangements for dignitary visits for "operational reasons," adding that the force "works closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure security arrangements are robust."
Previous Visit and Growing Diaspora
During Modi's last visit in 2023, he received a rock star reception, with more than 20,000 people attending a Sydney rally. Modi last visited Melbourne in 2014. Since then, the city has become home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Deepak-Raj Gupta, national chair of the Australia India Business Council, said the Marvel Stadium event allows the leader to speak directly to the country's Indian community. "He's doing a rally … what he would usually do in India, but he's doing it overseas for the Indian diaspora to update them on the economy, on what's happening in India, where India is heading," he said.
Bilateral Relations and Trade
Gupta said Modi returning to Australia for a third time demonstrates a maturing of the bilateral relationship. "There's a lot of trade opportunity, which has been identified between Australia and India, especially on clean energy, education, and critical minerals," he said. In 2020, Australia and India elevated their relationship with a "comprehensive strategic partnership." In 2022, both countries signed an interim trade agreement, with negotiations for a broader agreement continuing. In a statement over the weekend, Albanese said the Australia-India relationship had "never been more consequential."
