NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that ties between India and Australia are defined by mutual trust and respect while addressing a mega diaspora event in Sydney<\/a> on Tuesday.
With chants of “Modi, Modi” filling the air inside Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the Prime Minister hailed the growing ties between the two countries, saying that it is the Indian diaspora that has helped take the relationship to another level.
Speaking at the event<\/a> after a receiving a rousing welcome, PM Modi said that India’s relationship is often characterized by the “3Cs”, “3Ds” and “3Es”, adding that they have now gone far beyond these labels.
“Earlier, it was said that India and Australia relation is defined by 3Cs – ‘Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry’. Then it was said that our relationship is defined by ‘Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti’. Some people also said that our relationship depends on ‘Energy, Economy and Education’. But I believe that the relation between India-Australia is beyond this, it is mutual trust and mutual respect,” the Prime Minsiter said.
The Prime Minister said that despite vastly different lifestyles, both India and Australia have found mutual areas of interest to deepen their significant bond.
“Our lifestyles may be different but now yoga also connects us. We have been connected due to cricket for long. But now tennis and films are also connecting us. We might prepare food in different manners but Masterchef is connecting us now,” he said.
The Prime Minister specifically praised the growing cricket ties between the two nations and pointed out that millions of India were saddened when Australian spin legend Shane Warne passed away.
The Prime Minister said that it is an “absolute delight” to address the Indian community in Australia as he hailed them for helping deepen ties with the country.
“Mutual trust and mutual respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia. The real reason, the real power is – all of you Indians who live in Australia,” he said.
The Prime Minister also told the thousands in attendance to take his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese<\/a> to Harris Park to try Indian delights.
“I’ve heard that Chatkazz ‘Chaat’ and ‘Jalebi’ from Jaipur Sweets at Harris Park is very delicious. I want you all to take my friend Australian PM Albanese to that place,” he said.
During the event, the Prime Minister also announced that a new Indian consulate will come up soon in Brisbane.
While concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged the Indian community to bring along an Australian citizen during their next visit to the country to further strengthen the bond between the two countries.
‘PM Modi is the boss’<\/span>
Earlier, while welcoming PM Modi at the event, Albanese marvelled at the massive popularity<\/a> enjoyed by the Indian leader.
“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,” Albanese said.
He also gave PM Modi a bear hug when the latter arrived at the venue to address the audience before introducing him as someone who ‘gets a rock star reception wherever he goes’.
(With inputs from agencies)<\/span><\/div>\n