Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Australia on Wednesday for his first visit in three years, prompting human rights groups to call on the Australian government to address concerns over India's record. The visit marks Modi's third since taking office in 2014 and includes a stadium event in Melbourne expected to draw over 20,000 people from the Indian diaspora.
Leaders' Summit and Security Concerns
Modi will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne for the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit, running from 8 to 10 July. Ahead of the visit, the Australian Federal Police issued a warning to a young person alleged to have made an online threat against Modi, though police said there is no current risk to the community.
Human Rights Calls
Amnesty International urged the Albanese government to raise India's human rights record during bilateral talks, calling the visit an "opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law." The organisation called for Australia to encourage India to protect journalists and human rights advocates from intimidation and address discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.
Community Event at Marvel Stadium
On Thursday, a community event called "Melbourne Meets Modi" will be held at Marvel Stadium, hosted by the Australia India Foundation. Spokesperson Pranav Aggarwal expects a crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 people. "It's a celebration of the Australia-India success story," he said. The event will feature performances representing Australia's Indian diaspora.
Protests Planned
The non-profit Alliance Against Islamophobia plans 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, whose Bharatiya Janata Party champions Hindu ethno-nationalism, say his policies are discriminatory, including a citizenship bill that fast-tracks refugees from some countries but excludes Muslim-majority nations.
Bilateral Relations and Trade
During Modi's last visit in 2023, he received a rock star reception with over 20,000 at a Sydney rally. Melbourne has become home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia since Modi's last visit to the city in 2014. Deepak-Raj Gupta, national chair of the Australia India Business Council, said the stadium event allows Modi to speak directly to the diaspora about India's economy and direction. He noted growing trade opportunities in clean energy, education, and critical minerals. In 2020, Australia and India elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and in 2022 signed an interim trade agreement, with negotiations for a broader deal continuing.
