MELBOURNE, July 10, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up a three-day visit to Australia with a packed program in Melbourne, headlined by a diaspora event at Marvel Stadium and bilateral talks with PM Anthony Albanese focused on trade, energy, defence and sport.
Thousands gathered at Marvel Stadium on July 9 for the community reception attended by both leaders. A large crowd boarding trains at Southern Cross Station afterward reflected the scale of attendance, with many returning from the event.
Observers at the stadium noted significant representation from the Gujarati community. PM Modi, who served as Gujarat Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 before becoming Prime Minister, is now in his third term. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates there are 24,000 to 25,000 Gujaratis in Victoria. The Victorian Government lists the broader Indian diaspora in the state at around 370,000.
Leaders highlight trade and global standing
In his address, PM Modi said India’s global respect had grown, while PM Albanese emphasised Australia’s multicultural ethos. Both spoke earlier at the Economic Roadmap Business Reception, outlining plans to deepen cooperation across trade, investment and key sectors.
Speaking to South Asia Times on the sidelines, Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, said the visit strengthens cooperation in “defence, critical minerals, education and clean energy sectors, amid uncertain and unpredictable times in the Indo-Pacific.”
Outside the venue, small rallies were held by a Sikh group, anti-Islamophobia protesters, and another group opposing increased migration from India.
Uranium, critical minerals in focus
The Australia-India Leaders’ Summit at Government House concluded with a joint statement. Proposed uranium exports to India and critical minerals cooperation were among key discussion points. A decision to allow uranium exports to India was made during the Gillard government but was not implemented.
A traditional guard of honour was held at Government House, attended by political leaders. Media access was restricted behind a rope barrier.
Sport and culture take centre stage
Closing his visit at the MCG, PM Modi and PM Albanese announced that the opening match of the Australian Men’s Big Bash League will be held in Chennai in December 2026.
The announcement is part of “G’Day Namaste,” a week-long festival across India in December featuring Australian cultural, business and sports events. The leaders also launched a Roadmap on Sport Cooperation.“
The Roadmap will leverage Australia’s experience and India’s ambitions to host major sporting events, creating opportunities to increase our trade, tourism and investment ties,” said a joint media release from PM Albanese and two Australian ministers.
Calls for unity $ criticism
Hindus For Human Rights Australia & New Zealand released a statement on July 9 calling for “all Indian Australians to come together against hate, othering and the dehumanisation of any community based on faith or ethnicity.”
“We call on our communities to recognise the hypocrisy in demanding human rights, respect and freedom to practice our faiths, as a minority group in Australia, and not raising our voices, or standing in solidarity on behalf of persecuted minorities in India.”
A skynews.com.au presenter Danica De Giorgio questioned whether the stadium event reflected diplomacy or domestic political calculations aimed at Australia’s influential Indian diaspora. De Giorgio argued that the Melbourne spectacle represented “politics, not diplomacy,” contending that it came “at the expense of the taxpayer” and reflected what she described as Australia’s continued embrace of multiculturalism over a single national culture.
A media release from the Victorian Opposition Leader, Jess Wilson MP says, ” …Ms Wilson called on Prime Minister Modi and his delegation on Friday morning (July 10, 2026) for a warm and productive formal bilateral meeting. She joined the Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP, and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Ted O’Brien MP.
The PMO distributed six documents following the visit, including the Third Australia-India Joint Summit Statement and agreements on defence, energy, education and cultural ties.
Third Australia–India Annual Summit Joint Statement
