Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the strongest and biggest foundations of India-Australia relations are mutual trust and mutual respect, and the real reason behind this is the Indian diaspora.
During his address Modi highlighted about India’s economic condition. He said the IMF considers India the bright spot of the global economy, Modi said according to the World Bank, if there's any country which is withstanding global headwinds, it's India.
The prime minister stressed on Indian rescources saying India does not lack resources. "India has made record exports even in the most challenging times," he added.
"Today, the country which has the world's biggest and youngest talent factory is...India." He also announced that India will open a consulate in Brisbane to fulfil the long-pending demand by the diaspora.
The prime minister thanked his Australian counterpart for supporting him in unveiling the foundation stone of 'Little India', a suburb of Sydney.
Modi made the remarks while addressing a community event at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena which was attended by more than 21,000 people from across Australia. The event was also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The prime minister said that the banking system in several countries are in trouble today but on the other hand, the strength of India's banks are being appreciated everywhere.
Prime Minister Modi said that there was a time when 3Cs used to define relations between India and Australia. These three were - Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry. "After that, it was 3Ds.. Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti! Then it became 3Es, it was all about Energy, Economy and Education. But the truth is that the actual depth of the relation between India and Australia transcends these C, D, E..." Modi said.
Modi said that the geographical distances are there between India and Australia, but the Indian Ocean connects us.
"No matter how different lifestyles are in both countries, Yoga connects us! Cricket is something which has kept us connected for ages...and now tennis and movies are other connecting bridges," he said. "The more interesting the competition on the cricket field, the deeper is our friendship off the field," he added, amid applause.
The announcement to declare Harris Park as 'Little India' was made by Australian Prime Minister Albanese as he welcomed Modi at the community event.