Modi’s Visit to Australia: A Mix of Celebration and Protest
The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Australia in three years has generated significant attention, with the nation’s Indian diaspora eagerly anticipating his arrival while human rights concerns are being raised by various groups. Modi’s visit, commencing on Wednesday evening, marks his third trip to Australia since assuming office and includes a return to Melbourne after more than a decade. A major stadium event is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees.
During this visit, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet with Modi in Melbourne, with engagements scheduled from 8 to 10 July.
Security and Protests Ahead of the Visit
In the lead-up to the three-day visit, Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a warning to a young individual alleged to have made a threat against the foreign leader. Meanwhile, the non-profit organisation Alliance Against Islamophobia has announced plans to protest Modi’s visit, highlighting issues of bigotry and persecution, including anti-Muslim hate and caste-based oppression.
Calls for Addressing Human Rights Issues
Amnesty International has urged the Albanese government to address India’s human rights record during bilateral talks. The organisation described the visit as an “opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law.”
“This visit is an opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law,”
Amnesty International further called on Australia to encourage India to ensure that journalists and human rights advocates can operate without intimidation and to address discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.
Community Event and Diaspora Engagement
On Thursday, a community event honoring Modi will be held at Marvel Stadium, with thousands expected to attend. Pranav Aggarwal, spokesperson for the Australia India Foundation, which is hosting the free event, stated that between 25,000 and 30,000 people are anticipated.
“It’s a celebration of the Australia-India success story,”
“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 include performances representing Australia’s Indian diaspora.
Protests and Criticism of Modi’s Policies
The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans to protest on Thursday evening, aiming to highlight issues of bigotry and persecution, including anti-Muslim hate and caste oppression.
Critics of Modi, who has been prime minister since 2014, argue that some of his policies are discriminatory. For example, a citizenship law fast-tracked citizenship for refugees from certain countries but excluded Muslim-majority countries. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promotes Hindu ethno-nationalism, an ideology known as Hindutva.
When asked about the planned protests, a Victoria Police spokesperson declined to comment on security arrangements for dignitary visits due to operational reasons but confirmed that the force works closely with law enforcement partners to ensure robust security.
Security Measures and Threat Assessment
Prior to Modi’s arrival, the AFP identified the source of an online threat against the foreign head of state and engaged with the individual last Friday.
“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.”
Previous Visits and Community Growth
During Modi’s last visit to Australia in 2023, he received a rock star reception, with over 20,000 people attending a major event. Modi last visited Melbourne in 2014. Since then, Melbourne has become home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Economic and Strategic Relations
Deepak-Raj Gupta, national chair of the Australia India Business Council, noted that the Marvel Stadium event allows Modi to communicate directly with Australia’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,”
Gupta stated that Modi’s third visit to Australia reflects the maturation of the bilateral relationship.
“There’s a lot of trade opportunity, which has been identified between Australia, India, especially on clean energy, education is one and critical minerals is another one,”
In 2020, Australia and India elevated their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” In 2022, both countries signed an interim trade agreement, with negotiations for a broader agreement ongoing.
Over the weekend, Albanese emphasized the importance of the relationship in a statement.
“The Australia-India relationship has never been more consequential,”
