PM Modi in Australia: Red-carpet welcome, key deals and protests during Melbourne visit – See pics

From a grand ceremonial welcome and a warm reception by the Indian diaspora to CECA talks, business engagements, key bilateral agreements and protests…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday night, July 8, to a red-carpet welcome, marking the start of a three-day visit that formed the second leg of his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. (Image: Reuters)

(Photo Credit : AP)

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PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour during his visit, which also included a call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn as the two nations marked their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

(Photo Credit : PTI)

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Modi was greeted warmly by the Indian diaspora, who were dressed in traditional attire and waving Indian flags. The visit was marked by cultural performances showcasing the shared heritage between India and Australia, ahead of his talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on defence, trade and critical minerals.

(Photo Credit : AP)

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Modi and Albanese met in Melbourne, where they discussed the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), building on the existing India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which has already doubled Indian exports to Australia since 2022.

(Photo Credit : AP)

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Modi addressed the India-Australia CEO Forum and the Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, where he said Australia’s “technology, capital and resources” could accelerate India’s clean energy transition towards its target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

(Photo Credit : AP)

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Delegation-level talks between Modi and Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday saw the two sides finalise uranium export arrangements and agree to establish a “critical minerals corridor”.

(Photo Credit : AFP)

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During Modi’s visit, anti-immigration activists staged a protest, arguing that high migration levels are contributing to housing shortages, rising rents, infrastructure pressures and population growth. The organisers specifically criticised Australia’s immigration policies and aspects of the Australia-India relationship, including student and skilled migration pathways. Protesters unfurled banners reading “Modi Go Home, Take the Rest with You” and “Stop Indian Invasion” outside the Melbourne venue.