Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday during the second stop of his three-nation tour, which includes visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.
Modi reached Australia on Wednesday, where he was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora with an elaborate welcome featuring cultural performances that celebrated the close ties and shared heritage of the two nations.
Among the standout moments of the reception was a rendition of Maa Tujhe Salaam by the Australian-India Orchestra.
Posting a video of the performance on X, Modi said, "The Australian-India Orchestra's soulful presentation of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' was wonderful. It beautifully demonstrated how music strengthens the bonds between our people."
"My compliments to every member of the orchestra for this memorable performance. It also shows the global popularity of Vande Mataram, particularly at a time when we are marking its 150th anniversary," he added.
The Prime Minister also attended a unique musical presentation that brought together Australia's ancient Didgeridoo and India's Tabla, performed by didgeridoo artist Ron Murray and tabla maestro Dr Sam Evans.
Sharing a glimpse of the performance, Modi said, "Witnessed a truly exceptional musical performance featuring Australia's ancient Didgeridoo and India's Tabla. The harmony between these two timeless instruments beautifully reflected the deep cultural connect between our two nations."
He also commended the performers for keeping their musical traditions alive and celebrating them through the collaborative performance.
During the community event in Melbourne, Modi also watched a Kathak performance before interacting with the artists and later sharing photographs with them on X.
"Delighted to witness an outstanding Kathak performance during the welcome by the Indian community in Melbourne. Glad to see Indian dances becoming popular across Australia," he wrote.
The Australia visit follows the conclusion of Modi's engagements in Indonesia, which marked the opening leg of his three-country visit.
Over the course of his three-day stay in Australia, Modi and Albanese are expected to hold comprehensive talks aimed at expanding cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people exchanges.
Ahead of departing for the tour, Modi had said the Australia visit would also offer an opportunity to strengthen bilateral collaboration in emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science.
Following the completion of his Australia visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to New Zealand, the final destination of his three-nation tour.
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