Australian leader welcomes the PM of India with an enthusiastic reception akin to that of a rockstar

During a recent event at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing a comparison between him and the renowned American rock star Bruce Springsteen. This glowing introduction took place as Modi embarked on his first visit to Sydney in almost a decade, coinciding with his preparations for the upcoming national elections.

The visit also aligns with Australia's efforts to strengthen economic ties with India, the world's most populous market, particularly amid strained relations with China, a major Asian power. Acting as the emcee and warming up the crowd, Albanese took the stage and delivered his speech.

Originally intended as a gathering for leaders from the Quad, comprising the United States and Japan, Modi's visit to Australia coincides with Canberra's efforts to strengthen its ties with New Delhi, aiming to foster economic relations and reinforce their strategic partnership in response to the growing influence of an increasingly assertive China. The warm reception accorded to Modi reflects his widespread popularity among many Indians residing abroad and his emergence as a significant global player.

However, the leader, along with his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has faced escalating scrutiny for suppressing freedom of speech and implementing discriminatory policies against minority groups in India's secular democracy of 1.4 billion people. These concerns are rarely openly addressed by Western leaders during Modi's visits.

When questioned by journalists about whether Albanese would raise these issues with Modi, the Australian leader evaded the question, stating that he maintains a "respectful" relationship with his Indian counterpart.