“PM Modi Is The Boss”, Australian PM compares Namo’s popularity to Bruce Springsteen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “The Boss“, his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese said today at a grand community event in Sydney for the Indian diaspora.
The iconic rocker Bruce Springsteen, sometimes referred to by fans as “The Boss”, was mentioned by Mr. Albanese in his opening remarks in reference to the large audience. “The last time I saw someone on this stage was Bruce Springsteen and he did not get the welcome that Prime Minister Modi has got. Prime Minister Modi is The Boss,” said the Australian PM, drawing a grin from the Prime Minister and cheering and applause from the tens of thousands gathered at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
PM Modi received a customary reception when he and the other Prime Ministers arrived at the location. Indian dancers gave a cultural performance to kick off the celebration. Mr. Albanese discussed his bilateral meeting with PM Modi that is set to take place after the occasion when he spoke before PM Modi.
“It will be our sixth meeting that we’ve had together since I was sworn in as Prime Minister one year ago today. It shows how important the relationship between Australia and India is. India will grow to be the third-largest economy in the world. It’s already the most populist country in the world. And it’s an important neighbor in the Indian Ocean, that we share. And that is why this is a relationship that we need to invest in,” he said.
A huge welcome for Prime Minister @narendramodi from the Indian-Australian community in Sydney tonight. pic.twitter.com/LoYOUf3iAT
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 23, 2023
According to Mr. Albanese, the Indian diaspora has made Australia a better place. India is a crucial strategic ally. We are both members of a developing and dynamic region, and Prime Minister Modi is a very welcome visitor to our shores. We have a deep friendship and a very affectionate sporting rivalry on cricket fields around the world, and we will, of course, contest the championship again later, very shortly.
A huge welcome for Prime Minister @narendramodi from the Indian-Australian community in Sydney tonight. pic.twitter.com/LoYOUf3iAT
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 23, 2023
At a gathering on Tuesday in one of Sydney’s largest sporting arenas, thousands of Indians living abroad welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a rare large-scale support for a foreign leader in Australia. After his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost a crucial state election in southern India this month, Modi will try to harness his popularity among Indian expatriates to rally support at home ahead of a general election next year. Modi is visiting Australia for the first time since 2014.
Numerous supporters filled Sydney Olympic Park’s Qudos Bank Arena, a 21,000-seat indoor venue that has played host to international performers like Bruce Springsteen and the Backstreet Boys, but many seats were empty as Modi began his speech. The Indian leader paid homage to the various connections between the two countries, from cricket and tennis to films and Indian street cuisine in Sydney. He arrived at shouts from the audience following a session of song and dance from across India.
An absolute delight connecting with the Indian diaspora at the community programme in Sydney! https://t.co/OC4P3VWRhi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2023
“Relations between both countries are based on mutual trust and respect,” he said, speaking in Hindi. Modi is known for putting on impressive performances while traveling abroad and has spoken in front of crowded stadiums in the UK, the U.S., and other nations with sizable populations of Indian expatriates. Outside the venue, celebrations in Sydney have already started with supporters breaking into choreographed dances, songs, and chanting in support of Modi and India.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended the event with Modi. “You have brought the spirit of the world’s biggest democracy to Australia,” he said.