Canberra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sydney on a whirlwind six-hour visit on Monday on the second leg of his four-city tour of Australia.
He arrived in Sydney from Brisbane after attending the G20 Summit.
Then he proceeded to Canberra at night. Modi arrived in Canberra on the third leg of his four-city tour of Australia from Sydney, a short 30-minute flight, on a special Air India plane.
In a departure from protocol, Modi was received by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop at the Defence Establishment Fairbaim, reflecting the significance attached by Australia to the visit of the prime minister that comes 28 years after Rajiv Gandhi. Foreign dignitaries are usually not received at that level when they arrive in the night.
Brisbane in the morning, Sydney in the afternoon and now Canberra. pic.twitter.com/U3bwkHPOte
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 17, 2014
The PM will meet his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott for summit talks tomorrow during which the two countries are expected to sign a series of pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners and combating narcotics trade.
The deal on social security is expected to make it easier to swap staff between the two countries and is likely to boost two-way investment.
The visit of Modi, who arrived in Brisbane last Friday, to attend the G20 summit on the second leg of this three-nation 10-day tour, is aimed at forging a strategic partnership with Australia to promote India's economic goals and security interests, including maritime security, as per PTI.
Modi will also address the Federal Parliament after his talks with Abbott.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said there was no reason for India to lag behind any longer as he outlined the progress of schemes like Clean India and Make in India, and also promised the Indian diaspora visa on arrival and merging of the PIO and OCI cards.
Earlier, addressing an euphoric gathering of over 16,000 members of the Indian diaspora at Allphones Arena, Modi invited them to join in the Swachh Bharat campaign and contribute towards building toilets in their villages back home in India.
"Do you believe that the country can rise again, become powerful and capable of helping other countries again?" he asked to the loud cheers from the crowd, as per IANS.
"I don't see any reason for the country to remain behind, fate has decided that it must progress," he said to wild cheers.
Later, touched by the grand reception, PM Modi said he was honoured and humbled and will never forget this day.
From the Allphones Arena earlier today. pic.twitter.com/lNxFy60nhX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2014
Overwhelmed, honoured and humbled. Will never forget this day. pic.twitter.com/uGeVUGkCQQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2014
My deepest gratitude to the Indian community in Australia for the splendid community programme. Will always remember the warmth & enthusiasm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2014
Amazing welcome in Sydney. Glad to be here. pic.twitter.com/6sv2kmz8dh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2014
