Speaking at a business forum in Melbourne ahead of a summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi highlighted the connection between Australia's uranium reserves—which account for about 28% of the world's total—and India's growing energy needs as the world's most populous nation. While Australia has significant uranium resources, legal and political sensitivities have historically hindered exports to India. Modi called the moment a historic opening for deeper cooperation. Albanese praised Modi's leadership in strengthening bilateral ties.

The visit also underscores the growing Indian diaspora in Australia. For the first time on record, Indians became the largest group of Australian residents born overseas, surpassing the British. Teesta Prakash of the Australia India Institute described this as a "huge demographic change". Modi is expected to draw a crowd of over 20,000 at a community rally in Melbourne.

However, the visit has drawn opposition. The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans to protest, citing the persecution of minority groups in India and what critics call Modi's dangerous brand of Hindu nationalism. A separate protest against Indian migration to Australia is also planned. Modi will travel to New Zealand after his Australia visit. (Bssnews)