Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to receive a warm welcome from Australia’s Indian community during his visit, according to reports. However, an anti-migration group plans to hold a protest on Thursday outside Marvel Stadium at the ‘Melbourne Meets Modi’ event. Australia has a large Indian-origin population that now exceeds 5 percent of the total.
Modi will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne to discuss strategic and economic ties at the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit.
An AFP report states that a protest against Indian migration has been scheduled to coincide with the community gathering at the stadium, where thousands are expected. The demonstration is being promoted by the ‘March for Australia’ movement through social media accounts, including one linked to supporters urging participants to assemble near a government office before marching to the venue.
The same movement held anti-immigration rallies last year that highlighted the growth of the Indian-born population in Australia. Official data showed nearly 846,000 Indian-born residents in 2023, now approaching one million and ranking as the second-largest migrant group.
Those earlier events drew criticism from Australian officials and politicians over divisive messaging, with some noting the involvement of extremist figures and resulting clashes. The group has described itself as focused on reducing immigration levels.
Modi’s current trip marks his third to Australia in a decade. Discussions with Albanese are set to cover defence, critical minerals, trade and energy, including supplies of lithium and uranium.
