Space missions, 5G rollout and diaspora praised by Narendra Modi in Australia

At Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a comprehensive address to the Indian diaspora, spotlighting India’s breakthroughs in space exploration, telecommunications and community engagement. He reminded the audience that India’s Chandrayaan mission successfully touched down on the lunar south pole, a milestone unmatched by any other nation, and announced that the nation is gearing up for its Gaganyaan crewed flight and a long‑term plan to build an Indian space station.

Modi highlighted the nation’s swift 5G expansion, now covering roughly 90 % of the country, and linked this digital leap to broader initiatives such as vaccine diplomacy, disaster relief actions and the overarching ‘self‑reliant India’ policy.

The Prime Minister turned to the strategic partnership with Australia, noting a surge in joint ventures in space, science, technology, innovation, trade and investment. He mentioned Tata Group’s collaboration with an Australian launch provider to send Indian satellites into orbit, epitomising the deepening technical cooperation.

Addressing the Melbourne Indian community, Modi praised the vibrant enclaves often referred to as “Little India” or “Mini India,” where cultural traditions continue to flourish. He attributed the robustness of Indo‑Australian relations to the active participation of the diaspora, calling them the strongest link between the two nations.

In the realm of sports, Modi announced new opportunities for female athletes and confirmed India’s preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, underscoring the country’s growing stature on the global sporting stage.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the sentiment, describing the Indian community as a living bridge and lauding Modi’s personal leadership in propelling bilateral ties to new heights.