Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India aims to become one of the world’s top three economies at the earliest. He highlighted the country’s fast technological growth and its rising position in the global economy. While addressing more than 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event at Marvel Stadium, he said that India is moving ahead with a new national mantra: “Grow more, achieve more.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended the event. His presence reflected the growing political, cultural, and strategic partnership between India and Australia. The programme brought together a large gathering of the Indian community and celebrated the strong ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi began his speech by referring to Melbourne’s well-known changing weather. He praised the Indian community for adding warmth and colour to the city through its culture and traditions. He said, “It is said that the city of Melbourne offers a glimpse of all four seasons in a single day. However, the Indian community has made it even more vibrant with its own cultural hues. Here in Melbourne and the surrounding areas, there are many places and markets infused with the spirit of Indianness.”

He also spoke about the popular Indian markets in Melbourne that many people call “Little India” or “Mini India.” He said these places proudly reflect Indian culture. Sharing a light-hearted moment with the audience, he referred to a video someone had shown him about one such market. He said, “Some call them ‘Little India,’ while others call them ‘Mini India’; whatever the name, they are steeped in Indian culture. Someone showed me a video of one such market. The video mentioned that sales are constantly going on there. People get completely swept up in the excitement of these sales; even if one isn’t in the mood to shop, one ends up buying something anyway. ‘Sale ke chakkar mein log ghanchakkar ban jate hain’ (People get completely dazed in the craze of sales).”

The Prime Minister thanked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for joining the event. He described him as a close friend of India and appreciated his support in strengthening ties between the two nations. Modi said that both leaders had shared important moments together in different cities over the years.

He said, “Melbourne has truly won the day. I am also deeply grateful to my friend—and a friend of India—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. You were with us in Sydney, and today you have joined the Indian community here in Melbourne as well; in a way, things have come full circle. From Ahmedabad, home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, to Melbourne, with its iconic stadium—we have been together at both places.”

Prime Minister Modi also looked back at his first visit to Australia in 2014. That visit ended a gap of 28 years since the previous visit by an Indian Prime Minister. He recalled his promise that such a long wait would never happen again. He noted that this was his third visit to Australia in the last 12 years and described it as a “hat-trick” of visits. He said this regular engagement reflects the strong progress in India-Australia relations.

He said, “And you might recall I said then that you would not have to wait another 28 years. This is my third visit in the last 12 years—a hat-trick of visits. This demonstrates the great heights that the relationship between India and Australia has reached. And do you know who played the biggest role in this? It wasn’t Modi; it was all of you.”

Prime Minister Modi credited the Indian diaspora for playing a major role in strengthening relations between the two countries. He said the community has built strong cultural and people-to-people connections that have helped bring India and Australia closer. He appreciated their contribution and acknowledged their role in expanding bilateral ties.

During his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted India’s rapid development and growing global influence. He said the country is making steady progress in technology, innovation, and economic growth. He expressed confidence that India will soon achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s top three economies. He said the country’s progress is guided by the vision of “Grow more, achieve more,” which reflects India’s commitment to continuous development and higher achievements.