Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's three-day visit, the Australian federal police issued a warning to a young person alleged to have made a threat to the foreign leader, while an anti-Islamophobia organisation pledged to take to the streets to protest Modi’s visit.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International urged the Albanese government to raise India’s human rights record in the bilateral talks, with a statement describing the visit as an “opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms and the rule of law”.
The statement called for Australia to encourage India to ensure journalists and human rights advocates could work free from intimidation and address discrimination of religious and ethnic minorities.
"PM @narendramodi arrived in Melbourne to an enthusiastic reception by members of the Indian diaspora. He also witnessed performances including a special fusion between the Australian didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument and the Indian tabla, a 10-piece symphony orchestra presentation of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ and a Kathak performance," tweeted MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal.
"The performances underlined the rich cultural tapestry that connects India and Australia."
Narendra Modi’s first visit to Australia in three years has sparked calls for the federal government to raise human rights concerns, as excitement builds within the nation’s Indian diaspora. Modi’s visit begins and marks his third since becoming prime minister.
It will see him return to Melbourne after more than a decade, with a stadium event expected to attract more than 20,000 people.
Anthony Albanese will meet his Indian counterpart in Melbourne, with the pair attending the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit running from 8-10 July.
On Thursday, a community event to honour Modi at Marvel Stadium will be attended by thousands.
Pranav Aggarwal, a spokesperson for the Australia India Foundation, which is hosting the free event on Thursday, said a crowd of between 25,000 to 30,000 people was expected. “It’s a celebration of the Australia-India success story".
The “Melbourne Meets Modi” event will also feature performances representing Australia’s Indian diaspora.
The Alliance Against Islamophobia, may protest against Modi’s visit on Thursday evening. The organisation said the demonstration would speak out against “bigotry and persecution”, including anti-Muslim hate and caste oppression.
Critics of Modi, who was elected prime minister in 2014, say some of his policies are fundamentally discriminatory, including a citizenship bill which fast-tracked citizenship for refugees for Muslims but excluded Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
"Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) champions Hindu ethno-nationalism, an ideology known as Hindutva," reports 'The Guardian'.
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