Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, Jul 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap during his visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he also interacted with young cricketers and highlighted the shared passion for cricket between the two nations.
Speaking at the MCG, Modi said the stadium evokes two emotions for every Indian – the excitement of an India-Australia cricket match and the recognition that cricket is much more than a sport in both countries.
"Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion," he said.
Launching the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said the initiative would deepen cooperation beyond cricket.
"Through this initiative, we will strengthen cooperation not only in cricket but across other sports. We will move forward together in areas such as sports training, sports science and technology, strengthening our partnership both on and off the field," he said.
The Prime Minister also said cricket has always been a natural bridge between him and Albanese, recalling their earlier visit to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He said the sporting spirit at the MCG was made even more special by the presence of former Australian cricketers Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar.
Earlier in the day, Modi met Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting reflected strong bipartisan support in Australia for expanding ties with India.
Modi arrived in Australia on July 8 after concluding his visit to Indonesia as part of his six-day, three-nation tour. He is scheduled to travel to New Zealand after completing his Australia visit.
During his three-day visit, India and Australia signed 18 agreements covering civil nuclear energy, defence and maritime security, critical minerals, cyber and critical technologies, supply chains, and energy security.
The two countries also agreed to expedite negotiations on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and a bilateral investment protection framework to boost trade and investment.
The summit between Modi and Albanese placed significant emphasis on enhancing defence cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, and included an agreement to facilitate the commercial supply of Australian uranium for India's civilian nuclear energy programme.
Modi also addressed the Indian diaspora at the 'Melbourne Meets Modi' event, which was attended by Prime Minister Albanese.