PM Modi in Melbourne: 'Grow more, achieve more', says India on path to becoming developed nation

Melbourne: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a packed Indian diaspora gathering at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium, highlighting India's rapid transformation and urging overseas Indians to 'grow more, achieve more' while contributing to stronger India-Australia ties.

Speaking at the mega community event, Modi said India of the 21st century is steadily working towards becoming a developed nation and reaffirmed his government's vision of making the country 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Recalling his visits to Australia, the Prime Minister said this was his third trip to the country in the last 12 years. 'This is my third visit in the last 12 years. It's a hat-trick,' he said, drawing cheers from the audience.

Modi credited the Indian diaspora for deepening bilateral ties and said many parts of Melbourne are now popularly referred to as 'mini India'.

He praised the community for making significant contributions to Australia's growth while maintaining strong cultural links with India.

'This show is houseful. It is a blockbuster,' Modi said. 'Before this, I had met you all twice in Sydney. I was also waiting to meet the people of Melbourne. So this time I thought I would have a flat white coffee with the people of Melbourne.'

Highlighting India's global rise, Modi said the country is racing to become the world's third-largest economy and pointed to milestones such as the successful landing near the Moon's south pole.

He added that India is now working towards establishing its own space station, reflecting the nation's growing technological ambitions.