Modi’s rock-star welcome to Sydney : Roaring crowd of 20,000

Modi’s rock-star welcome to Sydney is part concert, part political rally and all about soft power

More than 20,000 people throng stadium for event that plays to confidence of India’s diaspora

It was a rock-star welcome that would have made any of the world’s biggest stars blush - But not Narendra Modi.

Entering a heaving Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s west on Tuesday night, he was greeted by a roaring crowd who cheered and clapped throughout his speech.

The Indian leader, who has been prime minister since 2014 and is vying for a third term at next year’s elections, spoke for nearly an hour, on both Australian-Indian relations as well as Indian economic and cultural successes.

The arena event felt closer to a concert than a public appearance by two world leaders, as attendees held up flags and signs, and hung on Modi’s every word.

The Indian leader, who has been prime minister since 2014 and is vying for a third term at next year’s elections, spoke for nearly an hour, on both Australian-Indian relations as well as Indian economic and cultural successes.

“There are three Cs that defined our relationship with Australia: the commonwealth, cricket and curry. But now it is three Ds: democracy, diaspora, dosti [friendship],” he started. “Now there are also three Es that define the relationship: Energy, Economy a& Education.”

Modi went on to list popular eateries in Harris Park, a central suburb for the Indian diaspora in Sydney, much to the delight of the crowd: “I want you all to take my friend Australian PM Albanese to these places.”

“Mutual trust and mutual respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia. The real reason, the real power is – all of you Indians who live in Australia” Modi said.

The arena event felt closer to a concert than a public appearance by two world leaders, as attendees held up flags and signs, and hung on Modi’s every word.

Organised by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation, the event ran for hours before the leaders arrived and featured dances and singing by local and international groups. At one point, a countdown was featured on the massive screens above the centre stage, with every update cheered by the crowd.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Bhoomika Sampath, one of the volunteers at the event. “We are very proud of our country, we each hold on to that pride and want to be a part of it. We want to participate, and thats why we’re here.”

Inside the venue, Anthony Albanese and Mr Modi unveiled a "Little India" plaque to be installed at Harris Park, a hub of Indian culture in the city's west.

The Australian prime minister revealed a new Centre for Australia-India Relations would be established at Parramatta.

Mr Modi said the strong relationship between the two nations was not just the result of diplomacy — or the shared love of "cricket and curry".

"The real reason for this, the real force, is you, each and every Indian who lives in Australia," he said.

Mr Albanese said Australia's million-strong Indian community had "Brought our country the benefits and riches of such a beautiful and diverse culture".

"I'm proud that you have made Australia your home. That you see your life and your future here. You make our nation and our shared communities better. You make Australia stronger."

NSW Premier Chris Minns also spoke at the event.

Before that, Mr Modi met with several celebrities and influencers, such as pop star Guy Sebastian.

Guy Sebastian shared a photo of the two on Instagram, where he called the meeting a "Great honour".

"I was humbled to be able to discuss many things, including my mother’s Indian heritage, how proud I am of my own Indian heritage, as well as the arts and my music," Mr Sebastian wrote.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Modi supporters arrived in Sydney on a charter flight from Melbourne, dubbed "Modi Airways".

"Since he became Prime Minister of India, I've seen the international reputation of India increase," Melbourne builder Praveen Gulati said, who paid $249 for the one-way flight.

The fans then boarded buses bound for Sydney Olympic Park.

A skywriting message of "Welcome Modi" was splashed over the Harbour City on Tuesday afternoon.