Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival in Ahmedabad on Wednesday as he kicked off his four-day visit, the first by an Australian Prime Minister to India since 2017.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat received the Australian PM as a troupe of Garba dancers performed at the Ahmedabad airport.
“An incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. The beginning of an important trip for Australia-India relations,” Albanese tweeted after landing in Gujarat.
People lined up outside too as Albanese’s motorcade left the airport, leaving the travelling Australian media and other dignatries amazed.
The Australian PM is accompanied by 25 senior business leaders, CEOs of major Australian corporations, leaders of universities, leaders of IT companies, resources, and other companies.
A pretty damn spectacular welcome for Albanese as the PM’s motorcade leaves the airport pic.twitter.com/Hq6RIadKYs
— Stephen Dziedzic (@stephendziedzic) March 8, 2023
Albanese began his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the historic Sabarmati Ashram with CM Patel explaining him the significance of the place.
“A true privilege to pay homage to Gandhi’s legacy at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad,” he tweeted.
Rathwa tribal folk dancers from Central Gujarat performed as the Australian PM joined the Holi celebrations event in Gandhinagar.
“Honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India. Holi’s message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us. No matter what your faith is or where you’ve come from—we celebrate and value what unites us,” said Albanese.
Happy Holi to everyone who celebrated at home in Australia. pic.twitter.com/5OcedkNfil
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 8, 2023
With the visit also highlighting the strong educational and cultural ties between the two countries, the Australian PM then joined an education sector programme along with the state Chief Minister.
Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King accompanying Albanese to India.
Anthony Albanese covered with marigold petals at a Holi festival in Ahmedabad tonight. pic.twitter.com/NPCmZdXRXk
— David Crowe (@CroweDM) March 8, 2023
As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, before taking off for India from Perth earlier in the day, the Australian Prime Minister labeled India as “a driver of new technology and innovation” and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a strong supporter” of shifting the energy focus.
“We have an historic opportunity to strengthen our relationship with India, at a time of extraordinary growth and dynamism in our region,” said Albanese.
“Australia and India have a rich friendship, underpinned by common interests, shared democratic values, the bonds between people, and an affectionate but fierce sporting rivalry,” he added.
On Thursday, Albanese will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opening day of the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, an event which is expected to get a record-breaking crowd with the presence of two leaders.
He will then travel Mumbai and New Delhi in a bid to further deepen the strategic, economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries regarded as close friends and partners.
