MELBOURNE, July 9/INDIAN ABROAD NEWSDESK
A special performance by the Australian-India Orchestra became one of the cultural highlights of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne, with the orchestra presenting a rendition of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ to celebrate the enduring friendship between Australia and India, according to India’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
According to India’s PMO, Prime Minister Modi applauded the performance, describing it as a powerful reflection of the people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen the Australia-India relationship. The PMO said the performance also commemorated the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, recognising the song’s enduring place in India’s national consciousness.
Reuters reported that cultural diplomacy featured prominently during Prime Minister Modi’s Australia visit, alongside discussions on trade, investment, defence, education and critical minerals. The news agency said music and cultural exchanges have increasingly become part of high-level engagements between the two countries, reflecting the growing role of the Indian diaspora in Australia’s multicultural landscape.
According to MyGovIndia, the orchestra’s performance brought together Australian and Indian musical traditions, symbolising the close friendship between the two nations. The platform said the event highlighted the contribution of cultural exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding beyond government and business partnerships.
ABC News has previously reported that Australia’s Indian community continues to play an important role in expanding cultural, educational and economic links between the two countries, with performances, festivals and artistic collaborations becoming increasingly prominent in bilateral engagements.
According to India’s PMO, the performance reinforced the importance of cultural connections in the broader Australia-India partnership. Reuters reported that as bilateral ties continue to deepen, such community-centred events are expected to remain an important feature of official visits, reflecting the shared values and multicultural character of both nations.
