Human Rights Concerns Rise Ahead of Modi's Melbourne Visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his first visit to Australia in three years, beginning this week. His arrival has prompted calls for the Australian government to address concerns regarding human rights in India, while excitement surges among the Indian diaspora in Australia.

Modi’s visit commences on Wednesday evening and marks his third trip since assuming office. He will return to Melbourne after over a decade, and an event at Marvel Stadium is anticipated to draw more than 20,000 attendees. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to meet with Modi during the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit, taking place from 8-10 July.

Prior to the visit, the Australian Federal Police issued a warning in response to a young individual alleged to have made a threat against the Prime Minister. Additionally, an anti-Islamophobia organisation has vowed to protest Modi's arrival.

Human Rights organisation Amnesty International has called on the Albanese government to raise issues concerning India’s human rights record during the bilateral discussions. They stated that this visit represents a chance to emphasise a commitment to democratic freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law. Amnesty’s statement urged Australia to push India to protect the rights of journalists and human rights advocates, and to combat discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.

The community event scheduled for Thursday at Marvel Stadium will be hosted by the Australia India Foundation, expecting a turnout of between 25,000 to 30,000 participants. Spokesperson Pranav Aggarwal described the occasion as a celebration of the strong ties between Australia and India, highlighting the significance of welcoming a leader from the world's largest democracy.

In contrast, the Alliance Against Islamophobia is preparing to demonstrate against Modi's visit, voicing concerns over perceived bigotry and persecution, particularly regarding anti-Muslim sentiments and caste oppression. Critics of Modi, who took office in 2014, argue that some of his policies are fundamentally elitist and exclusionary, including a citizenship bill perceived to favour certain refugee groups while excluding Muslim countries. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is often associated with the ideology of Hindutva, which promotes Hindu nationalism.

When asked about the planned protests, a spokesperson for Victoria Police refrained from discussing security protocols for dignitary visits citing operational reasons but confirmed their collaboration with law enforcement partners to ensure safety.

In preparation for Modi's arrival, the Australian Federal Police acted on an online threat aimed at the Prime Minister. A spokesperson confirmed that they identified the source of the threat and spoke to an individual associated with it, asserting that the community is not currently at risk.

During Modi’s previous visit to Australia in 2023, he was welcomed enthusiastically by over 20,000 attendees at a rally in Sydney. His last appearance in Melbourne was in 2014, and since then, the city has become home to Australia's largest Indian-born community, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Deepak-Raj Gupta, chair of the Australia India Business Council, remarked that the event will serve as an opportunity for Modi to engage directly with the Indian community in Australia, providing updates on the Indian economy and its future direction. He emphasised that Modi’s continued visits indicate the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly regarding trade opportunities in clean energy, education, and critical minerals.

In 2020, the two nations elevated their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” and in 2022, they signed an interim trade agreement, with ongoing discussions for a more comprehensive agreement. Prime Minister Albanese recently stated that the Australia-India relationship has never been more significant, reflecting a growing collaboration between the two nations.