PM Modi in Melbourne: Indian diaspora backs stronger India-Australia business ties
Synopsis
As PM Modi touched down in Melbourne, the Indian diaspora voiced a clear agenda: easier visas, scrapped student caps, and a level playing field for Indian businesses in Australia. Their message to both prime ministers goes beyond trade — it is also about dignity and inclusion for a community that has watched India's global standing rise sharply.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne on 8 July for bilateral talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese .
Indian diaspora leaders called for easier business visas , reduced visa fees, and removal of student visa caps for Indian applicants.
Nikita Kaur Chopra , former CEO of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce , attended the CEO Forum and flagged ease of doing business as the top priority.
Diaspora members also urged both leaders to address racism against Indians and promote social inclusivity.
Indian visa fees to Australia have reportedly risen two to three times over the last three to four years .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday, 8 July, with members of the Indian diaspora expressing strong optimism that his visit will deepen business, trade, and immigration ties between India and Australia. The visit is expected to include bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with diaspora leaders urging both leaders to address visa costs, student caps, and the ease of doing business.
Diaspora Hopes for Business and Immigration Reforms
Nikita Kaur Chopra, former CEO of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC), said she has been based in Australia for over seven years and sees the visit as a pivotal moment for bilateral commerce. 'We are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi's visit will further strengthen the relationship between India and Australia. We are expecting more leverage for Indian visas, immigration and a better business relationship between both nations,' she said.
Chopra, who was scheduled to attend the CEO Forum during Modi's visit, said the central issue for her was the ease of doing business for Indian entrepreneurs in Australia. She called for 'easier passage... in terms of visas, trade and employment, which will benefit both nations.'
Visa Costs and Student Caps Under Scrutiny
Beyond trade, diaspora members raised concerns about the rising cost of Indian visas to Australia. One community member noted that visa fees have increased 'two to three times' over the last three to four years, placing a financial burden on the diaspora. He also flagged visa caps on international students as a growing barrier for Indian applicants at Australian universities, calling for their removal.
Chopra separately appealed for bilateral discussions to include the issue of 'racism against Indians' in Australia, stressing the need for greater social inclusivity alongside economic integration.
India's Global Standing Cited as Backdrop
A diaspora member who has lived in Australia for six years pointed to India's rising economic profile as context for the visit's significance. 'India's economy has gone from fragile five to top five,' he said, adding that Indians are now 'viewed very positively in countries around the world.' He described Modi's arrival as 'a proud moment' for the community — 'as though he is bringing the whole of India with him.'
What the Visit Signals for India-Australia Ties
The Melbourne visit comes amid a broader push to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which has been under negotiation in phases. Business chambers on both sides have long sought more predictable visa pathways and greater market access. This is the first time Modi has visited Australia since the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The outcomes of the bilateral talks and the CEO Forum are expected to set the tone for India-Australia economic engagement in the coming years.
Point of View
But structural relief on visa fees, student caps, and business entry. These are friction points that no bilateral communiqué has resolved in years. Whether the CEO Forum produces actionable commitments or another round of intent-signalling will be the real measure of this trip. India's economic rise gives New Delhi more negotiating weight than it had a decade ago; the question is whether that weight is being used at the table that actually affects ordinary Indians in Australia.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi visiting Melbourne?
PM Modi arrived in Melbourne on 8 July for bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with the visit aimed at strengthening trade, business, and people-to-people ties between India and Australia. He also participated in a CEO Forum bringing together business leaders from both countries.
What did the Indian diaspora ask PM Modi to raise in talks with Australia?
Diaspora members urged PM Modi and PM Albanese to address visa fee hikes, removal of student visa caps at Australian universities, easier business entry for Indian entrepreneurs, and the issue of racism against Indians in Australia.
Who is Nikita Kaur Chopra and what did she say?
Nikita Kaur Chopra is the former CEO of the Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). She said she hopes Modi's visit will bring 'more leverage for Indian visas, immigration and a better business relationship,' and also called for bilateral discussions to include social inclusivity and anti-racism measures.
How have Indian visa fees to Australia changed recently?
According to diaspora members, Indian visa fees for Australia have risen two to three times over the last three to four years, making travel and migration significantly more expensive for the community.
What is the broader context of India-Australia relations during this visit?
The visit comes after India and Australia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and amid ongoing negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Business chambers on both sides have been pushing for more predictable visa pathways and expanded market access.
