Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 9 July told the Indian diaspora in Melbourne that India is building a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem — spanning 'from chips to ships' — and is actively developing 6G technology to position itself at the forefront of global innovation. Addressing a packed gathering of the Indian community, Modi outlined an ambitious roadmap for a Viksit Bharat (developed India), anchored in technology, space, and enterprise.

Startup Surge and Manufacturing Ambition

Modi highlighted India's dramatic rise as a startup powerhouse, noting that the country has grown from a few hundred registered ventures to over two lakh startups, with more than 4,000 new businesses launching every month. He credited India's youth for propelling the nation to become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.

Notably, he stressed that this entrepreneurial wave is no longer confined to metro cities — startups are now taking root in every district across the country. Hundreds of startups, he said, are active in advanced sectors including defence and space, with at least one Indian space startup reportedly preparing to launch a satellite aboard its own rocket in the near future.

Space, Gaganyaan and India's Cosmic Goals

The Prime Minister outlined several upcoming milestones in India's space ambitions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the country's plans to establish its own space station. These, he argued, are emblematic of a nation no longer content to follow — but determined to lead.

This comes amid a broader global race in space commercialisation, where India's cost-competitive launch capabilities have already drawn international attention. The inclusion of private players in this ecosystem marks a structural shift from the earlier era of state-monopolised space activity.

Operation Sindoor and India's Strategic Resolve

Modi also referenced India's recent counter-terrorism operation, stating: 'During Operation Sindoor, explosions were taking place at terrorist bases and their echoes were heard across the world.' The remark drew strong applause from the diaspora audience and underscored his government's framing of the operation as a demonstration of India's decisive strategic posture.

India-Australia Ties and the Diaspora's Role

Reflecting on the arc of bilateral relations, Modi recalled that his 2014 visit to Australia was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 28 years. He noted that the current Melbourne engagement marks his third visit in 12 years — what he called 'a hat-trick' — and credited the Indian diaspora as the primary driver of the strengthened partnership.

'Over the past 12 years, this is my third visit to Australia, a hat-trick, in a way. It reflects the heights India-Australia relations have reached. And do you know who deserves the biggest credit for this? Not Modi, but all of you. The Indian diaspora has played the biggest role,' he said.

On his arrival in Melbourne, Modi received a rousing reception from community members, with chants of 'Modi-Modi' and 'Vande Mataram'. He later posted on social media platform X: 'The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride.'

The evening also featured a cultural showcase blending the Australian didgeridoo — an ancient wind instrument of indigenous Australians — with the Indian tabla, alongside a 10-piece symphony orchestra rendition of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' and a Kathak performance. Modi described the fusion as a reflection of 'the deep cultural connect between our two nations.'

As India accelerates its manufacturing and technology agenda on the global stage, Modi's Melbourne address signals that the diaspora remains a key pillar — both as ambassadors of Brand India and as potential contributors to its economic ambitions.