PM Modi's Rock Star Welcome and Diaspora Diplomacy

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sydney, likening him to rock star Bruce Springsteen in a gushing introductory speech. Modi's visit comes as Australia looks to build economic bridges with India, the world's most populous market, at a time when relations with China have soured. The two leaders discussed their countries' "mutual trust and respect" and the Indian community in Australia as a "living bridge" between the two nations. Critics have accused Western leaders of turning a blind eye to some of New Delhi's alleged human rights abuses playing out at home.