Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India's defence capabilities and manufacturing achievements during a community event in Melbourne, referring to Operation Sindoor as an example of the country's growing military strength. Sharing the stage with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Modi said the operation demonstrated the credibility of India's indigenous defence platforms and reflected the country's expanding strategic capabilities. Addressing members of the Indian diaspora, Modi said the world had witnessed the effectiveness of India's defence systems during Operation Sindoor.

“The world is witnessing the capability and credibility of India's defence platforms. You must have seen a demonstration of this during 'Operation Sindoor'. The explosions were taking place at terrorist hideouts, but their echoes were heard across the entire world,” he said. The Prime Minister also asked the audience whether the operation had filled them with pride, drawing an enthusiastic response from those in attendance. Operation Sindoor has been presented by the government as a significant counter-terrorism operation targeting militant infrastructure.

During his address, Modi said the mission underscored India's growing defence preparedness and reflected the country's ability to respond decisively to security threats. He suggested that the impact of the operation extended beyond the immediate targets, sending a broader message about India's military capabilities. The Prime Minister also used the event to highlight the progress of the government's flagship 'Make in India' initiative, which was launched to promote domestic manufacturing and position India as a global production hub. Modi said the programme had evolved into a globally recognised brand over the past 12 years, contributing to increased exports and greater international confidence in Indian-made products.

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“Over the past 12 years, 'Make in India' has evolved into a global brand. Our mobile phones and electronics have reached markets across the globe. Our automobiles and pharmaceutical products have expanded their global footprint,” Modi said. He added that India's manufacturing sector had grown significantly through policy reforms, technological advancement and increased investment, strengthening the country's position in global supply chains. The event formed part of Modi's official visit to Australia, during which India and Australia announced several agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, trade, education, critical technologies and regional security.

Earlier in the day, the two Prime Ministers unveiled a series of bilateral initiatives, including an agreement to facilitate the supply of uranium from Australia to India under the existing civil nuclear cooperation framework. India and Australia also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders emphasised the importance of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific while supporting freedom of navigation, regional stability and peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Melbourne diaspora event reflected the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Canberra, which has expanded considerably in recent years through collaboration in defence, trade, technology and people-to-people ties. Modi's remarks on Operation Sindoor and the 'Make in India' initiative were aimed at highlighting India's increasing global role in both security and manufacturing. The Prime Minister's visit is expected to further reinforce bilateral relations between the two countries, with both governments expressing a shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, strengthening defence partnerships and promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

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