Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia was marked by a series of memorable remarks that blended humour, symbolism and diplomacy.

Speaking at community events and official engagements, the Prime Minister used relatable analogies and cultural references to underline the growing partnership between India and Australia.

Mr Modi’s speeches were well received by the Indian community in Australia and by Australian leaders as well, and left a strong impression on them, the Hindustan Times reported. The occasion also highlighted the strengthening strategic, economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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‘1+1 is not 2, it is 11’

One of the most commented lines in Modi’s speech was the phrase, ‘1+1 is not 2, it is 11’. The Prime Minister’s use of the term was to illustrate the power of India-Australia partnership; that when the two countries act together, the force becomes even stronger than when they act individually.

The comment reflected the growing cooperation between the two nations in the fields of trade, technology, defence and education.

‘Indians are like sugar in milk’

There was another popular saying that likened Indians living in Australia to “sugar in milk. He said that much like sugar dissolving in milk to make it sweeter, the Indian community has been assimilating into the Australian society while adding to it with its culture, values and contributions.

The analogy got a cheering response from the Indian community, who were present at the event, and showed how they could contribute to the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

Cricket, friendship and shared values

The Prime Minister also mentioned that cricket is a common passion which brings the two countries together. He observed that relationship between India and Australia is strong off the field, even though the two teams are at an intense competitive edge on the cricket field.

Modi said that the two countries have common values, mutual trust and agreed to further deepen ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

What message does this hold for the Indian diaspora?

When Modi interacted with the Indian community, he mentioned their achievements and noted that they are now Indian culture ambassadors around the world. He urged them to remain the link between India and Australia in contributing to the development of both countries.

His speeches were a combination of diplomacy, humor and cultural pride and several of his quotations were popular on social media during the visit.

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FAQs

Q1: What did PM Modi mean by ‘1+1 is 11’?

He meant that India and Australia’s partnership creates a much greater combined impact than individual efforts.

Q2: Why did PM Modi compare Indians to sugar in milk?

He said Indians blend seamlessly into Australian society while making it richer through their contributions and culture.