Australian cities came alive with excitement and optimism as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his latest visit to Australia. One particular group that received a warm welcome was the Sikh diaspora, who displayed unity, pride and a pervasive spirit: “We are Indians and we all come under one banner”.
Leading the welcoming party was Gurnam Singh, founder of the Australian-Indian Sports Educational and Cultural Society. Representing the sentiments of many in the Sikh community, Singh emphasized their Indian identity and rejection of divisive elements. “We love Modi and reject the disruptive Khalistani elements of the US and Canada,” he declared, firmly uniting the Sikh community in Australia with their homeland.
Mr. Singh also noted that this visit was a sign of an exciting shift in Australia-India relations. “The relationship between India and Australia has never gone beyond cricket until now. But now with the free trade agreement, it has brought a little more attention to India,” he said. Singh’s remarks echo the sentiments of many who believe the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could lead to a flourishing partnership between the two nations, a sentiment buoyed by the PM’s visit.
As a substantial section of the Indian diaspora in Australia, the Sikh community has been instrumental in bridging cultural gaps and fostering bilateral relations. Their enthusiastic reception of PM Modi was a powerful display of their pride in their Indian heritage, and their willingness to play a proactive role in the strengthening of Australia-India relations.
Singh’s belief that PM Modi’s visit gave life to the FTA underpins the significance of such diplomatic trips. He suggested that Modi’s presence in Australia made the “trade agreement actually become alive,” demonstrating that international diplomacy and direct engagement can catalyze policy into action.
The reception also underscored the Sikh community’s distancing from Khalistani elements — separatists seeking an independent Sikh homeland named Khalistan, primarily present in the US and Canada. The Sikh diaspora’s reception, instead, showed an overarching sentiment of unity under the banner of their Indian identity.
This display of unity and rejection of divisive sentiments is particularly noteworthy in a geopolitical context. PM Modi’s visit to Australia signals a possible turning point in their ties, moving from shared interests in cricket to a more comprehensive, strategic and economic partnership.
The event made one thing clear: the Indian diaspora, and in particular the Sikh community in Australia, looks forward to a future where the relationship between Australia and India moves beyond cricket into the realm of economic, educational and cultural integration.
