Melbourne: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to land in Melbourne later on Wednesday, members of the Indian diaspora expressed optimism that the Prime Minister’s visit to Australia will improve business ties between the two nations.
Further, they appealed to PM Modi and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, to include topics like inclusivity and visa caps for foreign students during their bilateral talks.
Australia India Chamber of Commerce’s (AICC) former CEO Nikita Kaur Chopra said: “I have been here for more than seven years. The Australian Prime Minister is inviting business opportunities, collaborations etc. and also seeking to strengthen bilateral trade between India and Australia.”
“We are hopeful that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will further strengthen the relationship between India and Australia. We are expecting more leverage for Indian visas, immigration and a better business relationship between both nations.”
Chopra appealed to the Prime Ministers of both nations to include immigration issues like “racism against Indians” in their discussion.
“There should be acceptance,” she added.
She further said: “Easier passage should be made for those Indian businesses who want to come here, in terms of visas, trade and employment, which will benefit both nations.”
Mentioning that she will be attending the CEO Forum during PM Modi’s visit, Chopra said: “The most important issue that I too want to understand is the ease of doing business, which can be given to Indian business owners in Australia.”
Another member of the Indian diaspora said: “I feel lucky that when I came here six years ago, Prime Minister Modi was already in office, and today I have seen a lot of improvement. Indians are viewed very positively in countries around the world. India’s economy has gone from fragile five to top five.”
Asserting that PM Modi’s visit is “a proud moment” for the diaspora, he said: “It feels as though he is bringing the whole of India with him.”
“Our visa fees have become two to three times more expensive in the last three to four years. So it would be great for the Indian diaspora if the fees are subsidised. Further, there are visa caps which have become a disadvantage for Indian students wanting to apply at Australian universities. If the visa caps are removed, it would be great.”
(IANS)
