Modi Allphones Arena visit highlights

Sydney: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a rousing welcome by an approximately 16000-strong Indian Diaspora when he arrived at the Allphones Arena in Olympic Park here on Monday afternoon.

The assembled crowd raised slogans in praise of Prime Minister Modi as he arrived at the event that has been organised by members of the Australian-Indian community.

"It's a rush for selfies and autographs at the Allphones arena. PM @narendramodi is at the venue," PMO's twitter handle said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met New South Wales Premier Mike Baird.

"What I sense is that you bring great hope; the relationship is on the cusp of something big," MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin quoted Baird on Twitter.

Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Sydney earlier in the day, will make his first public address at the event.

On Monday, soon after his arrival in Sydney, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the warm and traditional welcome given to him by Australian Aboriginal artists.

"Amazing welcome in Sydney. Glad to be here," he tweeted.

The artists also gifted him a boomerang.

Before leaving Brisbane, the Prime Minister had said he was looking forward to the event in Sydney.

"Thank you Brisbane. Leaving for Sydney. Looking forward to the Indian community programme," he tweeted.

Over 16,000 members of the Indian diaspora have gathered at Allphones Arena. Big screens have been installed outside the venue, and there is a festive atmosphere prevalent for the people wanting to attend or watch the event.

Around 220 fans of the Prime Minister travelled 11 hours on a specially chartered train called the 'Modi Express' for the Sydney event.

The Prime Minister will reach Australian capital Canberra this evening, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbot and address a joint session of the Australian Parliament on Tuesday.