Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today received a courtesy call before watching a cricket match together at a stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Before the fourth Test between India and Australia, the two Prime Ministers waved to the crowd as Narendra Modi toured the stadium in a golf cart-style “chariot”.
As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India share a fierce but friendly rivalry.
At the heart of this contest is genuine respect, reflecting the affection and friendship between our peoples. pic.twitter.com/Bf1bFfpw6t
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 9, 2023
“On the field, Australia and India compete to be the best in the world. Off the field, we collaborate to create a better world,” the Australian prime minister said in a tweet.
PM Modi and Mr Albanese presented Test caps to their respective team captains Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith and shook hands with the teams. They met the players from both sides and stood with them as the national anthems of India and Australia were sung.
A special welcome & special handshakes! 👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFZsEO1H12
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
The two leaders presented artworks representing 75 years of friendship through cricket through BCCI.
The Australian Prime Minister arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on an official visit to India.
“Incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. Start of an important journey for Australia-India relations,” the Australian Prime Minister tweeted shortly after his arrival.
Mr. Albanese said his visit is proving to deepen the ties between the two countries and be a force for stability and development in our region.
Incredible moments 👏👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese take a lap of honour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad@narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @GCAMotera pic.twitter.com/OqvNFzG9MD
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who accompanied the Australian Prime Minister to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram, welcomed Mr Albanese.
“One of the things that connects the two countries is cricket and it will be great to see the leaders of India and Australia on the first day in Ahmedabad,” Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell said, news agency ANI reported.
India lead 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series. A win in the final Test will ensure the team’s qualification for the finals of the ICC World Test Championship, where they will face Australia in London from June 7.
