MELBOURNE — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Australia, marking his first trip to the country in three years. Modi will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne to attend the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit, which runs from July 8-10.

Modi's visit begins Wednesday evening. This is his third visit to Australia since becoming prime minister in 2014, and his first return to Melbourne after previously visiting in 2014. A community event to honor Modi is scheduled for Thursday at Marvel Stadium, hosted by the Australia India Foundation.

Pranav Aggarwal, a spokesperson for the Australia India Foundation, said a crowd of between 25,000 to 30,000 people was expected at the Marvel Stadium event. The "Melbourne Meets Modi" event is free to attend and will feature performances representing Australia's Indian diaspora. Melbourne is home to Australia's largest Indian-born community, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Amnesty International has urged the Albanese government to address India's human rights record during bilateral talks. The organization called for Australia to encourage India to ensure journalists and human rights advocates can work without intimidation and to address discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities. Amnesty International stated the visit is an opportunity to reaffirm mutual commitment to human rights, democratic freedoms, and the rule of law.

The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans to protest Modi's visit on Thursday evening. The group announced its demonstration would speak out against bigotry and persecution, including anti-Muslim hate and caste oppression. Modi's Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) champions Hindu ethno-nationalism, known as Hindutva. Critics say certain policies implemented by Modi are fundamentally discriminatory, referencing a citizenship bill that expedited citizenship for refugees from some countries while excluding Muslim countries.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) issued a formal warning to an individual for an alleged online threat against Modi. An AFP spokesperson stated that the source of an online threat towards a foreign head of state was identified and authorities spoke with an individual last Friday. The spokesperson added that there is no current or impending risk to the community.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australia-India relationship had never been more consequential. In 2020, Australia and India elevated their relationship with a comprehensive strategic partnership, and in 2022, they signed an interim trade agreement. Negotiations for a broader trade agreement between the two countries are ongoing.