Anthony Albanese lauds Indian Australians on 76th Indian Independence Day, leaders extend wishes

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated India on its 75th anniversary of independence and praised the Indian Australian community for making a rich contribution to society, culture and the nation.

Australia's new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) was welcomed by Hindu Council in Parramatta recently during election campaign this year. Source: AAP / AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Key Points

• India marked its 75th year of independence on Monday, celebrating the end of British colonial rule in 1947.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and many other leaders have sent congratulatory messages to Indians living in Australia and across the globe.
• Over 975,000 people with Indian ancestry have chosen to make Australia their home.

India celebrated its Independence Day on Monday, marking 75 years since the end of British colonial rule in 1947.

The Australian prime minister and many other leaders sent congratulatory messages to Indians living in Australia and across the globe.

In a message, Mr Albanese said, "My first act as Prime Minister was to attend the Quad summit in Tokyo, where I met with Indian Prime Minister Modi. Together, with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and US President Biden, we reinforced our commitment to advancing the Indo-Pacific’s needs."

"As Comprehensive Strategic Partners, Australia and India are committed to growing bilateral cooperation," he said, adding that this year’s Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement will further support opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.

All Australians applaud India’s successes, and the many achievements that define the links between our nations are strong and thriving and are a source of joy on this day of celebration.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“India’s vibrant diversity it places the world’s largest democracy and its many success over the years are an inspiration,” he added.

Speaking in a video message, Mr Albanese had words of praise for the Indian Australian community.

"Today people of Indian origin form one of the fastest growing diaspora communities here in Australia. They make a rich contribution to our society, to our culture and to our nation," he said.

Leader of the Liberal Party Peter Dutton extended his wishes to the diaspora by saying "Together, our two nations share a strong friendship built from mutual trust, respect, and shared values. Thank you for your continuing contribution to our nation."

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles also tweeted a congratulatory message for India's Independence Day and shared pictures of INS Sumedha, an Indian navy vessel which is docked at Fremantle Port, Perth.

NEW DELHI, INDIA JUNE 22: Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence Richard Marles inspecting guard of honour at Vigyan Bhawan on June 22, 2022 in New Delhi, India Credit: Hindustan Times/Sipa USA/AAP Image

“Congratulations to India on celebrating its 75th anniversary of Independence today and welcome INS Sumedha to Perth for this event. People-to-people links anchor our partnership and I send my best wishes to our large and vibrant Indian diaspora community,” Mr Marles said.

In his message, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said, "As the world’s largest democracy marks this occasion, I am struck by the close friendship and spirit of cooperation between our two nations and the long history of significant contributions that people of Indian origin have made to Australia’s success as a nation."

Immigration minister Andrew Giles in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

"The 2021 Census shows India is now the third largest country of birth for Australian residents indicating our friendships and connections are growing. We are immensely proud to have over 975,000 people with Indian ancestry who choose to make Australia their home, whether it be for study, work or as a place to build their future," he said.

"Indian culture, customs and cuisines are celebrated elements of Australian life," Mr Giles commented.

Speaking on Saturday at an India Day Fair event in Queensland, Treasurer Jim Chalmers too wished the Indian diaspora well.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

He remarked upon "75 years not just of partnership, but of dosti – friendship – between India and Australia".

“The images we saw of Prime Minister Albanese being embraced by Prime Minister Modi a few months ago, just hours after he was sworn in reminded all of us of the deep ties between our two nations – and the determination of both leaders to strengthen our bond, so that we can keep succeeding together," he said.

Of the Indian community, Mr Chalmers said, “here in Australia – we also celebrate you, and we thank you”.

Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said "It has been a privilege for me to work so closely with our wonderful Indian community."

Jason Wood is the Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs.

"They (Indian community) bring so much colour and celebrations to Australia...The illumination on the evening of 15 August of 40 Australian national monuments in the India tricolour, shows the regard, respect and friendship Australia have for India," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, flag hoisting ceremonies were held across several cities including Melbourne, Perth, Darwin and Sydney.

Almost 40 iconic buildings Australia-wide have been lit in the Indian tricolour to celebrate Indian Independence Day, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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