Melbourne, July 9 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday lauded the Indian diaspora as the "living bridge" between Australia and India, saying the energy and enthusiasm witnessed at the community event welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Melbourne reflected the growing strength of the bilateral partnership between the two democracies.

Addressing thousands of members of the Indian community in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PM Albanese described PM Modi as "a true friend of Australia", calling it an honour to host the Indian leader in Melbourne.

"As a true friend of Australia and a very dear friend of mine, it is an honour to host you this evening," Albanese said, adding that the atmosphere inside ...