India, July 9 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a packed gathering of the Indian community in Melbourne, celebrating the deep cultural bonds between India and Australia while highlighting India's growing global stature in defence, technology, innovation and economic development.

Addressing nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi used a light-hearted analogy to describe the community's dual identity, saying, "The milk at home might be Australian, but the tea brewed is Indian." He added that while daily life may be rooted in Australia, emotional and cultural ties with India remain strong.

Calling the event a "houseful blockbuster", Modi praised the Indian diaspora for contributing to Australia's growth while staying ...