PM Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the first day of the final test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 in the Narendra Modi stadium. PM Albanese was welcomed by his Indian counterpart at the venue.
Both the prime ministers were greeted with loud cheers before the start of the match as they took a lap of honour across the massive sports arena to celebrate 75 years of friendship between India and Australia.
A unique coin, minted to mark the occasion, was used at the toss.
The two leaders took a lap around the stadium on a specially designed chariot to mark the occasion. Australian PM compared the cricket match with the burgeoning bilateral ties between India and Australia.
After leaving the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PM Albanese tweeted, “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 people.”
“On the field, Australia and India are competing to be the best in the world. Off the field, we are cooperating to build a better world. Prime Minister @narendramodi and I had the honour of opening the fourth test in Gujarat today. Good luck to all the players (but go Australia!),”
Albanese further added.
Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted, “Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!”
Earlier, Prime Minister Albanese on Wednesday participated in Holi celebrations along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhawan in state capital Gandhinagar.
He also visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel accompanied PM Albanese on his visit to the Ashram. During the visit, PM Albanese took a complete tour of the Ashram.
“An incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. The beginning of an important trip for Australia-India relations” expressed PM Albanese
