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    News Analysis: Modi seen as driving force behind new "turbo-charged" India-Australia tiesEnglish.news.cn   2014-11-19 10:56:19    Moreby Riley Beveridge

    CANBERRA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia has helped bringing due attention to this often-neglected partnership between the two countries.

    Indeed, Modi's speech to the Australian parliament in Canberra, in addition to public appearances in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (where he happened, funnily enough, to find time for a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground) have helped - in one commentator's view to "turbocharge" the Australia-India relationship.

    Modi, one of India's most popular and statesmanlike modern leaders, went out of his way to praise Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the nation itself, saying Australia was "no longer on the periphery of our region but at the heart of our thoughts."Making a commitment to this bold, new relationship, both Modi and Abbott said all the right things. Modi praised Australia's " immense beauty" and "great quality of life," while Abbott described his Indian counterpart as "like a brother."In a joint statement with Abbott, Modi invited Australia to help India reach its goal of global prosperity. The pair spoke of increased cooperation in several key areas, including mining investments, clean coal technology, countering terrorism, extending defense cooperation and important extensions to education links.

    Both promised to work on improving trade relations, recognizing "the untapped potential in both directions."Modi has pushed for an increased partnership between Australia and India in an historic speech to Australia's parliament on Tuesday morning.

    He became the third world leader, behind British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to address the Australian parliament after last weekend's Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Brisbane.

    It was also the first time in 28 years that an Indian leader has publicly addressed Australia's federal politicians, and the 64- year-old used the opportunity to suggest both countries can benefit from working together.

    "Australia has immense opportunities to participate in India's progress," Modi told Australia's politicians. "In turn, India will be the answer to your search for new economic opportunities and your desires to diversify your global economic engagement.""India's development, demographic and demand provide a unique long-term opportunity for Australia and all in the framework of democracy. There is no other example of this nature in the world."Beyond Canberra, the reception Modi received upon his travels throughout the country ensured that no one would be forgetting India's influence on Australian shores any time soon.

    Greeted by a sell-out crowd of 15,000 people for an early morning speech at Sydney's Olympic Park, it was clear to see the popularity of the 64-year-old, who is believed by many as a modernist who stands for good governance and economic growth.

    "He is one that is giving us the change," a supporter said at one of Modi's numerous public addresses. "He is the change."What's more, the unique demographic and demand of India's booming population presents Australia with a golden opportunity.

    Modi is keen to rid the country of corruption, clean the country's water supplies and ensure electricity is readily available for its 1.21 billion people.

    Around 10 new cities are expected to be built in India under Modi's reign. Subsequently, a 2,000-kilometer long industrial and agricultural hub will be designed to ensure excess employment is generated.

    Given Abbott's increased forays into the Asian market recently, it's a chance the Australian leader seems destined to grab.

    As Modi seeks to create millions of job opportunities across India, Australia will undoubtedly look to benefit from increased trade openings.

    Australia's involvement in this process will create opportunities that will vastly outgrow the 13 billion U.S. dollars worth of revenue already made annually from agreements with nations on the subcontinent.

    Although no formal announcements regarding trade deals and security arrangements have yet been made between Australia and India, the spirit of cooperation has been clear to see over the past four days. A once-neglected relationship is set for a makeover.