Scott Morrison turned a routine courtesy call into a moment of soft power, revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked about his Indian cooking during their Melbourne meet-up. The light exchange cut through protocol to underline a deeper point: India-Australia ties are thriving because the relationship now feels personal as well as strategic.
A light moment with strategic weight
The former Australian prime minister shared the update on X, thanking Modi for meeting him and recalling their work together. Morrison wrote, ‘Together we were able to elevate the Australian India relationship to its highest ever level.’ He signed off with the disarming line: ‘And yes, he did ask about how my Indian cooking was progressing.’
Modi, for his part, amplified the tone of friendly continuity. Posting a photograph from the interaction, he wrote on X: ‘Always good to catch up with Mr. Scott Morrison, former Prime Minister of Australia. We had a great conversation on the India-Australia friendship.’ The message signalled that rapport outlasts political cycles.
The curry night that became a talking point
Morrison’s cooking cameo is not new. In April 2022, while celebrating the signing of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), he cooked at home and shared the moment online. The dishes came from Gujarat, a nod to Modi’s roots and a gesture that travelled far on social media.
He wrote then on Instagram: ‘To celebrate our new trade agreement with India, the curries I chose to cook for curry night tonight are all from my dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat province, including his favourite Khichdi. Jen, girls and mum all approve.’ Thursday’s quip simply brought that viral memory back into circulation.
Modi’s Melbourne agenda and community buzz
Modi landed in Melbourne on Wednesday, describing the trip as a push to deepen the partnership. ‘Landed in Melbourne, Australia. This visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,’ he posted on X. He was received by senior Australian government officials and accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, co-chair the 3rd Annual Summit, and engage with various stakeholders to broaden cooperation across sectors. The Indian diaspora gave Modi a rousing welcome at his hotel, with chants filling the air.
Modi acknowledged that energy in another post, blending weather with warmth. ‘The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride,’ he said.
Here are the visit’s key beats at a glance:
– Landing and ceremonial guard of honour
– Meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
– Co-chairing the 3rd Annual Summit
– Strong diaspora reception in Melbourne
Why this rapport matters now
The cooking banter might look trivial, but it speaks to comfort between leaders who have had to navigate trade, technology, and regional stability. Familiarity shortens distances. It makes policy conversations move faster because the human groundwork is already in place.
Morrison’s reflection on X doubles down on that continuity. ‘Thanks to PM @narendramodi for the invitation to catch up in Melbourne today. Together we were able to elevate the Australian India relationship to its highest ever level. I wish him all the very best for his visit.’ The emphasis was on momentum, not nostalgia.
What to watch next
The Melbourne leg is designed for outcomes, not optics. Bilateral talks with Anthony Albanese and the 3rd Annual Summit will set the tone for the next stretch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Stakeholder engagements will add industry and community voices to the table.
For now, a simple question about curry doubles as a signal: the relationship feels lived-in. When leaders can swap notes on khichdi and trade in the same breath, it suggests the diplomatic kitchen is heating up exactly as intended.
