PM Modi Meets ‘Ruby the Roo’ at Melbourne Cricket Ground During Australia Visit
Modi along with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese visited Melbourne Cricket Ground and signed the jerseys of young cricketers, posing with the official mascot of Australia “Ruby the Roo.”
Former Australian men's cricket team captain Steve Waugh also got a meeting with PM Modi at the stadium.
"Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions," PM Modi said.
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#WATCH | Melbourne, Australia | Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with young cricketers during his visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2026
He was accompanied by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/jNGDBT517b
PM Modi had earlier met Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition of Australian and discussed the strengthening of the India-Australia ties.
In a post on X, he said, "Met Mr. Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition of Australia. We had an engaging conversation on the growing strength of India-Australia ties and the many opportunities ahead. I deeply value the warmth and broad support that our partnership enjoys across Australia."
India and Australia on Thursday strengthened the nature of their strategic partnership with signing of the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (JDDSC) and the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap (MSCR) as well as the decision to operationalise the country's civil nuclear agreement to facilitate India's imports of uranium.
The two measures on defence were also included in the 18 key outcomes agreed to by the two leaders at the Third India-Australia Annual Summit in New Delhi during their talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is expanded through the agreements in defence, maritime security, energy, cyber and critical technologies, education, mining and research, as well as cultural cooperation.
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The adoption of the JDDSC and the maritime roadmap signalled the importance of the bilateral partnership evolving in response to changing geopolitical and strategic realities, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.
"These constitute recognition that the partnership must evolve to meet changing strategic circumstances, and they reflect a commitment to advancing our defence and security partnership," Misri said.
Also Read: PM Modi Wraps Up Australia Visit with 18 Key Outcomes on Defence, Nuclear Energy and Trade
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