Australian Minister Dr Anne Aly Honors Mahatma Gandhi's Legacy at NDTV World Summit 2025

The NDTV World Summit 2025 commenced in New Delhi on Friday, bringing together global leaders and policymakers.

Australian Minister Dr Anne Aly delivered a powerful message of solidarity with India during her address at the NDTV World Summit 2025, referring to Mahatma Gandhi as a "giant" whose values remain critically relevant in today's world.

Speaking against the context of recent anti-immigration demonstrations in Australia that targeted Indian communities, Dr Aly advocated for strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, describing it as a relationship "founded on respect and trust between our peoples."

"Australia maintains a strong and enduring partnership with India - one that will continue to flourish despite challenges we encounter," Dr Aly stated at the summit.

"I've made this special journey to India to convey my Prime Minister's clear message and represent all Australians: Australia values Indian-Australians as an essential component of our multicultural society's success," she emphasized.

Her comments follow recent anti-immigration rallies across Australian cities, where reports indicate racist rhetoric and targeted misinformation about Indian migrants were present.

Australian authorities have confirmed that flyers distributed during the "March for Australia" demonstrations on August 31 contained false information claiming more Indians had migrated to Australia since 2020 than Greeks and Italians combined since 1925 – assertions officially debunked by Australian officials.

Simultaneously, protesters opposing government policies and immigration, many displaying Australian flags, organized their own demonstrations in major cities.

Dr Aly, herself an immigrant from Egypt, highlighted the shared migration experiences that connect Australia's diverse cultural fabric.

"I'm Australian, but also a migrant," she shared. "Born in Egypt, I was two when my parents chose to relocate to Australia – a decision similar to over a million Indians. They did this to provide better opportunities for me and my sister."

The minister acknowledged the historical contributions of Indian immigrants to Australian society, noting that Indians were among the earliest communities to establish themselves and prosper in the country.

"Indian migrants were among the first to embrace Australia as home," she remarked. "They have made tremendous contributions across numerous sectors – from medicine and technology to culture and business. Even our language has evolved, incorporating Hindi and Sanskrit words into English."

Dr Aly reflected on her visit to Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial in Delhi, describing it as a "deeply moving" experience.

"Gandhi was a giant – a figure who championed values we must safeguard today," she stated. "There has never been a more crucial time for Gandhi's message about the importance of peaceful means to resolve political differences."

The NDTV World Summit 2025 opened in New Delhi with a diverse gathering of international leaders, policymakers, and cultural figures.

Scheduled speakers include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and former Australian PM Tony Abbott.

The Summit also features prominent cultural figures and innovators, including Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar.