PM Modi leaves Indians at Allphones Arena spellbound

Thousands of expatriate Indians thronged Sydney's Allphones Arena on November 17, 2014 many travelling 1,000 km on a train dubbed the Modi Express, to clap and cheer India's best-known leader since independence figure Mahatma Gandhi.

"I know that behind this affection lie expectations," Modi told the excited crowd. "We want to create the India you are dreaming of."

PM Narendra Modi's appearance at the 21,000-seat arena, which hosted the Rolling Stones last week, underscored the rock star status he enjoys among some Indians at home and abroad.

PM Narendra Modi promised lifetime visas to people of Indian origin, repeating an offer he made to expatriates in the United States that would seek to strengthen cultural and business ties between overseas Indians and their home country.

PM Narendra Modi urged overseas Indians to boost investment at home, reprising an appeal made elsewhere, including the United States, where he sold out New York's Madison Square Garden in September.