Prime Minister Scott Morrison has compared Australia to a popular spice mix at the unveiling of a Mahatma Gandhi statue in the heart of Sydney's Indian community.
India's president Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday presented a life-size, bronze sculpture of his nation's founding father to the City of Parramatta ahead of the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth next year.
Designed by sculptors Ram and Anil Sutar, it is identical to a statue given to Brisbane in 2014.
The haze from a dust storm didn't deter residents from gathering to catch a glimpse of the president, who was joined by his wife Savita on his first visit to Australia.
After leading the crowd in a chant from India's independence movement, Mr Kovind said the "great soul" of Gandhi belonged not just to India but the world.
Scott Morrison places flowers on the Gandhi statue. Source: AAP
"His universal teachings have a special resonance in all corners. In these times of strife his message of non-violence and peaceful co-existence stand all the more relevant."
Gandhi treasured many values Australians also hold dear, Mr Kovind added, including "the deepest regard and respect" for multiculturalism.
Parramatta man Kiran Sirikonda told AAP the visit by the president was like a connection back to his cultural and spiritual home.
The Indian diaspora contributes to the economic and social wealth of many countries, he said, including the US and Canada.
"I think now there are second generation Indian Australians, we're seeing more involvement in its future. People are having a say beyond just being business owners and the like."
Mr Morrison said Australia was proud of its multicultural heritage.
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind meets members of the public. Source: AAP
"Australia is a great multicultural story," he said.
"Like a good garam masala, bring(ing) together all the great spices. The cloves, the black cardamom, the green cardamom, coriander seeds ... any of it on its own it doesn't taste as good. Blend it all together and that's what Australia's like."
The president will end his visit in Melbourne on Friday.
