Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
PM Narendra Modi’s grand welcome in Italy.
Fact
2023 video showing PM Modi’s arrival at an event in Australia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a day-long visit to Italy to attend the G7 summit’s outreach session last week. He held bilateral meetings with multiple world leaders on the sidelines of the summit and also shared glimpses of his Italy visit on his official X account.
In the wake of PM Modi’s recent trip, several social media users shared a video claiming to show PM Modi’s grand welcome in Italy. However, Newchecker found that the video is old, and shows PM Modi’s arrival at an event in Australia.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: TMC Goons Harassing An Innocent Family? No, Video From Bangladesh Shared With Communal Colour
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we noticed that one of the screens in the arena displayed the Indian and Australian flags. Additionally, PM Modi can be seen greeting his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “PM Modi,” “PM Anthony Albanese,” and “Australia” on YouTube which led us to a video shared on the official channel of Narendra Modi on May 23, 2023. Carrying visuals similar to the viral footage, it elaborated, “PM Modi attended a mega community programme in Sydney, Australia. Australian PM Albanese also joined in for the event.”
After comparing the viral footage with the Youtube video, we could spot multiple similarities between the two. The seating arrangement of the audience, the lighting, and the stage set-up were all identical in both the videos.
Also Read: Akasa Air Did Not Deliver In-Flight Announcement In Sanskrit, Viral Video Is Dubbed
We found another video on Narendra Modi’s YouTube channel showing him and PM Albanese entering the event venue, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Stadium.
On comparing the visuals seen in the two videos, we could conclude that they both depict the same event in Sydney.
The official X account of the PMO also shared photographs of PM Modi with his Australian counterpart from his interaction with the Indian diaspora on May 23, 2023.
Detailing the event, Narendra Modi’s website stated, “Prime Minister, along with H.E. Mr. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, addressed and interacted with a large gathering of Indian community members on 23 May 2023 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.”
“The Indian diaspora, consisting of students, researchers, professionals and business persons, participated in the event with great enthusiasm. A number of Ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries from Australia also participated in the event,” it added.
Multiple news outlets reported on PM Modi’s address to the Indian diaspora in Sydney during his Australian tour in May 2023. Such reports can be seen here, here and here.
Also Read: Agnipath Scheme Relaunched? No, Viral Document Claiming Changes In Armed Forces Recruitment Is Fake
Conclusion
We can thus conclude that an old video from Australia has been shared to show PM Modi’s grand welcome in Italy.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By Narendra Modi, Dated May 23, 2023
X Post By @PMOIndia, Dated May 23, 2023
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
