But wouldnt it be the same since AI and IC will merge withing the next few months?

If scheduled correctly, i think this may even put competition to EK as well, if the IC MEL flights are connected onto Euro bound destinations with AI.

Well, lets wait till the merger happens. 🙂

I dont think Euro bound people from Australia will get anything out of this route. They have much better connections with TK, QF, SQ etc. MEL-SIN-DEL in order to catch a EU bound flight would make very little sense.