Dr. Jaishankar Boosts India-Australia Relations with the Opening of
New Consulate in Brisbane
Los Angeles/Nov 04, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, expressed his enthusiasm in connecting with the Indian diaspora in Brisbane during his recent visit to Australia, underscoring a significant milestone in strengthening India-Australia ties.“The opening of India’s 4th consulate in Australia marks an important step in our friendship,” Jaishankar shared on X following his address to the community.
In a formal inauguration ceremony, Dr. Jaishankar launched the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane, with goals to enhance ties with Queensland, foster trade, encourage educational partnerships, and support the Indian diaspora.
"Delighted to formally open the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. This consulate will play a vital role in strengthening our connections with Queensland, advancing trade, supporting educational exchanges, and serving the local Indian community," Jaishankar remarked.
He expressed his gratitude to Queensland Governor Dr. Jeannette Young and Ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson for attending the event, emphasizing the support of Australian leaders in advancing the India-Australia relationship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously announced plans for the new Brisbane consulate during his visit to Australia in May 2023, fulfilling a longstanding request from the Indian community and highlighting the vibrant partnership between Queensland and India, especially in trade and cultural exchange.
India currently operates a High Commission in Canberra, with consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, as well as an honorary consulate in Brisbane. Queensland hosts a rapidly expanding Indian community, and this new consulate will further assist in supporting this dynamic population.
While addressing the Indian community at the University of Queensland, Jaishankar highlighted that Queensland is home to approximately 125,000 people of Indian origin, underscoring the community’s role in enhancing bilateral relations.“Over the past decade, our efforts provide just a glimpse of what’s possible. We’ve built a framework for continued growth and cooperation. Today, as India strengthens its global ties, Australia stands as a crucial partner,” Jaishankar remarked.
He emphasized that 75% of Australia’s exports to India originate from Queensland, encouraging stakeholders to see recent achievements as indicators of future growth. He outlined the strategic framework designed to foster a robust bilateral relationship, describing India’s dedication to creating an environment conducive to long-term collaboration.
Jaishankar also addressed the expanding educational partnership between the two countries, referencing the recent visit of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Australia.“We recently welcomed our Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Australia, and I firmly believe that education and research will be pivotal in shaping the knowledge economy, especially in the era of AI,” Jaishankar said, highlighting the role education will play in enhancing the India-Australia partnership.
He further discussed the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia, recognizing the leadership and foresight of both nations in expanding areas of cooperation.
During his five-day visit to Australia, Dr. Jaishankar will also co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. Additionally, he will deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House.
Alongside formal engagements, Jaishankar will meet Australian leaders, parliamentarians, the business sector, Indian community members, as well as media representatives and think tanks. Following his Australian visit, Jaishankar will head to Singapore on November 8, 2024, to participate in the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable. He will engage with Singaporean leaders to further explore opportunities to enhance India-Singapore relations and discuss the robust bilateral ties between the two nations.
Fair, accurate, and inclusive reporting on the Indian diaspora and Australia’s multicultural community remains essential. Outlets like The Australia Today provide this crucial perspective, with a team of dedicated journalists, editors, and columnists bringing these stories to readers.
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