Jaishankar's Aussie visit: New Indian consulate in Brisbane to foster deeper ties
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Brisbane: India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated a new Consulate General in Brisbane, marking a significant step in strengthening India-Australia ties. The consulate, India’s fourth in Australia, aims to deepen connections with Queensland, support the diaspora, and enhance trade and education links.
Jaishankar, currently on a tour of Australia, shared his enthusiasm on X, saying, “Delighted to formally inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane. It will strengthen India’s ties with Queensland, promote trade, foster educational partnerships, and serve our diaspora.”
Prominent attendees included Queensland Governor Dr. Jeannette Young and Ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson. Jaishankar also held discussions with Governor Young on boosting economic, trade, and investment ties between India and Queensland.
On Sunday, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands and met with the Indian community, noting the growing strength of India-Australia relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He praised the Indian diaspora in Queensland, which includes 125,000 residents and 15,000 to16,000 students, emphasizing Queensland's economic importance, as it contributes 75 percent of Australia's exports to India.
Jaishankar also highlighted that India has designated Australia as a "comprehensive strategic partner," a title reserved for only a few countries, adding that each added term reflects the strength of the partnership.
He praised the positive impact of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on trade and emphasized the importance of agreements on mobility, migration, and mutual recognition, including the MATES agreement.
The visit also includes important meetings with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, where the two leaders will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD). Jaishankar will also deliver the keynote at the Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House.
After his Australia visit, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore to attend the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet with Singaporean leaders to discuss ways to strengthen ties further.
(IANS with edits)