World

Strengthening India-Australia Ties EAM Jaishankar Opens New Consulate In Brisbane

In a significant move to deepen ties between India and Australia, External Affair Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated new Indian consulate in Brisbane on Monday.

Expressing his enthusiasm on social media platform X, Jaishankar shared, “Delighted to formally inaugurate the new Consulate General of India in Brisbane today. It will contribute to strengthening India’s ties with Queensland, promoting trade, fostering educational linkages, and serving the diaspora.”

Jaishankar, currently on a two-nation tour, arrived in Brisbane on Sunday and is scheduled to remain in Australia until November 7. Following his Australia visit, he will head to Singapore for high-level engagements.

Also Read: EAM S Jaishankar Begins Australia-Singapore Visit, Aims To Boost Bilateral Ties And Inaugurate New Consulate

Prominent Australian dignitaries attended the inauguration, including Dr. Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, along with state ministers Ros Bates and Fiona Simpson. In a separate meeting with Governor Young, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of economic, trade, and investment cooperation between India and Queensland. He highlighted that 75% of Australia’s exports to India originate from Queensland, underscoring the state’s economic relevance to India.

Consulate In Brisbane: Jaishankar Paid Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi

During the visit, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Roma Street Parklands and engaged with the Indian community in Brisbane. Addressing the diaspora, he outlined four core factors that have shaped the growing India-Australia relationship, giving special recognition to the Indian community’s contributions. “There are four reasons – PM Modi, Australia, the world, and all of you,” Jaishankar stated, applauding the diaspora’s warm welcome.

He also pointed out that the new consulate fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Modi to the Indian community in Brisbane. “Your presence, effort, and contribution have made this consulate possible. I have come to redeem Prime Minister Modi’s promise, made in public, that he would open a consulate in Brisbane,” Jaishankar said, addressing the gathering.

The consulate in Brisbane is India’s fourth in Australia, marking another layer in India’s “comprehensive strategic partnership” with the country—a designation India reserves for select nations. Jaishankar praised the impact of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between the two countries, highlighting agreements on mobility, migration, and mutual recognition, including the recently signed MATES agreement.

Jaishankar’s Australian visit will also include co-chairing the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at the Australian Parliament House. He is scheduled to engage with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, and members of business, media, and think tanks to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.

Following his stay in Australia, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore, where he will attend the 8th ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and engage with Singaporean leaders to explore avenues for strengthening the India-Singapore partnership.

Shibra Arshad

Recent Posts

Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill After Intense Debate

The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the early hours of Thursday following…

14 mins ago

KKR vs SRH IPL 2025: Match Details, Head-To-Head Record, And Where To Watch

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 15 of the Indian…

1 hour ago

Parliament Passes Immigration And Foreigners Bill For Enhanced Security

Parliament approved the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on Wednesday, which aims to regulate the…

2 hours ago

PM Modi Heads To Thailand For 6th BIMSTEC Summit; Strengthen Regional Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed for Bangkok on Thursday to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit…

2 hours ago

Delhi High Court Stays Appointment Of Anilkumar Prabhakaran As AIFF General Secretary

The Delhi High Court has stayed the appointment of Anilkumar Prabhakaran as the General Secretary…

4 hours ago

MCOCA Case: Delhi High Court To Hear Naresh Baliyan’s Bail Plea On April 9

The Delhi High Court will hear the bail plea of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)…

4 hours ago