EAM Jaishankar Inaugurates India’s New Consulate in Brisbane

Strengthening India-Australia Relations with a New Diplomatic Milestone

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated India’s new consulate in Brisbane, a significant step in enhancing India-Australia relations. The inauguration marks a new chapter in diplomatic ties, strengthened further by a transformative trade agreement between the two nations, unlocking substantial economic opportunities.

Historic Opening in Queensland

• First Indian Consulate in Queensland: The newly inaugurated consulate is the first of its kind in Queensland, joining the existing Indian consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This development showcases India’s growing diplomatic outreach in Australia.
• Expanding Diplomatic Footprint: The addition of the Brisbane consulate reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties and providing robust support to the Indian community and businesses in Australia.

Significance of Queensland in Bilateral Relations

• Key Trade Partner: Dr. Jaishankar emphasized Queensland’s strategic importance, noting that the state drives a significant share of India-Australia bilateral trade. India is Queensland’s second-largest export market, playing a crucial role in economic collaboration.
• Indian Community in Queensland: Home to nearly 100,000 people of Indian origin, Queensland hosts a vibrant Indian diaspora. The consulate will serve this large community, enhancing support and strengthening cultural connections.

Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation

• Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): The ECTA between India and Australia has paved the way for increased trade and investment opportunities. Key sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced technologies.
• Rising Trade Figures: India is Australia’s sixth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surging 41%, from $22.2 billion in 2021 to $31.4 billion in 2022. Indian exports to Australia rose by 38%, highlighting robust economic engagement.

Consulate Operations and Leadership

• Consul General Neetu Bhagotia: The new consulate will be led by Consul General Neetu Bhagotia, an experienced diplomat with a distinguished career in Indian missions, including Bhutan and Russia, and in roles within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• Support for the Indian Community: The consulate will address the consular needs of Indian residents and businesses, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency. It will also play a pivotal role in economic, educational, and research collaborations between India and Queensland.

Enhanced Services for the Indian Diaspora

• Community Support and Access: Dr. Jaishankar assured the Indian community in Queensland of enhanced services, making consular assistance more accessible. The consulate will serve as a direct link for addressing issues, facilitating smoother interactions, and promoting cultural ties.

Key Statements on Strengthening Ties

• EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar: He highlighted the rapid transformation of India-Australia relations under the leadership of Prime Ministers Shri Narendra Modi and Mr. Anthony Albanese. Dr. Jaishankar also noted that his fifth visit to Australia in three years signifies the “growing intensity” of the bilateral partnership.
• Queensland Governor Jeannette Young: She celebrated the consulate’s opening, calling it a testament to the deepening ties between Queensland and India. She also mentioned the impactful “tripartite sister cities” relationship involving Brisbane, Ipswich, and Hyderabad, fostering collaboration in trade, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

India-Australia Trade Highlights

• Growing Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between India and Australia has been on an upward trajectory, with a 41% increase from 2021 to 2022. Queensland alone exported $4.5 billion worth of goods to India by July 2024, while imports from India stood at $375 million.
• Trade Surplus in Queensland: The robust trade relationship has created a favorable trade surplus for Queensland, further emphasizing the state’s importance in India-Australia economic relations.

Additional Highlights from Jaishankar’s Visit

• Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Cooperation: Dr. Jaishankar toured Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse, a key facility for disaster relief in the Pacific region. He lauded Australia’s role in providing humanitarian aid, especially to Papua New Guinea, and highlighted the importance of Indo-Pacific disaster relief initiatives under the QUAD framework.