EAM Jaishankar Inaugurates India’s New Consulate in Brisbane

India’s new consulate in Brisbane was inaugurated on 4th of November, 2024 by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking a milestone in strengthening India-Australia relations. Jaishankar highlighted the recent transformation in bilateral ties, driven by initiatives like a trade agreement that has opened up significant opportunities for both countries.

Historic Opening in Queensland

• EAM Jaishankar inaugurated the consulate in Brisbane, marking it as the first Indian consulate in Queensland.
• This consulate joins existing Indian consulates in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, reflecting India’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Australia.

Significance of Queensland

• Jaishankar emphasized Queensland’s importance in India-Australia relations, noting its role in driving a majority of bilateral trade.
• Queensland is home to nearly 100,000 people of Indian origin, a significant portion of Australia’s Indian diaspora.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

• Queensland is a major contributor to India-Australia trade, with India being the state’s second-largest export market.
• The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has opened substantial trade opportunities, especially in key sectors like investment, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Consulate Operations and Leadership

Headed by Consul General Neetu Bhagotia

• The new consulate will be led by Consul General Neetu Bhagotia, a career diplomat with experience in Indian missions in Bhutan, Russia, and divisions within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• The consulate’s team will support the Indian community, students, and businesses in Queensland and strengthen ties in economic, educational, and research fields.

Enhanced Services for the Indian Diaspora

• Jaishankar assured the Indian community in Queensland that the consulate would address their consular needs with greater convenience and efficiency.
• The consulate’s presence will provide a direct link for the diaspora, fostering community support and ease of access to consular services.

Statements from Key Leaders

EAM S. Jaishankar

• Highlighted the growth of bilateral ties under the leadership of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese.
• Mentioned that his fifth visit to Australia in three years demonstrates the “growing intensity” of cooperation between the two nations.

Queensland Governor Jeannette Young

• Praised the opening of the consulate as a symbol of the strengthening relationship between Queensland and India.
• Highlighted Brisbane, Ipswich, and Hyderabad’s “tripartite sister cities” relationship, enhancing ties across trade, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors.

India-Australia Trade Statistics

Rising Bilateral Trade

• India is Australia’s sixth-largest trading partner, with trade rising by 41% from $22.2 billion in 2021 to $31.4 billion in 2022.
• Indian exports to Australia increased by 38%, from $6.3 billion in 2021 to $8.7 billion in 2022.

Queensland’s Trade with India

• Queensland’s exports to India were valued at $4.5 billion as of July 2024, with imports from India at $375 million, creating a trade surplus favoring Queensland.

Additional Highlights of Jaishankar’s Visit

• Jaishankar visited Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse, a center for humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the Pacific region.
• He acknowledged Australia’s support in delivering relief to Papua New Guinea and emphasized the role of disaster relief in Indo-Pacific collaboration, particularly within QUAD initiatives.