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.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Jaishankar Inaugurates Indian Consulate in Brisbane.
  • First Indian consulate in Queensland.

Significance

  • Queensland plays a key role in driving India-Australia bilateral trade.
  • Nearly 100,000 people of Indian origin live in Queensland, forming a significant part of Australia’s Indian diaspora.
Brisbane Capital of State of Queensland

shivampatel1

Recent Posts

India Secures ISA Presidency Again, Ashish Khanna New Director General

India and France have been re-elected as the president and co-president of the International Solar…

51 mins ago

Richest Actor in the World 2024, Know Name, Net Worth and Country

The entertainment industry has always captivated audiences, especially through the work of actors who have…

1 hour ago

Indian Boxers Shine at U-19 World Boxing Championships with 17 Medals

Parthavi Grewal, Vanshika Goswami, and Hemant Sangwan showcased their exceptional talent by securing gold medals…

1 hour ago

Largest Rice Producing Country in the World 2024

Rice is a crucial food for billions of people, especially in Asia and Africa. In…

1 hour ago

Punjab & Sind Bank Launches e-Bank Guarantee Facility with NeSL

Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) has announced the launch of its e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) facility…

1 hour ago

India-Vietnam Joint Military Exercise Begins in Ambala

The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, “VINBAX 2024,” began on Monday at…

2 hours ago