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.

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.