Official Opening of the Consulate-General of India in Brisbane

External Affairs Minister, Government of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; High Commissioner of India to Australia, Mr Gopal Baglay; Deputy High Commissioner of India to Australia, Mr Suneet Mehta; Consul-General of India to Brisbane, Ms Neetu Bhagotia; Consul, Mr Sushil Goel; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

I am pleased to be joining you this morning to celebrate the opening of the Consulate-General of India in Brisbane, and warmly welcome Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to our state, and our city.

Today’s occasion is significant for those of the large Indian diaspora living in Queensland—who I know will appreciate the immense conveniences and benefits that a local Consulate will bring.

Yet, this Consulate opening is also symbolic of the growing and strengthening relationship between India and our state. 

We currently have more than 90,000 people of Indian ancestry living here, and I am proud that since 2010, Brisbane, along with our oldest provincial city, Ipswich, have joined as tri-partite sister cities with Hyderabad— the first such relationship of its kind in the world.

Our state benefits greatly from the close connections we enjoy across diverse industries and fields—from trade, investment, and business…to agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, science, technology, resources, renewable energy and much more.

We highly value the sharing of knowledge and expertise that will drive better, more effective outcomes for all. Our universities have forged important academic and industry partnerships with India that have seen incredible advancement and innovation through research, across a range of areas; while Indian students learning at our institutions contribute significantly to the diversity and vitality of the education and training sector.

And, undoubtedly, our state is deeply enriched by the cultural influence of the Indian people who call Queensland home—in fact only a few days ago, I was fortunate to attend the Diwali Festival of Lights celebration in King George Square, and with its colours, energy and passion, it was an uplifting event that brought delight to so many.

Next month, I will be attending another iconic cultural event—the Test Cricket—bringing together our two countries at the crease…in amicable competition of course!

There is no doubt that India has a vital part to play in Queensland’s future, and I am so glad that as the fourth Consulate of India to open in Australia—after Perth, Melbourne and Sydney—our state is well placed to further develop this successful friendship.

I look forward to having more opportunities to meet with the Consul-General of India Queensland, Ms Neetu Bhagotia, while I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the former Honorary Consul General in Brisbane, Ms Archana Singh, who we farewelled in June and who, over the past decade, also worked so hard for the community.

Congratulations to you all, as we work towards a mutually peaceful and prosperous future.