EAM S Jaishankar Visits Brisbane
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his delight in meeting the vibrant Indian community in Brisbane during his visit to Australia. He announced the upcoming opening of India’s fourth consulate in Australia, a move that strengthens the friendship between the two nations.
Significance of the New Consulate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the new consulate in Brisbane during his visit in May 2023, addressing a long-standing request from the Indian diaspora. Queensland, where Brisbane is located, has a rapidly growing Indian community and is expanding its trade and investment ties with India.
Indian Community in Australia
Jaishankar highlighted the presence of around 125,000 people of Indian origin in Australia, including 15,000-16,000 students in Queensland. He emphasized the importance of this community in strengthening India-Australia relations.
Trade and Strategic Relations
He noted that 75% of Australia’s exports to India come from Queensland and urged stakeholders to see the past decade’s achievements as a glimpse of future potential. A strategic framework has been established to enhance bilateral relations.
Educational Cooperation
Jaishankar mentioned recent developments in educational cooperation, following the visit of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Australia. He believes education and research will play a key role in the knowledge economy and AI era.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Jaishankar spoke about the strong India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and the efforts of both countries to energize it. During his five-day visit, he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and deliver a keynote address at the Raisina Down Under event.
Upcoming Visit to Singapore
After Australia, Jaishankar will visit Singapore on November 8, 2024, to participate in the ASEAN – India Network of Think Tanks Roundtable and meet Singapore’s leadership to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations.
Doubts Revealed
EAM -: EAM stands for External Affairs Minister. This is a person in the Indian government who is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is the current External Affairs Minister of India. He helps India communicate and work with other countries around the world.
Brisbane -: Brisbane is a city in Australia. It is known for its warm climate and is a popular place for people to visit and live.
Consulate -: A consulate is like a small office of a country in another country. It helps people from its own country who are living or traveling there and also helps with things like visas.
Indian diaspora -: Indian diaspora refers to people from India who live in other countries. They often keep their Indian culture and traditions alive while living abroad.
Queensland -: Queensland is a state in Australia. It is known for its beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.
Penny Wong -: Penny Wong is the Foreign Minister of Australia. She works with other countries to maintain good relationships for Australia.
