Jaishankar Highlights Indo-Pacific Disaster Relief as Key Focus of India-Australia Ties

During his visit to Australia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the strengthening bilateral relationship between India and Australia, marked by the inauguration of a new Indian consulate in Brisbane. Calling it a “landmark moment” and a milestone in the partnership, Jaishankar underscored the significance of this new consulate in supporting the growing Indian community in Queensland, particularly Indian students pursuing higher education.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar thanked Australia for its role in delivering humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea, highlighting disaster relief efforts as a developing area of cooperation within the Indo-Pacific. He noted that Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) has been an essential aspect of QUAD initiatives, reflecting a mutual commitment to regional stability and support.

The consulate is expected to enhance consular services for the Indian diaspora, which Jaishankar referred to as a “living bridge” that strengthens ties between the two nations. He praised the contributions of the million-strong Indian community to Australia’s multicultural society, affirming the consulate’s role in providing timely and convenient services and supporting cultural heritage initiatives for the community in Queensland.

Jaishankar’s visit, his fifth to Australia and first to Brisbane, included discussions on the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which he described as unlocking substantial trade opportunities for both countries. He concluded his visit with a meeting with Queensland Governor Jeannette Young to explore further economic and trade collaboration, and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, celebrating his enduring message of peace and harmony.