Strengthening ties – Jaishankar’s visit to Australia marks a new chapter

From the editor’s desk

When S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, touched down in Australia for his five-day visit earlier this month, it wasn’t just another diplomatic trip. This visit was a testament to how much the relationship between India and Australia has evolved over the years—and how much more potential it has for growth.

This marked Jaishankar's fifth visit to Australia in under three years, with two of those trips occurring in 2024 alone. That says a lot about just how important the two countries are to each other.

Jaishankar’s meeting with business leaders in Sydney was an event of interest on both sides. It wasn’t a quick handshake and photo op—it was a real, meaningful conversation about the future. The focus was on business, investment, and India’s rising sectors in digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and skill development. What’s exciting here is the mutual benefit both countries stand to gain from these areas. India is quickly becoming a powerhouse in these sectors, and Australia’s expertise and investment can help take things to the next level. As Jaishankar shared on social media, these talks were a “good start to the day,” and it was clear that there was positive momentum.

But, it wasn’t all about business. Jaishankar also met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, and the two had a candid discussion about how their countries can support each other on the global stage. Albanese couldn’t have put it better when he said, “Our growing relationship with India matters to Australia.” And they’re not just talking about trade—this is about regional stability, mutual growth, and working together on global challenges. It’s heartening to see such a shared commitment between both countries.

A significant moment during the trip was the inauguration of the Indian consulate in Brisbane. For Jaishankar, this was more than just cutting a ribbon—it was about symbolizing the strength of the India-Australia relationship. The new consulate will make it easier for India’s ever-growing community in Queensland to stay connected with their homeland. And let’s not forget that this community is a key player in strengthening ties between the two nations.

As Jaishankar put it, the Indian diaspora is a “living bridge” between the two countries, and their contributions in business, education, healthcare, and technology are helping to make India’s presence in Australia even stronger.

Throughout his trip, Jaishankar highlighted how important the Indian diaspora is to Australia’s multicultural society. With over a million Indians living in Australia, their contributions are making waves across sectors. Their hard work is not just benefiting Australia— it’s also bringing India’s rich cultural heritage and achievements to the forefront.

It wasn’t just about the meetings and official talks—there was a sense of collaboration at every step. The Raisina Down Under event, which is the Australian version of India’s Raisina Dialogue, saw Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters all coming together to discuss issues like regional security, climate change, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. These conversations are important not just for the three countries involved but for the entire region.

So, what’s the takeaway from Jaishankar’s visit? The relationship between India and Australia is on a solid trajectory, and this trip only reaffirmed the shared commitment to growing that bond. Whether it’s through strategic dialogues, business ventures, or deepening peopleto-people connections, it’s clear that both nations are invested in making this partnership stronger than ever.

Jaishankar’s visit has opened doors for even more cooperation in the future. Both countries are looking to take their relationship beyond just trade and security—education, technology, and innovation are on the table too. And with India rising as a global player, having Australia as a trusted partner is a win-win for everyone. As Jaishankar said, India’s progress is for the benefit of the world, and Australia is right there as a close ally in this journey.