It is an honour introducing our new Consul General of India in Melbourne, Dr Sushil Kumar, whose primary focus is strengthening India's relations with Australia and its people.
It's a new beginning for everything at the moment, including the tenure of a new Consul General of India in Melbourne and Tasmania, Dr Sushil Kumar.
Just two months in office, his engagement with the Indian community in Melbourne is not only thriving but also giving him reasons to assimilate a strong bilateral relationship with Australia.
We at G'day India takes this opportunity not only to thank him for the chance to speak to us on such short notice about the coming years as the Consul General here but also to get to know him as a person.
Dr Sushil Kumar sat down with G'day India, Chief Editor, Tonne Sethi to look at his vision for the Indian Diaspora and the two countries' future.
How long have you been in Melbourne, and how are you finding Melbourne so far?
Firstly, I thank you and would like to convey my greetings to the readers of G’day India. I have been in this beautiful city of Melbourne for about two months now and I have thoroughly enjoyed this place. Melbourne is truly a multicultural city. I have attended more than 30 socio-cultural events in a very short span of time here organised by our diaspora and delighted to notice the enthusiastic participation of not only Indian community but also ‘Friends of India’ in Australia. Strong people-to-people connections are reflected in India–Australia multifaceted relationship, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work and contributions made by the Indian diaspora here.
What was the perception of Australia, primarily Melbourne, before coming?
Australia being a developed country with the presence of a strong and vibrant Indian diaspora, remains a prestigious posting for Indian diplomats. I am delighted to represent India in Victoria and Tasmania, while being based in Melbourne, which is the cultural, educational and sports hub of Australia.
Before your posting in Australia, tell us about placement around the world?
My first foreign posting was in Kuwait, where I also learnt Arabic language as part of the Indian Foreign Service training. During my five years of tenure in Kuwait, where Indian expatriates were the largest in number (about 7.5 lakhs at that time), I had the opportunity to handle consular matters. My last assignment was in Sri Lanka, where I also represented India at the Colombo Plan & South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme and served as the Secretary to India Sri Lanka Foundation. At Headquarters in the Ministry of External Affairs, I have worked in the West Asia and North Africa Division.
When and what made you decide on a career in diplomacy?
Joining the Indian Civil Service was my goal since my school days. During my study at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, I had the opportunity to visit a centre on high-tech agriculture being developed through Israeli collaboration. There, I had the opportunity to interact with a few diplomats and thought of becoming a diplomat. Subsequently, I appeared in the examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and joined the Indian Foreign Service.
As the new Consul General of India, what do you see as your primary role?
I feel fortunate to have come here at a time when India-Australia relationship is already strong with our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. There is tremendous scope to make this relationship stronger. Some of my primary objectives would be to maintain this momentum and explore more opportunities in the areas of education, research collaboration, trade and investment.
How has your experience affected your outlook as new CGI in Melbourne?
My past experience will certainly be helpful in serving the diaspora better. I have already started actively engaging with our strong diaspora and with their involvement, suggestions and support, we at the Consulate will improve our services further.
What do you intend to introduce more into the Indo-Australian relationship?
We already have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since June 2020 and Economic Cooperation, and Trade Agreement has been signed in April 2022. We see enormous potential in expanding our trade and investment ties. Victorian higher educational institutions have created a niche in the world and India offers a huge market. Indian students here are one of the largest in number and many more Indian students wish to visit Australia for their higher education. I would like to work to strengthen further the partnership between universities, academic institutions, exchanges and joint research collaboration.
What advantages would you reap during your tenure with the now close relations between India and Australia?
India and Australia have a long-standing relationship with deep people-to-people links. Our diaspora is active across all aspects of Australian life and contributes immensely to the partnership between the two countries. I want to take it forward and further enhance our multifaceted ties.
Do you see any challenges in your tenure?
In my last two months of stay here, I haven’t faced any major challenges. Our diaspora is continuously growing and presently Victoria has the largest number of Indian-origin people living in Australia. With the increase in demand for services, sometimes we face a shortage of manpower at the Consulate. With the support of our Community Associations and diaspora, who have done great community services in the past, as well as with support of the Government of Victoria, hopefully I would be able to overcome any challenge in future.
What is very close to your heart, and what would you like to achieve in your posting to Australia?
I have my higher education in the Agriculture and Victoria has an advantage in high-tech agriculture and dairy sectors. I would be happy to establish greater collaborations between Indian institutions and Victorian institutions in these areas.
What can the Indian community expect from CGI's office under your leadership?
From October 2022, we at the Consulate have started organising the ‘Open House’ twice every month to address grievances of our community regarding consular services. This is being held on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month between 3 to 4 PM. The objective of Open House is to engage and understand the concerns of our community and extend all possible assistance from the Consulate. We will continue to work for the improvement of our consular services.
Any Message for the Indians Diaspora of Melbourne and advice to the people of Victoria?
The Indian diaspora, wherever they are, are not only law-abiding but are also known for their hard work and contribution to growth and development. My request to our community is to continue maintaining deep and abiding ties with India and contribute to achieve a better world in the true spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the World is One Family. I would also like to convey my best wishes to readers of G’day for a very happy festive season ahead.
Lastly, how do you relax and unwind?
I love reading, gardening and traveling. I also play lawn tennis, which I have not yet started here as I am still settling down. I'm looking forward to starting it soon as Melbourne provides excellent opportunities for games and sports.
By Nandita Chakraborty