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ustralia has opened the permanent premises of its Consulate-General in Bengaluru, with officials from both countries describing the move as part of efforts to expand diplomatic, economic and education links between Australia and southern India.
The new office, located in the MFAR building on Cunningham Road, was inaugurated on Friday by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill MP, alongside Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, M B Patil.
The consulate has been operating in Bengaluru since 2023, and the opening of its permanent premises comes as Australia and India continue to broaden cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and research.
Hill said the consulate would serve as a central point of contact for Australia’s engagement with Karnataka and the wider southern Indian region.
“A consulate represents a single front door to Australia and to every aspect of our relationship, from trade and investment to education, people-to-people ties and consular services,” he said.
He said Australia viewed India as an increasingly important strategic partner and described Bengaluru as a global centre for entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.
Patil welcomed Australia’s decision to establish a permanent diplomatic presence in the city, saying it reflected confidence in Karnataka’s economic and technological strengths.
“The decision is a strong vote of confidence in Karnataka’s future,” he said.
“It is also an affirmation of what this city has become, a global centre of technology, innovation, education and research.”
Patil said Australia had been an active partner in Karnataka’s development through participation in events such as the Global Investors Meet, Bengaluru Tech Summit and Bengaluru Space Expo.
Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM, Australian Consul-General Hilary McGeachy, diplomats, industry representatives and education sector partners attended the inauguration.
The opening comes amid steady growth in Australia-India engagement, including cooperation in higher education, critical technologies, renewable energy, resources and investment. Bengaluru’s role as a major technology and research hub has made it an important location for international business and diplomatic engagement, with several countries expanding their presence in the city in recent years.
Australian officials said the permanent consulate would support stronger commercial links, education partnerships and consular services for Australians and Indian partners in the region.
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