AIBC in Queensland and the Springfield City Group co-hosted a grand lunch reception on 21 March in Brisbane for Gopal Baglay the Indian High Commissioner to Australia.
This was a unique honour for AIBC as it was our fourth welcome event for Mr Baglay, following events in Sydney, Perth and Canberra, since he took charge in January, 2024.
Over 70 people representing leading bilateral businesses, government, and members of the diaspora travelled from across Brisbane and GoldCoast to the event at the Brookwater Golf & Country Club in Springfield. Thank you Mahindra Automotive Australia Pty Ltd, a part of India’s leading Mahindra Group, for your support to the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Baglay said, ‘The sky’s the limit for the Australia-India partnership. The level of trust between our two countries today is at a level never seen before.” He referred to the staggering achievements of 2023, adding that this is only the tip of the iceberg. “Our two democracies are a force for global good and this is the vision which drives our efforts in the high commission to add strength to the economic partnership.”
Maha Sinnathamby AM, the legendary founder and Chairman, Springfield City Group, noted that “India is on the move and unstoppable. We want to be a part of India’s journey and work for the mutual benefit of our two countries.”
Mr Sinnathamby specifically referred to India’s youth, the country’s strengths in technology and how well these align with Springfield’s three pillars of education, health and innovation.
AIBC members and other participants particularly valued the opportunity to interact with several government and business leaders present at the occasion, including Trade and Investment Queensland Redland City Council Brisbane Airport Corporation Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland). Suneet Mehta, Deputy High Commissioner for India was also present as also Irfan Malik (MAICD), AIBC’s National Associate Vice-Chair.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the display of Mahindra vehicles, the all-new Scorpio and the XUV700. According to Ankit Taneja, Mahindra’s Country Manager, Australia is the #1 market for the XUV700 outside India.
The High Commissioner also noted that the Indian Consulate in Brisbane will be starting soon and also profusely thanked Mrs Archana Singh, Hon Consul General in Brisbane for her efforts in Queensland.