Peter Truswell, Australian Consul General, On The Growing India-Australia Partnership, Cricket And More
Rotary International drives positive change around the world and I know, whether in India or Australia, there are so many prominent people with good intent. The Sydney club has a wide range of charity events, too; Rotary clubs across Australia are working together to fight glaucoma.
People of Indian origin in Australia have really arrived; their presence is felt. In the most recent census, the number of Australians with Indian ancestry is 975,000. Indian Australians are the fastest-growing diaspora – the 2nd largest overseas population in Australia.
India is one of the first countries to open diplomatic relations with Australia. We share economic complementarity. We provide many things that India doesn’t have naturally and vice versa. IT and tech firms have a massive presence in Australia. And, in recognition of the potential in IT, we are opening a new Consulate in Bengaluru.
Our geographic association of a great coastal line helps create strategic strength. So, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a partnership with Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. The Quad is growing rapidly as there are strategic strengths and threats that we need to think about and guard against. Exercise Malabar is a bilateral, naval exercise between the four Quad countries.
On the trade and economic side is ECTA (India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement). Indian steel makers can now get raw materials from Australia with zero tariff.
Since 1947, Australia and India have played each other 102 times in Test Matches. Australia has won 43, lost 30 and there have been 29 draws. But India has been catching up fast. If you look at 50 other matches, Australia has won again in many but in the contemporary T20s India is stronger and has defeated Australia more. Another field is women’s cricket; the Australian team will be here for matches in December.
There are benefits for people who choose to study in Australia; a lot of scholarship money is incoming and that is a lasting link between the two countries. We look forward to strengthening relations between our countries.
ROTARIANS ASK
What is your favourite sport? Are you happy with King Charles as your king? What is in the Australian psyche or culture that makes you so good at sport?
My favourite sport is tennis. I love the tension and the mental element. King Charles is a fine individual who does a lot of good. I think Australia is twice as big as India with less population, so we have tons of empty space. So, more places to run around and engage in sports.
We are part of the Quad; as the war prolongs, is there any change among Quad members relating to India’s stunts?
There is not a difference; we recognise the national interest. We know Indo-Russia relations and we are aware. We would prefer if India takes a different stand but we understand it too. The demographic, business relations between India and Australia are not going to go away. It’s not having any effect on the Quad.
Where do Australians get their ‘never say die’ attitude?
It’s a strong team spirit – that you are playing for your team.