List of high commissioners of Australia to India explained

Post:High Commissioner of Australia to India
Insignia:Coat of Arms of Australia.svg
Insigniasize:120px
Department:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Incumbent:Philip Green
Seat:New Delhi
Nominator:Prime Minister of Australia
Style:His Excellency
Appointer:Governor General of Australia
Reports To:Minister for Foreign Affairs
Formation:2 November 1943
Inaugural:Iven Mackay
Website:Australian High Commission, New Delhi – India, Bhutan

The high commissioner of Australia to India is an officer of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the head of the High Commission of the Commonwealth of Australia to India in New Delhi. The position has the rank and status of an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and is currently held by Philip Green, since 1 July 2023. The high commissioner also holds non-resident accreditation as Ambassador to Bhutan since diplomatic relations were established on 14 September 2002.[1] On 21 May 2020, O'Farrell presented his commission to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in India's first-ever virtual credentials ceremony.[2] On 7 October 2022, O'Farrell presented his credentials as ambassador to the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.[3]

History

In December 1939, the federal government appointed Roy Gollan as its first official trade representative in India, based in Calcutta. An assistant trade commissioner was later appointed in New Delhi, while Australian interests were also represented on the Eastern Group Supply Council during World War II, establishing "a firm Australian presence in India in the 1940s".[4]

The Australian Government has offered diplomatic representation in India since 1943.[5] Between 1960 and 1986, the high commissioner also had non-resident accreditation as Ambassador to Nepal. A resident Australian Embassy in Nepal was opened on 27 April 1984, but the first resident ambassador was not appointed until 4 May 1986.[6] [7] [8] The high commission's work is assisted by multiple consulates throughout the country that have visiting and reporting responsibilities, as well as handling consular and trade matters for the high commission.

List of high commissioners

Officeholder Other offices Term start date Term end date Time in office Notes
align=center n/aalign=right [9] [10] [11] [12]
align=center (Acting)align=right [13]
align=center align=right [14] [15] [16] [17]
align=center align=right [18] [19]
align=center D. J. Munro (Acting)align=right [20]
align=center align=right [21] [22] [23]
align=center align=right [24] [25] [26]
align=center Kevin Thomas Kelly (Acting)align=right [27]
align=center (Acting)align=right [28] [29] [30]
align=center align=right [31] [32]
align=center align=right [33]
align=center Rob Laurie (Acting)align=right [34]
align=center align=right [35] [36] [37]
align=center align=right [38] [39]
align=center align=right [40]
align=center align=right [41]
align=center align=right [42] [43]
align=center David Evansn/aalign=right [44]
align=center Darren Gribblealign=right [45]
align=center Rob Lauriealign=right [46]
align=center align=right [47]
align=center align=right [48]
align=center align=right [49]
align=center Patrick Sucklingalign=right [50] [51] [52]
align=center align=right [53]
align=center 30 June 2023align=right [54]
22Philip Green1 July 2023

Notes

Also non-resident Ambassador to Nepal, 1960–1986.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Bhutan, 2002–present.

Consuls-general

LocationOpenConsular district
Consulate-General, Mumbai1967/1979Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa
Consulate-General, Chennai2007Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
Consulate-General, Kolkata1970/2019West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura
Consulate-General, BengaluruTBD[55] [56]

Mumbai

The consulate-general was first opened in Bombay on the 21 August 1967, initially with a Deputy High Commissioner in charge until 1973, but was closed on the 30 April 1976 due to financial constraints,[57] before being reopened on 6 February 1979. An Australian Trade Commission had been located in the city since 1939, with Roy Gollan (later high commissioner) serving as trade commissioner from 1939 to 1948.[58] [59]

NameStart of termEnd of termReferences
John Melhuish (DHC)21 August 196724 February 1973[60]
Thomas Venables Holland (DHC)24 February 197313 May 1973
C. A. Bromwich (DHC)13 May 19736 March 1975
Eric Hanfield6 March 197530 April 1976
Consulate closed
Robert Jolly (acting)6 February 19794 October 1979
John Dalrymple Colquhoun-Denvers4 October 197915 April 1982
Ian Tricks15 April 198213 December 1984
G. R. Hawker13 December 198412 December 1986
Gavan Bromilow12 December 198614 December 1989
Stephanie Daly14 December 198910 January 1992
J. N. Elliot10 January 1992May 1993
Christopher QuirkJune 19931997
19972006
Peter ForbyJuly 20066 July 2010
Stephen Waters6 July 2010September 2013[61]
Mark PierceSeptember 201319 August 2016[62]
Tony Huber19 August 201625 February 2020[63]
Greg Wilcock25 February 202014 April 2021[64]
Peter Truswell14 April 2021date[65]

Kolkata

On 18 June 1970, the post was originally opened as the Deputy High Commission, Calcutta, to replace the Trade Commission which had existed in the city since 1939. Like the Bombay post, the Deputy High Commission was downgraded to a consulate-general on 13 May 1973, before being closed in April 1976 due to budget constraints.[57]

NameStart of termEnd of termReferences
Douglas Sturkey (DHC)18 June 19706 June 1972[66]
Brian Meade (DHC/CG)6 June 197212 February 1975
Rodney Hodgson12 February 197530 April 1976
Consulate closed
Andrew Ford10 January 2019April 2021[67] [68]
Rowan Ainsworth14 April 2021January 2024[69]
Hugh BoylanJanuary 2024Current[70]

Chennai

NameStart of termEnd of termReferences
Aminur RahmanJanuary 2007July 2010
David HollyJuly 2010January 2014[71]
Sean KellyJanuary 2014November 2017[72]
Susan GraceNovember 2017March 2021[73]
Sarah KirlewMarch 2021date[74]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Downer. Alexander. Australia and Bhutan Establish Diplomatic Relations. 3 June 2017. Minister for Foreign Affairs. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 15 September 2002. Media Release.
  2. News: Australia's 21st High Commissioner to India presents his credentials . 5 June 2020 . Australian High Commission, New Delhi . 21 May 2020 . Media Release.
  3. News: Presentation of Credentials by Ambassadors-designate of Pakistan, Australia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Canada, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Slovenia . 22 October 2022 . Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan . 7 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221007062232/https://www.mfa.gov.bt/presentation-of-credentials-by-ambassadors-designate-of-pakistan-australia-republic-of-korea-singapore-canada-kazakhstan-indonesia-and-slovenia/ . 7 October 2022 . Press Release.
  4. Book: Schedvin, Boris. Emissaries of Trade: A History of the Australian Trade Commissioner Service. 2008. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 978 1 921244 57 5. 65-66.
  5. News: High Commissioner to India: Australia to have representative. 26 October 1943. 2. Daily Commercial News and Shipping List. Sydney, New South Wales.
  6. News: Embassy to open in Nepal. 16 March 1984. The Canberra Times. 11.
  7. Opening of new Australian diplomatic missions . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . November 1985 . 56 . 11 . 1131 . 23 October 2022.
  8. Hayden . Bill . Ambassador to Nepal . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . May 1986 . 57 . 5 . 453 . 23 October 2022.
  9. News: Nearer to India: Evatt. Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertsider. 2 November 1943. 3.
  10. Australian High Commissioners in India and New Zealand . Current Notes on International Affairs . 15 November 1943 . 14 . 9 . 333 . 22 October 2022.
  11. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . June 1948 . 19 . 6 . 358 . 22 October 2022.
  12. News: MACKAY IN INDIA . The Daily Telegraph . New South Wales, Australia . 15 March 1944 . 23 October 2022 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  13. News: Mr. C. Kevin for Indonesia. 6 January 1953. 2. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  14. News: DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS. . . 165 . Australia, Australia . 16 December 1948 . 23 October 2022 . 4219 . National Library of Australia.
  15. News: Appointed High Commissioner to India. The Argus. Melbourne, Victoria. 6 October 1948. 5.
  16. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . January 1949 . 20 . 1 . 119 . 22 October 2022.
  17. News: MR. GOLLAN FOR POST IN INDIA . . Australian Capital Territory, Australia . 19 October 1948 . 23 October 2022 . 1 . National Library of Australia.
  18. News: High Commissioner to India. 15 March 1952. Newcastle Herald and Miner’s Advocate. 3. NSW.
  19. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1952 . 23 . 3 . 139 . 22 October 2022.
  20. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1955 . 26 . 3 . 241 . 22 October 2022.
  21. News: High Commissioner to India. 4 February 1955. The Canberra Times. 2. ACT.
  22. Australian High Commissioner to India . Current Notes on International Affairs . February 1955 . 26 . 2 . 126–127 . 22 October 2022.
  23. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . April 1955 . 26 . 4 . 300 . 22 October 2022.
  24. Australian High Commissioner to India . Current Notes on International Affairs . July 1958 . 29 . 7 . 437 . 22 October 2022.
  25. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . November 1958 . 29 . 11 . 777 . 22 October 2022.
  26. Australian Ambassador to Nepal . Current Notes on International Affairs . February 1960 . 31 . 2 . 89 . 22 October 2022.
  27. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1962 . 33 . 3 . 56 . 22 October 2022.
  28. News: Fairfax Media. The Sydney Morning Herald. William Pritchett: From diplomat to head of Defence Department. 8 February 2014. Bob. Furlonger. Robert Furlonger. 15 February 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140215215258/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/obituaries/william-pritchett-from-diplomat-to-head-of-defence-department-20140207-3274m.html.
  29. News: Australian gift parcels in India. 11 January 1963. 13. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  30. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . June 1962 . 33 . 6 . 66 . 22 October 2022.
  31. News: Sir James Plimsoll for India. 22 February 1963. 3. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  32. News: Barwick . Garfield . Appointment of Australian High Commissioner to India . 22 October 2022 . Department of External Affairs, Australian Government . 21 February 1963.
  33. Department of External Affairs: Appointments . Current Notes on International Affairs . January 1965 . 36 . 1 . 51 . 22 October 2022.
  34. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs. February 1970 . 41 . 2 . 86 . 22 October 2022.
  35. News: Mr Patrick Shaw to India. 2 March 1970. 1. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  36. News: McMahon . William . Australian High Commissioner in India . 22 October 2022 . Department of External Affairs, Australian Government . 1 March 1970 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  37. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . April 1970 . 41 . 4 . 246 . 22 October 2022.
  38. News: Whitlam . Gough . Senior Australian diplomatic appointments . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 26 September 1973 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  39. News: Peacock . Andrew . High Commissioner's application for leave . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 20 November 1975 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  40. News: Peacock . Andrew . Appointment of High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Nepal . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 26 February 1976 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  41. News: Peacock . Andrew . High Commissioner to India . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 5 December 1979 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  42. News: Feakes named for India post. 1 June 1984. 3. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  43. News: Bowen . Lionel . Diplomatic appointment - India and Nepal . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 31 May 1984 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  44. News: Evans . Gareth . Diplomatic Appointment - India . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 7 September 1990 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  45. News: Evand . Gareth . Diplomatic appointment: India . 22 October 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 14 December 1993 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  46. Diplomatic appointment: High Commissioner to India. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212031225/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1997/fa82_97.html . 12 February 2014. 25 July 1997. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Australian Government.
  47. Diplomatic Appointment: High Commissioner to India. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212022157/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2001/fa130_01.html . 12 February 2014. 28 August 2001. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Australian Government.
  48. Diplomatic Appointment - High Commissioner to India. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212013215/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2004/fa120_04.html. 12 February 2014. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. 9 August 2004. Australian Government.
  49. Diplomatic Appointment - High Commissioner to India. https://web.archive.org/web/20140408035617/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2009/fa-s090608b.html. 8 April 2014. Stephen. Smith. Stephen Smith (Australian politician). Australian Government. 8 June 2009.
  50. News: Australia appoints new High Commissioner to India. https://web.archive.org/web/20130407132401/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-30/australia-appoints-new-commissioner-to-india/4447438. 7 April 2013. Australian Broadcasting Commission.
  51. News: Career diplomat Patrick Suckling to head New Delhi mission. 30 December 2012. The Australian. AAP.
  52. Engagement with India . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403033455/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_121230.html. 3 April 2015. Bob. Carr. Bob Carr. 30 December 2012. Australian Government.
  53. High Commissioner to India . https://web.archive.org/web/20160211214258/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2016/jb_mr_160211.aspx?w=tb1CaGpkPX%2FlS0K%2Bg9ZKEg%3D%3D . 11 February 2016 . Australian Government . Julie . Bishop . Julie Bishop . 11 February 2016 . dead .
  54. High Commissioner to India . Australian Government . Marise . Payne . 18 February 2020.
  55. News: BTS 2021: Australian PM announces consulate office, centre of excellence in Bengaluru . 2 June 2022 . . 18 November 2021.
  56. News: Australia seeks to establish new Consulate General in Bengaluru: Scott Morrison . 2 June 2022 . . 17 November 2021.
  57. Foreign Affairs: Reduction of Expenditure . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . February 1976 . 47 . 2 . 96 . 22 October 2022.
  58. News: TRADE COMMISSION SERVICE . . Western Australia . 14 December 1939 . 2 June 2022 . 6 . National Library of Australia.
  59. News: TRADE COMMISSIONS . . Queensland, Australia . 2 March 1945 . 2 June 2022 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
  60. Hayden . Bill . Consul-General in San Francisco . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . April 1983 . 54 . 4 . 154 . 23 October 2022.
  61. Diplomatic Appointment - Consul-General in Mumbai. 6 July 2010. Stephen. Smith. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government. https://web.archive.org/web/20110220025403/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2010/fa-s100706d.html. 20 February 2011.
  62. News: Consul-General in Mumbai, 13 June 2013, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs . 2 June 2022 . Asia Pacific Security Magazine . 14 June 2013.
  63. Consul-General in Mumbai. 19 August 2016. Julie. Bishop. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  64. Consul-General in Mumbai. 25 February 2020. Marise. Payne. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  65. Consul-General in Mumbai. 14 April 2021. Marise. Payne. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  66. Peacock . Andrew . Diplomatic appointments . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . March 1979 . 50 . 3 . 167 . 23 October 2022.
  67. Consul-General in Kolkata. 10 January 2019. Marise. Payne. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  68. News: Banerjee . Sudeshna . Meet Andrew Ford, the consul general of the recently reopened Australian consulate general in Calcutta . 2 June 2022 . . 22 May 2019.
  69. Consul-General in Kolkata. 14 April 2021. Marise. Payne. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  70. Web site:
  71. Diplomatic Appointment - Consul-General in Chennai. 6 July 2010. Stephen. Smith. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government. https://web.archive.org/web/20110220025424/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2010/fa-s100706c.html. 20 February 2011.
  72. Appointment of Consul-General in Chennai. 10 January 2014. Julie. Bishop. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  73. Consul-General in Chennai. 24 November 2017. Julie. Bishop. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.
  74. Consul-General in Chennai. 19 March 2021. Marise. Payne. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government.

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