I was delighted to be received in Canberra today by His Excellency Mr Navdeep Suri, the new High Commissioner of India to Australia.

Mr Suri has previously served in diplomatic missions in Washington, London, Damascus, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, and most recently as Consul General in Johannesburg.

We shared an illuminating discussion on a range of issues affecting the Indian diaspora in Australia including education and employment opportunities, the challenges of social inclusion, and opportunities for India and Australia in the Asian Century.

I look forward to continuing a productive relationship with His Excellency and participating in several upcoming events of interest, including a visiting Indian Parliamentary Goodwill Delegation next week in Canberra.