Member of Legislative Council and President Telangana Jagruthi, Ms. Kalvakuntla Kavitha met with Ms Sarah Kirlew, the Australian Consul-General in Chennai on a virtual call on June 4, 2021 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Australia-India Strategic Partnership .They discussed various issues around India-Australia relations and the role that Indian states can play in the economic growth of the country as well as sustainable development.
Consul General Ms. Kirlew highlighted Australia’s enthusiasm to “to discuss ways to advance our (Australian High Commission in India’s) relationship with Telangana across people to people strategic and economic ties”. She also conveyed her wishes on the recently passed occasion of the Telangana Formation Day (June 2, 2021). Ms. Kirlew congratulated Ms. Kavitha on her proactive role in promoting and being a role model for women leaders in India.
Ms. Kavitha highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Australia and fondly recalled her two visits to the country where she met many academics and entrepreneurs from the Indian diaspora. Ms. Kavitha also discussed the cultural relevance of Bathukamma and recalled how it was celebrated on a grand scale in Australia during one of her visits. Ms. Kirlew, in response, observed the importance of the festival and shared her intent of highlighting it during the Australian High Commission’s celebration of the 75th Indian Independence Day.
Ms. Kavitha complimented the Australian government for their increasingly inclusive stance towards immigrants and the active role that policymakers have taken in Australia to prevent discrimination against Indian students. She also highlighted the fact that many entrepreneurs of Telugu origin and from Hyderabad have set up educational institutions and enterprises in Australia now. Ms. Kirlew, highlighted the recent work done by the Australian government to promote student safety and informed that even during the COVID pandemic many students from abroad and of Indian origin stayed back in Australia on their campuses and received support from the universities. The Consul General observed that students are an important part of the India-Australia bilateral relationship. Ms. Kirlew highlighted Australia’s respect and commitment to promote and safeguard the interests of immigrants and shared that Australia is a country where 50% of the population has at least one grandparent who was born overseas.
Kavitha highlighted the work done by the state government in implementing economic development policies and said that Telangana has a “hunger to develop” since its is a new state. She also talked about potential areas of collaboration to attract investments to the state of Telangana. Ms. Kirlew observed that Telangana, and specifically Hyderabad has come up as one of the most attractive destinations for investors from Australia and shared that a few Australian companies have recently moved to Telangana and more are planning to set up base in Hyderabad as well – one of them being Telestar Communications, one of Australia’s largest communications and IT firms.
. Kavitha highlighted the role of the Telangana government in buying each grain that a farmer in Telangana produces thereby ensuring their livelihoods and fair pay for their produce. Ms. Kirlew appreciated the government’s efforts in supporting its various sections of the society and also complemented the growth of women entrepreneurs in Telangana.
Finally, they both shared commitments to promote India Australia relationships and highlighted the importance of positive strategic developments such as the Quadrilateral security grouping between India, Australia, Japan, and the USA which have brought both the countries even closer. Ms. Kirlew highlighted Australia’s commitment and contributions towards supporting the manufacturing capacities to provide a billion COVID vaccines. Ms. Kavitha closed by remarking that “I truly hope that these two nations (India and Australia), in view of the emerging geopolitical situations, continue their dialogue and we look forward to a fruitful partnership with each other.”
