External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the opening of the fourth consulate in Brisbane is a step forward in the friendship shared between India and Australia.

Jaishankar is currently visiting Australia.

He is scheduled to open the new consulate during his visit to the country.

He addressed the Indian community in Brisbane earlier in the day.

He posted on X: "Spoke about the strong comprehensive strategic partnership and the efforts, vision and leadership by both countries to energise it. The upcoming opening of India’s 4th consulate in Australia is a step forward in our friendship."

Jaishankar will be visiting Australia between November 3 and November 7.

Jaishankar will also co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. 

The EAM will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under to be held in the Australian Parliament House.

He is also scheduled to have interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, business community, media and think tanks.

After completing his Australian tour, Jaishankar will visit Singapore on November 8.

He will address the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN – India Network of Think Tanks.