Consul-General of Australia in Kolkata calls on Assam Governor
Guwahati, Rongili Barta: Consul-General of Australia in Kolkata, Mr. Bernard Lynch, paid a courtesy call on Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Lok Bhavan today. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Assam and Australia across a range of sectors including education, skill development, water management, tourism, renewable energy and critical minerals.
Governor Shri Acharya while welcoming the Australian envoy said that his visit to Assam would further deepen the strong and growing relationship between India and Australia, which is anchored in a comprehensive strategic partnership founded on shared mutual trust and common interests.
The Governor highlighted Assam’s strategic importance under India’s Act East Policy and its role as a gateway to the North Eastern Region and South-East Asia. He noted that with rapid advancements in infrastructure, connectivity and ease of doing business, Assam is emerging as an attractive destination for investment, trade and international partnerships.
Inviting greater Australian engagement with Assam, Shri Acharya highlighted the vast opportunities available in sectors such as tea, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, tourism, skill development and critical minerals in the state. He said that collaboration in these areas could generate significant economic and developmental benefits for both sides.
Emphasizing the importance of human resource development, the Governor called for enhanced academic and institutional partnerships between Assam and Australia through student exchanges, collaborative research initiatives and vocational training programmes. He observed that such cooperation would equip young people with globally relevant skills and knowledge.
The Governor also highlighted Assam’s rich natural heritage, unique biodiversity and vibrant cultural traditions. He encouraged greater tourism exchanges and invited Australian visitors to explore the state’s renowned destinations, including Kaziranga National Park, Majuli, the Charaideo Moidams, and the tea gardens spreading across the Brahmaputra valley and Barak valleys.
Speaking on conservation success stories, Shri Acharya noted Assam’s achievements in protecting the one-horned rhinoceros and preserving its ecological wealth. He stressed the potential for cooperation in wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability and climate action through the exchange of expertise and best practices.
The Governor further observed that the North Eastern Region holds immense potential as a bridge between India and the Indo-Pacific region and stated that increased Australian engagement with the region could open new avenues for economic, educational and cultural cooperation.
Inviting Australian delegations to visit Assam, Shri Acharya said that direct interactions with educational institutions, industries and cultural organisations would help identify concrete areas of collaboration and strengthen people-to-people ties.
During the discussion, Mr. Bernard Lynch appreciated Assam’s development initiatives and informed the Governor that Australian consulate funded project is underway in Assam’s Majuli island. The project is delivered jointly by the University of Melbourne and IIT Guwahati, which focuses on bio-engineering solutions for controlling riverbank erosion through Smart Villages for Climate Resilience.
The meeting also witnessed with both sides expressing optimism about expanding cooperation and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Assam and Australia.
Senior Economic Research Officer, Australian Consulate-General, Kolkata Ms Anagha accompanied the Consul-General during the visit.