India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, concluded his tenure on January 31, 2026, after a period marked by expanded bilateral cooperation across defense, education, trade, space and people-to-people engagement. The Government of India has appointed senior diplomat Nagesh Singh as the next High Commissioner of India to Australia, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed.

Reflecting on his tenure in an interview with Anita Barar, producer at SBS Hindi, Baglay emphasized that the progress achieved in India–Australia relations was “not the result of any one individual’s work,” but rather “a product of collective effort and teamwork.” He noted that outcomes were shaped by coordination between the mission in Canberra, the government in New Delhi, and “the strong and consistent support of the Indian diaspora in Australia.”

Among the major milestones during his posting was Australia’s hosting of the Indian Ocean Conference in February 2024, held in Perth for the first time. Baglay observed that Australia is often perceived primarily as a Pacific nation, but said its strategic significance also lies in the fact that it “touches the Indian Ocean on the other side.” He described the participation of Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as “a clear signal that strategic cooperation between the two countries is steadily increasing.”

Defense cooperation featured prominently during his tenure. Baglay said it was a matter of “great privilege” that engagement expanded not only at the level of prime ministers and foreign ministers, but also significantly at the level of defense ministers. He noted that India’s Defense Minister visited Australia for the first time in more than twelve years, calling it “a landmark moment in bilateral defense engagement.”

He added that cooperation between the defense forces of both countries has strengthened substantially, with both sides seeking to “contribute to each other’s security” while also working together for stability in the Indo Pacific region.

Education emerged as another key area of progress. Baglay said that five additional Australian universities had received approval to establish operations in India, describing this as a “major step forward in academic collaboration.” He noted that, with Australian cooperation, Centers of Excellence are being established in clean energy, renewable energy, solar energy and mining in India.

Emerging cooperation in sports and space was also highlighted. Baglay pointed to a joint India–Australia venture under which a satellite is being built in Australia and will be launched using an Indian rocket, describing it as “a significant achievement led by the private sector,” with the role of governments being “primarily to facilitate.”

On economic engagement, Baglay referred to the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed in 2022, saying it had led to “substantial growth in exports in both directions.” He noted that in certain commodities, trade had increased by “as much as 40 to 50 percent.” Efforts are ongoing to finalize the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, which he said would be “even more beneficial for the business communities of both countries.”

Despite these developments, Baglay said the aspect that gave him the greatest satisfaction was the strengthened engagement with the Indian diaspora. He described the growing connection with people of Indian origin and the broader Indian community as “the most satisfying part” of his tenure.

During the conversation with Barar, Baglay also shared lighter personal reflections. He recalled being amused by Australia’s coffee culture, quickly learning that one must order coffee “extra hot” to suit Indian preferences, and laughing about initially mistaking the term “flat white” for a household item rather than a coffee. He said these “small but memorable moments” stayed with him.

As he prepares to depart, Baglay stressed that the Indian diaspora in Australia remains “deeply connected to India.” He encouraged the community to “stay connected and keep connecting,” describing this ongoing engagement as vital to the relationship. 

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