Members of Australia’s Indian community have gathered in Melbourne to farewell India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, at an event hosted by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF), as community leaders praised his accessibility and his focus on people-to-people ties.
Organisers said the evening was convened by the IADF under the leadership of its director Jay Shah, continuing the foundation’s recent pattern of public-facing forums aimed at connecting diaspora communities with diplomatic, political and civic leadership.
The farewell also welcomed Anish Rajan, the newly appointed Consul General of India in Melbourne, who attended as a special guest.
In remarks shared with attendees, Mr Rajan reflected on his earlier posting alongside Mr Baglay and spoke of the guidance he received during the early stages of his career, describing the outgoing High Commissioner as a mentor figure whose counsel had shaped his diplomatic approach.
Mr Baglay, who took up his role as High Commissioner in January 2024, used his farewell address to reflect on his time in Australia, describing his posting as personally satisfying while noting that the bilateral relationship still had further ground to cover.
Attendees said the High Commissioner underscored that India–Australia ties are increasingly defined not only by government-to-government engagement but by the day-to-day links between communities, universities, businesses and families across both countries.
The address included a Hindi poem by Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan, which attendees said was offered as a reflection on purpose, perseverance and direction in public life.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the foundation, the organisers thanked Mr Baglay for his calm, direct engagement with the diaspora and his willingness to support community initiatives. The remarks also acknowledged prominent business leader Mr Shah’s role in convening the farewell, recognised businessperson Jaideep Sharma for assistance behind the scenes, and acknowledged the Hindu Council of Australia for its support, and Vijay Dhiman and Harshad Kale for backing the event.
The farewell came as Mr Baglay continued a series of formal engagements in Canberra, including a call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Government House, listed on the Governor-General’s official program.
While farewells are a routine part of diplomatic life, community leaders said the gathering reflected the way diaspora organisations have become an informal bridge in the India–Australia relationship—building networks, hosting public conversations and reinforcing cultural connections for Indian-Australians across the country.
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