AIBC Bids Farewell to Mr. Manish Gupta, India’s Esteemed Diplomat, and Champion of Australia-India Relations

The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) hosted a grand farewell event in Sydney on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, to honour and bid adieu to Mr. Manish Gupta, the Consul General of India for Sydney and South Australia. The memorable occasion took place at the prestigious Australia headquarters of the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney and saw the attendance of around 100 distinguished guests. Notable figures such as the NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey MLC, various NSW Ministers, Members of Parliament, prominent business figures, and members of AIBC’s national and state leadership teams were among the attendees.

Mr. Gupta, who has admirably served as the Consul General of India since 2019 for the regions of New South Wales and South Australia, has now been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Ghana, marking a significant milestone in his diplomatic journey. During his tenure, Mr. Gupta actively fostered economic ties between India and the state of New South Wales, drawing praise from the NSW Treasurer for his substantial contributions to the bilateral economic partnership.

Addressing the guests in a poignant speech, Mr. Gupta expressed his unwavering optimism about the growth potential of trade between Australia and India. He confidently projected that the partnership would surpass even the most ambitious estimates in the coming years. Reflecting on his time spent with the diaspora community in Australia, he fondly recalled the positive memories that he will carry with him as he embarks on this new chapter of his diplomatic career. Furthermore, he congratulated AIBC for its remarkable efforts spanning over 35 years, significantly bolstering trade and economic ties between the two nations.

Mr. Gupta’s legacy includes a steadfast commitment to expanding the bilateral business corridor, particularly in collaboration with AIECTA. He played a pivotal role in facilitating engagements with ministerial and business delegations, enhancing the ties between India and Australia on various fronts.

Commending Mr. Gupta’s exceptional contribution to strengthening Australia-India relations, Ms. Jodi McKay, AIBC National Chair, asserted that he had proven to be one of the finest Consul Generals of India in recent history. She expressed her gratitude for his wholehearted support to AIBC’s mission.

Hosting the farewell reception, Mr. Mark Jones, the Executive General Manager of the Commonwealth Bank, expressed his privilege in hosting such a momentous occasion. In his address, he highlighted the bank’s endeavors in India and acknowledged Mr. Gupta’s instrumental support throughout the journey.

Anoulack Chanthivong MP, the NSW Minister for Industry and Trade, took a moment to acknowledge Mr. Gupta’s tireless efforts in advancing initiatives related to trade and skill development, which have significantly contributed to the growth of both nations’ economies.

The farewell event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Mr. Sid Jha, General Manager of the Commonwealth Bank. Commonwealth Bank, renowned as Australia’s premier provider of integrated financial services, played a vital role in hosting this gathering that celebrated Mr. Gupta’s achievements and contributions to Australia-India relations.

As Mr. Manish Gupta embarks on his new role as India’s Ambassador to Ghana, his legacy as a passionate advocate for stronger bilateral ties between Australia and India will continue to inspire diplomats, business leaders, and the broade