Today I announce the appointment of Mr Peter Truswell as Australia's next Consul-General in Mumbai.
India is a natural economic and strategic partner for Australia. The Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership places India at the forefront of Australia's international relationships and has generated additional momentum in our ambitious partnership.
The Consulate-General in Mumbai plays a significant role in advancing Australia's trade, commercial and investment interests in the western states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. As India's financial and commercial capital, Mumbai is a hub for Australian businesses and the centre of an important market for Australian services.
India is a significant trading partner, with two-way investment reaching $36.7 billion in 2019. The India Economic Strategy identified Maharashtra and Gujarat as among 10 priority states for expansion of Australia's trade and investment.
Mr Truswell is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Kabul. He has previously served overseas in Seoul and Geneva.
Mr Truswell holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Sydney; a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from Monash University; and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law, New South Wales.
I thank former Consul-General Mr Greg Wilcock for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Mumbai.
