Consul-General in Chennai

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Silai Zaki as Australia’s next Consul-General in Chennai.

The Australia–India relationship has never been more important. We are working together through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and as Quad partners to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The Consulate-General in Chennai plays a key role in advancing Australia's strategic, trade and investment interests in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

This part of India includes some of the fastest growing and most economically advanced cities and regions in the country, with significant opportunities for Australian businesses in education and research, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and health care.

Located on the Bay of Bengal, the Consulate-General also advances maritime cooperation as part of our enhanced engagement in the north-eastern Indian Ocean.

Ms Zaki is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently acting Assistant Secretary, Defence Strategic Policy Branch. She has previously served overseas in Spain and as an adviser to former Foreign Minister Payne.

I thank outgoing Consul-General Sarah Kirlew for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in southern India since 2021.