The President of the Republic of India, Mr Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Australia from 21 to 23 November.
The President will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs Savita Kovind.
“During his visit, the President will have the opportunity to engage with the Indian-Australian community, one of the largest in Australia, who make a valued contribution across all facets of Australian life,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“Our two nations have deep economic, government and people-to-people ties. We are strong democracies and share a longstanding commitment to the rule of law.
Ram Nath Kovind, center, at the airport in New Delhi, India. Kovind, 71, June 19, 2017. Source: AAP
“India is a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a strong economic contributor to Australia. In 2017, our trade relationship was worth more than $27 billion.
“Australia and India are close strategic partners and I look forward to building on our relationship as it continues to grow in strength,” the PM said.
President Kovind and Mrs Kovind will travel to Sydney and Melbourne.
Indian president Ram Nath Kovind (2-L) and first lady Savita Kovind (L) during the Hindu festival Dussehra in New Delhi, India, 19 October 2018. Source: AAP Image/EPA/STR
In Sydney, he will meet Governor General Peter Cosgrove and Prime Minister Scott Morrison and will unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta.
A special private reception has been hosted on November 21 evening where he is expected to address the Indian diaspora.
On November 22nd, the president will address the Australian Financial Business Review India Business Summit.
He will then travel to Melbourne, where he will meet Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau and address students of the University of Melbourne on Australia and India as knowledge partners.
President Kovind and his wife’s visit follows a visit by the Governor-General, His Excellency General Sir Peter Cosgrove, and Lady Cosgrove to India in March.
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