Fed: Career diplomat appointed High Commissioner to India

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2004
Fed: Career diplomat appointed High Commissioner to India

CANBERRA, Aug 9 AAP - Career diplomat John McCarthy has been appointed Australian High
Commissioner to India, Australia's ninth largest export market.

Mr McCarthy, the current ambassador to Japan, will take up his new post in December.

He has also served as ambassador in Jakarta, Washington, Bangkok, Mexico and Hanoi
and was deputy secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra in
1994-95.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australian relations with India had grown strongly
in recent years as India's political, strategic and economic weight increased in the Asia-Pacific
region and globally.

"Australia is the third most-preferred destination for Indians studying aboard and
is increasingly popular with Indian tourists," Mr Downer said in a statement.

"Australian investment in India is substantial; we are the country's eighth-largest
foreign investor. Indian investment in Australia is also becoming significant."

Mr McCarthy replaces Penny Wensley, who has been High Commissioner since November 2001.

AAP mfh/sco

KEYWORD: INDIA AUST

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