Victorian parliamentarians and community leaders have paid warm tributes to outgoing Indian Consul General (CG) in Melbourne Sushil Kumar, acknowledging his role in deepening engagement between Victoria and India and strengthening connections with the Indian diaspora.
The tributes were offered at a farewell event attended by state MPs, business figures and community representatives. Addressing the gathering, Victorian Upper House MP Lee Tarlamis said Victoria’s relationship with India had emerged as a strong model of international cooperation, delivering wide-ranging economic and cultural benefits. He noted that collaboration across trade, innovation, education, tourism and sport had expanded significantly in recent years.
Tarlamis highlighted Victoria’s position as home to Australia’s largest Indian diaspora, describing the community as a vital contributor to the state’s diversity and economic vitality. He said the progress achieved was the result of collective efforts, with the outgoing Consul General playing an important leadership role in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Joining the tributes, MP Nina Taylor said cooperation between Victoria and India continued to deliver outcomes that were beneficial both economically and culturally. She praised the Consul General’s practical and hands-on approach, noting his strong presence at local events and community activities, which helped build trust and deliver positive results.
MP Matt Fregon was also present at the farewell, along with business and community leaders who commended the Consul General’s inclusive leadership style and his ability to unite people across cultures and faiths.
Dr Kumar took charge as Consul General in Melbourne in July 2022. Prior to this posting, he served in Indian missions in Kuwait and Colombo and held senior responsibilities related to regional cooperation in South Asia. His career also includes service at India’s Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, along with a background in scientific research before joining the Indian Foreign Service in 2009. Fluent in several languages, he was widely regarded as approachable and strongly connected with the community.
Indian-Australian community leader Sunny Duggal described Dr Kumar’s tenure as one defined by humility, accessibility and sustained dedication to the diaspora. He said the Consulate under his leadership became a welcoming space where community members felt supported, listened to and respected.
Speakers also acknowledged the support of Dr Kumar’s wife, Mona, and their two daughters, extending best wishes to the family as they prepare to return to India. MPs and community leaders expressed confidence that the Victoria–India relationship would continue to grow, built on the strong foundations laid during Dr Kumar’s tenure in Melbourne.
