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Energy security is priority area for India: Envoy

Darren Gribble

KOCHI: After a long innings as diplomat, Darren Gribble, the former Australian High Commissioner, is promoting business, arts and culture now. His career as a diplomat gave him a wide vision on international affairs. Mr. Gribble heads the Australia-India Council (AIC), a body for promotion of business, sports and arts across the world.

Analysing the changes in the political and other fields, he details some priorities, applicable to any country. The focus is not just on issues, but on solutions also. “Energy is an area where attention is required. Energy security is important. We can provide energy security.”

Kerala is in the process of starting an LNG terminal in Kochi. India is looking towards countries such as Australia for LNG supply. What could be the role of Australia?

“I am sure Australia is one of the candidates. It is a commercial arrangement (for arranging contract for LNG supply). There is terrific expansion taking place in Australia (in exploration of LNG and petroleum products).”

What about tourism? Any particular focus on Kerala ?

“You mean tourism destination? That is not our responsibility. It is the responsibility of Indian tourism to get people to visit the country. The ‘Incredible India’ tourism campaign was very successful in Australia. A lot of people from Australia are visiting Rajasthan. Probably, Kerala is the second destination.”

Mr. Gribble said Munnar in Kerala was one of the most attractive places he had ever visited. He was impressed by the vast stretches of tea plantations. “If I were to live in India, I would like to be a tea planter in Munnar.”

“It is a beautiful place. I went to the church there. The church has a list of people who lived and died there.” It was a touching experience, he recalls.

What about education?

“Universities in Australia are interested in building institutional relations. A university in Melbourne has tied up with IIT, Mumbai, for research activities. An Indian biotech company is working in Australia. Australians are very good at biotech, he said.

About wheat exports to India?

“We export wheat to India when there is a shortage here (in India)”. During his tenure as High Commissioner, wheat was exported to India on one occasion, he recalled. It was to the southern part of India. The prospects for wheat exports from Australia this year are much diminished due to drought. The harvest this year will be smaller, he says.

What about dairy products?

“We export dairy products (to other countries). But we cannot export dairy products to India. We are an exporter of cheese and milk products. But access to India is somewhat restricted.”

Mr. Darren, along with his Australia-India Council team consisting of experts in organising international sports events, including the Olympic Games, is on the lookout for opportunities for greater cooperation between Australia and other countries. One among the projects of the AIC pertains to protection of heritage. Monuments of yore could be preserved for future generations with the expertise of Australians. In fact, the AIC is looking far beyond, like helping the underprivileged, organising cultural exchanges and much more. Mr. Darren is aware of the challenges, but is confident that solutions could be found for one and all.

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