Punjab-origin woman is next Oz envoy to India

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 11

Australia today announced the appointment of Singapore-born Harinder Sidhu as the new High Commissioner-designate to India. 

Sidhu replaces Patrick Suckling and her appointment continues the country's recent trend of having envoys in New Delhi with Indian connection, the Australian High Commission here said.

With her parents on both sides hailing from Punjab, Sidhu said she hopes to increase her fluency in speaking both Hindi and Punjabi and visit Mohali to watch India-Australia play cricket.

Sidhu said she was looking forward to her new role in a dynamic country. “India is one of the most exciting places for a diplomat to be at the moment. India’s economic prospects are bright and it is becoming a more influential and active international player,” she said.

“The Australia-India relationship has grown substantially over the past few years and I will dedicate myself to building that relationship further. 

“At personal level, I have always been fascinated by the country of my heritage and am keen to learn more about India — its language, culture and history — while I am there.

“Both sides of my family are from the Punjab — my father was born in India,” she said.

Sidhu was born in Singapore and settled in Australia with her family as a child. She speaks a little Punjabi and Hindi, but is looking forward to the opportunity to become more fluent.

The High Commissioner-designate is also eager to indulge her passion for Bollywood movies. “The first movie I remember watching as a child was ‘Brahmachari’, which starred Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she said.

One of Sidhu's first tasks in the job is likely to be hosting the Australian men's and women's cricket teams in India for the T20 next month.

“I'm looking forward to seeing both the Australians and Indians in action. I hope to get to Mohali for the match and, with luck, see them both in the final, too. May the best team win."

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced Sidhu’s appointment today.