Kolkata: Australia’s Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts on Thursday said India and his nation are working more closely than ever before to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains not only prosperous but also peaceful and secure.

Addressing an event marking the formal opening of the Australian Consulate-General in the Eastern Indian city of Kolkata, he said: "The consulate here is trying to build a strong relationship between Australia and Eastern India through trade and investment, cultural and people-to-people links."

He said India and Australia are 'natural partners'.

Speaking on the Indo-Pacific region, he said, "We are working together more closely than ever before to ensure that our region remains peaceful, prosperous, and secure."

He said more Indian students are currently flying to Australia to study in the country.

"The Indian diaspora in Australia is young, energetic, dynamic, and ambitious," he said.

"The Australia-India Maitri Scholars Program will be offered to the best and brightest students of India," he said.

He said both nations are working together to realize the full potential of the economic and bilateral relationship.

West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose, who attended the event, said Australia and India could work together in the field of educational exchange programs.

He said, "A large number of Indian students are currently studying in Australian universities. I am the Chancellor of a large number of universities across West Bengal. Both India and Australia can work together in the world of educational exchange programmes."

He invited the Australian Minister to send students from his nation to study in India.

(Reporting by Supriyo Hazra)