New Delhi: Nine Indians were today honoured by the Australian-Indian Council for their contribution in development and promoting ties between the two countries in various fields. Director General of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), R K Pachauri, Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi and former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee were among those awarded by the Council.

Others include O P Jain, S K Mishra, Santosh Sarin, Jamshed Irani, Jasleen Dhamija and Tarun Das. "The relationship between Australia and India is not about signing agreements, visiting politicians, and trade and business. But it s something beyond that," Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy said while felicitating the prominent persons.

The awardees were felicitated for their contribution in the fields of sports, culture, arts, trade, education and law. The Australia-India Council was established on 21 May 1992,in response to a recommendation by Australia's Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

The Council's purpose is to broaden the relationship between Australia and India by encouraging and supporting contacts and increasing levels of knowledge and understanding between the peoples and institutions of the two countries. The Council initiates or supports a range of activities designed to promote greater awareness of Australia in India and vice versa.

Source : PTI