Australian MP Calls on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Mumbai, Sept 2025 : Tim Watts, Member of Parliament and former Foreign Minister of Australia, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. On this occasion, discussions were held on strengthening commercial ties between Australia and Maharashtra in the fields of agriculture, medical technology, and education.

The delegation led by Mr. Watts met Deputy Chief Minister Shinde at Mantralaya. Member of Parliament Milind Deora, Additional Chief Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Asim Gupta, and Principal Secretary Navin Sona were present.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that Maharashtra is making a significant contribution to India’s economic and industrial growth and that the state is focusing on expanding infrastructure. He mentioned that world-class projects like the Metro Rail, Coastal Road, and Atal Setu have been completed in the state. He also stated that a Medi-City and Edu-City are being developed in Navi Mumbai.

While welcoming Australian MP Tim Watts, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde offered him Mumbai’s iconic snack, vada pav. Interestingly, both Mr. Watts and Paul Murphy, Australia’s Consul for Western India who accompanied him, enjoyed its taste. Mr. Watts fondly recalled that he had visited Mumbai 20 years ago to watch a cricket match.