New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) John McCarthy, Australia's former high commissioner to India, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australia-India Council (AIC).

McCarthy, who has been a diplomat for 40 years, has been posted as ambassador to the US, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. He is currently Australia's Special Representative to Sri Lanka.

'He brings a wealth of experience to his role as chair of the council having served with distinction as Australia's High Commissioner to India for five years from 2004 to 2009,' said a statement from the Australian High Commission.

'The Australia-India people-to-people links are increasing, along with an elevated bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. The AIC ensures that the relationship extends into diverse fields such as culture, economics, science, public health and sport.'

The AIC was established in 1992 to broaden and deepen Australia-India relations through contacts and exchanges in a range of fields that promote mutual awareness and understanding.