The Albanese Government has unveiled the new Centre for Australia-India Relations headquarters in Parramatta, Sydney—a pivotal move in fortifying Australia’s bonds with India.
This new hub will serve as a central point for government, business, academia, the cultural sector, and Indian-Australian communities to foster new partnership opportunities. Supported by both the Australian and New South Wales Governments, the Centre will play a pivotal role in bilateral relations.
Yesterday’s launch ceremony also revealed the recipients of the Centre’s inaugural Maitri Scholars and Fellowships programs.
Five Maitri Scholars from India will pursue PhDs in STEM fields, including advanced manufacturing and clean energy solutions. In addition, seven Maitri Fellows will undertake research projects focused on the shared geostrategic and economic future, exploring areas like maritime security, climate change response, secure supply chains, and closer regional cooperation.
With India on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by the end of the decade, the Australian Government is commencing consultations on a future Australia-India economic roadmap.
Building on the landmark 2018 India Economic Strategy by Peter Varghese, this roadmap aims to harness untapped potential in key sectors and accelerate the bilateral relationship. Concurrently, Australia continues negotiations for a new free trade agreement with India to enhance market access in agriculture and manufacturing, a joint media release issued by Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Wong and Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, said.
These efforts are bolstered by an additional $14.3 million in funding from last week’s budget to expand the Australia India Business Exchange. Austrade will spearhead new business missions to India across various sectors, including agrifood, education, technology, and critical minerals. The expanded program also includes pilot business missions to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to boost trade across South Asia.
Recognising the expertise of Indian-Australian communities, the government also announced the Centre’s CEO and Director Network. This group of Indian-Australian corporate leaders will work to enhance knowledge of India among their peers in the Australian business community, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.
“One in every 25 Australians claims Indian heritage—our fastest-growing and second-largest diaspora community.The Centre for Australia-India Relations has a special role in celebrating and harnessing the talents in the community,” Senator Wong said.
“The Albanese Labor Government will commence consultations on a Future Roadmap for Australia’s economic engagement with India, building on the 2018 India Economic Strategy,” Senator Farrell said.
In July this year, Austrade will lead the first business mission to New Delhi and Mumbai in partnership with Invest NSW, with a focus on renewable energy storage and hydrogen.
“We must be willing to focus our efforts, priorities, and approach to engagement with India to best position us for the decades ahead,” he added.
Recipients of 2023-2024 Maitri Scholars
Recipents of 2023-2024 Maitri Fellows
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