Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, has concluded key meetings in New Delhi, further strengthening the already close ties between Australia and India. Thistlethwaite met with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, and the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, during a series of discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The meetings focused on strategic and community connections between the two nations. Thistlethwaite emphasised that Australia and India share a vision for a peaceful, stable Indo-Pacific region and are committed to maintaining a strong, lasting relationship. Discussions also highlighted the importance of people-to-people links, particularly in the context of skilled migration and professional development.
Central to these talks was the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). Set to launch later this year, the programme will offer 3,000 places annually to Indian university graduates and early-career professionals, providing them with opportunities to live and work in Australia for two years. The scheme targets sectors such as renewable energy, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, and financial technology, aiming to boost skill exchanges between the two countries.
Thistlethwaite’s trip builds on the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement signed in 2023. This agreement laid the groundwork for MATES and other initiatives, including the Work and Holiday Maker partnership, which offers young people from India the chance to travel and work in Australia for a year. Both programmes are set to reinforce the already robust ties between the nations, as they look to benefit from shared talent and innovation.
With Australia keen to attract skilled workers in emerging industries and India offering a growing pool of young talent, these initiatives mark a timely opportunity for collaboration. By working together, Australia and India continue to foster economic growth and community connections, reinforcing their shared goals for the region.
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