Australia is doubling down on its partnership with India, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong announcing 34 projects under this year’s Maitri Grants program. Spanning everything from clean energy to cinema, these grants aim to give shape and momentum to the growing people-to-people, academic, and industry ties between the two countries.
Maitri, which means friendship in Sanskrit, is more than a symbolic gesture here. The Centre for Australia-India Relations is putting real money behind the idea, including $850,000 for a new India Chair at the Lowy Institute, the largest individual allocation. That post will lead research into India’s growing influence across the Indo-Pacific, at a time when foreign policy watchers across the world are recalibrating their understanding of India’s global posture.
Senator Wong said the grants reflect how “Australia and India’s relationship is closer and more important than ever.” She highlighted growing cooperation across defence, trade, education, and technology, sectors where both nations have overlapping interests and shared priorities.
While geopolitics may shape the background, the projects themselves are hands-on. They include an exhibition with the Queensland Art Gallery showcasing works by 19th-century Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, whose paintings helped shape modern Indian art. In Melbourne, Bodhini Labs will run storytelling workshops focused on diaspora narratives. In Sydney and Delhi, Western Sydney University will bring together academics, policy experts, and businesses to strengthen agribusiness collaboration.
Some of the projects are designed to appeal emotionally, such as the Fremantle Biennale’s immersive light show about shared skies over the Indian Ocean, and the ABC’s Gardening Australia India Special, which will explore Indian flora, gardens, and traditions.
Others are geared towards economic and strategic outcomes. Deakin University will focus on investment-readiness in robotics, AI, and health, while Victoria University is leading AI-focused workshops on water management. Asialink Business is designing practical playbooks for Australian companies working in cleantech and agtech partnerships with India.
The full list of recipients covers almost every corner of the country:
- Queensland Art Gallery will lead a major exhibition and research exchange.
- Western Sydney University is coordinating agribusiness policy dialogue.
- Co Curious and Bodhini Labs are investing in screen talent across the diaspora.
- The University of Melbourne and Victoria University are spearheading digital transformation research.
- The Australia India Youth Dialogue will receive multi-year support.
- The High Flyers podcast will profile emerging Indian-Australian leaders.
- ABC will produce a dedicated India-themed episode of Gardening Australia.
- Fremantle, Darwin, Adelaide, and Melbourne will host artist showcases under the Shundori program.
Thirteen scholarships have also been awarded to researchers working in areas such as quantum computing and clean energy. Three fellowships will focus on biomanufacturing, digital governance, and maritime collaboration.
Entrepreneurship is another key thread. The University of Adelaide will support SME and start-up labs with partners in India. The Australia India Business and Community Alliance will run business workshops during its immersion week. Ai Group Ltd is organising a series of roadmap-themed sessions for over 400 Australian businesses looking to engage with India.
Taken together, the grants form a web of projects that connect artists, engineers, researchers, policy makers, and entrepreneurs across both countries. While each project is modest in scope, they all build the kind of familiarity that underpins strong partnerships.
Wong’s tone in announcing the grants was practical, not celebratory. The focus is on substance. These initiatives are not simply cultural exchanges, they are building blocks in a broader strategy to strengthen trust and cooperation.
The message is clear. If the future of diplomacy relies on connections between people, institutions, and ideas, then Australia wants to be part of that future with India, and it’s willing to invest to make it happen.
For the full list of the 2024 to 2025 Maitri recipients, visit the Centre for Australia-India Relations website or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For the full list of Maitri Grants recipients please see below:
- General: https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/GrantRecipients/2025
- Scholars: https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/Scholars2025
- Fellows: https://australiaindiacentre.org.au/Fellows2025
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