David Crisafulli’s visit to India this week marked the strongest statement yet from the Queensland Premier on his government’s intention to deepen ties with one of the State’s fastest-growing partners. With a focus on education, tourism, and food exports, the trip took in both institutional meetings and public-facing showcases designed to court India’s booming middle class and build long-term trust.
“India is one of our State’s most important partners—and we want to see this relationship strengthen into the future,” said Crisafulli, speaking from Mumbai, where he fronted the Study Queensland Education Showcase. Flanked by Vice Chancellors from the University of Queensland, QUT, and Griffith University, as well as delegates from all 11 of the State’s universities, the Premier pitched Queensland as an open and ambitious destination for international students.
“Queensland is open for learning and we’re keen to grow this part of our economy by sharing our skills with one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” he said. “The Indian Government’s Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan sees value in the prospect of Queensland universities and training providers growing with his country. We are up for the challenge.”
Education wasn’t the only item on the agenda. Crisafulli also launched the ‘Taste of Queensland Week’ at Food Square in Mumbai—billed as India’s largest gourmet food destination—where he proudly showcased avocados, chickpeas, honey, citrus, macadamias and ice cream from his home State. “Queensland’s avocados, chickpeas, honey, citrus, macadamias and ice cream are all here as the rest of the world discovers we have the cleanest and greenest produce on the planet,” he said. “It’s all good news for Queensland’s critical sectors because we are delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, just as we promised.”
The Premier’s remarks reflected a broader strategy linking trade, tourism, and migration. One of the more quietly important moments came with the announcement of a multi-pronged MOU between Queensland Tourism (Tourism & Events) and leading Indian travel companies Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel. Signed in the presence of Crisafulli and Queensland’s International Director of Tourism and Events, Katie Mills, the deal aims to grow Queensland’s visibility among India’s outbound tourists—one of the largest and youngest travelling populations globally.
The collaboration, according to tourism officials, will focus on year-round visitation, destination marketing, and working with Indian tour operators to bring more Indian families, students, and business travellers to cities like Brisbane, Cairns, and the Gold Coast.
Crisafulli’s visit also had a more personal touch. On the occasion of Ganeshotsav, he and his delegation visited the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. Sharing the moment on social media, Fadnavis wrote, “Jai Shri Ganesh. On this auspicious occasion of Ganeshotsav, it was an honour to welcome David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister of Veterans and his delegation at our residence ‘Varsha’ in Mumbai. With immense devotion, they took darshan of our beloved Ganpati Bappa and sought his divine blessings.”
The gesture wasn’t lost on the Indian public. Images of the Queensland Premier respectfully participating in the Ganesh aarti were widely shared, showing a rare political crossover rooted in cultural humility and diplomacy.
Back home, Crisafulli’s trip is likely to resonate across sectors. The State’s education providers have long counted on Indian students, who now make up one of the largest cohorts in Queensland’s international education market. For regional producers, the Indian market presents a long-term opportunity, especially as households seek clean, premium-grade food imports. And for the tourism industry, which is rebuilding after COVID disruptions, Indian arrivals offer both numbers and spending power.
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