NSW Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey have begun a four-day trade mission to India, with the first day focused on education, research and stronger commercial links between the state and one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
The visit included progress on Western Sydney University’s new campus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which is expected to welcome its first students in 2027, subject to regulatory requirements.
The university also announced new scholarships covering areas including women’s advancement, business, data, innovation and sustainability. A new Centre of Excellence, JalSetu, will focus on water security, digital innovation and community resilience.
Western Sydney University is among the first Australian universities to establish a campus in India. The Greater Noida campus is intended to create opportunities for Indian students to study with an Australian university closer to home, while giving Australian students and researchers opportunities to work and study in India.
The university is also planning to introduce a Master’s programme in Sustainable Water Management from 2027, subject to regulatory approval. The programme will build on existing collaboration with Indian partners through the Australia India Water Centre.
The first day of the mission included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ceremonial tree watering associated with the new Centre of Excellence.
The NSW Government is using the mission to promote opportunities for trade and investment across education, energy, critical minerals, technology and tourism. Mr Minns and Mr Mookhey are spending two days in New Delhi before travelling to Mumbai for meetings with government and business leaders.
India is a priority market under the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy. During 2024-25, goods traded between NSW and India were valued at $6.87 billion. More than 28,000 Indian students studied in NSW during 2025, while 174,000 Indian visitors travelled to the state in the year to March 2026.
Education is one of the areas where the relationship is already well established, with universities and other institutions in both countries developing partnerships in research, teaching and skills development.
The mission also highlighted community connections between NSW and India. The Premier and Treasurer visited Asha in New Delhi, where they met children, families, staff and volunteers supported by the organisation and joined in a game of gully cricket.
Among those they met was Madhu, who is due to travel to Sydney on a scholarship to undertake a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney in 2027.
Asha works across more than 100 communities in Delhi, with programmes covering healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, housing improvements and financial inclusion. Its work has links to NSW through the University of Sydney and Friends of Asha Australia.
Mr Minns said the mission was aimed at ensuring NSW businesses and workers could benefit from India’s economic growth.
“India is growing quickly and we want NSW businesses and workers to benefit from that growth. That’s why we’re here,” he said.
He pointed to the Western Sydney University campus as an example of the practical opportunities emerging from closer links between the two countries.
“Western Sydney University’s new campus is a practical example of what this relationship can deliver, taking NSW expertise into India and creating opportunities for students, researchers and businesses in both countries,” Mr Minns said.
The Premier also highlighted the Indian-born community in NSW as an existing connection between the two markets, saying its members bring family, cultural and business links that can support stronger engagement.
Mr Mookhey, who spoke about his family heritage in India, said education and multicultural communities were among NSW’s strengths in its relationship with the country.
“Today’s visit showcased two of NSW’s great strengths, our world-class education institutions and our vibrant multicultural communities, both of which help drive our relationship with India,” he said.
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President Distinguished Professor George Williams AO said the university was preparing for the opening of the Greater Noida campus while expanding its work with Indian partners.
“Ahead of next year’s opening of our Greater Noida campus, Western Sydney University is pleased to demonstrate our long-standing commitment to India and our ambition to create new opportunities for students, researchers and industry across both countries,” he said.
The university said the new scholarships are intended to support students pursuing advanced studies and careers in research, innovation and leadership.
The NSW delegation will continue its programme in New Delhi before travelling to Mumbai, where discussions are expected to focus on investment in NSW and opportunities for NSW companies seeking to expand their presence in India.
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