Building Stronger Ties between India and Australia

 

Message from Mr Biren Nanda, Indian High Commissioner  to Australia on the occasion of India’s Independence Day

On August 15, 2013, I extend my greetings to Indian nationals and Personas of Indian Origin who have made Australia their home on the occasion of India’s 66th Independence Day.

India’s relations with Australia have  grown from strength to strength since  the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2009.Our bilateral trade has reached US$20 billion.

There has been a very significant growth in two-way investment. Indian companies have invested significantly in the resources sector have propelled out economic relationship to the strategic level.

Indian companies have established joint ventures in Australia in the manufacturing sector in areas like auto components, aircraft manufacture, the manufacture of tractors and refining of vegetable oils.

The supply side constraints of the Indian economy-resources, energy, education, skills and science & technology are driving our economic relationship. The Free Trade Agreement that we are now negotiating will diversify and deepen our    economic engagement.

Last year, the persons born in India were the largest segment of new immigrants in Australia. The 400,000 strong Indian community in Australia is    acting    as    a bridge between the two countries. They have the potential and the capacity to    qualitatively transform our bilateral relations in the future.

Recognising this immense reservoir of human capital, the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs of the    Government of India and the High Commission of India are organising a Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(Overseas Indian) Convention in Sydney from November 10-12,2013.

The theme of the Convention will be “Connecting for a shared Future: The Indian Diaspora, India and the Pacific’’.

The convention will be held at the Sydney convention and Exhibition Centre. It is expected that a 1000 delegates from States and Territories of Australia and    neighboring countries, including New Zealand, Fiji, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will participate.

At a function held on may 30,2013 Mr. Vayalar Ravi,Hon Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Government  of India and Hon.Barry O’Farrell, Premier of NSW, jointly made the announcement of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention via video link in New Delhi and Sydney.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD) has been  celebrated  in India on January  9th each year since 2003 to mark the contributions of the overseas  Indian community in the development of India.

Regional PBDs are organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs with the collaboration of the host Government, the Indian Mission, Prominent Overseas Indians and Organisations    catering to the needs of the Indian Diaspora.

The objective is to reach out to those members of the community who have  been unable to practice in the annual PBD in India and to provide a platform for  the Indian community in Australia and the Pacific to contribute to the relationship between countries of the region and India.

Participation in the event is expected from all States and Territories of Australia and from neighbouring countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Manila, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji and the Pacific Islands.

This convention is not only for the Indian community, but for all persons who are interested in plugging into India’s growing relationship with Australia and other Pacific countries. It is expected that more than a thousand individuals will participate in the conference. The Convention will be a unique networking opportunity for all those who participate in it.

The Confederation of Indian Industry, the Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre and the Australia India Business Council will  participate  in the Regional PBD Convention in Sydney.

The programme of the event will feature discussions on different aspects of  India’s relationship with Australia and  countries of the region including resources, energy, infrastructure ,agriculture, manufacturing, services, skills and education, languages, women in business, youth, media and culture.

Speakers at the event will include ministers and prominent dignitaries from Australia and India, prominent members of the Indian community, Australian  and Indian business, academicians and media persons.

The registration for the Convention is now open at www.pbdsydney2013.com.au.

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