Centre for Australia-India Relations to be established by the Australian government

The Australian Government will establish a new Centre for Australia-India Relations to help foster new ties and support our expanding exchange and cooperation with India, including by engaging Australia’s rich Indian diaspora community.

India is one of Australia’s most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Mutual understanding, trust and common interests between our countries underpin the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our relationship continues to strengthen, as seen in the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit today – the second since our partnership was elevated to a CSP.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

With funding of $28.1 million dollars, the Centre will focus on four key areas of work:

  • promoting policy dialogue
  • building Australian business literacy and links
  • engaging Australia’s Indian diaspora communities to support the Australia-India bilateral relationship, and
  • deepening cultural connections and understanding.

The Centre will also administer the $20.8 million Maitri (friendship) scholars, fellowship programs and cultural partnership, which I announced on 14 February.

The creation of the Centre for Australia-India Relations finds mention in the Joint Statement issued by both countries following the virtual summit between PM Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on Monday. Payne termed India as one of Australia’s most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. “Mutual understanding, trust and common interests between our countries underpin the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our relationship continues to strengthen, as seen in the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit– the second since our partnership was elevated to a CSP,” she said.

The Centre builds on the pioneering work of the Australia India Council in fostering education and cultural exchange. The new Centre, with substantially increased funding and resources, will have an expanded remit in supporting greater business and diaspora engagement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will consult broadly with government, industry and community organisations throughout the Centre’s establishment.

The Prime Minister’s announcement on March 22 of additional investments in the Australia-India bilateral relationship, including the new Centre, represents the Government’s ongoing commitment to our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India. 

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