Australia – India’s natural partner for its growth – launches new Economic Roadmap  

Australia has launched an ambitious new roadmap to strengthen trade and investment ties, recognizing the immense opportunities in India - one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Australia believes in India’s bright economic future. Our economic complementarity and strategic alignment means Australia is a natural partner for India’s growth.

The roadmap identifies four ‘superhighways of growth’: (i) clean energy, (ii) education and skills, (iii) agribusiness and (iv) tourism. And it outlines seven ‘major economic roads’ to mutual prosperity: (i) investment, (ii) tech, (iii) sports, culture and the arts, (iv) resources, (v) defence, (vi) space, and (vii) health. These are the fields in which our complementary capabilities can be most naturally leveraged.

To kickstart this ambitious plan, Australia will invest AUD 16 million in the Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund (TIAF), designed to help Australian businesses tap into India’s dynamic market.

Further reinforcing bilateral ties, an additional AUD 4 million has been put towards the Maitri Grants Program, fostering deeper business, cultural, and people-to-people connections.

Read more about the enormous opportunities ahead for the people of Australia and India here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/countries-economies-and-regions/india/new-roadmap-australias-economic-engagement-india

Media Release: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/boosting-australias-economic-ties-india

Transcript of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speech at the Launch of the Roadmap: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/launch-roadmap-australias-economic-engagement-india

(Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launches new roadmap to deepen economic ties with India)

Australia shines at the India Art Fair with state-of-the-art First Nations art and visionary talks

The Australian High Commission was proud to support the 2025 India Art Fair, which showcased the incredible talent and creativity of Australian First Nations art and offered fresh insights into global conversations about contemporary art.

Visitors at the fair were drawn to West Australian artist Darrell Sibosado’s LED art installations consisting of geometric patterns and motifs, and his carved pearl shell designs, which reflected ancient First Nations knowledge and beliefs.

Speaking on the significance of cultural institutions, Chris Saines, Director of Queensland Art Gallery| Gallery of Modern Art participated in the Art Fair’s insightful Talks programme, sharing his expertise on the ever-evolving global art scene.

Now in its 16^th edition, the India Art Fair continues to be a dynamic platform for artistic exchange, drawing over 118 exhibitors including 78 galleries and leading art institutions. The Art Fair remains a beacon for creative dialogue and cultural collaboration.

(Australian artist Darrell Sibosado at the India Art Fair)

Australian authors take centre stage at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025​ 

The very best of Australian literature was on show at the 2025 Jaipur Literature Festival.
A vibrant mix of literature, ideas and cultural exchange, the festival brings together a diverse array of writers, thinkers, leaders and audiences from around the world. Australia’s strong presence at the Jaipur Literature Festival included renowned writers – Anna Funder, James Bradley, Charlotte Wood and Matt Preston, and High Commissioner Philip Green.

They captivated the audience through their thought-provoking sessions across a wide range of topics, from literature and history to climate change and food culture. Award winning author Anna Funder engaged audiences with Wifedom, uncovering the untold stories of women who shaped history with her humorous insights. Charlotte Wood, shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, delved into the themes of solitude and resilience in Stone Yard Devotional, making a lasting impact on audiences. James Bradley brought a critical environmental perspective, discussing the urgent themes of Deep Water: The World in the Ocean alongside High Commissioner Philip Green. Matt Preston offered unique perspectives on food culture and the intersection of culinary storytelling.

High Commissioner Philip Green was also part of the book Launch and session on How India scaled Mt G20 by Amitabh Kant, reflecting on India’s successful G20 Presidency. The prominent Australian voices played a key role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and strengthening ties between Australia and India.

(High Commissioner in Jaipur for the launch of Walking through a Songline)

Strengthening ties for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Washington  

The Quad Foreign Ministers met in Washington DC on 21 January, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended. The Quad nations remain committed to cooperating to support the development and prosperity of all the peoples of the Indo-Pacific.   

 - Read the QUAD Joint Statement here 
 - Link to the QUAD Press Conference

(Quad Foreign Ministers reaffirming a Free and Open Indo-Pacific)

South Australia-India Ties in focus: High-level Business & Trade engagement  

High Commissioner Philip Green and South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs MP led an action-packed visit to Mumbai and Delhi in January 2025, engaging with influential business, government, and cultural leaders. Their discussions highlighted the immense potential for trade and investment between India and Australia, particularly South Australia, focusing on food and beverages, energy, agriculture, direct flights, and green iron for green steel. As part of the visit, Minister Szakacs also paid his respects at the Delhi War Cemetery, reflecting the enduring historical ties between Australia and India.

(Minister Joe Szakacs MP boosting South Australia-India trade ties during his visit)

An inspiring discussion with Indian para-athletes to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

On 3 December 2024, Deputy High Commissioner Nick McCaffery hosted Indian star para-athletes, Tarun Dhillon, world number 2 para-badminton single’s and gold medal winner (para badminton doubles) at the 2022 Asian Para Games along with Nidhi Mishra, Bronze Medal Winner, 2018 Asian Para Games (discus), for an enriching conversation about their professional and personal journeys, in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  Recognising sport as a vehicle to deepen Australia-India ties, the discussion also considered opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the area of parasports. The event also marked the launch of Australia’s new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy which was released by Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong, which supports an active and leading role for people with disability, by engaging with partners at all levels, including the public and private sector.

(The Deputy High Commissioner, Nick McCaffrey speaking with Indian para-athletes Tarun Dhillon and Nidhi Mishra)

All eyes on Australia at the International Film Festival of India, Goa

Australia was all the buzz as the country of focus at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2024. A strong Australian presence at the film festival included a contingent of over fifty Australian filmmakers and senior officials from Screen Australian and Ausfilm. There was standing room only at the seven Australian films which premiered at the festival, and masterclasses by legendary Australian cinematographer John Seale and veteran filmmaker Philip Noyce drew big crowds from film industry enthusiasts. Phillip Noyce was presented with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in cinema, as a tribute to his remarkable cinematic career. Meanwhile, performances at the festival by First Nations dance troupe, Jannawi Dance Clan, and the Voice Australia 2024 winner, Goan-born Australian Reuben De Melo, highlighted the deep cultural and diaspora links between Australia and India. A special panel discussion with the cast and crew of the Australia-India TV series, ‘Four Years Later’ highlighted the opportunities for co-productions and the incentives available under the Australia-India Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement. Watch this space as creative industries engagement between India and Australia continues to soar! 

(The Australian delegation at the International Film Festival of India in Goa)

Visit to Australia by India’s Minister for External Affairs 

In November 2024, India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, concluded a productive visit to Australia, marking another important step in the Australia-India partnership. The visit centred around the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong, where they reviewed the progress of bilateral ties and mapped out priorities to advance Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Dr Jaishankar also participated in ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian edition of India’s renowned Raisina Dialogue. During his visit, he inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Brisbane, met with members of the Indian diaspora, and toured Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability warehouse. In Canberra, Dr Jaishankar met with Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister the Hon Richard Marles. The Sydney leg of Dr Jaishankar’s visit included meetings with Parliamentary Friendship Groups, business leaders, foreign affairs and strategy experts, Members of Parliament, and supporters of the Australia-India relationship at the New South Wales Parliament.

(External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Australia)

Under the Stars: A Night of Australian Jazz in Delhi

The lawns of the Australian High Commission in Delhi came alive in September 2024 with the rhythmic, immersive sound of instrumental jazz as the Melbourne-based band, Surprise Chef, delighted an audience of diplomats and music lovers. Their distinct sound had guests dancing along to the vivid tunes, inviting listeners into their world inspired by 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz and hip-hop samples.  The band was visiting India to perform at the third edition of Jazz Weekender in Delhi, an international festival celebrating local and global jazz talent.  Surprise Chef’s performances in Delhi presented an opportunity to showcase Australian musical artists, and for the band to be discovered and enjoyed by new audiences in India. 

(Melbourne jazz band Surprise Chef at the Australian High Commission in Delhi)

From Jaipur to Sydney with love: celebrating Australia-India cinematic bonds with a special screening of ‘Four Years Later’

In October 2024, the High Commissioner hosted an exclusive screening of the Australian-Indian television series 'Four Years Later,' turning the High Commission’s gardens into an outdoor cinema. Guests were treated to two captivating episodes of this poignant story, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring lead actors Shahana Goswami and Akshay Ajit Singh, along with producers Ian Collie and Stephen Corvini from Easy Tiger Productions. Set against the rich cultural landscapes of Jaipur, Mumbai, and Sydney, ‘Four Years Later’ intricately captures the journey of Yash and Sridevi as they navigate the complexities of love and distance, reflecting the experiences of many Indian diaspora as they settle into a new country. The Indian community is Australia’s second-largest and fastest-growing diaspora, with over a million people — one in every 25 Australians—proudly claiming Indian heritage. The series is a genuine representation of this dynamic connection and the multicultural tapestry that defines contemporary Australia. Created by Mithila Gupta, an Indian Australian, the TV series serves as an excellent example of the flourishing creative and cultural ties between Australia and India, and the opportunities available under the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-production Agreement signed in March 2023.

(High Commissioner Philip Green with the cast and crew of ‘Four Years Later’)