How has the relationship between India and Australia advanced in recent years?

Our relations have never been better. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we’ve taken dramatic steps forward. Three drivers define this progress:

• A shared vision for a stable, prosperous and free Indo-Pacific
• Strong economic complementarity — Australia produces what India needs to grow, from energy and minerals to skills and training
• A powerful people-to-people bond, with more than a million people of Indian origin calling Australia home

What are the priority areas of cooperation for the coming years?

We are upgrading our defence and security cooperation and finalising a new maritime security roadmap. On trade, we are actively advancing the second phase of our free trade agreement, CECA. We also see major opportunities in education, technology partnerships and critical minerals.

How is Australia supporting India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific?

We are working together to strengthen development assistance in the Pacific Islands, enhance maritime domain awareness between our navies and border authorities, and reinforce regional institutions like ASEAN and IORA. Our commitment is to a peaceful, secure and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

What future collaboration do you foresee in technology, critical minerals and energy?

In renewable energy, we are helping India build the workforce required for Prime Minister Modi’s mission of 10 million rooftop solar installations — including through a training academy in Gandhinagar. In technology, the goal is to pair Australian innovation with India’s global scale. On minerals such as lithium and cobalt, our objective is a direct, resilient supply chain with processing in India.

Are new scholarships or academic partnerships being developed for Indian students?

Yes. Beyond existing university scholarships, the Australian government now offers around 15 scholarships for PhD students from India, especially in STEM fields. This will broaden high-end research collaboration.

What measures are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Indian students in Australia?

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world, and we take student safety extremely seriously. We are a strong multicultural society where all visitors should feel welcome. While a small number protest immigration policies, the government is firmly committed to sustainable migration and celebrating diversity.