About the Centre for Australia-India Relations
The Centre for Australia-India Relations, established by the Australian Government in 2023, aims to enhance collaboration and engagement with India across various sectors including government, industry, academia, and civil society. The Centre operates to foster a deeper understanding of the opportunities arising from the Australia-India relationship.
Enhancing Bilateral Trade
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Tim Thomas, emphasizes the need for accelerated bilateral trade growth and diversification. Thomas highlights the importance of expanding trade beyond certain goods and services to ensure a more diversified trade relationship between India and Australia.
Key Focus Areas
- Investment and People-to-People Relationships: The Centre focuses on building mutual understanding and strengthening economic ties through investments and fostering relationships between Australian and Indian companies.
- Government Engagements: High-level engagements between the leadership of both countries have led to strong government-to-government relationships, with a focus on strategic cooperation in various sectors.
- Public Understanding: The Centre aims to enhance the community’s understanding of India in Australia and vice versa, utilizing the expertise of the Indian diaspora to promote greater growth in the relationship.
- Cultural Connections: The Centre seeks to expand connections in creative industries and sports to further enhance cultural ties between Australia and India.
Future Outlook
In the next year, the Centre envisions greater investment in key sectors such as tourism, premium foods, critical minerals, energy transition, renewables, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture. Efforts are underway to prioritize these sectors through the future roadmap of economic engagement between Australia and India.
The Centre also aims to facilitate the conclusion of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement within the next 12 months to boost investment-led economic engagement and expand relationships in critical minerals and education.