As India celebrates 76 years of Independence, it is a timely reminder of how far Australia’s relationship with modern India has come. I had the opportunity to discuss this, along with Australia’s inaugural hosting of the Malabar naval exercises, with India’s High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra on our podcast channel. I also discussed the same with Australia’s new High Commissioner to India, Philip Green. High Commissioner Green has arrived in Delhi at a key point in the relationship, and ahead of the G20 Leaders Meeting that will be attended by PM Albanese for his second India visit this year. This gathering of the most powerful leaders in the world will help set the global agenda on trade, security and development, with India at the forefront of international plans in each of those areas.
The Institute is launching herein a new report on flight connectivity between Victoria and India. Titled ‘Aana Jaana’, it highlights the pent-up demand for flights into and out of Melbourne, particularly for education, family visits, and tourism. There is clearly a need for more direct flights between our two nations if we are to strengthen our people to people ties.
We bid farewell to India’s Sydney Consul General Mr Manish Gupta and his wife Nimeesha Gupta. CG Gupta will complete his tenure at the end of August. I invite you to listen to our podcast with CG Gupta that highlights the incredible rise of the Australia -India relationship during his time in Australia. I thank them both for their kindness over the past few years.
I can’t let this week go without highlighting one of Australia’s most successful sporting stars, Sam Kerr. Her sporting prowess is well-known, but what is less known is her Indian family heritage. She’s incredibly proud of her Indian ancestry and we’re incredibly proud of her and all she’s achieved so far. Go Matildas!
Best,
Lisa