Ensuring stability and prosperity in our Indo-Pacific region couldn’t be more important given the current conflicts unfolding in the Middle-East to an unknown future. It was therefore timely the Institute held a 1.5 track Australia, India and Indonesia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra this week to explore trilateral cooperation on maritime security.
As part of the Institute’s Security and Geopolitics program, I’m delighted to welcome Grace Corcoran as our new Senior Projects and Policy Manager. Grace’s knowledge, skills and energy will be a welcomed addition to the Institute. At the same time we farewell Fran Jago, Executive Officer (Leadership Support) whose hard work and dedication has enabled the Institute’s programs to run so well. We wish her well at the University of Oxford!
The Air India tragedy has shocked and saddened so many across the world, particularly our Indian diaspora, who like me, often fly Air India. Our thoughts are with those lives lost and the families and friends at this difficult time.
As part of the Institute’s partnership with the Victorian Government, I was delighted to launch a snapshot of our upcoming research into building high performance sport between Australia and India with sports administrators Abhinav Sharma and Tathagata Mukherjee at the University of Melbourne’s Global Centre – Delhi.
On that note, congratulations to the new Indian cricket captain, Shubman Gill who was named as the new captain for the Test side. And, for those who follow chess, congratulations to the Indian Chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju who, at the age of 19, continues to rise as one of the most formidable chess players of our time.
Finally, the recent international Yoga Day activities, with its message of peace and unity, couldn’t be more timely. It was wonderful to see so many Australians take part.
With peace and light,
Lisa