It was quite a significant moment in the Australia India relationship to have Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh’s visit Australia, the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister in 13 years. We were delighted to hosted the Australia-India Defence Conclave, in Canberra, alongside his visit. The Conclave was a one-day closed-door program designed to turn political intent into practical steps for deeper defence collaboration. It built on the Institute’s capstone report, Building a Resilient Australia-India Defence Relationship and will provide a clear framework for stronger defence ties under the Institute’s Defence Program.
Australia and India are continuing to make significant headway in the clean energy transition, building on the momentum of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP). It was therefore timely that this year’s Annual Oration was delivered in New Delhi by the Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP. Minister Bowen’s Oration highlighted the significant opportunities available for Australia and India to leverage our complementary strengths to build renewable energy supply chains and bolster our bilateral relationship. Thank you to the Australian High Commission and the Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi for their support in delivering the Oration.
It was wonderful to spend the beginning of the Diwali festival of lights season in India and share sweets and moments with friends. This is also an important fixture on Australia’s multicultural calendar and I wish everyone peace, light and happiness this Diwali.
This month we temporarily farewelled Senior Research and Policy Officer, Ms Parul Nadar, who is beginning her maternity leave. We wish Parul and her family well as she begins this new exciting chapter of her journey.
Finally, Australia and India are set to take centre stage during the upcoming summer of cricket. The recent ODI matches were sensational to watch and witness including the last games to be played by Kohli and Rohit in Australia last Saturday at the SCG. The Institute is thrilled to be hosting the Victoria India Sports Innovation Industry Roundtable, in partnership with Global Victoria and Sports Tech World Series (STWS), this week. And of course looking forward to the T20 between Australia and India at the MCG on Friday night!
Best
Lisa