I am delighted to welcome Professor Amitabh Mattoo as a Distinguished Fellow to the Institute. Professor Mattoo brings exceptional expertise to the bilateral relationship, having served as founding director of the Institute and on it’s advisory board. His invaluable insights will be salient to our work strengthening the Australia India relationship in the Indo-Pacific.
I was pleased to be part of the Australia India Education and Skills Ministerial Council, where the Institute launched our new report on innovation in education with Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jason Clare as part of their bilateral education engagement. Minister Pradhan’s visit to Australia allowed us to discuss why education is at the heart of the bilateral relationship.
I would also like to welcome our new Indian recipients of our Australia India Women Researchers’ Exchange Program and look forward to welcoming these talented women to Australia! I invite Australian researchers to apply before 18 November 2024.
I was also pleased to see the launch of the Working Holiday Maker visa program for India, as part of Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite’s visit to India. The program allows up to 1,000 eligible Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 to seek a Work and Holiday visa valid for a year and is a clear demonstration of the growing economic opportunities between Australia and India.
The Institute offers its condolences to the family and friends of Shri Ratan Tata Ji following his passing. Mr Tata oversaw the transformation of the Tata Group and was an inspiring and exemplary Indian business leader.
Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Diwali. The timeless Indian tradition of Diwali illuminates hearts and symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Best,
Lisa