As Australia’s economic and geostrategic ties with India continue to grow, the role of Indian diaspora communities and our understanding of them equally becomes more important. Engaging our Indian diaspora, through their entrepreneurial spirit, attracting talent into leadership roles, and through arts and culture and building on our people-to-people-links enables us to better understand each other.
This important research by the Australia India Institute, through support from the Victorian government, highlights how our Indian diaspora networks are a dynamic and enterprising part of the fabric of Victorian society. They are catalysts for bridging the cultural divide and are the gateway to greater opportunities for social and economic collaboration.
The findings in this Report show that our Indian diaspora are looked upon favourably – their contribution to society, economy, and culture in Victoria held in high regard. Playing an instrumental role in helping to shape community perceptions is the Victorian Government, encouraging engagement with India, promoting Victoria to Indian visitors, attracting Indian international students, and supporting skilled migration of Indian professionals.
As the bonds between our two nations continue to deepen and as more Indian migrants call Victoria home, this landmark report into the Victorian community’s perceptions of India and our Indian diaspora could not be more timely.