As 2024 comes to a close it is a privilege to reflect on a year of significant milestones in the Australia-India relationship. Five inbound and two outbound ministerial visits, the Victorian Premier’s first ever visit to India, and growing utilisation of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) have deepened our bilateral ties. During the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in November in Rio, leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership, a significant milestone in our cooperation.
This year has been a pivotal year for the Centre for Australia India Relations. The Foreign Minister approved our Strategic Plan 2023-26 in January 2024. We launched our headquarters in Parramatta and a satellite office in Barangaroo. Our engagement with the States and Territories has strengthened partnerships across the breadth of the bilateral relationship.
A major achievement of the year was standing up our CEO and Director Network and holding successful high-level engagements that build the confidence and cultural competence of business by leveraging the know-how of Indian Australian leaders. I look forward to welcoming new members to join this distinguished group in 2025.
The Centre’s Maitri Grants Program scaled up this year, funding impactful projects that enhance people-to-people connections and catalyse new economic opportunities. Our inaugural grant recipients are showcasing the best of what our two countries can achieve together.
In 2024, we have focused on bold and ambitious initiatives to move the dial in the Australia-India relationship in 2025. The ongoing Summer of Cricket program has highlighted the impact of sports diplomacy, engaging Australians, and Indians from a broad range of sectors and in the community to seek new ways to collaborate. The launch of our first CAIR.pod has provided a model for driving innovative new partnerships bringing together research, industry, and academic experts. Our support for high-profile cultural events, such as AR Rahman’s visit to Sydney, the last ever MONA FOMA festival in Hobart and South by South-West in Sydney, opened new possibilities for cultural collaboration.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the Centre’s team, our board, our Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade colleagues, the CEO and Director Network members and to our excellent Maitri grant recipients for their dedication to this consequential bilateral relationship.
May I wish you all a peaceful and refreshing end-of-year break. I look forward to working with you all again in 2025.
Festive greetings,
Tim Thomas
CEO, Centre for Australia-India Relations