'Living bridge': Indian-Australians to play ‘vital role’ as new centre seeks to boost ties

The new Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) in Parramatta is primed to serve the Indian diaspora and enhance trade relations between the two nations, according to its inaugural chairperson, Swati Dave.

Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, unveils a plaque at the opening of the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) office in Parramatta on 20 February. In attendance are Chair Swati Dave, CEO Tim Thomas and Indian High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay. Credit: Supplied by CAIR/Sarah Hodges

Key Points

• Foreign Minister Penny Wong inaugurated the Sydney headquarters for the Centre for Australia-India Relations on 20 May.
• 'Working more closely with our Indian-Australian communities – our fastest growing diaspora – means we can better respond to a diverse and evolving India,' Wong said.
• The centre aims to enhance understanding of the bilateral relationship, chairperson Swati Dave says.

Announced in 2022 by the Albanese government, the centre seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the bilateral relationship and the opportunities it offers by collaborating closely with the Australian government, businesses, academia and the community.

Additionally, the centre is also overseeing the administration of Maitri (friendship) grants, fellowships, cultural partnerships and scholarship programs.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong meeting people at the launch of the CAIR headquarters in Parramatta. Credit: Supplied by CAIR

"Working more closely with our Indian-Australian communities – our fastest growing diaspora – means we can better respond to a diverse and evolving India," Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong said, while officially launching its new office on 20 May.

Free trade agreement

Swati Dave, the first Chair of the Advisory Board to the centre, emphasised the centre's mission to raise awareness of India's economic potential among the Australian business community and to instil confidence among Indian businesses in Australia as a long-term partner.

Dave highlighted India's growth, technological advancements and skilled workforce as key factors cementing its role as an essential economic ally.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) office in Parramatta. Credit: Sarah Hodges

"A key role for us is to help Australian businesses become more aware of contemporary India so they can better understand the opportunity and make informed decisions depending on their strategy and risk appetite," she told SBS Hindi.

"Australian businesses have an opportunity to provide input to government on a range of topics including opportunities, risks and barriers for engagement with India through consultations which have just opened on the Future Roadmap for Australia’s economic engagement with India," she said.

Dave also mentioned the centre's initiative to bolster business ties through its CEO and Director Network, unveiled by the Minister for Foreign Affairs recently.

Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism also attended the launch of the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) at Commbank Arena in Parramatta. Credit: Supplied by CAIR/Sarah Hodges

"The network consists of Indian Australian business leaders enhancing the knowledge of India among their peers in the Australian business community through targeted engagements," Dave said.

The two sides are currently working towards finalising a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, following the establishment of an interim deal in December 2022.

The initiation of formal trade relations between the two nations commenced with the establishment of the Trade Office in Sydney back in 1941.

Attendees with Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) office in Parramatta. Credit: Supplied by the CAIR.

Fast forward to the present, India stands as Australia’s sixth-largest trading partner, holding the position of the fourth-largest export market and the second-largest export market for education.

Indian diaspora

Dave described the Indian-Australian communities as "vibrant" and the "living bridge" of the bilateral relationship.

"The centre will channel the networks and expertise held by professionals, scientists, artists, business people, entrepreneurs and international students – all those who can strengthen our ties," she said.

The estabilishment of the Centre for Australia-India Relations was announced by the Albanese government. Credit: Supplied by the CAIR

"Indian Australians have a vital role to play in assisting Australian businesses with the connections and know-how to navigate the opportunities and challenges that India presents."

"They are also well placed to enhance the quality of the public conversation on India and facilitate cultural exchange," she added.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) Chair Swati Dave (R), with Indian High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L). Credit: Sarah Hodges/Supplied by CAIR

The Indian community in Australia is the second fastest-growing diaspora, with the latest census showing 976,000 or 3.8 per cent of Australia’s population identify as having Indian heritage.

This includes 673,000 people, or 2.6 per cent of the population, who are Indian born.

Cultural diplomacy

The centre’s Maitri Cultural Partnerships program has been designed to build institutional links between the cultural sectors.

Dave said there is significant potential to strengthen these ties and enhance mutual appreciation.

"Supporting Indian-Australian organisations and First Nations cultural practitioners in developing innovative cultural collaborations are also important objectives," Dave elaborated.

Penny Wong with the artists from the Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Arnhem Land who are visiting India this year.

In 2022-23, the centre provided support for a collaboration between artists from the Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Arnhem Land and artisans from Tharangini Studios in Bengaluru.

Their joint effort involved adapting Bábbarra’s lino designs onto woodblocks and imprinting them onto Indian silk.

This year, the artists will showcase their work at an exhibition in the southern Indian city of Bangalore.

"The Australia India Audio-Visual Co production treaty signed by both countries last year will provide opportunities for our screen industries to collaborate more closely," she added.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations is a national platform established by the Australian Government in 2023 to support and facilitate greater collaboration and engagement with India. Credit: Sarah Hodges

Several Indian associations play a pivotal role in promoting Indian culture in Australia through the organisation of events including Diwali, Holi and other festivals across the country.

Moreover, India's cinema industry has also acted as a medium for cultural interchange among individuals, as evidenced by the growing popularity of Bollywood dance and music, she said.

Indian international students

While the centre's Maitri programs will aim to support people-to-people connections and cooperation in areas of shared interest, it will also introduce initiatives to enhance higher education.

"The inaugural Maitri Scholars program is supporting five Indian students to complete PhDs on STEM research topics. Seven Maitri Fellows will undertake research projects exploring our shared geostrategic and economic future," Dave said.

"The centre is also supporting a program of events run by CPA Australia to assist Indian international students transitioning from university to the workplace," she added.

In the 2022-23 financial year, the higher education sector received more than 273,000 visa applications, with over 71,000 originating from India.

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