Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, The Hon. Chris Bowen MP delivered The Australia India Institute's Annual Oration for 2025 in New Delhi earlier this week.
The Institute's Annual Oration, now in its ninth year, is delivered by prominent figures in the bilateral space, with the aim of bringing Australia and India closer, boosting trade and investment, improving social outcomes, and building relationships and networks.
Minister Bowen's oration comes at a pivotal time in the clean energy transition, following the launch of the elevated India Australia Renewable Energy Partnership by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2024 – a milestone in Australia India climate and energy cooperation.
"The India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership provides more opportunities to unlock new supply chains to support our transitions and create new prosperity for our peoples, " Minister Bowen said.
"Both Australia and India understand the need to work together on tackling the climate change challenge that confronts the world, and are ready to seize the energy transformation opportunity before us."
The event convenes policymakers, academics, industry leaders and diplomats to advance strategic dialogue, foster business opportunities and celebrate cultural exchange – strengthening both institutional and people-to-people ties between Australia and India.
Former prominent speakers include Australian Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Jacinta Allan, former Premier of New South Wales and High Commissioner to India, The Hon. Barry O'Farrell AO , former Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Peter Varghese AO and Member of Parliament from India, Dr Shashi Tharoor amongst others.
Australia India Institute CEO The Hon. Lisa Singh acknowledged the significance of Minister Bowen's Oration, at a time both India and Australia are making crucial headway in their response to the climate crisis.
"Minister Bowen's commitment to strengthening the relationship between our nations highlights the vast opportunities for Australia and India to collaborate on our shared journey towards net zero," Ms Singh said.
The Australia India Institute (AII), is the University of Melbourne's centre dedicated to promoting support for and understanding of the Australia-India relationship.
