Education's critical role in the Australia-India relationship took centre stage at a high-level forum hosted at the University of Melbourne's Global Centre in Delhi, India, yesterday.
The event was led by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and brought together 50 education and government leaders from both countries to mark the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This partnership has deepened collaboration in education, research and innovation.
Those at the forum included senior officials and academic leaders from Amity University, Shoolini University, OP Jindal Global University and Ashoka University, alongside those from the Australian High Commission and the University of Melbourne's Asia-focused institutes.
The forum also served as a celebration of the University of Melbourne's expanding presence in India. The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi, opened in September 2024, is a symbol of the University's long-standing commitment to India's education and innovation ecosystems.
Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Director of the University of Melbourne Global Centre – Delhi, said: "For more than 16 years, we have cultivated partnerships that drive innovation and empower students, researchers, and institutions.
"Collaborating closely with our Indian counterparts, we are building capacity and nurturing the next generation of leaders equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow."
Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities, applauded the collaboration: "The Australia-India education partnership is a shining example of how academic collaboration can drive innovation and societal progress.
"Through initiatives like joint research, student mobility, and institutional linkages, we are strengthening our higher education systems and fostering a generation of global citizenship".
The CSP, established in 2020, has facilitated more than 450 research collaborations between Australian and Indian institutions, with joint funding exceeding AUD $100 million.
The University of Melbourne's Australia India Institute has played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral research cooperation. Since 2021, the Institute has delivered numerous initiatives under the CSP, including the Australia India Research Cooperation Hub (ARCH-India), the Australia India Research Students (AIRS) Fellowships, and the Australia-India 'Unnati' Research Collaboration Grants.
