From AHC Desk

An inspiring discussion with Indian para-athletes to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities 

On 3 December 2024, Deputy High Commissioner Nick McCaffery hosted Indian star para-athletes, Tarun Dhillon, world number 2 para-badminton single’s and gold medal winner (para badminton doubles) at the 2022 Asian Para Games along with Nidhi Mishra, Bronze Medal Winner, 2018 Asian Para Games (discus), for an enriching conversation about their professional and personal journeys, in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  Recognising sport as a vehicle to deepen Australia-India ties, the discussion also considered opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the area of parasports. The event also marked the launch of Australia’s new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy which was released by Australian Foreign Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong, which supports an active and leading role for people with disability, by engaging with partners at all levels, including the public and private sector.

(The Deputy High Commissioner, Nick McCaffrey speaking with Indian para-athletes Tarun Dhillon and Nidhi Mishra)

All eyes on Australia at the International Film Festival of India, Goa

Australia was all the buzz as the country of focus at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2024. A strong Australian presence at the film festival included a contingent of over fifty Australian filmmakers and senior officials from Screen Australian and Ausfilm. There was standing room only at the seven Australian films which premiered at the festival, and masterclasses by legendary Australian cinematographer John Seale and veteran filmmaker Philip Noyce drew big crowds from film industry enthusiasts. Phillip Noyce was presented with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in cinema, as a tribute to his remarkable cinematic career. Meanwhile, performances at the festival by First Nations dance troupe, Jannawi Dance Clan, and the Voice Australia 2024 winner, Goan-born Australian Reuben De Melo, highlighted the deep cultural and diaspora links between Australia and India. A special panel discussion with the cast and crew of the Australia-India TV series, ‘Four Years Later’ highlighted the opportunities for co-productions and the incentives available under the Australia-India Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement. Watch this space as creative industries engagement between India and Australia continues to soar! 

(The Australian delegation at the International Film Festival of India in Goa)

Visit to Australia by India’s Minister for External Affairs 

In November 2024, India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, concluded a productive visit to Australia, marking another important step in the Australia-India partnership. The visit centred around the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator the Hon Penny Wong, where they reviewed the progress of bilateral ties and mapped out priorities to advance Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Dr Jaishankar also participated in ‘Raisina Down Under’, the Australian edition of India’s renowned Raisina Dialogue. During his visit, he inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Brisbane, met with members of the Indian diaspora, and toured Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability warehouse. In Canberra, Dr Jaishankar met with Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister the Hon Richard Marles. The Sydney leg of Dr Jaishankar’s visit included meetings with Parliamentary Friendship Groups, business leaders, foreign affairs and strategy experts, Members of Parliament, and supporters of the Australia-India relationship at the New South Wales Parliament.

(External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Australia)

Under the Stars: A Night of Australian Jazz in Delhi

The lawns of the Australian High Commission in Delhi came alive in September 2024 with the rhythmic, immersive sound of instrumental jazz as the Melbourne-based band, Surprise Chef, delighted an audience of diplomats and music lovers. Their distinct sound had guests dancing along to the vivid tunes, inviting listeners into their world inspired by 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz and hip-hop samples.  The band was visiting India to perform at the third edition of Jazz Weekender in Delhi, an international festival celebrating local and global jazz talent.  Surprise Chef’s performances in Delhi presented an opportunity to showcase Australian musical artists, and for the band to be discovered and enjoyed by new audiences in India. 

(Melbourne jazz band Surprise Chef at the Australian High Commission in Delhi)

From Jaipur to Sydney with love: celebrating Australia-India cinematic bonds with a special screening of ‘Four Years Later’

In October 2024, the High Commissioner hosted an exclusive screening of the Australian-Indian television series 'Four Years Later,' turning the High Commission’s gardens into an outdoor cinema. Guests were treated to two captivating episodes of this poignant story, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring lead actors Shahana Goswami and Akshay Ajit Singh, along with producers Ian Collie and Stephen Corvini from Easy Tiger Productions. Set against the rich cultural landscapes of Jaipur, Mumbai, and Sydney, ‘Four Years Later’ intricately captures the journey of Yash and Sridevi as they navigate the complexities of love and distance, reflecting the experiences of many Indian diaspora as they settle into a new country. The Indian community is Australia’s second-largest and fastest-growing diaspora, with over a million people — one in every 25 Australians—proudly claiming Indian heritage. The series is a genuine representation of this dynamic connection and the multicultural tapestry that defines contemporary Australia. Created by Mithila Gupta, an Indian Australian, the TV series serves as an excellent example of the flourishing creative and cultural ties between Australia and India, and the opportunities available under the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-production Agreement signed in March 2023.

(High Commissioner Philip Green with the cast and crew of ‘Four Years Later’)

Australia and India bound together powerfully by cricket

High Commissioner Philip Green joined former MoS for External Affairs and Culture Ms Meenakshi Lekhi to launch a project with Indian Blind Cricket Team & The Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to train visually impaired women and girls under Australia's development program.

(Boosting inclusion in sports, High Commissioner Philip Green participated at the Samarthanam event)

Boosting Australian-Indian commercial space partnerships

The Indian space industry has taken off! Australia is a committed partner - and ready to share our dark skies, tracking assets & deep science capabilities for mutual benefit. Australia will also be funding specific partnerships to the tune of Rs 100 crore over next three years. This week, High Commissioner Philip Green was present at the signing of a historic Launch Service Agreement between Australia's Space Machines Co & India's NSIL India. This Space MAIT-RI Mission represents a defining moment in our space cooperation - the first time an Australian firm has commissioned an Indian-made SSLV- launch to commence from 2026.

(Elevating Space Partnerships, High Commissioner Philip Green witnessed the agreement signing between Space Machines Co & NSIL India)

High Commissioner at the 'Summer of Cricket'

With just months away from the greatest cricket competition - Australia v India, High Commissioner Philip Green joined Australian Consul General in Chennai Silai Zaki and the Centre for Australia India Relations CEO Tim Thomas for a curtain-raiser on the upcoming ‘Summer of Cricket' in Australia. Leaders from across industry & government joined cricket greats in a celebration of long-running Australia India cricket ties. 

(A curtain raiser for Cricket Diplomacy, High Commissioner Phlip Green joined leaders from across industries and government at the Summer of Cricket event in Chennai)

Australian Cricketer Brett Lee champions Aussie Avocados into Indian Market

Acting High Commissioner Nick McCaffery joined Australian legendary cricketer Brett Lee & Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas to announce the entry of Australian avocados into the Indian market! A promising partnership between Australia and India that opens new avenue for Indian consumers to enjoy the exceptional taste & nutritional benefits of Australian avocado. 

(Australian cricketing legend Brett Lee at the Australia-India Avocado launch presenting a taste of Australia in India)

High Commissioner Philip Green address National Defence College

India is an indispensable defence and security partner for Australia. High Commissioner Philip Green outlined his ambitions for the Australia-India defence partnership in his address at the National Defence College recently.

(Strenthening Defence ties, High Commissioner Philip Green was the keynote speaker at the National Defence College)

High Commission announces support to Rajasthan Royals CSR arm to improve women's access to water 

A Halla Bol moment! High Commissioner Green announced a partnership with the Royal Rajasthan Foundation, the social equity arm of Rajasthan Royals, to enhance women's access to water in the Sambhar region of Rajasthan. The initiative aims at empowering women farmers on water-secure, energy-efficient & sustainable farming practices. The Rajasthan Royals team also took time out to view the Australian Indigenous art on the walls of our High Commission compound.

(Empowering women farmers, High Commissioner Philip Green announced the Royal Rajasthan Foundation - AHC partnership)

ANZAC Day commemoration in Delhi 

A moving & solemn ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Delhi's War Cemetery this year. In his ANZAC Day address, High Commissioner Green dwelt particularly on the role of troops from the Indian Subcontinent at Gallipoli and in WWI more generally. Link to his remarks: High Commissioner Philip Green's ANZAC Day Speech

(High Commissioner Philip Green honouring ANZAC sacrifices at the Delhi War Cemetery)

High Commission partners with Khushii NGO to deliver a mental health project 

Alongside the legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev and DFAT colleague Jamie Isbister, High Commissioner Green announced a partnership with a local Indian NGO Khushii that works with the vulnerable and less privileged children and communities. The project will train and sensitise school teachers on mental health equipping them to integrate the learnings in their teaching methodologies.

(High Commissioner Philip Green announcing a mental health project with Khushii NGO, promoting awareness)

Boosting Australian-Indian commercial space partnerships 

The Australian Government announced funding for three collaborative projects that will strengthen the space economy and boost the commercial space partnership for Australia and India. These projects will receive a total of A$18 million (INR 98 crore) as part of the International Space Investment India Projects program. Each project will include a number of Australian and Indian partners, who will help address climate change, boost manufacturing, and advance artificial intelligence, among other objectives.

(International Space Investment Initiative India)

Rivals in Cricket but unified at the second Australia-India 2+2 Dialogue 

A day after an exciting World Cup final match between both countries, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister The Hon Richard Marles MP and Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong joined their counterparts,  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Dr S Jaishankar for the second Australia-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.

Joint Statement: Second Australia-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Singh held bilateral talks and signed multiple defence agreements.  During this visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles also engaged in a game of gully cricket with young players. The videos of him enjoying Delhi's famous street food and making UPI payment went viral on social media platforms. Earlier in Ahmedabad, the Deputy Prime Minister watched the Cricket World Cup final alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister Wong and Minister Jaishankar held their 14th Foreign Ministerial Framework Dialogue, taking stock of cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and other issues of mutual interest. Joint press conference with External Affairs Minister of India

Minister Wong also addressed a gathering at Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College, spoke at a showcase of Australian First Nations Art that will be exhibited across India in coming months and announced a broadcast deal between Disney Star and Cricket Australia.

Observer Research Foundation: A conversation with the Foreign Minister

Inaugural Maitri Fellowships program 

As part of their visits, both Ministers also met India's National Security Advisor and laid wreaths at National War Memorial in Delhi.

(L-R: Australia's Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister The Hon Richard Marles MP, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar)

Australia’s New High Commissioner to India

High Commissioner Philip Green presented his credentials as Australia's 22nd High Commissioner to the President of India, Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji. He opened his conversation with Her Excellency with a greeting in one of Australia’s Indigenous languages - underlining his and Australian Government's respect for First Nations people, in Australia and around the world.

High Commissioner Philip Green OAM presenting his credentials to H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji

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