Untamed Conversations: High Commissioner Philip Green’s thought-provoking discussion with Sandhya Mridul

High Commissioner Philip Green sat down for a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed actor and debut author, Sandhya Mridul on 2 May 2025. The discussion offered insights into the evolving role of women in Bollywood and the deeply personal themes explored in her new book, Untamed. In her first collection of poems, Mridul draws from her own journey through grief and loss to explore themes of healing, self-discovery and emotional resilience. Her powerful voice, both on and off screen, reflects both the challenges and the growing space for women in India’s creative industries.

(High Commissioner Philip Green in conversation with Sandhya Mridul)

Honouring the Spirit of Service: ANZAC Day Commemorated in Delhi

On 25 April 2025, The Australian and New Zealand High Commissions marked ANZAC Day with a moving dawn service at the Delhi War Cemetery, honouring the courage and sacrifice of all those who served. Each year, Australia and New Zealand commemorate the 1915 Gallipoli landings - where ANZAC, Indian, Canadian, British and French soldiers fought side by side. More than 1.5 million Australians have served in defence of our nation, and we remember the over 103,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the enduring legacy of service, courage, and mateship that binds our nations.

(Deputy High Commissioner Nick McCaffrey at the Delhi War Cemetery's dawn service)

Australia and India: Forging Future-Ready Skills Together 

In April, the Australia India Skills Summit 2025 showcased Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) excellence. Held across New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, the summit featured 13 leading Australian institutions - including universities, TAFEs and registered training organisations. Led by Austrade, the summit explored skilling partnerships in India through a series of policy briefings, roundtables, business sessions, and networking events with Indian institutions, government and industry. The program strengthened bilateral collaboration in the skills sector, deepening market understanding for Australian educators while aligning with India’s skilling priorities. The Summit reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce in partnership with India.

(Australian respresentation at the Australia India Skills Summit 2025)

A Culinary Celebration of Australia’s Agrifood Excellence

On 7 March 2025,  the High Commissioner hosted the annual Taste the Wonders of Australia gala dinner, celebrating Australia’s premium agrifood offerings. Business leaders, government officials, media and culinary influencers enjoyed a curated menu featuring Australian lamb, seafood, fresh produce and wines. The event highlighted how reduced tariffs under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement are creating new opportunities for Australian exports. In a warm and elegant setting, the evening fostered connections and demonstrated Australia’s growing presence in India’s dynamic agrifood market. 

(The annual Taste the Wonders of Australia gala dinner event at the High Commission)

Australia – India’s natural partner for its growth – launches new Economic Roadmap  

Australia has launched an ambitious new roadmap to strengthen trade and investment ties, recognizing the immense opportunities in India - one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Australia believes in India’s bright economic future. Our economic complementarity and strategic alignment means Australia is a natural partner for India’s growth.

The roadmap identifies four ‘superhighways of growth’: (i) clean energy, (ii) education and skills, (iii) agribusiness and (iv) tourism. And it outlines seven ‘major economic roads’ to mutual prosperity: (i) investment, (ii) tech, (iii) sports, culture and the arts, (iv) resources, (v) defence, (vi) space, and (vii) health. These are the fields in which our complementary capabilities can be most naturally leveraged.

To kickstart this ambitious plan, Australia will invest AUD 16 million in the Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund (TIAF), designed to help Australian businesses tap into India’s dynamic market.

Further reinforcing bilateral ties, an additional AUD 4 million has been put towards the Maitri Grants Program, fostering deeper business, cultural, and people-to-people connections.

Read more about the enormous opportunities ahead for the people of Australia and India here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/countries-economies-and-regions/india/new-roadmap-australias-economic-engagement-india

Media Release: https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/boosting-australias-economic-ties-india

Transcript of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speech at the Launch of the Roadmap: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/launch-roadmap-australias-economic-engagement-india

(Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launches new roadmap to deepen economic ties with India)