The CIAS engages with stakeholders from Australia and India to promote deeper ties and meaningful collaborations in the India Australia relationship. In essence, the six pillars on which CIAS rests its objectives are:

Awareness:
The CIAS aims to increase awareness and discussion about the importance of the India-Australia relationship through public lectures, roundtables, publications and by encouraging Australians and Indians to engage in the growing India-Australia discourse.
To date, notable Australian leaders in the field of Government, Academia, Sports, Business and public policy have addressed students and faculty in India as a result of public lectures and conferences run by the CIAS.

Student Mobility and Collaborative Initiatives:
The CIAS empowers, engages and educates students and young leaders in Australia and India through student mobility programs, internships, short courses, seminars and lectures.
The CIAS’ flagship programs, such as the India Immersion Programme and the international internship program, create opportunities for young Indians to experience Australia and young Australians to immerse themselves in the Indian culture during short-courses in India.

Policy Dialogue:
The CIAS is engaging with Government and policy-makers to stimulate and shape discussion and debate on issues critical to the bilateral relationship. The CIAS hosts joint conferences, roundtables and dialogues with Australian institutions and Government departments. The CIAS also drafts submissions for important Government whitepapers on the India-Australia relationship.

Research:
The CIAS is increasing academic collaboration and research between Australia and India through academic exchanges, facilitation of research collaboration and the publication of multi-disciplinary and comparative research across different facets of India, Australia and the bilateral relationship.

Training and Capacity Building
The CIAS aims to facilitate a range of training and skill development programs between Australian and Indian institutions.

Business Engagement and Innovation:
The CIAS is working closely with Indian and Australian businesses looking for opportunities to enter or grow their commercial interests in the context of the growing economic relationship. Partners of the CIAS also host Indian students for internships and work with Indian faculty on research collaboration.