Her Excellency Ms. Harinder Sidhu, the Australian High Commissioner to India inaugurates the Centre and delivers lecture on “The Importance of India – Australia Relations
Her Excellency Ms. Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to India, inaugurated the Centre for India Australia Studies at the O.P. Jindal Global University. The High Commissioner visited the university to deliver a distinguished public lecture on “The Importance of India – Australia Relations,” a forum organised by the Centre for India Australia Studies (CIAS).
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Ms. Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to India, said, “I am delighted to be here for the establishment of the Centre for India Australia Studies, it is a landmark initiative and an artefact of the rapidly deepening Australia India relationship”.
Highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Australia, the High Commissioner observed, “India now sits at the top tier of countries of importance to Australia. In 2016, the India-Australia relationship is stronger, more diverse, and more active than ever before. Our bilateral relationship has grown dramatically and has evolved to a strategic partnership since 2009.”
The High Commissioner observed that both countries are committed to a non-proliferating world and share a common goal to ensure the stability and security of our region. Further, our military, economic and people-to-people ties have been deeply strengthened over time.
In her closing remarks, H.E. Ms. Sidhu, noted that there is tremendous value-add in India in innovation, technology and services and it is in these areas that Australia’s and India’s future economic ventures will develop. Among these sectors, education, skilling and training will all lie at the forefront.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) C Raj Kumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor, JGU, said, “At a fundamental level, Australia and India are both liberal democracies which share a commitment to the rule of law, fundamental human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. As India intends to Look and Act East, and Australia focuses on deepening ties in the Asia Region, the India Australia relationship will assume increasing importance over time. The CIAS has indeed been established at an opportune moment in the history of the bilateral relationship.”
Highlighting the objective of setting up Centre for India-Australia Studies, Shaun Star, Assistant Professor and Executive Director, Centre for India-Australia Studies at Jindal Global Law School, said,
“As the strategic bilateral relationship assumes increasing importance, there is scope for numerous stakeholders to strive for a deeper and more meaningful engagement. The CIAS is focused on building stronger links between India and Australia”.
The CIAS looks forward to a deep and sustained relationship with the Australian Government, working closely with the Australian High Commission in New Delhi to help strengthen bilateral ties.