Skand Ranjan Tayal – Former Ambassador of India
While growing up in the 1960s, Australia was familiar to my generation as a distant land with great players like Richie Benaud in cricket and Rod Laver in Tennis. In the 1970s some Indian professionals started moving to Australia in pursuit of higher studies and fell in love with its stunning natural beauty , friendly people and ample economic opportunities.
India and Australia are both members of the Commonwealth and share a democratic polity, open economy and a liberal & diverse society. On these common values , foundation of a strong political and economic relationship was laid in the 21st Century. The two countries forged a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2009 which was upgraded to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in 2020.Preparing to face emerging challenges, India and Australia are members of QUAD dialogue along with the United States and Japan. These four democracies underpin the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
The more than one million strong Indian-Australian community is growing steadily and making a significant contribution to both the academic and economic life of Australia. The ease with which the people from India have made Australia their new home is truly heartwarming. The community fully participates in the local social and political activities and is appreciated for their positive outlook and constructive contribution. It is heartening to watch Australians enjoying in the celebrations of various Indian festivals.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Australia in May 2023 led to new heights of cooperation in trade, investments and development of Green Hydrogen. In a welcome move, Australia has created a ‘Center for Australia-India Relations’ in Sydney to intensify linkages between the diaspora and India.
The India-Australia friendship is blossoming and has a very bright future. More about Skand Ranjan Tayal can be found here
