In an exclusive roundtable discussion with Indian media experts and journalists, Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, shared insights into the multifaceted relationship between Australia and India. The conversation spanned trade, security, education, sports, immigration, and global conflicts, offering a comprehensive view of Australia’s engagement with one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Trade Relations and Economic Partnership
High Commissioner Green highlighted Australia’s unwavering commitment to free trade, noting that “tariffs are a tax on consumers, and they cause inflation and they reduce growth.” He praised the success of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), stating, “Australian tariffs for all Indian goods entering Australia will be zero from next year.”
The impact on Indian exports has been significant. Green pointed out that “over the last five years, India’s exports to the world have grown by 35%. That sounds pretty good, but Indian exports to Australia 66%. So exports to Australia are growing at nearly twice the rate of Indian exports to the world.” He further described the complementarities between the two economies, explaining, “what Australia has is all the things that India needs for its next phase of growth: high-quality energy, minerals, including critical minerals and skills, Australian universities setting up here in India, and also the vocational skills supply chain.”
Security Cooperation and the Quad
Green described the Quad as transformational for bilateral ties, saying, “The quad is a game changer for Australia and India, we have always been friends, but now Australia and India are strategically aligned.” He highlighted recent engagements: “We’ve already had two big court meetings this year, January and July, our foreign ministers met in the quad. And the expectation is that we will have a leaders meeting here in Delhi later in the year.”
On concerns regarding U.S. policy under former President Trump, Green projected confidence in Australia’s reliability, stating, “In a world which is becoming more unpredictable, Australia is a face of stability and will be an earnest friend of India going forward.” Regarding AUKUS, he acknowledged Trump’s scrutiny but affirmed, “the arrangement stands well, and I think it will stand the test of scrutiny.”
Sports Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange
Green expressed enthusiasm about expanding sports cooperation beyond cricket. “Australia will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2032, and India has its hand up for Olympic Games. India has its hand up for a Commonwealth Games,” he noted, offering Australia as a partner to support India’s capabilities in major sporting events. He also highlighted Australia’s expertise in stadium design and sports precincts. On cultural ties, Green mentioned Australia’s coffee culture, noting that “the flat white [was] invented in Melbourne and now known throughout the world as a delightful way to drink coffee and milk.”
Immigration and Community Relations
Acknowledging the growing Indian diaspora, Green stated, “Indian migrants are the fastest growing migrant group in Australia. Indian languages are the fastest growing language group in Australia, a million people of Indian origin may live in Australia.” On hate crimes, he was firm: “Violence and intolerance in our society cannot be accepted, and our government has been quick to condemn the recent incidents.”
Global Conflicts and Education
Green expressed concern over global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising Australia’s support for Ukraine and advocating for a two-state solution in the Middle East. On education, he highlighted Australian universities establishing campuses in India, providing innovative programs such as “2 years in India, 2 years in Melbourne, you come out with a degree from both countries.”
Strategic Outlook
Throughout the discussion, Green positioned Australia as a predictable and long-term partner for India, spanning trade, security, sports, education, and culture. His message was clear: in an uncertain world, Australia aims to be a stable, reliable, and committed friend to India.
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