Lisa and High Commissioner Singh reflect on the significance of India's freedom struggle and its journey since Independence, explore High Commissioner Singh’s arrival in Canberra, the growth of Australia–India relations and the future opportunities for India, its people and the Australia–India partnership.

The movement saw tens of thousands of Indian youth take to the streets to protest the handling of NEET (medical entry) examination papers, culminating in the resignation of India's Education Minister and the announcement of a government led taskforce to reform the exam system.

They unpack what this means for India’s youth and their future.

The pair unpack the opportunities in the bilateral relationship, six years into the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the role of the Indian diaspora for Australia India ties. They also discuss a new parliamentary report following an inquiry on Asia Capability that Tim Watts chaired, exploring how the pipeline in Asia literacy can be addressed. 

Drawing on her experience as a second-generation migrant, Kishwar shares stories of cooking Bengali dishes combined with local produce and methods. Her personal approach to Bengali cuisine has resonated with audiences around the world, as well as through her work as an advocate for food security, elevating Bengali identities globally.

Meaning ‘hope’ in Hindi, Asha has helped more than a million people living in slum communities in Delhi through its healthcare services, education and community development programmes since Dr Kiran Martin began working in communities in 1988.

Today, Asha’s education program has helped more than 5000 students receive a university degree – both in India and abroad. Through partnerships with higher education institutions in Australia, Asha is helping students become leaders and changemakers amongst their communities.

In this In Conversation with CEO Lisa Singh, Dr Martin reflected on her work with Delhi’s most vulnerable communities, and how long‑term, cross‑cultural education partnerships are reshaping lives.

Artists Matt Keegan, Raju Das Baul, Gaurab Chatterjee, Deo Ashish Mothey and Amy Curl reflect on the bands formation, their Australian tour for their new album Antahkarana and the growing cross-cultural artistic exchange between Australia and India.

Drawing on a bilateral collaboration between India and Australia, the conversation reflects on the development of the Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools, an initiative that helps teachers design engaging lessons, assess real-world skills, and build confidence in applied learning. Alice, Jaynifer and Helene also discuss the importance of teachers sharing ideas, experiences and support through professional networks to improve classroom practice.

Lisa and Preeti unpack India’s biometric-mediated food security system, examine the growing role of technology in governance, and discuss how digital infrastructure is redefining the concept of substantive citizenship globally. 

Moderated by CEO Lisa Singh, the panel featured current Australian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Philip Green OAM (2023 – present) and former Australian High Commissioner’s to India, Mr Patrick Suckling (2013-2016) and Mr John McCarthy AO (2004 – 2009). 

This first-of-its-kind event provided rare insights into the minds of Australia’s leading diplomats through a high-level discussion exploring the evolution of the Australia India relationship across education, economic cooperation, security development and broader areas of bilateral interest over the past two decades.

Piyali reflects on her family’s migration journey to Australia and how it has shaped her work through Kahini, an organisation that brings together art, health, community and collaboration to deliver innovative solutions. Alice and Piyali delve into how creative spaces can support newly arrived and diverse communities, and why art is such a powerful tool for wellbeing and connection. 

As the first woman of Indian heritage elected to Victoria’s Legislative Assembly, Eden shares her personal journey into public life and reflects on what meaningful representation looks like in practice. Together, Lisa and Eden explore how we can build stronger connections across communities and foster a genuine sense of belonging in multicultural Australia.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on how cultural diversity in democracy has evolved - and why inclusive representation remains essential for a thriving, multicultural society.

In this episode, Lisa explores how their work is shaping global conversations on art and inclusivity. Together, they delve into what is needed to take Australia and India collaboration to the next level to ensure that marginalised voices are not lost in new narratives.

In our latest episode of Chats Over Chai, we asked author and technologist Nikhil Kulkarni what inspired his debut book 'My Summer of Cricket', and how the stories and memories in it capture the joy, humour and emotion of being a fan.

Tune in to hear why cricket continues to resonate across both countries and how Nikhil’s reflections offer a fresh lens in Australia–India relations. 

In this episode, Andrew shares insights on Victoria's vibrant sports ecosystem and discusses the exciting opportunities for collaboration between Victoria and India in sports technology and innovation, particularly as India pursues its bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in historical research and genealogy, specialising in helping families uncover their ancestral stories. Her personal journey of discovering her own Punjabi Sikh ancestry has informed her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by diaspora communities in reconnecting with their roots.

As part of the Indian and South Asian Special Research Group launched at the Society of Australian Genealogists during National Family History Month 2025, Rachel's work provides crucial support for Australians of South Asian heritage seeking to explore their family histories, particularly those impacted by historical events like partition.

The pair delve into the emotional and practical aspects of genealogical research, the parallels with other global diaspora communities, and how exploring family history can strengthen cultural identity and community connections for South Asian Australians.

In this episode Helly shares her migrant story from India to Australia, and how food diplomacy serves as a powerful bridge that transcends borders, builds understanding, and strengthens relationships through the universal language of sharing a meal and culinary traditions. 

CEO Lisa Singh joins incoming Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the Australia India Institute, Sudip Chakraborty, to discuss the impact of AFL on his journey to Australia, from founding the national governing body of AFL India to leading cross-cultural sports initiatives across both countries.

Sudip was instrumental in leading Essendon Football Club’s Embracing India Strategy and later contributed to a range of initiatives at the AFL Headquarters focused on expanding the game’s reach both in India and among the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Australia. 

The pair explored how climate-related challenges reshape security paradigms in the Indo-Pacific region, the role of climate refugees and climate-induced migration and the future of the climate agenda for the Quad. They also delved into the potential collaborative approaches between Australia, India, and other regional partners to address these pressing environmental security concerns. 

Dr Robert Mizo holds a PhD in Climate Policy studies. His research interests include Climate Change and Security, International Climate Politics, and Environmental Security.   

The pair delve into the evolving space domain, the key opportunities and challenges faced by Australian space firms, collaborations with Indian players to alleviate these challenges, Space MATRI and the current projects of the company. 

The space domain is constantly evolving— it is transformative, dynamic, and expansive. What are key challenges for space operators in 2025? India is considered one of Australia most significant strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. Why was India selected and what opportunities exist in India for Australian space-firms? 

This recording was part of the official launch of the report in Parliament House, Canberra on March 27. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP launched the report and India's High Commissioner to Australia, Mr Gopal Baglay gave closing remarks. 

The pair deep dive into the opportunities in clean energy, agribusiness, and tech collaborations and how India’s growing startup ecosystem is set to play a key role in this evolving relationship. 

What will the new Trump administration mean for the bilateral relationship? And will the target of $100 billion in India-Australia bilateral trade be met by 2030?

Drawing on their extensive diplomatic and security expertise, the panel discussed pressing questions about the resilience of the Quad partnership, the future of technology sharing, and implications for the Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Moderated by CEO of the Australia India Institute, Lisa Singh, attendees heard from the diplomatic editor of the Hindu, Ms Suhasini Haidar, Professor of International relations at Griffith University, Prof Ian Hall and Fellow (non-resident) at the Hudson Institute, Dr Satoru Nagao. This webinar built on from the 'Quad Leader’ Summit 2023: Predictions and Possibilities.'

They delve into Dr Tharoor's political views, leaders who have influenced him, India and its place in the world, the current global geopolitical shifts and impact of the US election outcome, and the growing significance of the Australia-India relationship.

 Listen to this insightful panel discussion Shifting Perspectives: The State of the World in 2024, hosted in partnership with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

They dive deep into Tamil Nadu’s transformation into becoming India’s top investment hub, its leadership in renewable energy and Dr Rajan’s vision for Tamil Nadu as a future IT powerhouse and his efforts in digital transformation. They also discuss the impact of Dravidian philosophy on politics, linkages of social justice and women’s rights through technology and Tamil Nadu’s strategy for fostering tech innovation, including a new deep tech fund. 

Tune in as they explore Tamil Nadu’s dynamic journey and its promising future with one of its key visionaries.  

Listen to our panel discussion on “Australia, India, and the World”, hosted in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts. 
 
 
 

 The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a purpose-built program that helps Indian and Australian start-ups fast-track their cross-border impact. The start-ups focus on solutions to challenges felt by both countries, including clean energy, waste and the circular economy; and climate-smart agriculture. 

 In this Chats Over Chai conversation, CEO Lisa Singh speaks to Pramit Dash, Program Director at the Atal Innovation Mission and Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO for a fascinating look at the intricacies of business diplomacy and the exciting and innovative start-ups looking to make their mark in Australia and India through the RISE program. 

The next round of applications for the RISE Accelerator open soon! For more information, go to https://riseaccelerator.org/ 

Lisa and JP Chalasani discuss his rich experience in the renewables sector and how Australia and India can continue to place themselves as renewable energy superpowers in the Indo-Pacific. The pair delve into the importance of policymakers and thought leaders in the renewables space and their thoughts on how the government's approach, ambition and response to the climate crisis has evolved. 

Join us for an insightful conversation on the Australia-India clean energy partnership. 

The discussion was conducted at the book launch event of “Growing Up Indian in Australia” by Aarti Betigeri in Melbourne. The anthology is a colourful and energetic collection of stories that offers reflections on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations, delving into the deep truths about the Australian and Indian identity. Preeti Maharaj, Shreya Tekumalla, and Tasneem Chopra, three of the 29 contributors to the book, along with author Aarti were panellists, exploring the importance of diaspora voices in our national identity. 

Lisa and the panellists unpacked the motivation and inspiration behind their stories and their legacy. They discussed their fears with raw honesty, revealing the constant struggle of navigating between cultural and national identity while sharing more about the clash of their Indian heritage with the Australian landscape in shaping the way they approached every personal challenge.  

The conversation explored the journey of reconciling the two distinct worlds that ultimately forged their current identities, blending the richness of their ancestral traditions with the expansive spirit of the land they called home. 

Lisa and Reuben converse on how urbanisation is unfolding in India through smart cities and people-to-people links. They also discuss how digitalisation has become ubiquitous across India, considering the drivers of India’s rapid digitalisation and the effect it has on lifting people out of poverty. Saliently, the pair also examine what Australia can learn from India’s extensive financial digitalisation including the competition fueling interoperable digital ecosystems, the emerging concerns accompanying increased digitalisation, and the necessary safeguards that could be implemented. 

Lisa and Mohammad trace the journey that migrants face as they move from one country to another, exploring how it feels to chase down queries and curiosities about one’s ethnicity and faith in the cosmopolitan world. They dive deep into the kaleidoscope of different narratives and experiences the author has collected during his travels; stories that have helped him unravel the layers of his origin, beliefs and heritage, and to story tell his life in a way that sheds light for the rest of us.  

Tune into this episode as Lisa and Mohammad unpack his story celebrating the beautiful mosaic of cultures that has helped shape who he is, and how learning how to deal with “not” belonging can, in fact, be a superpower in making a distinct impact in this world.  

The 2024 Indian Election was the largest-ever democratic exercise in the world and saw more than 642 million people voting over a six-week period, to elect 543 MPs to the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament). While Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a historic third consecutive term in office, the result was much tighter than most were predicting.

 Ms Singh and High Commissioner Baglay also unpack what this third-term Modi government means for India, Australia and the world, they cover India’s development agenda and its foreign policy among other topics.

Australia’s most distinguished military social historians, Professor Peter Stanley and the Institute’s defence researcher, Samuel Bashfield unpack the little-known details of the Australia-Indian military connection.  

This episode builds on Professor Peter Stanley’s book ‘ Die in Battle, Do Not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915’.  

Urvi moved from India to Australia at the age of 6 and has openly talked about the struggles of juggling two words, having to live up to her parent’s expectations while fill fitting in with the Australian crowd.  

The pair delve into the findings of the Institute’s report on 'Victorians’ Perceptions on India and the Indian Diaspora’ and Urvi shares her personal reflections on growing up as a diaspora member in Melbourne and how these experiences have helped shape her unique flavour of comedy. 

Urvi and Shuba connect over the overwhelming value of the Indian community in Victoria, and how India culture can be positively promoted to wider audiences through the media, arts and culture industry. 

There is unprecedented interest in critical minerals and how these will help Australia and India to foster new commercial partnerships. This podcast discusses the role the Quad should play in building a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, what the main risks are in the critical mineral supply chain, how multilateral agreements could minimise inherent vulnerabilities and more. Tune in to find out more.

Under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Canberra Fellowships Program, this visit aims to foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s policymaking context around women’s political participation and leadership from grassroots politics in local communities through to state and federal governments.  

Listen to this insightful conversation on the challenges for women in politics and the advice for young women aspiring to enter politics and make an impact in governance. 

Recorded in one of the hearts of the Indian diaspora in Australia, Parramatta, they trace the Australia-India relationship from "Acquaintances to Friends to Family to Partners”, and some of the key initiatives required at a business level to increase Australian investment into India.

A powerful declaration for the shared future between Australia and India underscores Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, as this timely book discusses the growing relations between Australia and India and how India is successfully positioning itself as a new global power. Anyone wanting to build an understanding of our relationship with India and why it is just so important for our security and prosperity in the 21st century? Tune in to this episode!

This follows from the visit the Sikyong made to the Institute earlier this year. Penpa Tsering has had various roles within the Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration spanning back to the mid-1990s. Before being elected as Sikyong of the CTA, he was notably the North America Representative of the Dalai Lama.

This episode explores the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Tibet and the Tibetan people’s close spiritual connection to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Penpa Tsering sheds light on the Sino-Tibetan conflict and the issues of human rights, peace, cultural identity and territorial integrity facing Tibetans. We explore the mission of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the role Australia can play to support the Middle-Way approach. Join us as we discover how we can continue to support an autonomous Tibet. 

The podcast follows from the Institutes hosting of a delegation of 15 Naga elders and leaders who shared their stories that focused on social justice and decolonisation, allowing the delegation to share their perspectives, and heal from the burdens of a violent colonial past. 

We delved deep into the region's historical contexts, its rich cultural heritage, and the contemporary issues it grapples with. Dr. Longkumer's expertise sheds light on the intricacies of this fascinating region in India. 

As we commemorate the International Day of Yoga under the theme of "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - One Earth, One Family, and One Future - we invite you to listen to Alan's inspiring stories and insights. Uncover the origins of yoga in Australia, Alan's connection with BKS Iyengar, and the practical application of yoga philosophy in our everyday lives.

The discussion looks at Room to Read's efforts in India, a country where education and gender equality remain critical challenges. Poornima sheds light on the collaborative approach that Room to Read adopts, working closely with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to drive sustainable change. Tune in to gain inspiration from her personal journey and the transformative power of education in the lives of women and children in rural communities.

In this live recording, Professor Puri shares her valuable insights on the continuity between Gandhi’s ideas and classical Indian philosophy and how these ideas can be applied in the modern world. With global uncertainty, displacement, conflict, and change in the world order, Professor Puri’s talk is more relevant than ever before.

Join us as we explore the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi with one of the foremost scholars in the field, and discover how his ideas can continue to inspire us in our modern world.

Nitin delves into high tech in geopolitics, Australia-India tech cooperation, U.S-China competition, what AUKUS means for India and the importance of open-source technologies in today’s Information Age.

During the interview, Shwetali discusses her background as an entrepreneur and the inspiration behind starting the Indian Bazaar. Shwetali recognised a need for a platform for small business owners and women entrepreneurs who were promoting their products on social media but lacked a physical space to showcase them. The Indian Bazaar was created to address this issue and unite the Indian community through cultural exchange and commerce.

This podcast is part of the Institute's Cultural Diplomacy program, which aims to foster positive public opinion and cross-cultural understanding between Australia and India.

In this episode, Assistant Minister Watts shares the importance of projecting a modern Australia in India through new tech platforms. He also discusses the strength of the bilateral relationship both at a high strategic level and at a grassroots level through local communities in both Australia and India and how inspiring the younger generations of both nations are.