On August 15, Monday, India will mark 75 years of Independence. India gained freedom from the British on August 15, 1947. As the Indian community globally is getting ready to celebrate the 75th Independence Day along with millions of friends of India throughout the world, it is time to reflect on the importance of this day, the history of India, and the sacrifices made by millions of people to obtain independence.
The Indian Flag reflects multicultural integration, Harmony, and Peace. India, with many multicultural communities, is an excellent example of Unity in Diversity.
Over 700,000 people, the fastest growing Indian diaspora, will celebrate Indian Independence Day in Australia. This Indian diaspora with an average age below 40 is contributing significantly in Australia to entrepreneurship in several industry sectors identified in the India Economic Strategy by Hon. Peter Varghese and Australia Economic Strategy by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa.
The most significant advantage of the growing Indian diaspora is the high skill level of men and women, which is driving their contribution to the economic growth of Australia in many fields such as education, health, manufacturing, finance, agriculture, start-ups, and Information and Communication technologies.
In line with the above bilateral economic strategies, the increasing people-to-people connection is providing further momentum to the cultural and economic relationship and bonding between India and Australia.
India has been and will continue to be a significant partner in Australia’s economic growth. The cultural and economic engagements with India have always received bipartisan support in Australia over the last decades. India is emerging as a strategic partner for Australia. Australian businesses at all levels now have an unrivalled opportunity to view India as a market to supply rather than just a consumption market.
The recently signed AUSTRALIA INDIA ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND TRADE AGREEMENT (AI ECTA) enhances the partnership between Australia and India. It will generate trade in many sectors in the next few years. The AIBC is very encouraged by this significant development which we have been passionately driving and supporting for over a decade.
The initiative by the Prime Ministers of India and Australia to establish the AIBC over 35 years ago to assist in making these milestones happen is now positively vindicated.
To effectively support bilateral trade, AIBC has established many Industry chapters and, more recently, the Australia India Business Enterprise Ltd (AIBE), as its commercial arm to focus on and facilitate business-to-business engagements.
The recent QUAD strategic agreement also places India and Australia on the same page in cooperation and partnership in defence and Security. To effectively support emerging opportunities, AIBC has also established a Defence & Security Industry Chapter.
Commemorating 75 years of Independence and the history of India’s people, culture, and achievements, AIBC has organised its inaugural Australia India International Business Summit in Sydney between 23-25 August 2022. This will be an exciting opportunity for Australian corporations and industries to consider India for partnering and achieving business-to-business outcomes. With no boundaries to the India-Australia relationship, AIBC applauds the Australian Indian community for celebrating the 75th Indian Independence Day.
On behalf of all AIBC Members and Team, I greet all Indian community members with a “Jai Hind” on this significant milestone and a great occasion.
Jim Varghese AM
National Chair
Australia India Business Council