Radio Brisvaani
Canberra, September 7(Australia India News Newsdesk)
India and South Australia are seeking to deepen cooperation across education, critical minerals, space, defence, technology, business and community relations following a series of meetings and engagements by High Commissioner of India Nagesh Singh during his visit to Adelaide.
Singh met the team at Study Adelaide and interacted with Indian international students. He was briefed on initiatives to assist international students after their arrival, the contribution of Indian students to South Australia’s education ecosystem and the India–Australia education partnership.
Critical minerals cooperation was discussed during Singh’s meeting with Lawrence Ben MP, Assistant Minister for Copper, Steel, Critical Metals and Minerals. According to the High Commission of India, the discussions focused on developing resilient supply chains and strengthening India–South Australia cooperation in critical minerals, copper and steel. Ben also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora to people-to-people links and the India–South Australia partnership.
Singh met Nadia Clancy MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, for discussions covering Indian culture, the importance of people-to-people connections and the role of the Indian community as an important cultural bridge between India and South Australia.
The High Commissioner toured Lot Fourteen, South Australia’s flagship innovation precinct in Adelaide. He noted the potential of its co-location model, which brings together space, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, research and industry. Singh also visited the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) at Lot Fourteen and was briefed on South Australia’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Singh also met Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, with discussions reflecting on the strong and growing India–Australia relationship, its future aspirations and opportunities to expand cooperation across sectors. The significance of India–South Australia relations in education, space, critical minerals and defence was also discussed.
At Adelaide University, Singh met Professor Nicola Phillips, Vice Chancellor, to discuss ongoing education cooperation and ways to expand India–South Australia links in higher education, student and teacher exchanges, research and innovation.
The High Commissioner separately interacted with academics at Adelaide University on opportunities to develop deeper India–Australia knowledge and entrepreneurial partnerships, including stronger connections among universities, researchers and innovation ecosystems.
Space cooperation was another focus of the visit. At Lot Fourteen, Singh met Dr Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, and exchanged views on the growing India–Australia space partnership, the space ecosystems of both countries and opportunities for further bilateral cooperation.
Singh met Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, to discuss opportunities to strengthen the longstanding and multifaceted India–South Australia partnership and deepen engagement between India and the state.
Defence ties were discussed during Singh’s meeting with Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, Chief of the Australian Army. Singh congratulated Coyle on assuming leadership of the Australian Army. Their discussions covered the India–Australia defence partnership, Army-to-Army cooperation, training and exchanges, and further collaboration towards a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.
Community engagement also featured prominently, with Singh addressing the Indian community in Adelaide at a meet-and-greet organised by the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA). He acknowledged the community’s contribution to the South Australian economy and its role in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Australia, and spent the evening interacting with participants.
Singh also met Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber, and held an engagement with Chamber members. He encouraged South Australian businesses to explore deeper business partnerships with different states of India.
The High Commissioner further interacted with Adelaide-based companies working across technology, space, education, agriculture, health and energy. According to the High Commission, discussions examined opportunities and challenges facing South Australian businesses, possible pathways for greater commercial cooperation, and ways to further strengthen India–South Australia and India–Australia relations.
