AIBC — The pillar of prosperity in Australia-India ties

From the editor’s desk

In the ever-evolving landscape of international diplomacy and economic cooperation, few organizations have played as pivotal a role in nurturing Australia-India relations as the Australia India Business Council (AIBC). Since its formation in 1986, the AIBC has steadily grown into the leading business chamber dedicated to fostering trade, investment, and people-to-people connections between the two Indo-Pacific democracies. In recent years, especially in the context of heightened geopolitical realignments, the AIBC's role has gained newfound relevance and urgency.

The importance of strong bilateral ties between Australia and India cannot be overstated. India is the fastest-growing major economy, while Australia is a stable, resource-rich democracy with a strong knowledge economy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2020, followed by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, laid a robust framework for deeper economic collaboration. But while governments can sign agreements and set policy directions, the real engine of bilateral economic growth lies in the private sector — and it is here that the AIBC has delivered consistently and effectively.

At the heart of AIBC’s mission is the belief that business connects people in ways diplomacy alone cannot. Through regular forums, trade missions, networking events, and policy advocacy, the AIBC acts as a bridge not just between industries, but between cultures and communities. It has successfully brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policy-makers, and academics from both countries to promote mutual growth and understanding.

One of the Council’s most noteworthy contributions has been in sectoral engagement. It has established specialised chapters focusing on key growth sectors like education, healthcare, agribusiness, resources, technology, infrastructure, and clean energy. These chapters are not mere ceremonial bodies — they function as active think-tanks and action groups that help identify real-time challenges and opportunities, guiding both businesses and policymakers. For instance, AIBC’s advocacy for renewable energy cooperation has dovetailed with both nations’ emphasis on sustainability, leading to initiatives in solar technology and green hydrogen.

The AIBC’s strength lies not just in high-level business networking but in inclusive engagement. Over the years, it has supported Australian SMEs looking to enter the Indian market and vice versa, recognising that bilateral trade cannot thrive unless smaller enterprises also benefit. The Council has also worked to empower Indian-origin professionals and entrepreneurs in Australia, enabling them to become stakeholders in a shared economic destiny.

Educational collaboration has been another cornerstone of AIBC’s efforts. With India sending the second-largest number of international students to Australia, the AIBC has promoted partnerships between Australian universities and Indian institutions, encouraging joint degrees, research projects, and student exchange. This not only enriches Australia’s education sector but also creates generations of India’s future leaders with personal and professional ties to Australia. Moreover, the AIBC has championed cultural diplomacy as a tool for economic cooperation. Business leaders who understand each other’s customs, social dynamics, and market behaviour are far more likely to forge successful partnerships. AIBC events routinely include cultural elements, encouraging attendees to appreciate the broader context of bilateral trade.

In recent years, the Council has also assumed a strategic advisory role. It has been invited to consultations on trade policy, immigration reform, and investment facilitation. Its leadership, comprising seasoned professionals from both Australian and Indian backgrounds, brings nuanced perspectives to these discussions — helping policymakers navigate complex global realities.

Equally important is AIBC’s work in times of global disruption.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a vital link between businesses grappling with lockdowns, supply chain breakdowns, and travel restrictions. By facilitating digital engagement and sharing best practices, it ensured that Australia-India economic ties did not just survive the crisis — they emerged stronger. Looking forward, the challenges and opportunities are immense.

With the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement moving towards a fullfledged Free Trade Agreement, the AIBC’s expertise will be crucial in translating policy into practice. Its ability to build trust, foster innovation, and encourage long-term thinking makes it indispensable in the bilateral