Partnership and Prosperity: AIBC Victoria Annual Address showcases growing India–Victoria trade, culture and innovation links

The grand ballroom of The Langham Melbourne glimmered with purpose and pride on Monday evening as business leaders, government representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora gathered for the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Victoria’s 2025 Annual Address and Gala Dinner.

Held under the theme “Partnership and Prosperity: Victoria in Focus,” the evening celebrated the ever-growing economic, cultural, and innovation links between India and Victoria — a partnership anchored in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) and Victoria’s India Strategy.

The event was graced by Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Minister for Creative Industries. Other dignitaries included Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, Deepak Raj Gupta OAM, National President AIBC and Roshena Campbell, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne.

Opening the evening, AIBC Victoria President and Prominent Lawyer Radhika Kanahi delivered a powerful address acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land before welcoming guests to what she called “a thought-provoking and insightful evening celebrating our shared economic journey.”

She said,

“It is an occasion to celebrate the Council’s growing partnership with the Victorian Government and the business community.

AIBC has enjoyed bipartisan support for enhancing and value-adding to Victoria–India economic and cultural engagements,”

40 years of the AIBC legacy

AIBC National President Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM reflected on the Council’s legacy as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026.

“As we celebrate our achievements, let us renew our commitment to collaboration, to innovation, and to a future where Victoria and India continue to move forward together,”

He also announced that AIBC will mark this milestone with a national and international roadshow across Australia and India, culminating in a fashion and cultural showcase in Victoria celebrating four decades of partnership.

Delivering the keynote, Minister Colin Brooks highlighted Victoria’s growing role as the destination of choice for Indian international students, technology firms, and investors.

“Victoria’s India Strategy will take this relationship to new heights — fostering innovation, education, and investment that benefits both our economies,” he said.

Recognising India’s envoy and community leadership

Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, who is nearing the end of his posting, was felicitated for his contribution in strengthening business, community, and cultural links between India and Victoria.

He thanked AIBC for its partnership, saying, India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, and Australia remains a trusted partner with expertise in resources, clean energy, advanced technology, agriculture and education. Our complementarities are clear, and the opportunities for joint growth are significant.

“Victoria’s connection with India has evolved from shared trade interests into a true friendship built on mutual respect, innovation, and people-to-people ties.”

Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell spoke passionately about the growing Indian diaspora in Victoria and the City of Melbourne’s plan to establish a ‘Little India’ precinct.

“With the largest and fastest-growing Indian diaspora in Australia, it’s only fitting we have a physical recognition of our community’s contribution,” she said.

“As the first Indian Australian to hold this office in 180 years, I’m deeply honoured to see this dream take shape.”

A night of reflection and celebration

The evening featured a mesmerising cultural performance by Sapphire Dance Group, blending Indian classical and contemporary styles — a fitting tribute to the fusion of two vibrant cultures.

Delivering the vote of thanks, AIBC Victoria Vice-President Richa Jain reflected on the council’s journey:

“Tonight has been more than a celebration — it has been a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve when Victoria and India stand together.

The next decade holds immense potential, and AIBC will continue to be the bridge that connects business, culture, and innovation.”

As glasses were raised and conversations flowed over Victorian wine and fine cuisine, the message was clear: the partnership between Victoria and India is not just enduring — it is evolving, ambitious, and filled with promise.

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