The Australian Government has appointed seasoned diplomat and policy specialist Ryan Neelam as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Australia–India Relations (CAIR), with his term to begin in mid-January 2026.
Neelam joins CAIR after leading the Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program at the Lowy Institute, where he oversaw the flagship Lowy Institute Poll, the Global Diplomacy Index and contributed extensively to research on climate diplomacy and multilateral affairs.
With more than 15 years’ experience in international diplomacy and policy, Neelam previously served at Australia’s Consulate-General in Hong Kong and at the Australian Mission to the United Nations in New York.
During his UN posting, he helped negotiate the Sustainable Development Goals, worked on Australia’s term on the Security Council and led on climate change initiatives. His career has seen him manage major bilateral and multilateral relationships, develop policy and represent Australia across global economic, climate, human rights, and peace and security issues.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, welcomed the appointment, saying Neelam brings “considerable diplomatic experience” alongside a strong understanding of Indian culture and society.
Established in 2023, the Centre for Australia–India Relations is a national platform designed to strengthen collaboration between the two countries across government, industry, academia and civil society. The Centre aims to deepen understanding of the fast-growing bilateral relationship and expand opportunities emerging from Australia’s ties with India.
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