Tim Watts MP, Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, is in Mumbai this week to deepen the cultural and economic links between Australia and India.
During his visit, Watts met with Milind Deora MP and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alongside Australia’s Consul General in Mumbai, Paul Murphy.
“Australia and India have strong and growing economic and community ties, and we are working together to realise shared opportunities for growth and exchange.”
Watts has been engaging with cultural leaders in Mumbai to explore collaborations, build on programs such as the Maitri grants, and leverage popular events like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Highlighting the strength of the Indian diaspora in Australia, now nearly one million strong, he noted the potential to deepen cultural exchange.
As part of his trip, Watts joined celebrations for the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) in Mumbai and Delhi, recognising its role in empowering young leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. He visited the city’s famed dabbawalas, following the opening night hosted by the Australian High Commission for India and Bhutan, reflecting the people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Watts also toured the Film Heritage Foundation centre, where Australian and Indian creative collaboration is flourishing. He highlighted the nearly 100-year history of cinematic ties, recalling Perth actress Mary Ann Evans’ lead role in the 1935 Hindi film Hunterwali.
Collaboration through initiatives like the Australia-India Audiovisual Co-production Agreement, he said, continues to reinforce cultural and economic connections.
“Programs like AIYD and cultural partnerships build on our ties – enhancing our economic, innovation and people-to-people connections,” Watts said, emphasising India’s importance as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.
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