The centre is a national platform bringing all levels of government together with industry, academia and the community to drive engagement between our nations.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson has been appointed to the Advisory Board to support the centre’s work in deepening our economic and cultural ties with India.

“India and Australia are united in understanding the power of education – to change lives and power economies,” Ms Jackson said.

“India is one of our most important strategic and economic partners and we fully support the government’s focus on maximising the opportunities this relationship presents.

“The Centre for Australia-India Relations, led by Mr Tim Thomas, will support this work, acting as a centre of gravity for the bilateral relationship and enabling greater understanding and deeper cooperation between our nations.

“We are entering a golden era in our relationship with India and, importantly, education and research are front and centre. It is a big part of what binds us.

“Australia’s universities already educate tens of thousands of Indian students each year and our institutions are connected by more than 450 formal partnerships.

“We have the full support of both our governments to build on this, in Australia and in India.

“There are huge opportunities in front of us to support India’s education reform ambitions, to diversify our education offerings to serve student aspirations, and to collaborate further in research.

“Making the most of these opportunities will make our nations, our people and our region stronger economically, culturally and technologically.

“Universities have a vital role to play in ensuring we can realise the full potential of our relationship with India, and I look forward to contributing to this important work on behalf of the sector.”

Ms Jackson has been appointed to the Advisory Board for a three-year term.