In the original, An India Economic Strategy to 2035 (IES), education was named as the flagship of the bilateral relationship. Universities Australia provided input on the development of the IES, as well as the Update to the IES. We welcome the opportunity to input into a new roadmap for Australia’s economic engagement with India.

Universities Australia recommends:

1. Reconsider the timing of progressing another strategic economic document and instead, focus on solidifying and implementing the current strategies, ensuring they are effectively executed, and any gaps addressed.
2. Build on the ECTA with India and bolster our economic relationship by finalising the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, which will provide substantial benefits for both countries by enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
3. Enhance the support for collaborative bodies by increasing funding and resources for the Australia-India CEO Forum and the Centre for Australia India Relations. Strengthen their roles in fostering bilateral ties, facilitating dialogue, and driving collaborative grants and scholarships across sectors.
4. Conduct a thorough review of past initiatives identified in previous strategies, highlighting successes and taking note of initiatives that did not proceed to ensuring that future efforts are better aligned with current and emerging opportunities.