Australia is poised to become a key partner in India’s ambitions to be the world’s skilling capital, with Karnataka expected to play a significant role in this endeavor. This was the focus of discussions during the ‘Australia and Karnataka: Where Are We Now And What Are The Opportunities?’ session at the Invest Karnataka 2025 Global Investors Meet (GIM).
Vik Singh, Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, highlighted Bengaluru’s vibrant ecosystem and its growing appeal as a destination for students choosing Australia as their preferred study destination. Singh emphasized that India’s National Education Policy (NEP) aims for a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and would require establishing 14 new universities each week to meet that demand. This, he said, underscores the importance of transnational educational partnerships, with Australia being an essential partner in this transformation.
Singh also outlined the Australia-India skilling program, noting that Tamil Nadu had already benefitted from this collaboration. Discussions are ongoing with Karnataka to identify further opportunities, especially in Global Capability Centres (GCCs). He emphasized that the partnership between the two countries is set to benefit not only India and Australia but also the world at large.
Irfan Malik, president of AIBC, further highlighted the significant trade agreement between Australia and India, noting the mutually beneficial resources each country offers, such as Australia’s critical minerals essential for India’s semiconductor manufacturing. He pointed out the growing collaborations in defense, space tech, and education, areas in which Karnataka has much to offer.
Hilary McGeachy, Australian Consul General in Bengaluru, concluded the discussion by stressing the importance of strengthening business ties and fostering collaboration between India and Australia.
Read also: