The University of Melbourne has appointed Patrick Suckling as the new Chair of the Australia India Institute (AII), the university’s centre focused on strengthening and enhancing the Australia-India relationship.
With over twenty years of experience working with India, Suckling’s notable positions include serving as Australian High Commissioner to India from 2013 to 2016 and Australian Ambassador for the Environment in 2016.
In 2016, upon concluding his term as Australian High Commissioner to India, Suckling expressed satisfaction with having left Australia-India relations at a high point.
“I have a deep affinity with India. I’ve been visiting the country for 30 years—starting as a student, then serving as a junior diplomat in the 1990s. My first child was born in India, and I’ve been involved in most major strategies related to India throughout my government career.”
Suckling emphasised that the strength of the relationship between the people of India and Australia is central to its depth and significance.
Suckling currently serves as Managing Director and Head of EMEA & Asia at Pollination, a specialist climate change investment and advisory firm. On his new role as Chair of AII, he observed in a statement:
“As India rises, it has never been more important for Australia to get its relationship right. We have a rich history of association, now becoming an integral and strategic relationship across our two economies, security and defence and people-to-people links.”
Prof. Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, expressed enthusiasm for Mr Suckling’s appointment.
“The Australian India Institute is supported by a seasoned Advisory Board dedicated to forging essential partnerships across industry, government, and community sectors. This is part of the University’s broader effort to foster cross-border collaboration for mutual learning and impact.”
Reflecting on his new role, Suckling added, “The Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing this relationship during a transformative period for both nations.”
Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, praised Suckling’s credentials and experience.
“His leadership will be key in driving the Institute’s growth and in achieving our 2022-2026 Strategy.”
In addition to Suckling’s appointment, AII has five new Advisory Board members: Shinjini Kumar, Founder of Five Salts Pvt Limited; Srimathi Shivashankar, Vice President and Business Head at HCL; Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive & Director at the Group of Eight (Go8); Rajiv Dube, Independent Director at Tata International Limited; and Rufus Pinto, ANZ Country Head for India.
These new members will join current Advisory Board members, including Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Editor at The Hindu; John McCarthy, Senior Adviser at Asialink, University of Melbourne; Sonia Gandhi, Director at Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd; and Prof. Michael Wesley.
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