Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan is set to embark on a significant four-day visit to India starting on September 15, 2024. This trip will be her first official international visit since taking office and is poised to strengthen ties between Victoria and India across key sectors including tourism, technology, film, and education.
The visit underscores the growing relationship between the two regions and Victoria’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with one of its most important partners.
Pre-Visit Discussions with Indian-Australian Leaders
Ahead of the visit, Premier Allan and Multicultural Minister Ingrid Stitt hosted an important discussion with prominent Indian-Australian community leaders at the Parliament of Victoria.
It was an opportunity for Indian Australians to raise concerns and discuss pressing issues within their community.
During the meeting, participants addressed a range of topics that reflect the challenges faced by Indian Australians.
Key issues included the need for more support for domestic violence awareness within Indian families, improved healthcare solutions for multicultural communities, and the significant impact of cuts to international student numbers.
Additionally, attendees lightened the conversation by inquiring about Premier Allan’s preferences for Indian cuisine ahead of her visit to the Indian capital, New Delhi.
Premier Allan listened attentively to the concerns raised and reassured the community leaders that their voices would be heard and considered in future policy discussions.
“It’s important that we continue to consult and work closely with all communities in Victoria to ensure that we’re addressing the real issues they face, from healthcare to education,” Premier Allan said during the meeting.
“The Indian community is a vibrant and integral part of Victoria, and I am committed to ensuring that their needs are met with practical solutions.”
Focus on Key Sectors: Tourism, Technology, Film, and Education
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Premier Allan provided a sneak peek into the agenda of her India visit. She emphasised that the focus will be on sectors critical to both Victoria and India, including tourism, technology, films, and education.
“India and Victoria share a strong and evolving relationship, particularly in sectors like tech and education where both regions are innovators,”
Premier Allan said.
“My visit will highlight these areas, and we are excited to build on the progress we’ve already made. From film collaborations to expanding tourism opportunities, we will be engaging with leaders in these industries to further strengthen our ties.”
Additionally, the Premier is expected to participate in the release of a comprehensive India Strategy report, which will lay out Victoria’s plans for enhancing trade and collaboration with India. The report will focus on key areas such as education, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, med-tech, and biotech.
Premier Allan remarked, “This strategy is more than just trade; it’s about building people-to-people relationships and enhancing the lives of those in both Victoria and India.
“We’re looking forward to creating new opportunities and opening up dialogues that will benefit both economies.”
Key Highlights of the India Visit
The visit will include several high-level meetings with Indian government officials, business leaders, and educational institutions, aiming to facilitate stronger economic and cultural exchanges between Victoria and India.
A highlight of the visit will be Premier Allan’s attendance at the Australia India Institute’s Annual Oration, where she is expected to deliver a keynote speech in New Delhi, underscoring the importance of Victoria’s relationship with India and outlining future opportunities for collaboration.
Premier Allan will also participate in the opening of the University of Melbourne’s Global Centre in Delhi, further cementing the educational ties between the two regions. The Centre is expected to serve as a key hub for academic and research exchanges between Indian and Australian students and faculty.
In addition to these formal engagements, the Premier is also expected to visit several cultural and historical sites in India, meeting with key stakeholders in the Indian film industry as part of her efforts to foster deeper collaboration in media and entertainment.
There will be a screening of the “My Melbourne’ movie produced by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne with three renowned film directors of Bollywood.
Support for International Students and Community Engagement
One of the critical issues raised by Indian Australians in the pre-visit discussions was the challenges faced by international students, who have been significantly impacted by rising living costs and cuts to student services. Premier Allan addressed these concerns, assuring the community that her government remains committed to supporting international students, particularly those from India who make up a large portion of Victoria’s student population.
“Victoria is home to thousands of international students, and we recognise the contributions they make to our state both economically and culturally,” Allan said.
“We will continue to work towards ensuring that international students are supported during their time here, with access to essential services and resources.”
Her trip to India is expected to provide a platform for discussing these concerns with Indian leaders and exploring ways to enhance support for students studying abroad in Victoria.
A Promising Future for Victoria-India Relations
Premier Jacinta Allan’s upcoming visit to India represents a significant step in deepening the economic and cultural ties between the two regions. With a focus on sectors such as education, technology, tourism, and films, the visit promises to open new doors for collaboration and mutual growth.
As the Premier engages with Indian leaders and industry professionals, the foundations will be laid for a future where Victoria and India work closely to tackle shared challenges and build prosperous, interconnected communities.
“We are excited about the future of our relationship with India,” Premier Allan stated.
“This visit is just the beginning of what we hope will be many fruitful collaborations in the years to come.”
With a packed agenda and high expectations from both sides, Premier Jacinta Allan’s visit is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ever-strengthening ties between Victoria and India.
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