The University of Wollongong’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) has been awarded one of seven inaugural Maitri Fellowships by the Centre for Australia-India Relations within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The fellowship has been awarded to Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande (retd), an expert in security-related fields with extensive policy and research experience.
Rear Admiral Shrikhande, a former Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Australia and has previously served as a senior officer in the Indian Navy, will relocate to Australia to undertake a six-month fellowship at ANCORS.
Rear Admiral Shrikhande’s work will focus on the critical Australia-India bilateral trade and maritime security relationship. Through his research, he will explore the threats to maritime trade between the two nations and the impacts of trade contestation and conflict in the region.
UOW Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Currow congratulated Sudarshan on securing the prestigious fellowship that will strengthen bilateral relations between Australia and India.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sudarshan Shrikhande to ANCORS as part of the Maitri Fellowship program. His wealth of experience and expertise in maritime security will significantly contribute to our research and strengthen the strategic partnership between Australia and India.”
Rear Admiral Shrikhande’s research is expected to provide valuable insights into enhancing maritime security and trade resilience, which are vital components of the Australia-India economic relationship. His extensive background includes teaching at several prestigious military colleges, including the National Defence College of India, where he has shared his knowledge and expertise on maritime security.
The Maitri Fellowship program aims to foster closer ties between Australia and India by supporting scholars and practitioners engaged in high-impact research that addresses shared challenges and opportunities. By bringing together top talent from both nations, the program seeks to promote collaboration, innovation, and mutual understanding.
ANCORS Director Distinguished Professor Stuart Kaye highlighted the depth of expertise in maritime security that Rear Admiral Shrikhande will bring to ANCORS.
“We look forward to the contributions Sudarshan will make during his fellowship at ANCORS. His research on maritime security and trade will not only enhance our understanding of these critical issues but also contribute to the broader objectives of the Maitri Fellowship in strengthening Australia-India relations.”
The Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong is a leading global research and education institution focused on the sustainable use and security of the world’s oceans and their resources.
The Maitri Fellowship, established by the Centre for Australia-India Relations/DFAT, aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Australia and India through research and collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.
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