sKills aND traiNiNg collaBoratioN BetWeeN iNDia aND australia

THE relationship between Australian and India has never been stronger with the two countries continuing to work in partnership to achieve shared goals.

Australian Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor recently travelled to New Delhi and Indore, meeting with Indian Ministers and further strengthening relations between the two countries.

Minister O’Connor met with India’s Minister of Education and Minister of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi to discuss collaboration to combat ongoing skill shortages.

The meeting followed the first dialogue between the Ministers since Minister Pradhan visited Australia in August 2022 and was an opportunity for the two Ministers to update each other on their current skills priorities.

It builds upon the visit in May to Australia by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reinforces efforts to further deepen the education and skills relationship between the two countries.

He then travelled to Indore to attend the G20 Labour and Employment Minister’s Meeting and met with the Indian Minister of Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav.

Minister O’Connor said his visit reinforced the positive relationship between India and Australia and gave him greater insight into how the two countries can continue to partner in important areas.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor.

“India and Australia are not only friends, we are comprehensive strategic partners with many shared priorities, goals, and mutual interests.”

“Australia’s vibrant Indian diaspora, our second largest and fastest growing overseas-born group, is at the heart of our strong relationship.

“My discussions with Minister Pradhan and Minister Yadav highlighted not only the close relationship between our two countries, but the many opportunities that exist t he meeting followed the first di A logue between the m inisters since m inister p r A dh A n visited Austr A li A in August 2022 A nd wA s A n opportunity for the two m inisters to updAte e Ach other on their current skills priorities. for further collaboration in education, skills, and renewable energy.

“I’m committed to strengthening existing cooperation and exchange in skills and training and exploring further opportunities, including delivery in India by quality Australian providers.

“As the G20 host this year, I was pleased the topics India chose for our meeting were global skills gaps, improving social protections for those working in the gig and platform economy, and sustainable financing of social protection. These are all important issues for Australia and the rest of the world.