The high-level dialogue is focused on deepening ties between the two nations, emphasising Australia’s research strengths and industry engagement models.
The visit also emphasises leading researchers and research centres that have made significant strides in fostering joint research efforts between Australia and India.
The discussions will explore expanding partnerships to deliver Australia’s high-quality education in India and address skills gaps through education and vocational training programs.
Moreover, Australian institutions such as Deakin University and the University of Wollongong have officially opened campuses in India, and more institutions from the country are expected to follow suit.
Both countries have made significant progress since the inaugural AIESC meeting in November last year.
Australia and India have successfully completed an agricultural skills program, advanced the implementation of a mutual recognition mechanism for qualifications, and launched a new STEM research fellowship program to support women researchers.
Pradhan also spoke at the Australia International Education Conference 2024, underscoring the “strong and evolving partnership” between India and Australia in education.
Pradhan is further expected to visit Australian universities, a public school and an early childhood education and care centre.
“It is an honour to welcome minister Pradhan back to Australia for his second visit since 2022,” said Jason Clare, Australia’s minister for education.
“This is the fourth time we have caught up here or in India in the last two years. I look forward to showcasing Australia’s education system and working together to further strengthen Australia’s education links with India.”
“Australia and India are close mates and I’m looking forward to discussing how we can collaborate even more effectively to bridge critical skills gaps and strengthen our relationship,” said Andrew Giles, Australia’s minister for skills and training.
“We’ll be exploring how we can work together to build the research workforces we’ll need in the future and better support industries in transition.”
I look forward to showcasing Australia’s education system and working together to further strengthen Australia’s education links with India
Jason Clare, Australia’s minister for education
However, certain stakeholders have criticised Australia’s move to increase educational ties with India while restricting international enrolments back home.
“While the Australian government continues to seek closer ties with India and encourage student exchanges and bilateral education partnerships between institutions, the government’s legislation openly seeks to reduce the number of international students able to come to Australia. The two goals are in direct opposition with one another,” said Troy Williams, chief executive, Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA).
“The Australian government’s focus on reducing the number of international students, including the number from India, contrasts sharply with the government’s diplomatic efforts to encourage growth in education exports.”
According to data from between January and July 2024, the number of study visas granted to offshore primary applicants from India (across schools, English language, skills training, and higher education) was the lowest since 2018 excluding the pandemic period.
Of these students, only 71 were approved to study in the skills training sector, representing about 10% of applications from this cohort—the lowest number of offshore skills training applicants approved since 2006.
Despite the low visa approval rate for offshore Indian students, the number of applications submitted during this period was the third highest on record.
Reinforcing Australia’s aim to get immigration levels back to pre-pandemic levels, Clare maintained the government’s stance on passing the ESOS Amendment Bill.
“The Bill has been in parliament for 160 days. It’s time to pass the Bill and get rid of ministerial direction 107,” Clare told a packed AIEC crowd on Wednesday.