The Australian government will establish a new Centre for Australia-India Relations to help foster new ties and support our expanding exchange and cooperation with India, including by engaging Australia’s rich Indian diaspora community.

With funding of $28.1 million dollars over four years, the centre will focus on four key areas of work, including promoting policy dialogue; building Australian business literacy and links; engaging Australia’s Indian diaspora communities to support the Australia-India bilateral relationship, and deepening cultural connections and understanding.

It will also administer the $20.8 million Maitri (friendship) scholars, fellowship programmes and cultural partnership announced on February 14.

"India is one of Australia’s most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Mutual understanding, trust and common interests between our countries underpin the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne after the India-Australia Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The minister said that the centre builds on the pioneering work of the Australia India Council in fostering education and cultural exchange. The new facility, with substantially increased funding and resources, will have an expanded remit in supporting greater business and diaspora engagement.

Payne said that Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will consult broadly with government, industry and community organisations throughout the centre’s establishment.

"Join you in recognizing a successful Annual Summit, Marise Payne. In 2014, PM Narendra Modi said that Australia will not be at periphery of India's vision but at the centre of its thought. We are living up to that promise," tweeted India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday.

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