As the Great Hall reverberated to the beat of a tabla (drum) and three young dancers offered the traditional vandana (prayer), the University hosted its first international forum on Australia's relationship with India.

From cricket, curry, and Commonwealth, Australia-India bilateral relations have moved to embrace commerce as their focal point. Today, India is a significant contributor to Australia's international education market, which is worth $9.8 billion to the national economy. It is the second largest source of overseas students with 40,010 enrolling in the year to April 2007, a growth of 55.1 per cent from the previous year according to the Australian Education International (AEI).

Education, for Indians, has always been a priority and parents will go to any lengths to provide good education for their children. As India's High Commissioner to Australia, Prabhat Shukla, said: "India has world class international institutions, but Indians will continue to look abroad for further study because the demand outstrips supply. "

A strong case was made for a major Indian centre of learning at the University, which would encompass Indian languages, art, culture and history. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (International), Professor John Hearn, assured the audience that he would take up the matter.

Despite their historic links, Australia and India still know little about each other and simplistic stereotypes are blurring the larger picture. After Australia snapped all ties with India following its 1998 nuclear test, recent years have seen an array of linkages at every level from government and ministerial to people-to-people exchanges.

"The growth and influence of India will be a defining feature of the 21st century," said Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Michael L'Estrange. He pointed out that the broader hopes and expectations in the India-Australia relationship have remained unfulfilled, but today it is a very positive and dynamic story. "We've only touched the tip of an iceberg in this bilateral relationship."

"The momentum is building, but there is a long way to go," agreed Australia India Business Council chairman emeritus Neville Roach. He advocated more two-way exchange of students, joint research collaborations and blended degrees. In March this year, Prime Minister John Howard announced a new $25 million bilateral research program with India.

The value of physical education and sport is also being recognised by both countries, and Sport Knowledge Australia chief executive Leighton Wood emphasised the role sport plays in cementing the relationship. India is seeking Australian expertise to help organise the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

As India consolidates and defines its role as a superpower in the region and the world, Australia has to compete to attract New Delhi's attention. "No Indian prime minister has visited Australia since 1986. We'll have to be proactive in getting the benefits of Indian opportunities", said Neville Roach.

Contact: Claudia Liu

Phone: 02 9351 3168