Australian High Commissioner emphasizes stronger migration ties and expanding educational cooperation
India and Australia continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, with Australian High Commissioner Philip Green highlighting the need to facilitate the migration process for Indian nurses and healthcare professionals, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
During a roundtable discussion, Green emphasized that Australia has a growing need for skilled healthcare professionals, and India’s surplus of qualified nurses could help fill this gap.
He advocated for easing migration pathways to encourage more Indian nurses to work in Australia.
The Australian High Commission in New Delhi, the largest offshore visa processing unit globally, issued 500,000 visas last year, including 50,000 student visas and 100,000 for skilled migration. Indian nationals benefit from extended post-study work rights under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), with stays ranging from two to four years based on educational qualifications.
Increasing Educational Cooperation and Bilateral Trade
Green also highlighted the growing educational collaboration between the two countries. With the University of Wollongong and Deakin University already operating in India and the University of Western Sydney planning to open a campus in Noida, the relationship continues to expand. He expressed optimism about more Australian universities establishing a presence in India in the near future.
Australia aims to simplify the migration process for Indian nurses to address its healthcare workforce shortage
Regarding trade, Green affirmed that the first phase of the AI-ECTA has been successful, boosting cooperation in critical minerals, agricultural collaboration, and supply chain development. Both nations are eager to finalize the second phase of the agreement to deepen economic ties further.
Addressing Security Concerns and Anti-India Extremism
Green reassured that Australian authorities are committed to protecting Indian diplomatic and consular missions. While Australia upholds the right to peaceful protest, the government takes a firm stance against violence and community intimidation.
Future of the Quad and Regional Stability
On the future of the Quad—a strategic partnership between India, Australia, Japan, and the US—Green reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to maintaining a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Key focus areas include maritime domain awareness, critical technology, undersea cable security, and disaster response cooperation.
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