Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne unveiled the ‘Maitri’ Scholars Program, which would contribute over USD 11 million over four years to help Indian students study at Australia’s world-class universities.
During the joint news conference, the Australian Foreign Minister also unveiled a number of new initiatives aimed at strengthening Australia-India educational and cultural links.
“I’m also pleased to announce today, alongside a number of my Australian ministerial colleagues, a number of new projects aimed at strengthening Australia-India educational and cultural relations.
The efforts are dubbed ‘Maitri,’ which means ‘friendship initiatives.’ “she stated
According to the Australian Foreign Minister, the Australian government will grant over USD 11 million over four years through the Maitri Scholars Program to help Indian students study at Australia’s world-class universities.
“The Maitri Fellowships Program will provide USD 3.5 million over four years to develop ties between future leaders,” Payne said. “It will assist mid-career Australian and Indian experts to work on critical research initiatives.”
She also stated that Australia will provide over USD 6 million over the next four years to the Maitri cultural partnerships in order to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen the creative industries in both nations.
“And, as we stand here in Melbourne, Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan is returning from India after a round of CECA negotiations.”
Regarding the CECA, Payne stated that both parties are hopeful that it will open up new trade and investment opportunities, particularly as both economies recover from the impact of COVID-19.
The Maitri initiative, according to Payne, is a big positive for Australia’s education sector, which is recuperating from the economic impact of COVID 19.
“Minister for Commerce Dan Tehan was able to sign a memorandum of agreement on tourism with his colleague in New Delhi yesterday. Under the terms of the MOU, Australia and India will collaborate to increase travel between the two markets, as well as advance collaboration on tourism policy, data exchange, industry engagement, and training “she stated
Payne also announced the formation of an Australia-India infrastructure forum, which will link Australian capital with India’s massive development prospects. She claims that as part of this endeavour, the country will offer workshops and conduct research to help businesses achieve their goals.
