Objective 1: Strengthen connections for a meaningful and inclusive relationship
We are determined to continue promoting and celebrating the unique connections we have built for a long-term, inclusive and meaningful relationship between Victoria and India.
The contribution of the Indian community to Victoria’s society and economy is clear from its strong representation in business and entrepreneurship, community, universities, and research institutions and in community leadership roles.
Victoria is home to Indian diaspora-owned businesses operating across health, financial services, education and other sectors of the economy.
The Connecting Schools with Indian Communities (CSIC) program supports Victorian primary and secondary schools to engage the Indian diaspora and develop students’ understanding of the contributions the diaspora makes to our State.
Nearly 9,000 students in Victorian schools are studying an Indian language with the Victorian Government committing $3.5 million in the 2023-24 State Budget to establish three beacon schools to teach Hindi and Punjabi in Melbourne’s west, north and south-eastern suburbs. These schools will offer high quality learning in Hindi and Punjabi while serving as system leaders in these languages.
Key statistics
Almost 260,000 Victorians were born in India
Almost 40% of Australia’s Indian diaspora community live in Victoria.
Since 2014, the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Affairs portfolio has provided over $38 million in funding for projects supporting Victoria’s Indian Community.
Objective 2: Enhance strategic economic cooperation for the mutual prosperity of India and Victoria
The 2018 Strategy established the foundations for a long-term economic partnership and delivered extensive mutual wins, including a three-fold increase in non-stop air services between Victoria and India.
Victoria is an attractive location for prominent multinational companies, including Indian technology companies such as Infosys, Wipro, UST, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, HCL, Cyient, Ramco Systems, Sonata Software, Cognizant and Sedin Technologies. These competitive advantages, as well as our specialities in food and agribusiness, education, and digital technology and innovation present significant opportunities for collaboration with India.
Victoria proudly operates the largest state government trade and investment network of any Australian state or territory. Our Indian offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai help to make connections for trade, investment, and international education services.
Strategic investment in Victoria’s international network and securing direct flights have been instrumental in supporting Victorian businesses and economic outcomes for the state.
Key statistics
Between FY2018-19 and FY2023-24, Victorian merchandise exports to India grew by 51%.
In FY2023-24, two-way merchandise trade reached $3.67 billion ($900 million in exports).
India was Victoria’s eighth largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), valued at $94 million, in CY2023.
Case study
Objective 3: Deepen bilateral education, innovation and technology ties for a vibrant knowledge economy
Long standing education, digital technology and innovation ties have been at the core of the Victoria-India relationship. Further opportunities to expand those partnerships will be explored to enhance our reputation as a world leading knowledge economy.
India is well recognised as a global leader in technology services, talent and innovation. Indian technology companies call Victoria home to utilise Victoria’s highly skilled workforce.
Indian talent also plays a critical role in building Victoria’s digital technology workforce. Indian migrants were the top nationality of Information and Communications Technology occupations.
Indian students also play a valuable role in our knowledge economy with around 65,600 Indian students enrolled in Victorian education institutions in 2023, accounting for 23 per cent of all international enrolments in Victoria and fostering the environment for entrepreneurial students to make industry connections.
Indian entrepreneurs have a global-first mindset and Victoria is the ideal destination for startups. Growing engagement between our globally connected and industry focused accelerator program and innovation hubs will be instrumental in supporting startups, scale-ups and greater innovation.
Case studies
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