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Australia Envoy Hails Indian Diaspora as Key to Deepening Bilateral Ties

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, emphasized the strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship, highlighting the crucial human connection provided by the over one-million-strong Indian diaspora. He noted this community is the fastest-growing in Australia and contributes significantly to society. The cultural dimension was showcased at the India Art Fair 2026, where Australian First Nations artist Grace Lillian Lee presented work highlighting synergies between Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions. Green welcomed this artistic exchange as a significant part of the deepening cross-cultural engagement between the two nations.

Key Points: Australian High Commissioner Praises Indian Diaspora's Role

  • Growing strategic & economic partnership
  • Over a million people of Indian origin in Australia
  • Cultural exchange via India Art Fair 2026
  • Shared values between Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions
2 min read

"Indians doing great things in our society," says Australian High Commissioner

Australia's High Commissioner highlights the growing people-to-people ties and a million-strong Indian community as central to the multifaceted bilateral relationship.

"They're doing great things in our society, and we want them to do great things for the bilateral relationship. - Philip Green"

New Delhi, February 14

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, said that the two countries are building a multifaceted bilateral relationship that spans strategic, economic, and educational areas.

Green, while speaking to reporters, emphasised both the bilateral relationship and people-to-people links.

"We're building a big multifaceted bilateral relationship across defence and security, across economics, across education, but the very special thing about the bilateral relationship that we have is this human connection," he said.

Highlighting the Indian diaspora in Australia, the High Commissioner added, "There are now more than a million people of Indian origin in Australia. That's the fastest growing community in our country, and they're doing great things in our society, and we want them to do great things for the bilateral relationship."

Meanwhile, earlier in February, Australian First Nations artist, designer and cultural advocate Grace Lillian Lee presented her work in India at the India Art Fair 2026, bringing Indigenous Australian perspectives on heritage, sustainability and identity to one of South Asia's most influential art platforms.

The 17th edition of the India Art Fair was held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from February 5 to 8, 2026.

The fair, regarded as the premier showcase for modern and contemporary art in South Asia, will feature 133 exhibitors, including galleries, institutions and a dedicated Design section.

Speaking on the occasion, Lee, founder and chairperson of First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD), highlighted the shared cultural values that connect Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions.

"There are many synergies between our purpose and the reason why we celebrate our culture through weaving and fashion and see it as a bigger purpose to support," she said to ANI.

The High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green, welcomed Lee's participation at the fair, noting the significance of her work in a cross-cultural context.

"We are delighted to have Grace Lillian Lee, who is an Australian artist in this year's Indian Art Fair. She has brought that tradition together with modern fabric and artistic creation from Australia to produce a wonderful set of wearable art, which is on display this week at the Indian Art Fair," he said while speaking to ANI.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see the relationship strengthening. The focus on education and defence is crucial. Hope this translates into more opportunities for Indian students and professionals in Australia with fewer visa hurdles.
A
Aman W
While the words are nice, I hope this "human connection" is felt by all Indians in Australia. There have been concerns about racism and safety. The government should ensure a welcoming environment, not just give speeches.
S
Sarah B
The cultural exchange at the art fair is the most exciting part for me. Finding synergies between Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions through art and weaving is a powerful way to build understanding. More of this, please!
V
Vikram M
Over a million people! That's a huge number. Our community is known for hard work and integrating well. This partnership is a win-win. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Strategic and economic ties are good, but the real foundation is this people-to-people link. When cultures appreciate each other's art and heritage, it creates lasting bonds. Hope to see more such exchanges.

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