Indian Students In Australia Will Get Rs 82 Crore Scholarship Grants: Maitri Scholars Program

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced a scholarship program for Indian students among other initiatives.

Scholars Program

It is named the Maitri Scholars Program which will provide over USD 11 million for 4 years to support Indian students studying in Australia.

The scholarship has been named ‘Maitri’, meaning friendship initiatives,” she said.

Payne also announced new initiatives that will improve the education and cultural ties between Australia and India.

Fellowship Program

The Fellowship Program will provide USD 3.5 million over four years to “build links between future leaders”.

It will also support mid-career Australian and Indian professionals’ collaborations on strategic research initiatives.

Cultural Partnerships

Australia will also provide over USD 6 million over four years to support cultural exchanges and boost the role of the creative industries in both countries.

Payne said that the relationship between the countries has connections in trade and investment as well.

CECA

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan visited India to attend negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

The CECA is an agreement that both parties are certain will open up new trade and investment opportunities, particularly in the context of the impact of COVID-19.

Travel And Tourism

Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday in New Delhi.

As per the MOU Australia and India will work together to promote travel between the other and extend cooperation on tourism policy, data sharing, training and industry engagement.

Infrastructure Forum

Payne also announced the establishment of the Australia-India infrastructure forum which will match Australian finance with infrastructure opportunities in India.

The nation will host workshops and generate analysis to drive results for businesses.

Reopening Borders For Indians

External affairs minister S Jaishankar praised Australia’s decision to reopen its borders which will facilitate the return of Indian students and temporary visa holders.

Payne said that 15,000 Indian students returned to Australia between November and January, the largest group from any one country.

Jaishankar said that the Australian side has been “forward leaning” in helping students with expired visas and work approvals.