This week, I’m lucky enough to be in New Delhi, attending one of the world’s biggest events – the AI Impact Summit.

I have had a longstanding, personal relationship with India, having first travelled to India in my early 20s as an academic to launch my book about fair trade. As a member of the Australian Federal Parliament, my electorate is home to one of Australia’s largest Indian diaspora communities in Sydney – the “human” bridge between our two nations. 

Today, I return to India as Australia’s Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, and could not be prouder to lead the Australian delegation.

The Government of India has welcomed over 100 countries, including 15 Heads of State, to talk about how we can best harness this transformative technology for economic and social good. I’d like to acknowledge the Government of India’s leadership, hospitality, and vision in hosting this event.

We are already seeing AI affect entire industries and societies in complex ways. The economic and social opportunities are immense – but so are the risks.

The Australian Government has recently published its National AI Plan, outlining our desire to realise opportunities, ensure benefits are shared, while keeping people safe.

Our country’s strengths make us a reliable partner for governments and businesses seeking to build and scale responsible AI systems.

Australia is strongly committed to working with our regional partners, such as India, to promote shared standards and build mutual trust.

India and Australia are regional leaders at the forefront of AI adoption and investment, collaborating across priority sectors including healthcare, agriculture and mining. 

Through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we’re deepening bilateral cooperation, including across cyber and critical technologies, underpinned by our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

AI uptake in both countries is high, with over 50 per cent of Australian enterprises and 71 per cent of Indian enterprises adopting AI in 2024.  

This brings me onto the next milestone our two countries are celebrating. 

2026 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) – a crucial collaboration that embodies a simple but powerful idea: that when Australia and India bring their scientific talents together, both our countries get stronger.

Over 20 years, the AISRF has supported more than 90 collaborative projects with over $100 million in joint investment. These projects span fields central to both nations’ futures, such as quantum, clean energy, agriculture, and health.

The latest round of projects continues this mission, supporting work on renewable energy, heat‑tolerant rice, critical mineral recovery, anti‑viral therapies, and the safety of emerging quantum systems. 

Each project reflects the same underlying values: shared problem‑solving, scientific excellence, and a commitment to creating opportunity for both countries.

Just as important as the research itself are the relationships it builds. The AISRF has strengthened the bonds between our universities, research institutions, and industries. 

The Australia–India relationship is not just strategic – it is built on people who understand and care deeply about both nations. Their contribution is a national asset, and one the Australian Government values immensely.

The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP in The Hindu Businessline Newspaper