More than 100 leaders from government, business, academia and industry gathered at Parliament House in Canberra on 2 July for the IABCA Future of Industries Roundtable, an important forum focused on strengthening Australia’s long-term economic partnership with India. Organised by the India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA), the invitation-only event brought together influential voices from both countries to discuss opportunities that will drive the next chapter of bilateral cooperation.
The Roundtable was co-hosted with Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, and was held ahead of the anticipated visit of India’s Prime Minister to Australia. The discussions centred on identifying practical strategies that can further deepen economic engagement while supporting innovation, investment and sustainable growth across the Australia-India corridor.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Andrew Charlton highlighted the importance of the Australia-India relationship at a time of rapid technological advancement and economic transformation. He praised IABCA for its continued efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and said forums such as the Future of Industries Roundtable provide an important platform to identify shared opportunities and develop long-term solutions that benefit both nations.
The discussions were aligned with the Australian Government’s New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India, which identifies India as one of Australia’s most significant long-term strategic and economic partners. Participants explored ways to accelerate collaboration across industries while ensuring both countries are well positioned to capitalise on emerging global opportunities.
Two major themes formed the centrepiece of the Roundtable. The first focused on Talent, Skills and Leadership Mobility, examining how both nations can strengthen workforce collaboration, improve knowledge exchange and support the movement of skilled professionals. The second centred on Business Connectivity, Market Access and Investment, exploring practical ways to encourage greater bilateral trade, investment flows and commercial partnerships.
The event also welcomed His Excellency Nagesh Singh, the incoming High Commissioner of India to Australia, providing an opportunity for senior representatives from government, business and academia to engage directly with India’s new diplomatic leadership. His participation reflected the growing momentum in Australia-India relations and the increasing importance both countries place on closer strategic and economic cooperation.
IABCA Founder Sonia Sadiq Gandhi described the Roundtable as taking place at a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship. She said India represents one of Australia’s most significant long-term economic opportunities and emphasised that future growth across every sector will increasingly depend on talent, innovation, investment and stronger business connectivity. Bringing together leaders from multiple sectors, she noted, helps identify practical partnerships that can strengthen Australia’s long-term engagement with India.
The Future of Industries Roundtable also forms part of IABCA’s broader national engagement strategy. Later this year, the organisation will host its 2026 Australia Immersion Week, welcoming a delegation of Indian CEOs to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The initiative aims to foster new business relationships, encourage investment opportunities and strengthen commercial links between Australian and Indian organisations.
Key recommendations and outcomes from the Parliament House discussions will be shared with government and industry stakeholders to support ongoing bilateral dialogue and contribute to preparations ahead of the anticipated Prime Ministerial visit. Organisers believe the insights generated during the Roundtable will help shape future policy discussions while creating new opportunities across innovation, technology, education, investment and business collaboration.
Established in 2014, the India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA) has become one of Australia’s leading independent platforms dedicated to advancing Australia-India relations. Through leadership programs, strategic dialogue, cultural diplomacy and business engagement, the organisation continues to connect governments, businesses, universities and community leaders, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations. As Australia and India continue expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, initiatives like the Future of Industries Roundtable demonstrate the shared ambition to build a stronger, more innovative and economically connected future.
