The Australia India Business Council has marked four decades of advancing trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Australia and India, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially launching the organisation’s 40th anniversary national program at a special event in Canberra.
The launch brought together senior government representatives, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora to celebrate four decades of strengthening economic, business and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Established in 1986 under the leadership of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, AIBC was created to support stronger trade, investment and business relations between Australia and India.
Since then, the organisation has grown into one of Australia’s leading bilateral business councils, connecting governments, industries, investors and entrepreneurs across both nations.
Celebrating four decades of business leadership
AIBC’s 40th anniversary national program will run from May to December 2026, with activities planned across Australia and several major Indian cities.
The program will include investment roundtables, industry dialogues, networking events, business delegations and other initiatives designed to create new commercial opportunities across the bilateral relationship.
AIBC’s anniversary comes at an important time for Australia–India economic relations.
Bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded AUD $44 billion in 2024–25, with India now Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market.
Both countries have also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
The relationship is expected to grow further through cooperation in sectors including critical minerals, agribusiness, technology, manufacturing and professional services.
Prime Minister recognises AIBC’s contribution
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recognised the work of the individuals and organisations that had contributed to AIBC’s success over the past four decades.
“For an organisation to last 40 years is never simply the dividend of good luck. It is hard work — the result of the ambition, determination, dedication and the sheer hard work of an entire army of people,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister’s comments acknowledged the important role AIBC has played in bringing together governments, businesses and communities while helping transform the broader Australia–India relationship into practical trade and investment outcomes.
Indian diaspora an important economic bridge
Australia’s Indian community, which now includes more than 900,000 people of Indian ancestry, was also recognised as an important connection between the two economies.
The community contributes professional expertise, business knowledge, cultural understanding and valuable connections that support trade and investment between Australia and India.
AIBC operates chapters across six Australian states and continues to provide a platform for businesses seeking opportunities in both markets.
Leaders reflect on AIBC’s legacy
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Nagesh Singh, said AIBC had played an important role in strengthening bilateral economic relations over the past four decades.
“Over the past four decades, AIBC has played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral economic ties, fostering business partnerships and deepening friendship between India and Australian industries,” he said.
AIBC National Chair Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM said the anniversary marked both a celebration of the organisation’s history and the beginning of a new chapter.
“As we look ahead, we see a promising new chapter for the Australia–India relationship. With the partnership more important than ever, AIBC remains firmly committed to building a stronger, more prosperous future for both countries,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite was also among the senior representatives attending the Canberra celebration.
Looking towards the next 40 years
AIBC’s 40th anniversary reflects the significant transformation of Australia–India relations since the organisation was founded in 1986.
What began as an initiative to encourage closer business engagement has developed into a broad partnership covering trade, investment, education, innovation, technology, critical minerals and professional services.
As AIBC enters its fifth decade, the organisation remains focused on helping businesses explore new markets, forming stronger partnerships and supporting the shared economic ambitions of Australia and India.
