South Australia’s Premier, Peter Malinauskas, is on an official visit to India, aiming to strengthen economic, cultural, and trade ties between the two regions. With India being the world’s fastest-growing major economy, this visit presents an opportunity to capitalise on emerging business prospects and solidify relationships that will benefit South Australia.
Expanding Connectivity: Direct Flights Between Adelaide and India
South Australia is home to a thriving Indian community, with more than 40,000 residents born in India, making them the state’s second-largest migrant group. Given this strong connection, the Premier is actively exploring the possibility of direct flights between Adelaide and India.
To this end, he met with executives from IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size, including Vice President Mr. Rajan Malhotra and Head of Global Sales Mr. Vinay Malhotra. The discussions revolved around potential direct flight routes that could enhance travel and business between the two regions.
In addition, South Australia Premier Malinauskas met with Mr. Videh Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport, to further discuss South Australia’s ambitions for direct flights, paving the way for greater accessibility and trade links.
Strengthening Trade and Investment Opportunities
During his visit, South Australia Premier Malinauskas engaged with key Indian business leaders to discuss potential investment in South Australia’s growing industries, particularly clean energy, space, food and wine, agribusiness, and steel manufacturing.
A crucial meeting took place with India’s Minister for Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, focusing on strategies to boost trade and investment between India and South Australia. Additionally, the Premier held discussions with Mr. Sandeep Poundrik, the head of India’s Ministry of Steel, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the steel sector, particularly with Whyalla Steelworks.
Cultural and Sporting Engagements
As part of the visit, South Australia Premier Malinauskas arrived in Maharashtra, participating in key discussions and cultural exchanges to reinforce growing ties between South Australia and the Indian state.
One of the major highlights of the visit was his trip to Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, where he was warmly welcomed by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik. He was presented with a memento to commemorate the occasion, while Maharashtra’s Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, was also honoured. The Premier participated in a friendly exhibition cricket match alongside MCA officials and underprivileged children, further strengthening the cultural connection through sport.
This visit coincided with the MCA’s golden jubilee celebrations of Wankhede Stadium, which hosted the historic 2011 Cricket World Cup final. The event also saw the felicitation of Mumbai’s men’s and women’s team captains and former players who have contributed to the city’s cricketing legacy.
Collaboration in Technology and Innovation
Beyond sports and trade, the visit also focused on fostering technological and academic partnerships. South Australia Premier Malinauskas, alongside Australian Ambassador to India Philip Green and Australian Consul General Paul Murphy, held discussions with Minister Ashish Shelar to explore collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Future Technologies, and Drone Manufacturing.
Minister Shelar outlined Maharashtra’s plans to establish a world-class AI & Future Technologies Centre of Excellence in Mumbai and sought the Premier’s support in facilitating a partnership with the University of Adelaide’s renowned School of AI and Machine Learning. Furthermore, discussions covered Maharashtra’s drone policy and the establishment of a Drone Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with potential collaboration opportunities involving the University of South Australia.
South Australia Premier Malinauskas pledged full support, committing to personally reaching out to South Australia’s universities to encourage deeper academic, research, and industry engagement between the two regions.
Future Prospects and Lasting Partnerships
With several high-level meetings still on the agenda, South Australia Premier Malinauskas’ visit to India aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties while creating new opportunities for trade, education, and innovation. This trip underscores South Australia’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with India, ensuring long-term benefits for both regions in areas ranging from business and transport to education and sports.
As the visit progresses, South Australia is set to emerge as a key player in deepening bilateral ties with India, reinforcing its position as a destination for investment, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
