Four decades of partnership, shared achievement and a vision for stronger economic ties took centre stage at the Australia India Business Council’s anniversary celebration in Sydney.
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on 16 October 2026 – exactly 40 years after its foundation on 16 October 1986.
The Gala Dinner and Australia-India Address NSW brought together business leaders, former State Committee Chairs, members and distinguished guests to recognise the organisation’s contribution to strengthening Australia-India business relationships. The Sydney gathering formed part of AIBC’s broader 40th anniversary celebration series.
Established under the leadership of then Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Rajiv Gandhi, AIBC has spent four decades connecting businesses, government and industry across both countries. Its anniversary recognised the people and partnerships that have sustained this work while looking towards future trade and investment opportunities.
Reflecting on the milestone, AIBC National Chair Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM dedicated the anniversary to the organisation’s wider community:
“As we celebrate 40 years of the Australia India Business Council, we dedicate this landmark milestone to our valued members, key stakeholders, and everyone who has contributed across so many different capacities over the decades. Together, we have built strong bridges and expanded bilateral trade, further energized today by the Australia India ECTA. Through our literacy initiatives and cross border knowledge sharing, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that our strong commercial ties continue to empower communities and drive long term inclusive growth.”
His message placed members, knowledge sharing and inclusive growth at the heart of AIBC’s anniversary, connecting its commercial purpose with the benefits stronger economic relationships can bring to communities.
The occasion brought together key stakeholders, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, representatives of the Consulate General of India in Sydney, sponsors and business partners. Their participation reflected the network of institutions and enterprises contributing to the bilateral relationship.
A keynote address was delivered by Jessica Olivier, Partner and Lead of RSM Australia’s R&D Tax and Government Incentives practice, who contributed her insights to the evening’s business program.
The panel discussion, “Australia-India 2030: From Trade Agreement to Business Opportunity,” placed future economic collaboration at the centre of the celebrations. Moderated by Dr Namita Gupta, the panel brought together Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM, Ryan Neelam, Kala Philip and Lisa Sthalekar. The NSW Australia-India Address panel discussion was supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations through its Maitri Grants Program.
According to AIBC’s account of the evening, the discussion explored opportunities under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), including its role in making business between the two countries easier. Panellists also emphasised the importance of deeper engagement between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving the next phase of economic collaboration.
India’s Consul General in Sydney, Dr Janakiraman, captured the potential for collaboration with the words: “Design in Australia, make in India, and design in India, make in Australia.”
The message reflects the possibilities of a partnership built on shared ideas, complementary strengths and mutual trust – creating opportunities for businesses, industries and communities in both countries.
From technology and tourism to food, wine and education, the discussions highlighted the value of sustained relationships, local market knowledge and closer business engagement. These themes gave the anniversary a practical focus: building on established connections to help more businesses participate in bilateral trade, develop partnerships and pursue opportunities across both markets.
Alongside the business program, the anniversary offered an opportunity to recognise the people behind AIBC’s work. Business councils draw strength from the commitment of members, committee teams, sponsors and partners who bring people together and maintain relationships over time. The Sydney celebration reflected that collective effort.
Looking ahead, AIBC NSW President Ravi Mandalika outlined the chapter’s focus on helping members develop meaningful business connections.
“Over the past eight weeks, we’ve been listening closely to our members, business community, partners and government stakeholders. One message has been clear: businesses need more than networking opportunities. They need meaningful connections that help them grow,” he said.
“That’s why we’re developing the AIBC NSW Business Growth Alliance, a member-focused initiative designed to connect businesses with trusted expertise, services and commercial opportunities across Australia and India.”
The proposed initiative gives a practical direction to the chapter’s ambitions, placing member needs and business growth at the centre of its next phase.
“Forty years is an extraordinary milestone, but the potential of the Australia-India relationship is even greater. We’ve come a long way, but I believe we’re just getting started,” Mandalika said.
He also acknowledged the sponsors and partners whose support helped make the Sydney anniversary celebration possible.
Adding a culinary dimension to the occasion, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor presented a specially curated menu, bringing the flavours of India to the anniversary celebration.
Under the leadership of National Chair Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM and NSW President Ravi Mandalika, the milestone provided an opportunity to honour AIBC’s history and build momentum for its future. The NSW committee deserves recognition for bringing together the anniversary celebration, supported by its members, sponsors and wider business network.
Congratulations to AIBC’s past and present National Chairs, State Chairs, executive teams and members whose dedication has sustained this remarkable 40-year journey. Their collective contribution has helped nurture the relationships on which future collaboration can grow.
With committed leadership, an engaged team and a shared ambition to strengthen bilateral ties, AIBC has a strong foundation on which to build towards its 50th anniversary. The journey ahead offers further opportunities to expand business participation, deepen partnerships and carry four decades of shared effort into the next chapter of Australia-India relations.
