Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has praised the Indian-Australian community while reinforcing the growing strength of ties between Australia and India. Speaking during the 17th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in New Delhi, Wong highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections in shaping the relationship between both nations.
Wong said nearly one million Australians now trace their heritage to India, describing the Indian community as a vital part of Australia’s multicultural identity. She noted that Indian migrants, students, tourists and professionals continue contributing strongly to Australian society while also deepening bilateral cooperation.
During talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Wong said the relationship between Canberra and New Delhi had become “closer and more consequential than ever.” She described India as a major global power and acknowledged its growing influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
The high-level discussions focused heavily on economic security, renewable energy, defence cooperation, cyber issues, maritime stability and critical minerals. Both countries also explored opportunities to strengthen trade and technology partnerships as geopolitical competition continues to reshape the region.
The meeting followed the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, where Australia, India, Japan and the United States discussed supply chain resilience, maritime security and regional stability. Leaders from all four nations stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
Wong’s India visit comes at a time when Australia and India continue expanding cooperation through their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The partnership now stretches across education, defence, science, technology, climate action, critical minerals and people-to-people engagement.
Australia has also continued investing in multicultural and educational ties with India through initiatives supporting Asian language learning, cultural exchanges and diaspora engagement. Community language schools and Indian cultural programs have increasingly become part of Australia’s broader multicultural framework.
As diplomatic engagement between both countries continues to grow, Wong’s remarks underline the increasingly important role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening Australia’s economic, cultural and strategic relationship with India. With cooperation expanding rapidly, the Australia-India partnership appears set for another significant phase of growth.
