Introduction
The Australian High Commission in India is the official diplomatic mission representing the Australian Government in the Republic of India. Based in New Delhi, it promotes political cooperation, trade, investment, education, scientific research, defence relations, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections between Australia and India.
The High Commission also provides consular, passport, notarial and emergency assistance to Australian citizens. Visa and citizenship matters are handled through the Australian Government’s immigration system rather than through a philanthropic or foundation-based structure.
Australia and India established diplomatic relations before Indian independence. Lieutenant-General Iven Mackay became Australia’s first High Commissioner to India in March 1944, making the mission one of Australia’s longest-standing diplomatic representations in Asia.
The Australian High Commission was not created by an individual founder, family or private enterprise. It was established by the Australian Government as part of its diplomatic service and operates under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, commonly known as DFAT.
The High Commission is not a charitable foundation or conventional international donor. However, it administers and promotes several funding mechanisms, including small community grants, research partnerships, cultural programs, technology initiatives and bilateral cooperation opportunities.
Institutional Overview
Important institutional details include:
- Institutional type: Australian Government diplomatic mission
- Location: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
- Country represented: Commonwealth of Australia
- Primary host country: India
- Additional accreditation: Kingdom of Bhutan
- Responsible department: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Current High Commissioner: Philip Green OAM
- Wider diplomatic network: Australian consulates-general in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai
History and Background
Beginning of Australia–India Diplomatic Relations
Formal diplomatic engagement between Australia and India began during the pre-independence period.
India established a trade office in Sydney in 1941. Australia appointed Lieutenant-General Iven Mackay as its first High Commissioner to India in March 1944, and India sent its first High Commissioner to Australia in 1945.
The early diplomatic relationship developed through Commonwealth connections, wartime cooperation, trade, education and regional affairs.
Over the following decades, bilateral relations expanded into:
- Scientific research
- Agriculture
- Education
- Trade and investment
- Defence cooperation
- Maritime security
- Energy
- Critical minerals
- Technology
- Migration
- Tourism
- Cultural exchange
Development of the Strategic Partnership
Australia and India established a Strategic Partnership in 2009 and elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides the current framework for cooperation in defence, maritime affairs, science, technology, education, trade, investment, agriculture, critical minerals and regional security.
The two countries also participate in regional and international forums such as:
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
- Group of Twenty
- East Asia Summit
- Indian Ocean regional mechanisms
- Annual leader-level meetings
- Foreign and defence ministers’ dialogues
Expansion of Australia’s Diplomatic Network in India
The New Delhi High Commission is supported by Australian consulates-general in:
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
These offices extend diplomatic, commercial, consular and community engagement across different Indian states and regions.
The division of responsibilities is particularly important for the Direct Aid Program because different diplomatic posts manage applications from different states.
Mission and Purpose
The Australian High Commission’s primary mission is to represent and advance Australia’s interests in India while strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Its main purposes include:
- Maintaining diplomatic relations with the Government of India.
- Supporting political and strategic dialogue.
- Promoting Australian trade and investment.
- Strengthening defence and maritime cooperation.
- Supporting education and research partnerships.
- Promoting Australian culture and public diplomacy.
- Facilitating scientific and technological collaboration.
- Providing consular and passport services.
- Supporting grassroots development through targeted grants.
- Strengthening Australia’s relationship with Bhutan.
Economic and Commercial Diplomacy
The High Commission works with Australian and Indian government agencies, businesses and industry associations to expand trade and investment.
Priority sectors include:
- Critical minerals
- Renewable energy
- Education
- Agriculture
- Food processing
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Advanced manufacturing
- Infrastructure
- Tourism
- Financial and professional services
The Australia–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and wider economic roadmap seek to create stronger commercial, research and institutional connections between the two countries.
Science, Education and Knowledge Cooperation
Science and education are major components of the bilateral relationship.
Formal Australia–India science cooperation began in 1986. Later agreements supported collaboration between Australian and Indian scientific institutions, including joint projects in biotechnology, energy, advanced materials, agriculture and emerging technologies.
The High Commission helps promote these partnerships, although many grants are legally administered by Australian or Indian government departments, universities and specialist agencies.
Consular and Public Services
The High Commission assists Australians in India with:
- Emergency consular support
- Passport services
- Notarial services
- Information during crises
- Assistance after arrest, illness or serious accidents
- General travel and safety guidance
It also supports public diplomacy, official visits, cultural events, education promotion and communication about Australian policies and institutions.
Governance and Structure
The Australian High Commission operates as part of the Australian Government’s overseas diplomatic network.
It is not independently incorporated and does not have a separate board of trustees, private ownership structure or shareholders.
Its authority, budget, policies and accountability arrangements come primarily through DFAT and other Australian Government departments represented at the mission.
High Commissioner
The High Commissioner is the senior Australian Government representative in India and the head of the diplomatic mission.
The current High Commissioner is Philip Green OAM, a senior career diplomat who has previously represented Australia in Germany, Singapore, South Africa and Kenya. He has also held senior positions relating to Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.
The High Commissioner is also accredited to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The High Commissioner’s responsibilities include:
- Representing the Australian Government.
- Leading diplomatic engagement with India.
- Overseeing the High Commission.
- Supporting bilateral negotiations.
- Promoting trade, education and investment.
- Coordinating Australian Government agencies in India.
- Supporting Australians requiring consular assistance.
- Approving or overseeing selected diplomatic grant programs.
Australian Government Agencies
The mission may include officers or representatives from several Australian Government portfolios.
Relevant agencies and functions may include:
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Department of Home Affairs
- Austrade
- Department of Defence
- Education and skills agencies
- Agricultural and scientific organizations
- Australian Federal Police
- Immigration and border authorities
Each agency remains responsible to its Australian government portfolio while working within the broader diplomatic mission.
Consulate-General Network
Australian consulates-general in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai are headed by consuls-general and support regional engagement.
Their activities include:
- Commercial diplomacy
- Political engagement
- Consular support
- Education promotion
- Cultural outreach
- Direct Aid Program management
- Relationships with state governments
- Support for Australian companies
The New Delhi High Commission and regional consulates together form Australia’s official diplomatic network in India.
Ownership and Accountability
The High Commission is owned and operated by the Australian Government for public diplomatic purposes.
It is not:
- A family foundation
- A private company
- A corporate foundation
- An enterprise foundation
- An independent research foundation
- A commercial donor agency
Its grants and programs are financed through Australian Government appropriations and must comply with public-sector grant, financial, safeguarding and accountability requirements.
Funding and Grants
The Australian High Commission administers or promotes several grant and partnership mechanisms.
These programs differ significantly in purpose, eligibility, geographic coverage and funding level. Applicants should not assume that all Australian Government funding opportunities are administered directly by the High Commission.
Direct Aid Program
The Direct Aid Program, commonly known as DAP, is the High Commission’s principal grassroots development grant mechanism.
DAP is financed by the Australian Government and administered through the Australian High Commission and consulates-general. It supports small-scale projects that produce sustainable development outcomes and strengthen local communities in India and Bhutan.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Non-governmental organizations
- Community groups
- Academic institutions
- Not-for-profit entities
- Individuals undertaking eligible not-for-profit development activities
Indian organizations must comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act and provide required registration, banking, audit and financial documentation.
New Delhi DAP Geographic Coverage
The New Delhi High Commission normally manages DAP projects located in:
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bhutan
Projects in other Indian states are managed through the relevant Australian consulate-general.
Eligible DAP Projects
Successful DAP projects must generally:
- Deliver clear and measurable development outcomes.
- Respond to an identified community need.
- Be practical and technically feasible.
- Produce sustainable benefits.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity.
- Address project and safeguarding risks.
- Be completed within 12 months.
- Include a clear and fully itemized budget.
- Comply with Australian and Indian legal requirements.
DAP may support areas such as:
- Education and skills development
- Public health
- Women’s empowerment
- Disability inclusion
- Agriculture
- Water, sanitation and hygiene
- Environmental sustainability
- Livelihood development
- Community infrastructure
- Social inclusion
- Sport for development
Specific priorities can change between annual funding rounds.
Activities Generally Not Funded
The New Delhi DAP guidelines state that funding will generally not support:
- Regular staff salaries
- Loans or microcredit
- Cash-transfer programs
- Commercial ventures
- Major vehicle or property purchases
- International travel
- Large construction projects
- Routine operating expenses
- Office rent and utility costs
- Major sporting or cultural events without clear development benefits
Limited renovation, consultancy and domestic travel costs may be considered when they are directly required for implementation and represent only a small part of the total project budget.
DAP Selection Priorities
Projects may receive favourable consideration when they:
- Include applicant or co-donor contributions.
- Demonstrate community ownership.
- Produce tangible and lasting results.
- Encourage further community development.
- Offer a model that can be replicated elsewhere.
Successful recipients must maintain financial records, submit progress and completion reports, comply with safeguarding policies and permit monitoring visits by Australian officials.
Current Funding Availability
The New Delhi DAP webpage does not publish an active 2026 application deadline or a current standard funding ceiling. Applicants should therefore monitor the official High Commission website for a formal call rather than relying on figures from previous rounds.
Grant amounts may also differ between diplomatic posts. For example, the Mumbai Consulate-General states that its grants have typically reached up to AUD 28,000 or approximately INR 15 lakh, while other posts may apply different limits.
Centre for Australia–India Relations
The Centre for Australia–India Relations was launched in May 2023 as a national platform for strengthening connections between the two countries.
The Centre develops business links, engages Indian-Australian communities, promotes policy dialogue and supports cultural relationships. It administers Maitri scholarships, fellowships, cultural partnerships and grants.
The Centre is an Australian Government-supported institution but is organizationally separate from the High Commission.
Maitri Grants
Maitri Grants support initiatives that deepen Australia–India connections.
Relevant areas may include:
- Research
- Innovation
- Business capability
- Education
- Cultural exchange
- Public policy
- First Nations collaboration
- Creative industries
- Community engagement
The 2025 grants supported connections and research across Innovation, enterprise, education and culture. The expanded 2025–26 program made more than AUD 5 million available for projects strengthening the bilateral relationship, although that funding round has closed.
Australia–India Strategic Research Fund
The Australia–India Strategic Research Fund, known as AISRF, is a jointly funded bilateral research program.
It supports collaborative research between Australian and Indian institutions and is administered through the relevant science agencies of both countries rather than directly by the High Commission.
Since its establishment in 2006, the program has supported joint research projects, scientific workshops and fellowships involving major universities and research institutions.
The 2025 Round 16 call focused on:
- Critical-minerals processing
- Quantum computing and communication
- Remanufacturing
- Product end-of-use recovery
- Electronic-waste recycling
Results from Round 16 were published by India’s Department of Science and Technology in February 2026.
Cyber and Critical Technology Grants
The Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership supports collaborative research on responsible and secure technology.
The program addresses:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technology
- Cybersecurity
- Telecommunications
- Blockchain
- Digital public infrastructure
- Technology standards
- Critical supply chains
- Privacy and data governance
Since its creation in 2020, five funding rounds have supported 28 collaborative projects involving Australian and Indian research, policy and technology organizations.
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership
The Australia–India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership has supported grant-based collaboration on maritime and ocean priorities.
Relevant areas have included:
- Marine ecology
- Sustainable use of ocean resources
- Maritime security
- Disaster risk reduction
- Scientific cooperation
- Technology and academic exchange
The second publicly documented grant round opened in late 2021 and awarded projects in 2022. It should be treated as a completed funding round unless a new call is formally announced.
Agricultural Research Cooperation
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has worked with Indian partners since 1982.
Its research partnerships address agricultural productivity, water, food systems, climate resilience, natural-resource management and rural livelihoods.
The ACIAR South Asia office was established in India in 1997. ACIAR is a separate Australian Government statutory authority but forms part of the wider development and research relationship supported by Australia’s diplomatic network.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Australia has offered scholarships, fellowships and academic exchanges to Indian students, researchers and professionals through several programs.
These have included:
- Maitri Scholarships
- Maitri Fellowships
- Australia Awards
- Research exchanges
- Academic leadership programs
- University partnerships
- Scientist mobility fellowships
Eligibility, deadlines and financial benefits depend on the specific administering institution.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the main framework guiding Australia–India relations.
It supports cooperation in:
- Defence and security
- Trade and investment
- Education
- Science and technology
- Agriculture
- Maritime affairs
- Critical minerals
- Clean energy
- Migration and mobility
- Culture and community engagement
Trade and Investment Promotion
The High Commission works with Austrade, businesses, investors and government agencies to expand commercial links.
Activities may include:
- Trade missions
- Investment forums
- Business introductions
- Market information
- Government engagement
- Sector-specific partnerships
- Support for Australian companies entering India
- Promotion of Indian investment in Australia
Education and Skills Cooperation
Education is one of the strongest links between Australia and India.
The bilateral education relationship includes:
- University partnerships
- Student mobility
- Research collaboration
- Qualification recognition
- Vocational education
- Skills development
- Joint degrees
- Australian university campuses in India
In 2024, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong opened branch campuses at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, representing a major development in transnational education cooperation.
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme, known as MATES, creates pathways for eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals to obtain temporary work experience in Australia.
The program covers selected fields and operates through a visa-ballot process. The 2025–26 ballot registration period ran from 1 November to 14 December 2025.
MATES is an immigration and professional-mobility initiative rather than a grant program.
Climate, Energy and Critical Minerals
Australia and India cooperate on clean energy, resources and climate-related priorities.
Areas of engagement include:
- Green hydrogen
- Solar energy
- Energy storage
- Critical minerals
- Sustainable mining
- Climate technology
- Clean manufacturing
- Research commercialization
These partnerships seek to connect Australia’s natural resources and research capabilities with India’s manufacturing scale, technology needs and clean-energy transition.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Defence and maritime relations are central to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The High Commission supports dialogue and cooperation involving:
- Defence exercises
- Maritime-domain awareness
- Naval engagement
- Training and education
- Defence technology
- Indian Ocean security
- Humanitarian assistance
- Disaster response
Cultural and People-to-People Connections
Cultural diplomacy supports relationships between artists, researchers, communities and institutions.
Programs may include:
- Maitri cultural partnerships
- Film and performing arts
- Literary events
- First Nations engagement
- Academic dialogues
- Community festivals
- Sports diplomacy
- Professional exchanges
The Indian community in Australia and Australians of Indian heritage play a major role in strengthening these connections.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Historical Direct Aid Program Impact
By 2010, the High Commission reported that DAP had funded more than 130 projects in India since 2001, distributing more than INR 4 crore in small development assistance. This is a historical figure and should not be treated as the current cumulative total.
Past recipients included organizations working in:
- Education for children living in informal settlements
- Healthcare for disadvantaged women and children
- Rehabilitation of trafficking survivors
- Support for street-connected children
- Sport-based youth development
- Environmental action
- Community livelihoods
Support for Women and Children
Historical DAP funding supported organizations such as:
- STOP, for the rehabilitation of young women affected by trafficking.
- Trinity Rural Development Service, for healthcare services.
- Katha, for education in disadvantaged communities.
- Salaam Baalak, for work with street-connected children.
- Magic Bus, for sport-based development.
- ASHA, for education support in Delhi communities.
These examples demonstrate the program’s focus on practical, community-level results.
Livelihood and Agricultural Resilience
During 2024–25, the Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai supported six projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra through DAP.
One funded initiative helped farmers, particularly women, in ten villages in the Wardha region improve agricultural productivity, nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience.
Inclusive Sports Development
A 2024–25 DAP project implemented through GoSports supported eight emerging able-bodied and para-athletes with training, sports science, equipment and competitive exposure.
The project was designed to improve access and participation for athletes from underrepresented groups.
Cyber and Technology Research
The Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership has funded research on:
- Submarine-cable security
- Safe artificial intelligence adoption
- Cybercrime risk modelling
- Critical-energy infrastructure
- Post-quantum cryptography
- Gender-inclusive digital public infrastructure
- AI and blockchain applications
- Open and competitive digital economies
These projects connect Australian universities and research organizations with Indian institutes, universities, policy organizations and technology partners.
Scientific Collaboration
The Australia–India Strategic Research Fund has created partnerships between scientists and institutions from both countries.
The 2025 research round targeted critical minerals, quantum technologies and electronic-waste recovery, reflecting the countries’ shared interest in emerging industries and sustainable technology.
Education and Institutional Partnerships
The opening of Australian university campuses in India, increasing student mobility and the creation of joint education strategies demonstrate the wider influence of bilateral diplomatic and institutional cooperation.
The High Commission does not directly operate every education initiative, but it helps support the government relationships and public diplomacy that make these partnerships possible.
Understanding the High Commission’s Funding Role
The Australian High Commission should primarily be classified as a diplomatic mission and public institution.
Its funding roles include:
- Administering selected Direct Aid Program grants.
- Promoting Australian Government funding opportunities.
- Supporting bilateral research and innovation programs.
- Facilitating partnerships between institutions.
- Monitoring and representing Australian-funded initiatives.
- Connecting communities and organizations with relevant agencies.
It should not be classified as:
- A private philanthropic foundation
- An unrestricted NGO donor
- A permanent basic research foundation
- A family-owned institution
- A commercial funding company
Many opportunities associated with Australia–India relations are administered by DFAT, the Centre for Australia–India Relations, Australian science agencies, Indian government departments, universities or other institutions.
Applicants should always confirm:
- The administering organization
- Eligible countries and states
- Applicant requirements
- Foreign-funding compliance
- Available grant amount
- Project duration
- Current deadline
- Whether the call remains open
Conclusion
The Australian High Commission in India is one of the central institutions supporting relations between Australia and India.
Australia’s diplomatic representation in India dates to March 1944, when Lieutenant-General Iven Mackay became the first Australian High Commissioner. Since then, the relationship has developed from traditional diplomacy into a broad partnership covering trade, education, science, defence, technology, culture, energy and community development.
The High Commission is governed through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently headed by Philip Green OAM. It works with Australian consulates-general in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai to maintain a nationwide diplomatic presence.
Its Direct Aid Program provides targeted support for practical community-development projects, particularly those benefiting disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. Other Australia–India funding mechanisms support scientific research, cyber technology, cultural exchange, education and institutional partnerships.
Although the High Commission is not a conventional foundation or unrestricted donor, it remains an important gateway to Australian Government grants, diplomatic partnerships and bilateral initiatives.
NGOs, universities, researchers, cultural organizations and community groups should monitor the official Australian High Commission and relevant Australian Government platforms for future Direct Aid Program calls, research competitions, Maitri initiatives and partnership opportunities.
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