Indian Diaspora in Australia as Strategic Actor in India-Australia Relations

Abstract

India and Australia share growing strategic, economic and cultural relations marked by their converging geopolitical and economic interests and expanding people to people linkages.  Their relationship was upgraded to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership in June 2020. Their mutual understanding and shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific is the staple of their relationship. Among the many factors playing role in their partnership, the Indian diaspora in Australia is an important strategic actor.  This paper examines role of diaspora in diplomacy, economic relations, education and people-to-people engagements. An attempt has been made to highlight  role of diaspora in shaping bilateral relations and strengthening soft power.