The session on 'Enriching public opinion and cross-cultural understanding of Australia and India' at the India Australia Business and Community Alliance Global Leaders Forum was truly engaging and thought-provoking. The speakers - Danielle Mate, Lisa Singh, Professor Iain Martin, Nick Hockley, Petula Thomas and Sarah Storey - shared their profound insights, shedding light on various aspects of the relationship between the two countries, and provided a vision for a bright and prosperous future.

Through their speeches and discussions, the speakers emphasised the importance of nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures. They highlighted the need to promote cross-cultural dialogue and education, which can help bridge the gap between the two nations and foster closer ties.

The session also shed light on the potential areas of collaboration between Australia and India, including trade, education, science, technology, and cultural exchange. The speakers emphasized the need to leverage these areas of common interest and work towards mutually beneficial outcomes.

Overall, the session left a lasting impression on the audience and provided valuable insights that can serve as a roadmap for building a stronger and more prosperous relationship between Australia and India. 

Discover more on this topic in an exclusive article by Professor Iain Martin, published in Deccan Herald, in which he writes about the need for a shift towards deeper engagement rooted in a shared desire to move beyond traditional political alliances and cultivate a more nuanced understanding of each other's cultures and perspectives.