Think tanks need to do a better job to present India in the international context: leading Australian think tank research head

Australia’s public policy makers are catching up with the rapid changes in India-Australia relationship and in that context, it is necessary to invest in building on think tank resources between the two sides, said Herve Lemahieu, Director of Research of Sydney-based Lowy Institute. The remarks from Mr Lemahieu came in the wake of Australia announcing ‘Maitri Grants’ that will, among other activities, fund the recruitment of a distinguished scholar for the India Chair at the Lowy Institute that is known for high quality research in the field of international studies from the Australian point of view.

“Australia’s public and policy debates are playing catch-up on the rapid evolution of the bilateral partnership. But think tanks also need to do a better job of situating India within a broader regional and international context. The country will be a central player through the chop and change we are experiencing in global politics,” said Mr Lemahieu.

The India Chair will be a new initiative to further promote understanding about India in Australia with the aim to furthering bilateral partnership. Herve Lemahieu described India as “an anchor for strategic balance for Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region”, adding that “Understanding India, its trajectory, power and diffuse interests, has never been more important to us.”

“This world-class program of research at the Lowy Institute will do just that. It will elevate India in terms of our research agenda. It’s an opportunity to bring in new talent, fresh perspectives, and deepen the bench on a vital piece of the puzzle in terms of how Australia looks and engages the region,” said Mr Lemahieu. Australia and India are partners in the Quad grouping that also includes Japan and the United States and that apart, the two countries have a history of cooperation that dates back to the immediate post-independence years of India. The two sides are closely working on issues in the Indo-Pacific region as well as the ASEAN grouping where the Myanmar crisis has prompted concern from New Delhi and Canberra.

Other projects under the Maitri Grants will include an exhibition of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, an annual leadership dialogue, and innovative research infields like clean energy solutions and biomanufacturing, said a press note from the Centre for Australia India Relations. High Commissioner of Australia Philip Green praised the initiative at the Lowy Institute and said, “An India Chair at the Lowy Institute will contribute to Australians’ understanding of India at a deep level. We are very different societies, and research, scholarship and analysis will allow us to maximize the opportunity of our shared interests.”