Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced new appointments to the advisory board of the Australian Government’s Centre for Australia-India Relations, bringing expertise across science, technology, investment, business and community engagement.

Internationally recognised UNSW scientist Professor Veena Sahajwalla has been appointed to the board, alongside AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda and Adarsh Australia director Faz Pollard.

Professor Sahajwalla is widely recognised for her work in recycling science, sustainable materials and waste transformation. Her appointment brings a strong science, innovation and sustainability perspective to the Centre’s work at a time when Australia and India are expanding cooperation in technology and research.

Robin Khuda brings extensive experience in technology infrastructure and investment as the founder and CEO of AirTrunk, while Faz Pollard contributes experience in business and Australia-India commercial engagement.

Four existing board members, Amrit Gill, Catriona Jackson, Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM and Amit Singh, have also been reappointed.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations was established by the Australian Government to strengthen engagement between the two countries and build greater connections across business, education, culture and the wider community.

The latest appointments come as Australia and India continue to deepen their relationship across trade, investment, technology, science, education and people-to-people ties.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Centre plays an important role in supporting stronger engagement with India and Australia’s Indian diaspora.

The appointments bring together leaders with diverse experience and connections who will help support the next phase of the Australia-India relationship.

For Australia’s growing Indian-origin community, the strengthening of institutional links between the two countries also reflects the increasingly important role of the diaspora in building closer connections between Australia and India.

  Australia India Relations, Australia-India, Bilateral Relations, Centre for Australia-India Relations, Faz Pollard, Indian Australians, Indian Diaspora, Penny Wong, Robin Khuda, Veena Sahajwalla