“The NSW Parliamentary Friends of India will encourage collaborations, fostering of relations and friendships between the people of both countries,” says Chair Mr Warren Kirby MP.

The Australia India Business Council (AIBC), the leading bilateral business chamber, hosted the celebration of Holi, India’s iconic festival of colours and the launch of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India at the NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, 20 March 2024.

Welcoming Parliamentarians, businesses, event partners, AIBC members and the diaspora,
Mr Irfan Malik, AIBC National Associate Chair and NSW President said, “It is the first time
that Holi is being celebrated at the NSW Parliament and the launch of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India is an acknowledgement of the strong connections between NSW and India.”

The Hon Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier representing The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of
New South Wales, said “This launch is very special and important for the NSW Government.

Not only by the increasing number of migrants from India, but also their contribution to NSW
makes it special. It is also special because the launch coincides with the Holi Festival of
Harmony.”

The event was organized by the AIBC, with bipartisan support including The Hon Mark
Speakman MP, Leader of the Opposition; The Hon Steven Kamper MP, Minister
for Multiculturalism; Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Sydney; Mr Warren Kirby
MP, Member for Riverstone & Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India; Mr Gurmesh
Singh MP, Member for Coffs Harbour & Co-Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India;

The Hon Scott Farlow MLC, Liberal Party NSW; Councillors, Members of Parliament,
Community leaders and media.

Mr Kirby formally launched the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India and said, “In recent
years the social, economic and defence relations between Australia and India had grown
tremendously. The launch at the time of Holi was significant as the festival augurs new
beginnings. NSW Parliamentary Friends of India will encourage collaborations, fostering of
relations and friendships between the people of both countries.”

Dr Janakiraman, Consul General India, Sydney said, “Our relations are one of the best. The
visits of many trade delegations from Australia to India, and from India to NSW, signify the
growing economic partnership and the establishment of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of
India will further enhance our friendship.”

Ms Jodi McKay, AIBC National Chair and Chair of the CEO Forum, congratulated the great
initiative of the Parliamentary Friends of India, and said that NSW contributes significantly to
the economic and trade relations with its resources, contributions to renewable energy and
education sectors.

Ms Poornima Menon, AIBC NSW Management Committee member delivered the vote of
thanks.

About the AIBC
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) is the leading business chamber dedicated to
promoting the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India.
AIBC was established in 1986 by the then governments of Australia and India. It now has
chapters in six Australian state capitals and a presence in India.

AIBC helps to shape policy and advocacy for promoting the bilateral business corridor,
raising awareness about Australia-India trade and investment and facilitating business to
business outcomes.

AIBC works closely with the federal and state governments in Australia and India, as well as
with industry bodies, the diaspora, academia, and the community and media.

As a membership-driven, not-for-profit organisation, AIBC’s members and partners include
some of the most respected names in business, industry and academia