India, Australia push deeper research ties in agriculture, water sustainability

India and Australia have agreed to intensify joint research and academic cooperation in agriculture and water sustainability. Senior officials said discussions this week centred on expanding collaborative science, boosting student and faculty exchanges, and accelerating technology transfer between the two countries.

The renewed push came during the three‑day fifth anniversary celebrations of Australia-India Water Centre (AIWC), held from November 17 to 19 at Western Sydney University (WSU). The event brought together Indian and Australian scientists, research institutions and policy leaders for conferences, international symposiums and panel sessions on climate‑resilient agriculture and emerging water challenges.

Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S Janakiraman, and Dr M L Jat – Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director‑General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – attended the deliberations alongside their Australian counterparts.

A key outcome was the signing of an addendum to the existing ICAR-WSU work plan by Dr Jat and WSU Vice‑Chancellor Prof G Williams, extending their institutional collaboration until 2029. Officials said the extension will enable long‑term cooperation in areas such as sustainable water use, climate‑smart farming systems, dual‑degree programmes and capacity‑building initiatives.

The anniversary meetings underscored the growing strategic relevance of AIWC, which has emerged as a platform for advancing applied research at a time when both India and Australia are grappling with climate‑driven water stress and the need for resilient agricultural models.