Centre for Australia-India Relations board appointments

Media release 25 August 2026 Today I announce three new appointments to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board. I am pleased to appoint: Mr Robin Khuda - Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Airtrunk Mr Faz Pollard - Director of Adarsh Australia Professor Veena Sahajwalla - Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology at the University of New South Wales I am pleased to reappoint four incumbent members to the Advisory Board: Ms Amrit Gill - Chief Executive Officer of Theatre Network Australia Ms Catriona Jackson - Former CEO of Universities Australia Ms Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM - Founder and Director of Mind-Blowing Films Mr Amit Singh - Managing Partner of Mandala Partners Advisory Board Chair Ms Swati Dave, Ms Helen Nugent AC, Mr Steve Waugh AO and Secretary Jan Adams AO PSM will also continue their current terms on the Board.

The Centre works across government, industry, academia, and the community to build greater understanding of the Australia-India relationship and encourage business to seize economic opportunities. Each member was chosen for their expertise in specific areas of interest to the Australia-India economic relationship and brings with them rich experience in their relevant sectors.

The Advisory Board helps set the strategic priorities for the Centre’s programs and activities, supporting partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology, and sport. The appointments come at a time of great momentum in Australia-India relations, following Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Melbourne and the ongoing work under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to strengthen collaboration between our two nations.

I thank outgoing Advisory Board members Ms Florence Drummond, Mr Gunjan Pagare, the Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith and Mr Sameer Kumar for their service to the Centre and the Australia-India relationship.