Heralding the next chapter for Australia–India collaboration

(L-R): The Hon Jason Clare MP Minister for Education Australia; The Hon. Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute, and Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian Minister of Education at the launch of the AIRC Framework at the AIESC.

The Australia-India Research Collaboration (AIRC) Framework 2026–2030 has launched in New Delhi, setting out a practical roadmap to deepen partnerships across academia, industry and government.

Developed with input from more than 260 stakeholders, the Framework focuses on priority areas including energy transitions, climate resilience, healthy communities, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

Professor Mohan Yellishetty of Civil and Environmental Engineering co-led the theme "Advanced Manufacturing Technology" with Mr Rajat Verma, Founder and CEO of LOHUM Cleantech, India.

Together, their leadership strengthened the depth and strategic value of the final Framework, helping shape the key insights, priorities and recommendations that guide the its forward-looking agenda.

By supporting early-career researchers, improving mobility, encouraging industry involvement and expanding joint funding, the Framework aims to deliver research with real-world economic, social and environmental impact.

Read more about the AIRC Framework here.

Professor Yellishetty co-founded the Critical Minerals Consortium at Monash University; Founded the Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub; and was Convenor at Critical Minerals National Industry Group, Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC).

He is an Honorary Academic Fellow, Australia India Institute; Visiting Professor, Department of Energy Science & Engineering, IIT Bombay; and Advisory Committee, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, IIT Dharwad.