<p>Visiting Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched the institute at a function here and described it as a think-tank on bilateral issues.<br /><br />The institute, to be built at a cost of 8.106 million Australian dollars (Rs 32 crores), will be set up at University of Melbourne. University of New South Wales and La Trobe University will also be a partner in the project, she said.<br /><br />"The institute will be a think-tank on all issues of Australia-India relationship. It will facilitate the growth of relationship between both the countries by carrying out joint research in key areas," she said.<br />She said the key areas of cooperation are regional relation, environment, climate change, water security and educational collaboration among other things.<br />She said there are 135 institutional links between Indian and Australian universities at present.<br />The National Institute for Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), a leading policy making body in India, will be involved in the joint research programmes. <br /><br />"We will work in the areas of public finance, tax policy, macro economic management and urban development," Sudipto Mundle, Emeritus Professor, NIPFP, said.<br />The institute will work closely with the Australia-India Business Council to support mutual trade and investment.<br />It will also support research, graduate training, executive briefings and policy advice for mutual benefit of both the nations.<br /><br />As part of cooperation, a conference is being held this month in Delhi to discuss the issue of water crisis. Prof John M Webb from University of Melbourne said cities of both the countries face similar problem of water crisis and the cooperation would be of immense benefit.<br />The institute will help students, staff and the Australian community to gain greater understanding of India and the bilateral issues.<br /><br />This initiative assumes significance as both the countries are also expected to sign a free trade agreement soon. The two countries have started a feasibility study on the subject which is expected to be completed shortly.</p>
<p>Visiting Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched the institute at a function here and described it as a think-tank on bilateral issues.<br /><br />The institute, to be built at a cost of 8.106 million Australian dollars (Rs 32 crores), will be set up at University of Melbourne. University of New South Wales and La Trobe University will also be a partner in the project, she said.<br /><br />"The institute will be a think-tank on all issues of Australia-India relationship. It will facilitate the growth of relationship between both the countries by carrying out joint research in key areas," she said.<br />She said the key areas of cooperation are regional relation, environment, climate change, water security and educational collaboration among other things.<br />She said there are 135 institutional links between Indian and Australian universities at present.<br />The National Institute for Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), a leading policy making body in India, will be involved in the joint research programmes. <br /><br />"We will work in the areas of public finance, tax policy, macro economic management and urban development," Sudipto Mundle, Emeritus Professor, NIPFP, said.<br />The institute will work closely with the Australia-India Business Council to support mutual trade and investment.<br />It will also support research, graduate training, executive briefings and policy advice for mutual benefit of both the nations.<br /><br />As part of cooperation, a conference is being held this month in Delhi to discuss the issue of water crisis. Prof John M Webb from University of Melbourne said cities of both the countries face similar problem of water crisis and the cooperation would be of immense benefit.<br />The institute will help students, staff and the Australian community to gain greater understanding of India and the bilateral issues.<br /><br />This initiative assumes significance as both the countries are also expected to sign a free trade agreement soon. The two countries have started a feasibility study on the subject which is expected to be completed shortly.</p>
