Indians have become the second-largest migrant group in Australia, overtaking the Chinese and ranking only behind the English, according to the country's latest census. More than 710,000 Indians now live in Australia, driven largely by demand for skilled workers in the tech sector.
Second-generation immigrant Rohit Singh, whose parents founded a boutique winery in Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, says the South Asian community has burgeoned in the past decade. His family's winery now hosts pairing events that match Indian dishes like meen pollichathu and dal makhani with local wines.
The new wave of migration marks a dramatic shift from earlier decades. When journalist Aarti Betigeri's parents moved to Australia in the 1960s, Indians were rarely seen in public life. Today, she notes, they work across all sectors, run businesses and are entering politics. In March, Daniel Mookhey became the first Australian politician of Indian origin to serve as treasurer of a state government, in New South Wales.
Political ties have deepened under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit to Sydney in May resulted in a migration deal easing travel for students, academics and professionals, and progress on a comprehensive economic co-operation agreement. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visited India in March, discussing defence, security and trade.
Experts say partnership within the Quad grouping, aimed at countering China's influence, benefits both nations. The history of Indian migration is older than the White Australia policy, which limited non-white arrivals until its repeal in 1973. Since then, Australia has selectively welcomed skilled migrants such as tech workers, doctors and nurses.
Observers note that soft power exports like MasterChef Australia, cricket and films have helped unite the two countries. At a Sydney rally, Mr Modi spoke of these cultural connections, which alongside frequent high-level meetings have strengthened bilateral ties.
