Bengaluru: Australia is set to significantly deepen its engagement with Karnataka, with the University of New South Wales Bengaluru Campus emerging as a key pillar of expanding bilateral cooperation across education, technology and business.
The development reinforces Karnataka’s growing role as a strategic hub in the Australia–India partnership.
Addressing delegates at an interactive session on tariff-free access for Indian exporters under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), Vik Singh, Consul (Commercial) and Trade & Investment Commissioner, South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission, highlighted the accelerating momentum in Australia-India relations.
The session was organised by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC) under the aegis of its International Business Expert Committee, in association with World Trade Center Bengaluru.
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University of New South Wales Bengaluru Campus to Strengthen Education and Research Ties
Education and technology continue to remain priority sectors in the bilateral relationship. In a major announcement, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) confirmed plans to establish the University of New South Wales Bengaluru Campus, with discussions already underway with the Government of Karnataka. The campus is expected to become operational next year.
Singh noted that University of New South Wales Bengaluru campus decision reflects the strong confidence Australian institutions place in Karnataka’s talent ecosystem and innovation-led growth.
He stated that the proposed campus will play a crucial role in strengthening academic collaboration, joint research initiatives and technology exchange between Australia and India.
Ranked among the world’s leading universities, University of New South Wales Bengaluru campus is expected to contribute to advanced education, industry-linked innovation and collaborative research, further reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a global knowledge and education hub.
The initiative also marks a significant milestone in Australia’s long-term engagement with India, underscoring Karnataka’s attractiveness to international universities and global investors.
Singh further added that Karnataka has emerged as one of Australia’s most important partners in India, driven by strong synergies in education, innovation and enterprise.
This growing engagement is reflected not only in rising trade and investment flows but also in Australia establishing one of its largest consular presences in India in Karnataka, second only to the High Commission in New Delhi.
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University of New South Wales Bengaluru Campus: India–Australia ECTA Unlocks New Opportunities
K Ravi, Senior Vice President, Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC), described the implementation of tariff-free access for Indian exporters under the India–Australia ECTA as a landmark development.
He stated that with 100 per cent of Australian tariff lines moving to zero duty from January 1, 2026, the agreement is set to significantly enhance India’s export competitiveness across sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and agriculture.
He added that BCIC will play a key role in supporting exporters through industry preparedness initiatives, buyer–seller engagements and targeted support for MSMEs, enabling businesses to fully leverage the benefits of the agreement and further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The strengthening relationship is also reflected in improved connectivity, with the launch of a direct Sydney–Bengaluru flight by Qantas, which is expected to accelerate business, academic and people-to-people exchanges between the two regions.
Singh highlighted that clean energy, supported by Australia’s net-zero targets, education and skills development, agribusiness, tourism and the broader services sector – including IT, professional services and education – are among the major areas poised to benefit from deeper Australia – India economic engagement.
