The Australian Government established the Australia-India Council in 1992
to broaden the relationship between Australia and India by encouraging and
supporting contacts and increasing levels of knowledge and understanding
between the peoples of both countries.

The Council comprises a board of members with interests in the
Australia-India relationship, drawn from a wide cross-section of the
Australian community. Mr Michael Abbott QC was appointed as Chairman of the
Council in March 1999 for a period of three years.

The Council is serviced by a secretariat located in the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. The Australian High Commission in New
Delhi supports and promotes the Council's activities in India.

Watched by Australian High Commissioner Rob Laurie (right), the Indian Minister for Human Resources Development Dr Murli Manohar Joshi lights the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the AIC-funded Innovative Australians science and technology exhibition in New Delhi in December 1998.