Canberra/New Delhi, March 22 : The Australian government will establish a new Centre for Australia-India Relations, to be based in Australia, with funding of $28.1 million over four years to help foster new ties with New Delhi, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday. The centre will support the expanding exchange and cooperation with India, including by engaging Australia’s rich Indian diaspora comm ty, she said in a statement. The creation of the Centre for Australia-India Relations finds mention in the Joint Statement issued by both countries following the virtual summit between PM Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on Monday. Payne termed India as one of Australia’s most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. “Mutual understanding, trust and common interests between our countries underpin the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our relationship continues to strengthen, as seen in the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit– the second since our partnership was elevated to a CSP,” she said. With funding of $28.1 million dollars over four years, the Centre will focus on four key areas of work: -promoting policy dialogue -building Australian business literacy and links -engaging Australia’s Indian diaspora comm ties to support the Australia-India bilateral relationship, and -deepening cultural connections and understanding. The Centre will also administer the $20.8 million Maitri (friendship) scholars, fellowship programs and cultural partnership, which she announced on 14 February. The Centre builds on the pioneering work of the Australia India Council in fostering education and cultural exchange. The new Centre, with substantially increased funding and resources, will have an expanded remit in supporting greater business and diaspora engagement. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will consult broadly with government, industry and comm ty organisations throughout the Centre’s establishment. Prime Minister Morrison’s announcement of additional investments in the Australia-India bilateral relationship, including the new Centre, represents the Government’s ongoing commitment to our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India, she said In a tweet, Payne said: “This week’s Leaders Meeting with PMs @ScottMorrisonMP & @narendramodi reinforces our strong Australia-India bilateral relationship. We will further strengthen our cultural, comm ty & business connections through an important new Centre for Australia-India Relations.” EAM S Jaishankar in response tweeted: “Join you in recognizing a successful Annual Summit @MarisePayne. “In 2014, PM @narendramodi said that Australia will not be at periphery of India’s vision but at the centre of its thought. “We are living up to that promise.” RN