Western Australia’s (WA) Minister for Commerce, Tertiary and International Education, Multicultural Interests, Dr Tony Buti, has completed a mission to India, further strengthening State ties with the region.  

The mission enhanced education partnerships, promoted First Nations businesses and advanced opportunities for WA companies in the mining and METS sector. 

Key highlights from New Delhi:

• meetings with Australian and Indian government representatives to discuss international education opportunities, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State, (Independent Charge) for Skill Development Entrepreneurship and Minister of State in the Education Department; and George Thiveos, Australian Minister Counsellor (Education and Research);
  
• meetings with international education industry representatives, including the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s (SCSA) in-market associates, International Edustrat and Certification, and Springboard4Education;
  
• Fashion Showcase hosted at the Australian High Commission in partnership with Fashion Design Council of India and the Western Australian First Nations fashion Design Label Kirrikin. The showcase titled ‘Connection to Country – An Evening Celebrating the Spirit of Artistry and Elegance’ marked Kirrikin’s Indian runway debut and a symbolic milestone in Australia–India creative and trade collaboration.
  
• meeting with Nathan Davis, Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner, Post Manager, Dhaka and Colombo South Asia to discuss Austrade’s insights into the India market; and
  
• a briefing with Ambassador Nicholas McCaffrey, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to India 

Key highlights from Kolkata:

• Minister Buti, along with a trade delegation of 17 WA businesses, including eight First Nation organisations, attended the International Mining, Equipment and Minerals Exhibition (IME) 2025 in Kolkata, India’s largest mining sector exhibition;  
• delegates also attended the 11th Asian Mining Congress where Minister Buti, as a special guest of the Congress, delivered a speech highlighting India as a strategically important partner for WA across a number of priority sectors.; and 
• Minister Buti undertook a meeting with Bratya Basu, Minister of Education with the Government of West Bengal to discuss topics related to education, skills, cultural exchange and collaboration opportunities between WA and West Bengal.

Key highlights from Chennai:

These meetings aim to further increase the visibility of WA education institutions to attract international students while also promoting student and institutional pathways.  

"India is also one of WA's most valued investment and trade partners with continued collaboration across multiple sectors," said Minister Buti.

"Western Australia has always maintained a strong relationship with India and growing the State's reputation can support the growth in the number of international students pursuing further studies in WA, helping to diversify our economy."

To learn more about trade and invest opportunities between WA and India, visit the Invest and Trade WA India-Gulf hub page.