Latest news with #LowyInstitute
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Think tanks need to do a better job to present India in the international context: leading Australian think tank research head
Australia's public policy makers are catching up with the rapid changes in India-Australia relationship and in that context, it is necessary to invest in building on think tank resources between the two sides, said Herve Lemahieu, Director of Research of Sydney-based Lowy Institute. The remarks from Mr Lemahieu came in the wake of Australia announcing 'Maitri Grants' that will, among other activities, fund the recruitment of a distinguished scholar for the India Chair at the Lowy Institute that is known for high quality research in the field of international studies from the Australian point of view. 'Australia's public and policy debates are playing catch-up on the rapid evolution of the bilateral partnership. But think tanks also need to do a better job of situating India within a broader regional and international context. The country will be a central player through the chop and change we are experiencing in global politics,' said Mr Lemahieu. The India Chair will be a new initiative to further promote understanding about India in Australia with the aim to furthering bilateral partnership. Herve Lemahieu described India as 'an anchor for strategic balance for Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region', adding that 'Understanding India, its trajectory, power and diffuse interests, has never been more important to us.' 'This world-class program of research at the Lowy Institute will do just that. It will elevate India in terms of our research agenda. It's an opportunity to bring in new talent, fresh perspectives, and deepen the bench on a vital piece of the puzzle in terms of how Australia looks and engages the region,' said Mr Lemahieu. Australia and India are partners in the Quad grouping that also includes Japan and the United States and that apart, the two countries have a history of cooperation that dates back to the immediate post-independence years of India. The two sides are closely working on issues in the Indo-Pacific region as well as the ASEAN grouping where the Myanmar crisis has prompted concern from New Delhi and Canberra. Other projects under the Maitri Grants will include an exhibition of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, an annual leadership dialogue, and innovative research infields like clean energy solutions and biomanufacturing, said a press note from the Centre for Australia India Relations. High Commissioner of Australia Philip Green praised the initiative at the Lowy Institute and said, 'An India Chair at the Lowy Institute will contribute to Australians' understanding of India at a deep level. We are very different societies, and research, scholarship and analysis will allow us to maximize the opportunity of our shared interests.'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Australia announces 2025 Maitri Grants, aimed at supporting connections and research across sectors
Australia and India are gearing up to strengthen partnerships across vital sectors of their growing bilateral relationship with the 2025 Maitri Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships, recipients of which were announced by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, according to a press statement issued by Australia's High Commission in New Delhi on Sunday. Administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Maitri Grants encourage innovative projects and partnerships that reflect the dynamism of the Australia-India bilateral relationship, fostering long-term connections. According to the statement, the recipients of the 2025 Maitri Grants would support connections and research across a wide range of sectors including innovation, enterprise, education, and culture. Welcoming the announcement, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, said, 'Australia's relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more consequential than ever – and its future holds even greater promise. At the heart of this relationship are the people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The Maitri Grants program builds on these ties, helping unlock the full potential of our bilateral relationship.' One of the key initiatives in this year's Maitri Grants includes funding for the prestigious Lowy Institute to recruit a distinguished scholar as the inaugural India chair. The Lowy Institute is rated among Asia's leading think tanks, providing high-quality research and distinctive perspectives on international trends shaping Australia and the world. The appointment of an India chair will be a step change for Lowy's ability to produce world- class research on India's emerging role in the Indo-Pacific and dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. 'This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a new program of work at the Lowy Institute – a top Asian think tank,' said High Commissioner Green, adding, 'India and Australia are building a closer partnership, and that makes it more important that we know each other better. An India Chair at the Lowy Institute will contribute to Australians' understanding of India at a deep level. We are very different societies, and research, scholarship and analysis will allow us to maximise the opportunity of our shared interests.' Lowy Institute's Director of Research, Hervé Lemahieu, said in the statement, 'In this era of global uncertainty, geography remains one of the few constants — and India is an anchor for strategic balance for Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Understanding India, its trajectory, power, and diffuse interests, has never been more important to us.' 'Australia's public and policy debates are playing catch-up on the rapid evolution of the bilateral partnership. But think tanks also need to do a better job of situating India within a broader regional and international context. The country will be a central player through the chop and change we're experiencing in global politics,' he said. 'This world-class program of research at the Lowy Institute will do just that. It will elevate India in terms of our research agenda. It's an opportunity to bring in new talent, fresh perspectives, and deepen the bench on a vital piece of the puzzle in terms of how Australia looks at and engages the region,' he added. Other projects to be funded by the Maitri grants include a world-class exhibition featuring rare artworks by renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma in Australia; a project to deliver annual leadership dialogues fostering next-generation of leaders committed to the Australia-India relationship; examining how Australia and India can enhance maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean; innovative research across fields such as clean energy solutions and biomanufacturing; and elevating the stories of Australians of Indian origin. 'I congratulate this year's recipients and look forward to seeing how their work helps foster deeper links between Australia and India,' added High Commissioner Green.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Australian's Foreign Minister Penny Wong announces 34 recipients of Maitri Grants
Canberra [Australia], July 13 (ANI): Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has announced 34 recipients of this year's Maitri Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships. The Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants, administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, aim to support greater exchange and collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture, according to the statement. The statement said, 'Each project will cultivate deeper connections between our two countries, including: The Lowy Institute's first-ever India Chair, which will lift the quality of research and conversations around India's role as a major power in the Indo-Pacific region. Best-practice playbooks by Asialink Business to support collaboration, capability training and the sharing of successful partnership models in cleantech and agtech.' 'A world-class exhibition featuring rare artworks by renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. An incubator of untold narratives from Australia's South Asian diasporas that will showcase Australian-Indian experience to global screen audiences, led by Bodhi Studios,' it added. The 2024-2025 Maitri Grants include 13 Maitri scholarships supporting innovative research across fields like quantum computing technologies and clean energy solutions, and three Maitri fellowships dedicated to exploring opportunities between Australia. The statement said, 'Australia and India's relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology.' The recipients of the 2025 Maitri Grants will support connections and research across a wide range of sectors, including innovation, enterprise, education and culture. Administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Maitri grants encourageinnovative projects and partnerships that reflect the dynamism of the bilateral relationship, fostering long-term connections, according to the Australian High Commission in India press release. Welcoming the announcement, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, said, 'Australia's relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more consequential than ever - and its future holds even greater promise. At the heart of this relationship are the people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The Maitri Grants program builds on these ties, helping unlock the full potential of our bilateral relationship.' 'I congratulate this year's recipients and look forward to seeing how their work helps foster deeper links between Australia and India,' he added. (ANI)
United News of India
3 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Australian FM Penny Wong announces 34 recipients of this year's Maitri Grants
Melbourne/New Delhi, July 13 (UNI) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong today announced the 34 recipients of this year's Maitri Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships, aimed at promoting Australia-India ties. She said the Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants, administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, aims to support greater exchange and collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture. Wong said: 'Each project will cultivate deeper connections between our two countries, including: •The Lowy Institute's first-ever India Chair, which will lift the quality of research and conversations around India's role as a major power in the Indo-Pacific region. •Best-practice playbooks by Asialink Business to support collaboration, capability training and the sharing of successful partnership models in cleantech and agtech. •A world-class exhibition featuring rare artworks by renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. •An incubator of untold narratives from Australia's South Asian diasporas that will showcase Australian-Indian experience to global screen audiences, led by Bodhi Studios. 'The 2024-2025 Maitri Grants also includes 13 Maitri scholarships supporting innovative research across fields such as quantum computing technologies and clean energy solutions and three Maitri fellowships dedicated to exploring opportunities between Australia and India in biomanufacturing, maritime cooperation and digital governance. 'Australia and India's relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology.' The full list of Maitri Grants recipients is available at: General: Scholars: Fellows: UNI RN
The Diplomat
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Diplomat
The Biggest Misconception About the Philippines' South China Sea Case Against China
The Permanent Court of Arbitration did not decide the claims brought by the Philippines against China, an arbitral tribunal established under Annex VII of UNCLOS did. On the ninth anniversary of the Philippines' historic legal victory over China regarding their maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) it is disheartening after so many years that think tank analysts, academics and journalists continue to get their facts wrong about who decided the claims brought by the Republic of the Philippines against the People's Republic of China in 2013. For example (emphasis added): On September 17, 2024, the Lowy Institute published an article from Peter Leavy, which included this passage: On 15 June, China implemented the 'Provisions on Administrative Enforcement Procedures for Coast Guard Agencies 2024', also known as CCG Order #3. This law allows China Coast Guard (CCG) commanders to detain foreign vessels and personnel for up to 30 days (or 60, for 'complicated' issues) if they are in 'waters under Chinese jurisdiction'. Such jurisdiction is not defined, although it is likely based on the flawed Nine-Dash Line concept that the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled illegal in 2016. On January 10, 2025, a commentary from Gregory B. Poling for CSIS read: Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of the Philippines' legal victory in the South China Sea. On July 12, 2016, five judges in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague tossed out much of Beijing's claim to the disputed waterway.' On June 14, 2025, the Kyodo News reported: The Philippines has reported repeated incursions by Chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone, some sailing to within some 50 nautical miles of Luzon's shore earlier this year. China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated the country's claims over almost the entire South China Sea. On June 15, Reuters' Beijing newsroom reported: China's military conducts patrols in South China Sea, warns Philippines. In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that China's claims were not supported by international law, a decision that Beijing rejects. How did think tank analysts, academics and journalists get it wrong? The Permanent Court of Arbitration is one of the oldest in the world, but it is not part of the United Nations system of courts and tribunals. The PCA is a misnomer because it is not a court with a permanent panel of judges. It is, in fact, a facility that contains a chamber suitable for arbitral hearings. It also has a law library, legal archive, and administrative and support staff. The PCA is used by parties to a dispute – states and/or multinational institutions – which mutually agree to arbitration and which also agree to accept the result of arbitration. They select the judges and agree on the rules to be followed. This palpably was not the case in the dispute between the Philippines and China. It is timely to correct the record. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was the product of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea that met from 1973 to 1982. UNCLOS reflected a consensus among the international community that there were too many international conventions that lacked a dispute settlement mechanism and therefore, they included a binding (or compulsory) dispute settlement mechanism to make UNCLOS effective. UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal framework for ocean governance that includes customary international law as well as new legal concepts. UNCLOS is referred to as the 'Constitution for the Oceans.' UNCLOS provides a framework for interpreting and applying the Convention to resolve disputes among its signatories. However, UNCLOS does not address disputes among states over sovereignty, disputes over maritime delimitation or military matters. These issues are left in the hands of the states concerned. On December 10, 1982, when the UNCLOS was opened for signature, an unprecedented 119 states signed up. It came into force in November 1994. Currently, 170 states are parties to the convention, of which 166 are U.N. members plus Palestine as an observer and three non-U.N. members — Cook Islands, Niue and the European Union. UNCLOS was also a 'package deal.' Signatories were not permitted to pick and choose which provisions they accepted and which provisions they rejected. The Annex VII of UNCLOS makes provision for four and only four binding dispute settlement mechanisms: the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the arbitral tribunal and the special arbitral tribunal There is no mention of the PCA in Annex VII or anywhere else in UNCLOS. State signatories to UNCLOS are free to nominate any of the four dispute settlement mechanisms they prefer. If a state fails to nominate its preference, the default position is the arbitral tribunal. Neither China nor the Philippines indicated a preference, so both were bound by the default position – the arbitral tribunal. Each party to a dispute under UNCLOS Annex VII is entitled to nominate a judge to represent its interests. The chairman of ITLOS nominates the other judges, including the chairman from a panel of international judges nominated by state parties to UNCLOS. The Philippines nominated a judge to represent its interests. Because China refused to participate in the proceedings, it did not nominate a judge. UNCLOS makes provision for circumstances when one of the parties declines to participate. In this case, the responsibility devolves to the chairman of ITLOS, who nominated four judges, including one to represent China, for a total of five. Under UNCLOS Annex VII, Article 11, 'The award shall be final and without appeal, unless the parties to the dispute have agreed in advance to an appellate procedure. It shall be complied with by the parties to the dispute.' The arbitral tribunal is an ad hoc body. It is formed to deal with a specific case and disbands when the case is settled. Because the arbitral tribunal is ad hoc, it owns no premises, library, legal archive, or administration and support staff. It must contract out these services. In the case of the Philippines vs. China, the arbitral tribunal contracted the Permanent Court of Arbitration to act as its registry, that is, its administrative office. The PCA provided courtroom facilities, a law library, administrative support and served as the official records office for all communications. All communications by the arbitral tribunal were sent out by the PCA on its stationery. Each item was numbered and later became part of the permanent archive at the PCA. The source of confusion over the PCA's role arose from the arbitral tribunal's award. It was numbered and issued on PCA stationery, yes, but the cover of the award clearly indicated that it was issued by the arbitral tribunal. In other words, if you post registered mail at your local post office, you are the author of that mail, not the post office. On the ninth anniversary of the arbitral tribunal award, July 12, 2025, it is time to correct the public record and give UNCLOS its due. The Permanent Court of Arbitration did not decide the case brought by the Philippines against China. The case brought by the Philippines against China was handled by an arbitral tribunal established under Annex VII of UNCLOS.
