The University of Western Australia is accelerating its long-term commitment to India and the Indo–Pacific, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma leading a significant multi-city mission from December 3 to 13.
Invited as part of the official delegation headed by Australia’s Education Minister, the Honourable Jason Clare MP, the visit reinforces UWA’s strategic intent to be one of India’s most engaged and trusted academic partners.
Image: Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma.
Professor Chakma’s mission signals a defining moment in Australia-India education cooperation, as UWA prepares to become the first Australian Group of Eight (Go8) university to establish a physical academic presence in India.
WA Tertiary and International Education Minister Dr Tony Buti, who led a six-day mission to India last month, said UWA’s India campuses mirrored the State Government’s commitment to further the expansion of local education providers into the Indian market.
“The Cook Government supports UWA’s vision to provide a high-quality educational experience on the ground in one of WA’s most valued investment and trade partners,” Minister Buti said. “I have just recently returned from Inda and there is strong demand for a university of this calibre from WA.”
UWA’s India campus locations in Mumbai and Chennai, now finalised, have been strategically selected for their strong industry linkages, talent hubs and innovation ecosystems – reflecting UWA’s commitment to key cities where India’s economic and technological growth is taking shape.
During the visit, Professor Chakma will announce several initiatives that support India’s national priorities across skills, innovation, healthcare, minerals, sports science and educational access.
“Our new campuses and partnerships reflect a long-term vision: to collaborate with India on the skills, research and innovations that will shape the next century,” he said.
“We are not just expanding our presence, we are building shared pathways for talent, discovery and impact across both our nations.”
To lead the next phase of growth, UWA has appointed David Das as Chief Operating Officer for UWA India.
With extensive cross-sector leadership experience, Mr Das will steer the establishment and operational readiness of UWA’s campuses, while an expanded India-based team will drive partnerships, student engagement and academic program development.