"India will be the answer to your search for new economic opportunities … your source for world class skills at home or for a manufacturing location abroad”, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Australian parliament recently adding that there are 800 million Indians under the age of 35, “eager for change, willing to work for it because, now they believe that it is possible" and they want Australia’s help on many fronts.

The flow of Indian citizens into Australia is at a six-year high. DIBPs 2012-13 immigration data shows that of the 190,000 who arrived under the permanent immigration program over 40, 051 were Indian citizens, while China had 27,334 and the United Kingdom 21,711. The Philippines is fourth with 10,639 people gaining permanent residency.  

The report also notes that India has replaced the United Kingdom as the top origin country applying for 457 visas. According to The Age, the latest 457 visa figures indicated that, Indian citizens comprise almost a quarter of the skilled visas, at 23.3 per cent. This was followed by the United Kingdom at 18.3 per cent; the People's Republic of China at 6.5 per cent and the Republic of Ireland, 7.2 per cent. The number of American citizens applying for the skilled visa was at 6.2 per cent.

PM Modi no doubt has observed these close links between Australia and India and has promised even closer ties indicating there are huge opportunities for Australia to provide education, health care and clean energy to India in coming years. In response, the Australian Prime Minister Mr Abbott has flagged the prospect of a free-trade pact with India by the end of next year.