2024-25 Maitri Fellows

Rushali Saha previously served as a Research Associate at the Centre for Airpower Studies, New Delhi. She holds a Master’s degree in Politics and International Relations from Jadavpur University and graduated summa cum laude from the same university with an undergraduate degree in political science. Rushali’s research examines how Australia and India, as maritime democracies, can leverage shared capabilities and resources to enhance maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean. It offers a blueprint for mutually beneficial collaboration, addressing blue crimes, grey zone activities, and interstate conflict spillover to strengthen mutual presence and engagement.

Preeti Mudliar is an Assistant Professor at the International Institute for Information Technology, Bangalore. She is the inaugural ‘Women in Tech’ Fellow for 2024 awarded by the Australian Consulate-General Bengaluru and the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Preeti's work will investigate emerging policy trends on digital recognition and automated decision making in both Australia and India. It will explore how policy developments are shaping governance systems in Australia and their resonance with India’s Aadhaar biometric digital identity system.

Shruti Jargad is a Research Analyst at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress. Shruti’s research will examine China’s digital footprint in South Asia, focusing on smart city and digital infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. She will analyse the actors, channels, and scope of these engagements, assess how they reflect China’s domestic practices, and explore opportunities for India-Australia cooperation in shaping the region’s digital future.