Shri’s connection to Australia is not new. As a defence advisor at the Indian High Commission in Canberra between 2005 and 2008, he developed a profound respect for the shared values that underpin the bilateral relationship. “Australia and India are what I call maritime democracies,” he explained. “We are both dependent on trade, on the freedom to trade, and on respecting that freedom. These are values that bind us in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Maitri program—named after the Sanskrit word for friendship—fosters deeper collaboration between Australia and India. For Shri, this means researching maritime security at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong, focusing on how bilateral and multilateral efforts can protect both physical and digital trade routes.

The Australia-India Maritime Bond

His research benefits not just India, but Australia. “Having Shri here has been tremendously beneficial,” said ANCORS Director, Professor Stuart Kaye. “His perspective helps us address issues we encounter every day, like maritime trade security, but with a broader, more global view. The Maitri Fellowship allows thought leaders like Shri to exchange ideas and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.”

Maritime trade is a lifeline for both nations, with the Indian Ocean playing a pivotal role in their economies. Australia’s mineral exports fuel India’s growing economy, while Indian goods and services find eager markets Down Under. As Shri put it, “The Indian Ocean connects us. Oceans aren’t barriers—they’re bridges. Every ship on the horizon represents the prosperity we share.”

But he cautions that economic opportunity comes with challenges. “Economic setbacks like COVID-19 or geopolitical tensions can threaten the freedom of the Indo-Pacific. It’s vital that we work together to maintain peace and security in this space.”

A Historical and Cultural Connection

Australia and India’s ties run deeper than trade. The two countries share common legal and democratic traditions, and, of course, a love of cricket. “Cricket is the only place where our friendship turns into rivalry,” Shri quipped. “But it’s a healthy, spirited rivalry. In every other sphere, we’re natural allies.”

Kaye agrees, highlighting the cultural resonance between the two nations. “Australians and Indians share a unique ability to understand each other,” he said. “Our shared language and institutions make communication seamless. These similarities give us a huge advantage in building common goals.”

The Personal Impact of the Oceans

Shri’s lifelong relationship with the sea has shaped not just his career but also his worldview. “There’s a certain humility the ocean teaches you,” he said. “You realise how small you are in the vastness of it all. At the same time, you see the incredible importance of protecting the oceans—not just for trade but for the living creatures and ecosystems they sustain.”

Through his fellowship, Shri hopes to contribute to this protection. “My project is like a curry,” he said with a laugh. “It’s full of different ingredients—trade, security, diplomacy, and environmental stewardship. Sometimes, I’m not sure how it will all come together, but I know it will be meaningful for both Australia and India.”

A Vision for the Future

Shri hopes his work will inspire greater collaboration between the two nations. “We need more partnerships—between governments, scholars, and industries—to secure our shared future,” he said. 

For now, Shri is savouring the connections he has made and the ideas he has shared. The Maitri Fellowship may be about friendship, but for Shri and those he has worked with, it has also been about laying the groundwork for a stronger, more secure partnership between two nations bound by history, geography, and a shared vision for the future.