Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
The leaders also acknowledged the contribution of the Maitri Grants program, which supports economic, cultural and research initiatives that strengthen ties between Australia and India. In 2026, 41 projects will share $10 million in funding through the Centre for Australia–India Relations, supporting deeper collaboration between the two countries.
As part of this growing collaboration, UNSW’s Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovation (rCITI) has welcomed Afaq Hussain as the 2026 recipient of the Maitri Fellowship. His research will focus on value chain and trade facilitation between India and Australia, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals.
At the announcement of MAITRI Fellowship, he said, “I am honoured to join UNSW as a 2026 MAITRI Fellow."
"I look forward to contributing to the growing strategic cooperation between India and Australia. My research will focus on building resilient value chains and streamlining trade facilitation for critical minerals, ensuring both nations can secure sustainable, long-term economic cooperation.”
Sharing more thoughts on his fellowship, he further added, “Trade facilitation and robust value chains in critical minerals are the backbone of a green future. I am eager to collaborate with leading experts at UNSW to drive meaningful policy insights and actionable solutions for both nations."
With more than 20 years of experience, Afaq brings extensive knowledge of logistics, trade facilitation, regional connectivity infrastructure and related regulatory frameworks. He is also the co-founder and director of the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), a New Delhi-based international trade and policy research organisation.
Under his leadership, BRIEF has become an influential contributor to international trade policy through research and collaboration with several Indian government bodies, including the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; the Land Ports Authority of India; the Ministry of Commerce; NITI Aayog; and the National Committee for Trade Facilitation.
He has also authored several reports for the Washington-based Atlantic Council on the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC).
Afaq previously served on NITI Aayog’s Infrastructure and Connectivity Working Group and was selected as a 2023 Fellow of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, focusing on smart ports.
He regularly provides commentary on trade and border infrastructure for national and international newspapers and journals.