Published 14 July 2025
Royal Life Saving Australia is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Maitri Grant 2025, supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Royal Life Saving is one of 34 successful recipients that were announcement by the Australian Government’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who said, "Australia and India’s relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology. The Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships are a symbol of this, and I congratulate the worthy recipients whose contributions will bring our countries' strong links to life."
The Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants aim to support greater exchange and collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture.
Tragically, drowning causes the deaths of more than 50,000 people in India each year. The Indian Government, at national and State levels, are taking pro-active steps to address drowning prevention and water safety. In Australia, the Indian diaspora is over-represented in drowning fatalities, with many community groups and organisations working locally to address this challenge.
The Royal Life Saving Maitri project will bring together Australian and Indian experts in a two-way drowning prevention policy dialogue, with the aim of exchanging expertise, identifying new solutions, and strengthening ties between both countries.
Royal Life Saving Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr said “The Maitri Grant provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and collaboration with Indian drowning prevention colleagues to reduce the burden of drowning in both countries and we thank the Centre for Australia-India Relations and the Australian Government for their support in this project.”
Centre for Australia India Relations Chair, Swati Dave said "I congratulate all 34 recipients of the 2024-2025 Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships program. Their work will help deepen engagement between Australia and India across business, arts, culture, and community.”
The project is being delivered in line with Royal Life Saving’s new strategy aiming to bring people together to eliminate drowning and help communities stay safe around water.
A range of Australian organisations will be invited to participate. We are also very pleased to have the support of The George Institute for Global Health - India and World Health Organisation to assist in delivering the program and in identifying partners across India.
Australia and India’s relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are pleased to help to deepen cooperation. Being multisectoral, the benefits of addressing water safety and drowning prevention, span health, education, recreation and emergency management in both countries.
For more information about the Centre for Australia India Relations visit their website at www.australiaindiacentre.org.au
