18 September,2026 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis inaugurates UWA’s first India campus in Mumbai (Pic/Special arrangement)
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, September 17, inaugurated the University of Western Australia (UWA) India, Mumbai Campus.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, UWA Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander, Vice Chancellor Prof Amit Chakma, university officials, faculty members, students and other dignitaries along with the CM.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Fadnavis said that the new campus would give a boost to Maharashtra's efforts to position Mumbai as a global hub for knowledge, innovation, technology and talent.
Fadnavis said, "It was a matter of pride for Maharashtra that UWA, a leading research-based Australian university, had chosen Mumbai for its first Indian campus. He noted that UWA is the first university from Australia's prestigious Group of Eight to establish a campus in India."
According to Fadnavis, the development reflects Mumbai's growing importance on the global stage. While Mumbai is already the country's financial, commercial and entertainment capital, the state government is working to develop it as a global knowledge and innovation hub for the next generation.
He said the 'Mumbai 3.0' project being developed near Mumbai will include an Education City, Medi-City, Innovation City and a Global Capability Centre ecosystem, besides new centres for research and industrial development.
Fadnavis said the National Education Policy 2020 had opened new avenues for international cooperation in higher education. He added that while Indian students earlier had to travel abroad for access to international universities, global institutions are now establishing campuses in India.
Students at the UWA Mumbai campus will have opportunities to connect with financial institutions, multinational companies, technology industries, startups, researchers and entrepreneurs, he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the campus would facilitate joint research and academic collaborations in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, critical minerals, clean energy, sustainable development and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Fadnavis said, "Western Australia has excellent potential and Maharashtra has a vast amount of talent and opportunities."
He also added that a knowledge-based partnership between the two regions could further strengthen India-Australia relations.
He further assured UWA of the Maharashtra government's support in expanding the partnership.
UWA Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander said, "An investment of approximately AUD 80 million has been made for the campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, which symbolises the commitment to further strengthen India-Australia relations."
He also noted that UWA will provide new opportunities for quality education for a new generation of students in India with the aim of creating knowledge, opportunities and global connectivity through higher education.
Speaking to the media after the inauguration, Fadnavis welcomed UWA's announcement of 100 per cent scholarships for three Indian students.
He said the initiative would help students access world-class education in India while reducing foreign exchange costs associated with overseas education.
Fadnavis also said UWA's research-focused activities could contribute to Maharashtra's economy.
