Applications have opened for the Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) 2026, a leadership program bringing together emerging leaders from Australia and India to exchange ideas and explore the future of bilateral cooperation.
Founded in 2012, AIYD describes itself as a track-two diplomacy initiative connecting young changemakers across sectors such as policy, business, academia, media and the arts. Each year, the program selects 30 delegates — 15 from each country — to collaborate on ideas that strengthen ties between the two nations.
The 2026 dialogue will take place from 27–31 July across Queensland and Western Australia, under the theme:
“Complex Systems – Reshaping Leadership in an Age of Transformation.”
Over four days, delegates will examine how leadership must evolve as global systems undergo rapid technological, economic and social change. The program will focus on four interconnected areas:
• Economic and innovation systems
• Industrial and resource systems
• Governance and institutional systems
• Human, cultural and influence systems
Participants will engage with policymakers, industry leaders and experts while working collaboratively with peers to address challenges shaping the Australia–India relationship.
Origins after tensions in Australia
The dialogue’s origins lie in a turbulent period in Australia–India relations.
AIYD emerged in the aftermath of the 2009 attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, which triggered diplomatic tensions and widespread concern about racism and safety.
Its founders believed there was no existing mechanism for young leaders from both countries to discuss such tensions constructively, and created the dialogue as a platform for engagement and collaboration.
The first conference was held in 2012, and the forum has since alternated between Australia and India, with editions hosted in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Melbourne and Sydney.
Over the years, AIYD has built a network of more than 370 alumni working across government, business, academia and civil society in both countries.
Previous controversy around the dialogue
Despite its focus on youth leadership and diplomacy, the dialogue has previously drawn controversy.
In 2022, protests erupted after Indian BJP MP Tejasvi Surya was invited to participate in the event.
According to a report by NRI Affairs, petitions and letters from activists and academics urged Australian universities and corporate partners to withdraw their support. Some organisations subsequently removed their logos from the AIYD website, amid scrutiny of their association with the event.
Campaigners also launched petitions calling for Surya’s Australian visa to be revoked, while urging universities to distance themselves from the dialogue.
At the same time, a counter-petition emerged defending his participation, arguing that excluding political figures from the event amounted to “cancel culture” and undermined open dialogue between two democracies.
The competing petitions highlighted a polarised reaction within parts of the diaspora and academic communities, rather than a unanimous backlash.
Applications now open
Organisers say the 2026 edition will focus on equipping emerging leaders with the skills needed to navigate complex global systems while strengthening Australia–India cooperation.
Applications are now open, and young leaders from diverse fields — including entrepreneurs, journalists, researchers, policymakers and artists — are encouraged to apply.
Key details
Event: Australia India Youth Dialogue 2026
Dates: 27–31 July 2026
Locations: Queensland and Western Australia
Theme: Complex Systems – Reshaping Leadership in an Age of Transformation
Further information and application details are available at www.aiyd.org.
