New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday welcomed the launch of the Maitri Cultural Partnerships by the Australian government to support greater exchange and collaboration between Australian and Indian creative industries.

In a tweet, the EAM said the launching of the Maitri Cultural Partnerships is another initiative that will deepen understanding and promote cooperation.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a tweet said the Australian Government is launching the inaugural Maitri Cultural Partnerships.

“Maitri - friendship - will underpin the series of partnerships and grants to help our creative sector collaborate with India’s thriving cultural industries,” she tweeted.

The launch of the Maitri initiative comes days ahead of the maiden India visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

An Australian government statement said the Maitri Cultural Partnerships support greater exchange and collaboration between Australian and Indian creative industries.

The Maitri Cultural Partnership grant round is divided into three programs:

Maitri Cultural Partnerships Major Collaboration Grant

Supporting major Australian cultural organisation collaboration to engage Indian partners (funding up to $250,000)

Maitri Cultural Partnerships Visual and Performing Arts Grants

Cultural collaboration that supports First Nations' participation (funding up to $250,000)

Maitri Cultural Partnerships Collaboration Grants

Small to medium sized Australian cultural organisations and community groups collaboration (funding up to $70,000)

Full details of grant opportunities, including grant guidelines, are published on the Australian Government's website GrantConnect.

"The Maitri Cultural Partnerships are one of our flagship Maitri initiatives. Other programs, to be launched in the coming year, include Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships," it said.

The Maitri initiatives will be administered by the Centre for Australia India Relations, which will open later this year.

(With UNI inputs)