Mattoo Backs Modi Govt on Interference Charge, Questions Scholars Who Quit Australia-India Institute

In a 25-minute interview to Karan Thapar for The Wire, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, a former head of the Australia-India Institute (AII) in Melbourne, responded to widespread reports in the Australian media – particularly The Age and South Asian Today – that 13 Fellows have resigned from the AII and alleged – in a letter of resignation to the Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University, Duncan Maskell – that the Indian High Commissioner is interfering in the functioning of the Institute. One of the thirteen Fellows, Ian Woolford, tweeted: “I have resigned my affiliation with the Australia India Institute, due to concerns over government interference and restrictions over academic freedom.” Join The Wire's Youtube Membership and get exclusive content, member-only emojis, live interaction with The Wire's founders, editors and reporters and much more. Memberships to The Wire Crew start at Rs 89/month.    / @thewirenews