New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS): Fifteen young Indians will visit Australia next year to participate in the fourth Australia-India youth conference, a statement said Wednesday.

The Australia-India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) conference would be held Jan 27-29.

Fifteen Indians in the age group of 18-40 years will visit Melbourne and Sydney to meet and engage with 15 of the best and brightest young leaders of Australia, the release said.

During the three-day conference, delegates will discuss critical issues in the Australia-India relationship and key challenges and opportunities facing the two countries.

Discussions will be structured around panels led by experts in the areas of governance and public policy, public diplomacy and soft power, innovation, business and education.

"I am happy that the AIYD will meet in Australia at a time when the bilateral relationship is growing from strength to strength and there is convergence of interests between our two countries in several areas, including in education and resources cooperation," Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling said.

"Greater engagement with India's youth such as through forums provided by the AIYD will offer opportunities to shape the attitudes of India's emerging leaders and allow them to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australia's political, economic, strategic and social concerns.

"Likewise, it will prove to be beneficial for Australian young people, who are already enthusiastic about India's growing political and economic power," Suckling said.

"The conference will provide an opportunity for delegates from both countries to interact further and sow the seeds for strong relationships - as friends, trusted collaborators and creative partners in different initiatives," he added.