By Mewati Sitaram
India and Australia are charting a new trajectory in bilateral trade, technology, and critical minerals, as highlighted during a high-level webinar jointly hosted by MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The event brought together senior government officials and industry leaders to discuss actionable trade opportunities, sectoral synergies, and the evolving policy landscape under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Michael Carter, Head of International Trade Services at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, emphasized Australia’s India Economic Strategy to 2035, identifying long-term opportunities in education, agribusiness, clean energy, healthcare, financial services, and innovation. He pointed out that over 100,000 Indian students in Australia strengthen people-to-people ties, creating a strong economic enabler. Carter also highlighted India’s potential in global food supply and tech innovation in AI, fintech, and quantum computing.
Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Abhinav Bhatia noted India as Queensland’s fourth-largest export market in 2024, with $14.4 billion in exports, and stressed growth prospects in digital infrastructure, critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, and affordable housing, along with collaboration in sports and digital innovation.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, said strategic investments in infrastructure, mining, IT, and re-export hubs could see India–Australia trade reach $100 billion. Deepak-Raj Gupta OAM, National Chair of AIBC, highlighted initiatives such as the $50 million AUD Accessing New Markets Initiative, supporting Australian exporters in India and South Asia.
The webinar, moderated by Poornima Menon, NSW Vice President of AIBC, stressed regulatory awareness, market entry challenges, and streamlined processes. Active discussions underscored that the India–Australia trade corridor is poised for a high-growth decade, offering significant opportunities for businesses, investors, and innovators alike.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
