Delivering the inaugural remarks and welcoming a delegation from Australian Institute for International Affairs, Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International, highlighted the significance of India’s rapid economic growth and its increasing role as one of Australia’s top trade partners.
Furthermore, he welcomed Australia's strong commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, referring to the recent announcement of a $16 million investment in the Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund.
The delegation led by Michael Moignard, Council Member, Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Melbourne, Victoria, provided insights into Australia’s broader engagement with India, noting that 2025 marks the centenary of AIIA Victoria. He underscored the growing importance of trade, investment, and security cooperation in the evolving global landscape, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts.
Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, GoI and Distinguished Fellow, CUTS International provided a comprehensive overview of the trade and investment landscape, stating, “We are witnessing a transformation in India-Australia relations, with emerging sectors such as critical minerals, space collaboration, and high-tech finance gaining prominence. The focus must now shift towards sustained, strategic engagement”. He further emphasised the importance of Australia’s investment in India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, mining sector reforms, and clean energy transition.
CUTS International, a prominent global forty-year-old think cum action tank hosted a roundtable discussion on Strategic Trade, Development, and the Real Economy in Australia-India Relations.
The event brought together a delegation from the AIIA, Victoria, diplomats, and experts to explore the evolving trade and economic relationship between Australia and India, as well as discuss international issues of mutual interest.
There was quite a spirited discussion on China and its relations with both India and China. Pointed out Mehta, that in view of the emerging scenario of the uncertainties of Trump and the world, both India and Australia would do well to lower the temperature of their relations with China.
Among the key members, the delegates included Michael Moignard and Prakash Mirchandani, Council Members, AIIA Victoria; Paul Lucas, Queensland President of AIIA and former Deputy Premier of Queensland Province.
Several other delegates from Australia too took part in the discussions, while Dr. Pralok Gupta, Associate Professor, the Centre for WTO Studies and Tom Sandeford, First Secretary, Economic, from the Australian High Commission among others also participated.
With India emerging as one of Australia’s most significant trade partners and poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, discussions centred on leveraging economic complementarities and addressing existing barriers to deeper bilateral trade and investment.
Ambassador Amit Das Gupta, former Indian Diplomat having served in Australia, highlighted the broader geopolitical landscape, stating, “The global order is undergoing tectonic shifts post January 2025. For Australia and India to navigate this changing landscape effectively, we must bridge the knowledge gap that persists between our business communities and policymakers.”
With nearly a million people of Indian origin in Australia and a rapidly increasing number of Indian students in Australian universities, education and skill development remain crucial pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Participants discussed the role of Australian universities in India, such as Deakin University’s first offshore campus, and the need for joint certification programmes to meet workforce demands in both countries.
With Indian tourism to Australia witnessing a sharp post-pandemic rise, participants identified direct air connectivity as a critical bottleneck. Improved aviation links between key Indian and Australian cities were deemed essential for boosting tourism and business exchanges.
The roundtable concluded with a consensus on the need for more focused business delegations, more informed discussion on study groups, increased government-to-government engagement, and stronger private-sector participation. As both nations continue negotiations on the CECA, strategic efforts must be made to diversify trade, enhance investment flows, and leverage emerging sectors for mutual benefit.
The event reinforced the commitment of both India and Australia to a comprehensive and future-ready economic partnership, emphasising that beyond trade, their collaboration spans security, education, climate change, and technological advancements.