Oz delegation to focus on agri, critical minerals, infra

A 106-member business delegation from Australia is visiting India this week to forge ties across agriculture, critical minerals, infrastructure, digital health and education. The visit comes ahead of the implementation of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

"This visit is all about those commercial partnerships... to get business here to start talking. We have primarily focused on eight critical minerals including lithium, graphite, and titanium that are of equal value to both India and Australia," said Denise Eaton, trade and investment commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

The minerals, used in EVs and medical devices, are an area of key interest for India as the country has launched production-linked incentive schemes for these sectors.


"Australia is excellent in exploration, extraction, production and processing of critical minerals... and India is strengthening its manufacturing capability. So, we can together improve that supply chain resilience," Eaton said.

The ECTA, signed in April, is likely to come into force this year after both countries complete domestic and parliamentary processes.