Australia and India enjoy a strong and productive partnership with the scope of Australia’s bilateral relationship having increased rapidly with India’s economic growth. Within this trade and investment is a key component.

Australia is India's ninth largest source of imports.  Over the past five years India has been the fastest growing market for Australian exports. Two-way trade in goods and services was over AUD$18.3 billion in 2008, with Australia’s exports to India surpassing AUD$ 16 billion. 

Investments have been growing rapidly with Australia represented through an increasing Australian company presence on the ground in India, and with increasing investment by Indian companies in Australia, in particular in the resources, IT and hospitality sectors.

The opportunities are diverse across multiple industry sectors including long established resource and commodity sectors, as well as relatively recent interest and activity within the services sectors.  In 2009, Australia welcomed 124,800 tourists from India and there are presently more than 120,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian educational institutions.

Australia and India have been working to develop a bilateral free trade agreement focusing on areas of complementarities and working to find balance in areas to be further developed. A feasibility study has been completed for the Free Trade Agreement. Going forward Australia is well positioned to complement India’s strong economic growth.

The Australian Trade Commission provides significant support in the Australia – India business relationship. Driving commercial relationships to higher levels, Austrade has a focused sector specific strategy that delivers introduction and solutions for Indian businesses in the areas of resources, mining & energy; infrastructure; building & construction; food & beverage; agri-business; ICT; film, media & entertainment; consumer, fashion & lifestyle; financial services; clean energy and environment.

This is underpinned through the Utsav Australia (Celebrate Australia) – program, branding and website managed by the Australian Trade Commission- a sustained marketing and promotions program to raise awareness of Australian business and industry among the Indian business community. I invite businesses to get involved with Utsav Australia where we commit to benefit both Australian and Indian companies.

The Australia - India future for businesses looks bright.  

Peter Linford

Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner - South Asia

Minister Commercial

Australian High Commission