In an interview with Renewable Watch, Nathan Davis, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade, discussed the current state of trade and investment collaboration between India and Australia, the role of critical minerals, opportunities under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) partnership, and the way forward for businesses and institutions in both countries. Edited excerpts…
What are the key agreements shaping Australia-India cooperation in the renewable energy sector?
At a macro level, the Australia-India relationship is guided by the AI-ECTA, which is an interim free trade agreement aimed at increasing two-way trade. In addition, the New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India, launched earlier this year, outlines four “superhighways” of growth: tourism, agribusiness, education and skills, and clean energy. Within clean energy, we have launched the Renewable Energy Partnership, committed to supporting India’s solar ambitions, including the goal of installing 10 million solar panels by 2027. Australia’s clean energy push is also backed by the Future Made in Australia Act, which allocates AUD 22 billion toward a net-zero future through tax incentives and funding support.
What is the current status of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership?
The partnership has been instrumental in fostering business-to-business and government-to-government collaboration. In fact, our participation in India’s clean energy sector is supported by this partnership. It has enabled a delegation of 22 Australian companies to explore the Indian market, form new commercial partnerships and renew existing ones. These companies are involved in solar, hydrogen, storage and green infrastructure. The partnership has truly become a platform for sustained engagement.
What are the upcoming investments from Australian companies into India’s renewable energy sector?
The Australia-India Business Exchange is an AUD 14 million initiative aimed at deepening trade and investment ties over the next four years. This supports clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and water innovation, among other sectors. Additionally, critical minerals is a key focus area, and our government has a dedicated strategy until 2030 to promote mining, processing and manufacturing partnerships with several countries, including India.
Given Australia’s rich reserves of critical minerals, what steps are being taken to ensure a secure and sustainable supply chain with India?
The Australian government is taking a multipronged approach. We have launched the Critical Minerals Strategy and a critical minerals prospectus that highlights investible projects across Australia. These aim to encourage international investment, including from Indian firms, into exploration, extraction and processing. There is also a strong emphasis on boosting our own national capabilities in refining and manufacturing. Collaboration with India is seen as essential, particularly in areas like lithium for battery storage. The potential for collaboration between Australian and Indian renewable energy companies is immense. Several discussions are ongoing at the commercial level, especially as both countries increase their focus on supply chain security and energy transition.
How do broader global trade uncertainties affect Australia’s trade policy, particularly with India?
Australia has always approached trade as a complex and evolving landscape. Recent global developments, such as reciprocal tariffs and leadership changes, have not fundamentally altered our commitment to free and open trade. Our agreements, like the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the AI-ECTA, are designed to be resilient. As an island nation, Australia has always had to deal with trade complexity. Australia’s partnership with India remains strong and forward-looking, and we continue to work toward a comprehensive trade agreement.
What role does the Quad play in advancing collaboration on clean energy?
The Quad is an important strategic dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the US. While its origins lie in maritime security and regional stability, its scope has expanded to include economic and environmental collaboration. In the context of the green economy and critical minerals, it provides a valuable framework for shared innovation, resource development and climate action. Rising sea levels, supply chain resilience and sustainable growth are all shared concerns among the Quad nations, and ongoing dialogue will be critical to shaping long-term solutions.
Are there any education and skill development collaborations between India and Australia?
Yes, there are ongoing collaborations involving more than 20 Australian institutions across South Asia. These partnerships include both higher education programmes and vocational training focused on renewable energy skills, like solar panel manufacturing, sustainable building techniques and energy efficiency. Clean energy is a key area of institutional cooperation, and we expect it to grow as demand for skilled professionals increases.
