In May 2024, India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal led discussions in Australia to bolster economic ties. At the first Joint Committee Meeting, officials praised the smooth execution of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and initiated a monthly exchange of preferential import data. They also reviewed the ongoing Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, focusing on deeper market access, digital trade, and more. India seeks to address non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in exports to Australia, gathering industry feedback via Chemexcil. Positive trade outcomes from ECTA include a 50% surge in Australian agricultural exports to India and a 30% rise in industrial exports. Both nations aim to expedite CECA talks for a balanced and expansive trade relationship.
