Australia Strengthens Strategic and Trade Ties with India

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In an exclusive roundtable with Indian media, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green detailed the growing partnership between Australia and India, highlighting trade, security, education, sports, and cultural exchanges.

Green emphasized Australia’s commitment to free trade, noting, “Tariffs are a tax on consumers, and they cause inflation and reduce growth.” He praised the success of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), adding that “Australian tariffs for all Indian goods entering Australia will be zero from next year.”

Indian exports to Australia have grown substantially, with Green noting, “Over the last five years, India’s exports to the world have grown by 35%. Exports to Australia grew 66%, nearly twice the global rate.” He highlighted economic complementarities, pointing to Australia’s energy, minerals, and skills supply, along with the presence of Australian universities in India.

On security and strategic ties, Green described the Quad as transformative for bilateral relations. “The Quad is a game-changer for Australia and India. We have always been friends, but now we are strategically aligned,” he said, noting two significant ministerial meetings this year and plans for a leaders’ summit in Delhi later in the year. Regarding AUKUS, Green expressed confidence that the partnership will withstand scrutiny despite past U.S. policy debates.

Green also discussed sports and cultural collaboration, highlighting Australia’s upcoming 2032 Olympic Games and India’s interest in hosting major events such as the Commonwealth Games. “Australia can support India’s capabilities in organizing large sporting events,” he said, noting expertise in stadium design and precinct management. On cultural ties, he mentioned Australia’s coffee culture, highlighting Melbourne’s flat white as an example of shared cultural influence.

Addressing immigration, Green noted the growing Indian diaspora in Australia. Indian migrants are the fastest-growing migrant group in Australia. Indian languages are the fastest-growing language group,” he said, estimating that one million people of Indian origin may live in Australia. He condemned intolerance and violence, stating, “Violence and intolerance in our society cannot be accepted, and our government has been quick to condemn recent incidents.”

On global conflicts, Green reiterated Australia’s support for Ukraine and called for a two-state solution in the Middle East. In education, he highlighted innovative programs allowing students to spend part of their degree in India and part in Australia, earning dual qualifications.

Throughout the discussion, Green presented Australia as a predictable and long-term partner for India, emphasizing reliability in trade, security, sports, education, and culture. His message underscored stability and commitment amid global uncertainties.