(Nov 9): India and Australia held further talks on boosting trade and economic links, as nations step up efforts to counter disruptions to exports sparked by US President Donald Trump’s slew of tariffs.
Both sides reaffirmed their desire for an “early conclusion” of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, according to a statement by the Indian government after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell in Melbourne on Saturday (Nov 8).
Australia had earlier hoped to finalise the bilateral trade deal by the end of 2023 to expand a partial free-trade deal that came into effect during the prior year. Total trade between India and Australia amounted to about US$24 billion in 2024.
Goyal also visited Auckland this week for trade talks, and on Friday said India and New Zealand aim to seal a free-trade agreement soon. Trump earlier this year slapped 50% tariffs on India’s exports to the US, in part to pressure New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.
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