Wed Feb 26 11:17:43 UTC 2025: ## Australia Unveils Ambitious Roadmap to Boost Trade Ties with India

**New Delhi, February 26, 2025** – Australia announced a comprehensive roadmap today to significantly deepen and diversify its trade and investment relationships with India. The plan, unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, focuses on four key sectors: clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness, and tourism. These “superhighways of growth,” as they were termed, aim to unlock the vast potential of the Indian market for Australian businesses.

The roadmap outlines nearly 50 specific opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including defense, sports, culture, space, and technology. To support this initiative, the Australian government is investing US$16 million in an Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund to assist Australian businesses in entering the Indian market. An additional US$4 million will be invested in the Maitri Grants program to strengthen people-to-people and business-to-business ties.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized India’s importance as Australia diversifies its trade partnerships, highlighting the economic benefits for Australian businesses and jobs. Foreign Minister Penny Wong underscored the strategic importance of strengthening economic ties with India for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell highlighted the significant contribution of the large Indian-Australian community.

The announcement comes as Australia celebrates the successes of its existing free trade agreement with India, which has already saved Australian businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in tariffs and is projected to save around US$2 billion by year’s end. Negotiations for a new, even more comprehensive free trade agreement are also ongoing. The Australian government believes the roadmap, developed through extensive consultations with businesses and the community, provides a clear path for Australian businesses to capitalize on the vast opportunities presented by India’s growing economy.

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