Australia and India are deepening their ties in critical minerals and renewable energy, a move that strengthens their economic relationship and supports global sustainability efforts. The partnership, built on mutual interests, is shaping policies, trade agreements, and industry collaborations that are set to define the future of clean energy.
At a recent NITI Aayog panel, Minister-Counsellor Partridge outlined how the two nations are working together in these sectors. The discussion reinforced their shared vision—India’s expanding energy needs find a natural partner in Australia’s mineral-rich reserves.
Australia holds vast quantities of lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, resources essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. With India’s demand for these materials growing, the economic logic is clear. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), in effect since December 2022, has already eased trade barriers, making Australian minerals more accessible to Indian industries.
Legislative changes in Australia this year introduced tax incentives to boost the critical minerals and renewable hydrogen sectors. Resources Minister Madeleine King stressed that these measures would attract investment, create jobs, and reduce reliance on China in global supply chains.
India is taking its own steps, with a Critical Mineral Mission launching in 2025 to secure essential resources for its electric vehicle and green energy ambitions. Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao pointed to the mission’s collaborative nature, involving government agencies, industry leaders, and researchers to strengthen resource security.
The partnership is expanding beyond raw materials. Joint research projects are exploring better ways to process minerals and develop cleaner technologies. The India-Australia Critical Minerals Research Partnership, established in 2023, is already focused on building resilient supply chains for lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Investment opportunities in solar photovoltaic manufacturing, battery production, and green hydrogen are also on the table. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has underscored the importance of these collaborations, pointing to their potential to drive investment and regional stability.
Australia’s natural resources and India’s manufacturing expertise present a strong case for this growing alliance. As both nations push for cleaner energy and greater economic security, the groundwork is being laid for a relationship that benefits industries, economies, and global sustainability alike.
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