Australia Provides Duty-Free Access to All Indian Exports Under ECTA

 by Pranita Kurani 

“The MoU signed between World Trade Center Mumbai and the Australia India Business Council will further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation, creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries” - Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries

In the picture (L to R): Mr. Deepak Raj Gupta OAM, National Chair, Australia India Business Council; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries; Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai; Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, World Trade Center Mumbai.

18th February 2026:  World Trade Center Mumbai, in association with the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), hosted a high-level interaction with a business delegation from the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), reaffirming the growing momentum in India–Australia economic relations. The engagement focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment collaboration, and sectoral partnerships in emerging areas such as critical minerals, green energy, and advanced technologies.

Mr. Deepak Raj Gupta OAM, National Chair, Australia India Business Council, said, “Our focus remains strongly on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of both economies. Today’s delegation of 20 members, representing sectors including education, artificial intelligence, law, sports, logistics, technology, and finance reflecting the wide range of opportunities emerging in the India–Australia bilateral corridor.” 

“We are focused on collaboration in critical minerals, education, AI and emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, sports and skill-bridging initiatives and human capital development. Strengthening technology partnerships alongside investing in people-to-people capabilities will be essential in driving sustainable growth between Australia and India.” Said Mr. Gupta.

“The Australia India Business Council is the leading business chamber dedicated to strengthening the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India. This year represents our 48th year of advancing bilateral cooperation. AIBC has chapters in six Australian state capitals and a growing presence in India, where we continue to shape policy advocacy, raise awareness, and facilitate meaningful business-to-business outcomes, “added Mr. Gupta.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, said, “India and Australia are two large nations with immense potential. With bilateral trade crossing over USD 50 billion, there is significant opportunity to reach USD 100 billion in the next five years. The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which provides near zero-duty market access on most of the traded goods, has opened massive oppurtunities for Indian exports. Beyond technological advancements, there remains a substantial skills gap, which presents strong potential for collaborative growth and capacity building.”

 “There is considerable scope for cooperation in sectors such as the blue economy, maritime services, mining and critical minerals, particularly lithium as well as education, hydrogen, and green energy. Strengthening partnerships across these strategic areas will further strengthen the India–Australia economic relationship.” Said Dr. Kalantri

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai, delivered the vote of thanks and said, “Australia, known for its vast mineral resources and strong economy, is expanding beyond traditional sectors, creating immense opportunities for growth and collaboration. He expressed confidence that the visit of the 20-member business delegation would significantly strengthen bilateral engagement and create meaningful avenues for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries”.

The meeting also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties to promote greater collaboration and enhance trade and investment opportunities.