Australia, India Launch Renewable Energy Partnership

The India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership was officially launched during the second Annual Summit between the nations on Nov. 19.
The Summit took place on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
“Our new partnership will boost two-way investment in renewable energy projects like solar PV manufacturing, battery and mineral processing, green hydrogen and green iron,” said Albanese.
He also added that the move aims to build the future renewable energy workforce, including through skills and training, and ultimately unlock economic opportunities to support the net zero transition.
Modi said since the launch of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, bilateral trade between the two nations has increased 40 percent increase.
Prime Ministers Albanese and Modi highlighted synergies between the “Make in India” and “Future Made in Australia” projects aimed at spurring domestic manufacturing.
They also hoped to enhance the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) programme to foster better business relations.
The leaders expressed their intent to strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation in 2025 to reflect the evolving ambitions of both countries’ defence forces.
“In the area of defence through joint exercises, exchange between young officers and deployment of our platforms, our relations have seen a new impetus,” said Modi.
Both leaders underscored the importance of ongoing defence exercises and information sharing, with the focus on ensuring a more stable Indo-Pacific region.
Aggression from Chinese Communist Party-linked forces has been an ongoing concern for the region.
They also acknowledged the Pacific Islands Forum’s pivotal role through its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
In addition, they recognised the role of the Quad in fostering regional stability and advancing shared goals.
Both leaders acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Australia, particularly the students and professionals, in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Modi welcomed Albanese’s assurance of continued support for the community, including students.
According to the High Commission of India in Canberra, India is now home to the second-largest and fastest-growing diaspora in Australia, with nearly 976,000 people of Indian origin.
The Indian student community in Australia, numbering over 120,000, represents a vital link between the two nations, and their contributions to the educational sector are immense.