Who signed it?Australia India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA)
On 2 April 2022, Australia’s former minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan MP, signed the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) with his Indian counterpart Minister Piyush Goyal in a virtual ceremony attended by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his former counterpart Scott Morrison.
“This agreement will turbocharge our close, long-standing and highly complementary economic relationship in areas such as critical minerals, professional services, education and tourism. It will create new opportunities for jobs and businesses in both countries, while laying the foundations for a full free trade agreement,” said Minister Tehan in his release.
AI-ECTA is an interim agreement and both countries continue to work towards a full Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Media Release: Historic trade deal with India | Minister for Trade Tourism and Investment (trademinister.gov.au)
For more information, refer to the outcomes documents and official text of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan MP, signs the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement
Second Australia-India Virtual Summit
On March 21, Australia's former Prime Minister - the Hon Scott Morrison MP and India's Prime Minister the Hon Shri Narendra Modi - held their second Virtual Summit and took stock of the remarkable pace at which we are implementing the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), agreed in 2020. Since November 2021, the Australian Government has announced AUD 280 million (INR 1500 crore) worth of new initiatives across the breadth of our relationship.
The leaders re-committed to concluding an Interim Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest and work towards an ambitious, full CECA by the end of the year to enhance trade and investment ties and deepen the CSP.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Australia’s special gesture in returning 29 ancient artefacts to India which included sculptures, paintings and photographs, across centuries, from different parts of India. The meeting reinforced the warm, close bonds between India and Australia and the Leaders reiterated their commitment to further accelerate bilateral cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Australia India Joint Statement - Australia-India Virtual Summit | Prime Minister of Australia (pm.gov.au)
Opening Remarks by the Prime Ministers - Remarks, Virtual Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Prime Minister Modi | Prime Minister of Australia (pm.gov.au)
Australia and India to establish taskforce on qualifications recognition - https://ministers.dese.gov.au/robert/australia-and-india-establish-taskforce-qualifications-recognition
Unlocking opportunities in India for Australian METS firms - https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/pitt/media-releases/unlocking-opportunities-india-australian-mets-firms
Virtual Summit Media Release Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister of Australia H.E. Mr. Scott Morrison hold 2nd India Australia Virtual Summit (mea.gov.in)
Oped by the High Commissioner https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/realising-the-potential-of-maitri-and-mateship/article65246697.ece
Prime Ministers interacting during the second Australia India Annual Leaders' Meeting
