India and Australia conducted an in-depth review of their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) during a three-day meeting held last week from December 4 to 6. The discussions focused on critical areas such as trade in goods and services, mobility, and agri-tech collaboration,  the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement. 

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the CECA brings substantial benefits and a balanced outcome for both sides. Discussions also addressed market access strategies, particularly aligning with India’s food security objectives.

The latest talks follow the 10th round of negotiations held in Sydney in August 2024, where significant progress was made on various aspects of the agreement. The recent meeting in New Delhi aimed to build on that momentum, advancing dialogue on trade, supply chains, and agricultural cooperation. Both sides reviewed the progress so far and set a roadmap for the early conclusion of the CECA.

Leading the discussions were India’s chief negotiator and additional secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, and Australia’s first assistant secretary and chief negotiator, Ravi Kewalram. The two delegations expressed optimism about the future of the CECA and the broader economic partnership between their countries.

Key highlights of the discussions included collaboration in agricultural innovation, improved market access, and enhancing supply chain resilience. The CECA aims to expand goods and services market access while introducing new areas of cooperation.

Trade between India and Australia has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2023-24, India imported goods worth $16.2 billion from Australia and exported nearly $8 billion, reflecting a strong and growing economic relationship. The CECA builds on the foundation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed in 2022, promising further integration and mutual benefits for both nations.

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