India, Australia to Enhance Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Processing
ECONOMY & POLICY

India, Australia to Enhance Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Processing

India and Australia are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, their processing, and battery production, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. He mentioned that both countries have signed an interim free trade agreement and are negotiating to expand it into a comprehensive pact.

At a conference on the roadmap for vehicle electrification, Barthwal discussed the potential integration of the Indian and Australian economies in areas such as battery production, mineral production, mineral processing, and vehicle production. He highlighted the steps taken by the Indian government to promote domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and to strengthen the supporting ecosystem, including the enhancement of charging infrastructure.

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, spoke at the event, emphasizing Australia's significant mineral and energy resources that can support India's "Make in India" initiative. He pointed out that Australia is a leading producer of critical minerals, including being the largest producer of lithium and the second-largest producer of cobalt globally. Green expressed Australia's desire to facilitate easier access for India to these critical minerals and other resources that can aid India's green transition. He stressed that achieving this goal would require a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are vital for the rapidly growing clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electricity networks, and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is increasing as the clean energy transition accelerates.

Barthwal also mentioned that India, like Australia, has signed a trade pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Norway is a key member.

India and Australia are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, their processing, and battery production, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. He mentioned that both countries have signed an interim free trade agreement and are negotiating to expand it into a comprehensive pact. At a conference on the roadmap for vehicle electrification, Barthwal discussed the potential integration of the Indian and Australian economies in areas such as battery production, mineral production, mineral processing, and vehicle production. He highlighted the steps taken by the Indian government to promote domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and to strengthen the supporting ecosystem, including the enhancement of charging infrastructure. Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, spoke at the event, emphasizing Australia's significant mineral and energy resources that can support India's Make in India initiative. He pointed out that Australia is a leading producer of critical minerals, including being the largest producer of lithium and the second-largest producer of cobalt globally. Green expressed Australia's desire to facilitate easier access for India to these critical minerals and other resources that can aid India's green transition. He stressed that achieving this goal would require a comprehensive free trade agreement. Critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are vital for the rapidly growing clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electricity networks, and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is increasing as the clean energy transition accelerates. Barthwal also mentioned that India, like Australia, has signed a trade pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Norway is a key member.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?