Western Australia steps up India push with critical minerals, trade in focus

Western Australia is intensifying its efforts to strengthen economic ties with India, with a focus on critical minerals, energy transition, and enhancing direct air links. Premier Roger Cook is leading a trade and investment mission that will visit India and Vietnam from September 17-25, aiming to bolster partnerships and create jobs.

The delegation will engage with senior officials, businesses, and educational institutions in Mumbai, Delhi, and key cities in Vietnam. The agenda includes discussions on energy transition, primary industries, and international education, with a priority on securing direct flights between Perth and India. This visit complements Western Australia's strategic goal of positioning itself as a long-term partner in the energy transition, while also reinforcing aviation and tourism links.

The mission comes as Western Australia, a major global supplier of critical minerals like lithium, rare earths, nickel, and cobalt, seeks to deepen its economic collaboration with India, which is already working with Australia to secure these mineral supplies. Indian companies, including state-owned firms, are also exploring opportunities to acquire overseas assets, with National Mineral Development Corp. Ltd (NMDC) already operating in Western Australia through its subsidiary Legacy Iron Ore Ltd. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance at the Brics summit against the weaponization of critical minerals and technologies, emphasizing inclusivity in technology adoption.

India's total trade with Australia in 2025-26 reached $21.09 billion, with imports from Australia valued at $13.81 billion, underscoring the economic potential of the relationship. Premier Cook highlighted the importance of face-to-face meetings in strengthening trade and investment, noting that both economies are growing rapidly with significant opportunities in mining, energy, defense, agriculture, education, and tourism.