Media Release 5 June 2020

• Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed by leaders of both nations
• Lays foundation for growing agricultural trade
• The Australian Government is helping to position our farmers to tap into this huge market

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud today applauded the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed last night by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi.

“India is one of this nation’s great trading partners and our farmers, fishers and foresters already enjoy a two-way trading relationship worth $1 billion,” Minister Littleproud said.

“As Minister for Agriculture, it is my honour to champion Australian agribusiness under the India Economic Strategy we move this relationship to the next level, including through exploring the development of a bilateral partnership on grains management and logistics.

“The timing of this partnership is critical in the context of COVID-19 as we look to explore export opportunities for our farmers in a post-pandemic world where access to safe, reliable food will be more important than ever.

“I am very encouraged progress has been made on market access issues and the commitment of both sides to continue negotiations.

“India is too big to ignore. It is projected to be the world’s third largest economy in the world by 2035 with 1.6 billion citizens—and demand for food is set to outstrip supply.

“There are huge opportunities for Australia’s world-class, clean and safe products in this thriving market, but patience and persistence is required.

“We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but unlocking these opportunities demands a reliable trading partner and long-term commitment from both government and industry.

“In Australia, India have a committed partner they can trust. This government is backing our farmers to improve trade and dialogue at every level.

“We’re providing capacity building training to accept modern biosecurity treatments for our exports, we’ve posted a second agricultural counsellor in India and we’re working to improve Indian crop forecasting so Australian pulse farmers can make more informed decisions about what they plant each season.

“I look forward to representing Australian farmers in a trade relationship as it moves from strength to strength into the future.”

Fast Facts:

• Australian two-way agricultural trade with India was valued at over $1 billion in 2018, with Australia exporting $664 million of agriculture, fisheries and forestry products.
• India has also recently agreed improved access conditions for barley to India’s 500,000 tonne malt barley market.