India-Australia Strengthen Ties in Critical Minerals and Defense Technology

The Australian High Commission highlights enhanced India-Australia collaboration in critical minerals, aiming to support global energy transition and diversify supply chains. Concurrently, advancing defense ties, both nations embark on a project to improve undersea surveillance technologies, marking a significant step in their strategic partnership.

In a significant development for international collaboration, Sanjiva de Silva, Counsellor Energy & Resources at the Australian High Commission, emphasized the strengthened partnership between India and Australia in the critical minerals segment. Efforts are being made to bolster battery supply chains and aid the global energy transition.

De Silva pointed out substantial progress, noting, "We have identified those projects, and the Indian side has advanced to the final stages of the competitive processes for these major investments." The collaboration also aims to secure diversified supply chains, positioning India to access crucial markets dominated by China.

Highlighting Australia's prowess in this sector, de Silva stated, "Australia exports about half the world's lithium, positioning it as a superpower in the critical mineral space." Meanwhile, both countries are expanding cooperation in strategic sectors like defence. A recent agreement marks the first joint science and technology project improving undersea surveillance capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)