India–Australia Bilateral Economic Partnership
Ministry/Division


Australian Treasury, Government of Australia

Commencement of Engagement


14 July 2017

Engagement Overview


A Statement of Intent was signed between NITI Aayog and the Australian Treasury for sharing insights into key economic policy questions, undertaking joint research projects, conducting exchange visits of suitable personnel, and organising an Annual Economic Policy Dialogue.

Highlights


First Dialogue

The inaugural dialogue between NITI Aayog and the Australian Treasury was held on 30 April 2019. Both sides exchanged views on federalism and productivity reforms, managing technological disruption and opportunities for bilateral cooperation. They agreed to explore collaborations in frontier technologies, regulatory sandbox consultations, capacity building and conduct regular exchanges.
 

Secondment Programme

Under the secondment programme, Mr James Hunter, Senior Policy Analyst in the Health and Disability Unit, Social Policy Division of the Australian Treasury, joined NITI Aayog on 24 February 2020. He assisted NITI in the paper 'Towards Financial Inclusion in 2035', and presented his work on 'Australia: Economic Snapshot, Fiscal Transparency and Long-Term Projections' in March 2020.


Second Dialogue

The second dialogue between NITI Aayog and the Australian Treasury was held virtually on 10 December 2020. The meeting was chaired by Ms Anna Roy, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, and Ms Lisa Elliston, Head of the International Economics and Security Division, Australian Treasury. The two sides collaborated on Covid economic response, performance monitoring frameworks, consumer data rights, blockchain strategies, and broader economic institutional engagements following the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
 

Former Australian PM's Visit 

Former Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott AC visited NITI Aayog on 5 August 2021. He has been appointed Special Envoy to progress Australia’s economic and trade relationship with India. During his visit, the importance of commitments of both the countries under the Indo-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was highlighted, and opportunities for increasing bilateral trade and investment were explored. 

Timeline

 

  • Statement of Intent signed on 14 July 2017

  • First dialogue held on 30 April 2019

  • Dan Andrews, Division Head, Macroeconomic Modelling and Policy Division, Australian Treasury, visited NITI Aayog on 4 November 2019

  • Second Dialogue of India–Australia Bilateral Economic Partnership held on 10 December 2021

  • Former PM of Australia Mr Tony Abbott visited NITI Aayog on 5 August 2021