Indian Exports to Australia Surge 200% Over Five Years Under ECTA, Says Diplomat

India’s exports to Australia have surged by roughly 200 percent over the past five years, outpacing India’s export growth to the rest of the global market during the same period. Speaking at the 3rd edition of the CII Gujarat Export Conclave 2026 in Ahmedabad, Australian diplomat Christian Jack credited this sharp expansion directly to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

Jack noted that while India’s exports to the rest of the world grew by more than 40 percent over the last five years, exports to Australia scaled by 200 percent. The bilateral two-way trading relationship has now crossed AUD 50 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹3 lakh crore. Both nations have established a target to elevate bilateral trade to AUD 100 billion by the end of the decade, with ECTA positioned as the primary growth engine.

The trade pact, which officially came into force in December 2022, has experienced a high utilization rate of approximately 86 percent, according to Jack. He stated that this figure is notably higher than the utilization seen under India’s other trade agreements and, in certain cases, more than double. Furthermore, starting January 1, 2026, Indian exports entering Australia under ECTA are subject to zero tariffs.

Sector-specific growth has been clearly visible. India’s automotive exports to Australia have doubled, while agricultural exports have risen by approximately 20 percent. Despite these gains, both governments are looking to expand bilateral cooperation further through a proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). While ECTA focused primarily on goods trade, the upcoming CECA is intended to cover services, the digital economy, and the movement of people.

Jack mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian leadership have given clear instructions to finalize the CECA deal. He also pointed out four broad drivers strengthening the bilateral relationship: strategic alignment, economic complementarity, the growing Indian diaspora in Australia, and tourism.

Beyond traditional trade, the economic partnership is expanding into sports and infrastructure development, particularly in Gujarat. Australian architecture firm Cox Architecture is currently involved in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave at Motera in Ahmedabad, expected to serve as a center for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The firm is also working on the Brisbane stadium slated for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Additionally, Australia and Gujarat are planning a high-level sporting delegation in the first half of 2027. This initiative aims to bring together the broader sports ecosystem to examine Australia's experience in sports infrastructure and management in Brisbane, transferring that expertise to Ahmedabad.

"The 200 percent surge in Indian exports to Australia under ECTA highlights the tangible business benefits of targeted trade frameworks. For businesses and exporters, maintaining an utilization rate of 86 percent demonstrates strong operational alignment with international standards. As both nations move toward a broader Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement covering services and the digital economy, Indian enterprises should prepare to scale their operations globally by leveraging these expanding bilateral channels." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes