Rio de Janeiro/New Delhi: India and Australia launched the Renewable Energy Partnership to boost two-way investment in the renewable energy sector, during the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The two leaders met at the second bilateral Annual Summit, and they were meeting for the 11th time in the past two years.
“The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) which would provide the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas; and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future,” the joint statement said.
The Australian PM said in his media statement welcoming the development: “Today I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation. Our new partnership will boost two-way investment in renewable energy projects like solar PV manufacturing, battery and mineral processing, green hydrogen and green iron. Build the future renewable energy workforce, including through skills and training, and ultimately unlock economic opportunities to support the net zero transition.
“One of the key early projects under the partnership is the establishment next year of the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Academy. Australia will partner with India’s Skill Council for Green Jobs and the private sector to train 2000 young Indian technicians on solar PV. We’ll bring our expertise in training, curriculum development and our extensive experience on rooftop solar, where we are the largest producer per capita of rooftop solar in the world. The Academy aligns with India’s own initiative to install rooftop solar for 10 million households over just the next few years. This is a great example of practical cooperation between our two countries to develop the skills for the renewables workforce of the future,” he said.
PM Modi said in a post on X: “It’s always wonderful to meet my good friend, PM Albanese. The talks were extremely fruitful and our focus will remain on futuristic sectors which will further global growth and sustainability.”
In his media statement, PM Modi said that after the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force in the last two years, the bilateral trade saw a 40 per cent increase.
The joint statement said the two PMs expressed satisfaction at the increasing two-way trade, business engagements and market access for goods and services enabled under the ECTA. They welcomed further work towards an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), to realise the full potential of the bilateral economic relationship.
On defence, the Australian PM said that he has agreed with Prime Minister Modi that Australia and India will renew and enhance their Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation next year, “reflecting the growing maturity of defence and security ties between our two countries since the initial declaration was made in 2009.
“Prime Minister Modi and I have also committed to developing a joint maritime security collaboration roadmap, including to deepen maritime domain awareness. Australia’s relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more consequential than ever before. We’re approaching the fifth anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and I know that both Prime Minister Modi and I place tremendous value on continuing to deepen the tie between our two great nations.”
PM Modi said that their ties have grown stronger in the area of defence through joint exercises, exchange between young officers and deployment of our platforms.
“We have opened a new consulate in Brisbane, and Australia has opened one in Bengaluru. Two Australian universities have also opened campuses in India.”
