Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has officially launched the 40th Anniversary National Program of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC), Australia’s peak independent bilateral business organisation dedicated to advancing trade, investment and commercial engagement between Australia and India.
The launch ceremony brought together senior government representatives, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora to celebrate four decades of strengthening economic, business and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded AUD 54.4 billion in 2024–25, with India now Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market. Both nations have set an ambitious target of AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
The anniversary program will run from May to December 2026 across Australia and major Indian cities, featuring trade forums, investment roundtables, industry dialogues and networking events designed to unlock new opportunities across the bilateral corridor. This includes gala celebrations in Melbourne and Sydney in July and October 2026 respectively.
The anniversary coincides with the further phase-down of tariffs under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), with approximately 90 per cent of Australian goods exports to India entering duty-free from 1 January 2026. This creates expanded opportunities across education, critical minerals, agribusiness, technology, manufacturing and professional services.
Australia’s Indian community—now well past 900,000 people and projected to exceed one million in the 2026 Census—continues to serve as a vital bridge between the two economies. As India strengthens its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and moves towards becoming the third-largest economy globally by 2030, the Australia–India partnership is expected to play an increasingly significant role in regional growth, investment and innovation.
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia
“For an organisation to last 40 years is never simply the dividend of good luck. It is hard work — the result of the ambition, determination, dedication and the sheer hard work of an entire army of people.”
Deepak Raj Gupta, National Chair, Australia India Business Council
“As we look ahead, we see a promising new chapter for the Australia–India relationship. With the partnership more important than ever, AIBC remains firmly committed to building a stronger, more prosperous future for both countries.”
H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, High Commissioner of India to Australia
“Over the past four decades, AIBC has played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral economic ties, fostering business partnerships and deepening friendship between Indian and Australian industries.”