Maharashtra has positioned itself as a key driver in the rapidly expanding Australia–India trade relationship, with the state government expressing strong interest in playing a central role in future economic cooperation.
During a high-level meeting in Mumbai, the Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) National Chair, Deepak Raj Gupta, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to outline new opportunities for collaboration and invite the state to join AIBC’s 40-year anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The discussions focused on deepening partnerships across priority sectors, including logistics, aquatech, green energy, advanced manufacturing, data centres and food processing — all areas where Maharashtra continues to lead India’s economic transformation.
Maharashtra seeks to be Australia’s gateway to India
Chief Minister Fadnavis conveyed strong support for strengthening the Maharashtra–Australia corridor, noting the state’s “world-class infrastructure, investor-ready industrial zones and unmatched talent pool” make it a natural partner for Australian businesses.
Industry analysts say the state’s ambition aligns with India’s growing trade relationship with Australia, which reached AUD $46.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise significantly under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and the upcoming Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
AIBC’s 40-year milestone to be celebrated in both Melbourne and Mumbai
As part of the meeting, Mr Gupta invited the Chief Minister to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations in Australia next year. Fadnavis not only accepted but also proposed hosting a parallel celebration in Mumbai to highlight Maharashtra’s potential to Australian investors.
He also welcomed the idea of a dedicated Maharashtra Expo curated for Australian business leaders — showcasing the state’s strengths in renewable energy, financial services, agritech, transport, education, and cultural industries.
AIBC Chair Mr Gupta expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s hospitality and said the partnership was entering “a promising new chapter from the Gateway of India to Harris Park”.
‘A special milestone’: Australia–India Business Council turns 40
Speaking on AIBC’s upcoming anniversary, Mr Gupta said:
“Next year marks a truly special milestone — 40 years since the Australia India Business Council was established in 1986 to strengthen the friendship between our nations.”
“AIBC will host a national roadshow across Australia and India, reflecting on four decades of impact while shaping the next.
I am especially delighted that Victoria will be one of the centres of attraction, featuring a spectacular fashion showcase celebrating creativity and cultural synergy between Australia and India.”
The Maharashtra government views Australia as a long-term strategic partner in areas such as:
- renewable energy and hydrogen
- vocational training and skills development
- infrastructure modernisation
- AI and digital innovation
- advanced agriculture and aquaculture
- cyber and data infrastructure
With both nations deepening cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, officials say the timing is ideal to scale trade and investment links through state-level partnerships.
https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1990765073540006278?s=20
The strengthening of ties between Maharashtra and Australia is expected to contribute significantly to the next phase of the bilateral trade roadmap — one that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
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