India-Australia strengthen energy security partnership amid global supply chain concerns
Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) while continuing negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
PM holds delegation-level talks with the Governor-General of Australia, Ms. Sam Mostyn AC in Melbourne, Australia on July 09, 2026.
New Delhi: India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral energy security and ensuring resilient energy supply chains in response to ongoing geopolitical disruptions, particularly the instability in the Middle East affecting global energy markets.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the two Comprehensive Strategic Partners emphasized their shared vision of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific and underscored the importance of maintaining open markets, rules-based trade, and uninterrupted energy flows to safeguard regional economic stability.
The statement comes at a time when prolonged disruptions in the Middle East have impacted global supply chains for energy, critical resources, and other commodities, leading to increased price volatility.
Expanding Bilateral Energy Trade
India and Australia highlighted the growing importance of bilateral energy trade, supported by trusted private-sector partnerships and strategic investments. Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) while continuing negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
The two sides also stressed the importance of capacity building, technology exchange, and knowledge sharing in the energy sector to support long-term cooperation.
LNG, Refined Fuels and Uranium Cooperation
Recognising Australia’s position as a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India and India’s role as a supplier of refined petroleum products and downstream fuels to Australia, both governments committed to facilitating uninterrupted energy trade and encouraging investments across the energy value chain.
A significant milestone announced in the statement is the completion of administrative arrangements enabling the export of Australian uranium to India for exclusively peaceful purposes under the 2015 Australia–India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and in accordance with safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Focus on Energy Transition
While reaffirming the importance of conventional fuels such as coal, diesel, natural gas, and other liquid fuels for ensuring immediate energy security, both countries also committed to accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy systems.
The joint statement emphasizes:
- Strengthening regional energy supply chain resilience
- Promoting renewable energy deployment
- Supporting electrification of energy systems
- Enhancing cooperation on low-carbon fuels
- Maintaining open trade arrangements for energy resources
Australia also acknowledged India’s leadership in promoting sustainable fuels through the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Regional Cooperation
The two countries extended their cooperation beyond bilateral interests by recognising the energy security challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries, stressing that reliable energy supplies are essential for their economic resilience and sustainable development.
India and Australia called upon regional partners to work together to keep global energy supply chains open, resilient, and reliable in the interest of shared prosperity and regional security.
