Bengaluru, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Bengaluru is witnessing a significant boost in the space partnership between India and Australia. Nathan Davis, the Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner, recently highlighted the advancements in bilateral trade, which has now reached an impressive AUD 50 billion since the implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022. This agreement has revitalized the space sector, with Davis emphasizing the high level of collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA).
When asked how the space sector has progressed since the ECTA came into effect, Davis stated that both countries are evolving as strong partners with extensive historical ties. He noted the remarkable growth in economic relations over the past decade, particularly in the last five years. In 2021, Australia and India signed a comprehensive strategic partnership to enhance cooperation across various sectors, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.
Davis also mentioned that the free trade agreement under the ECTA has led to unprecedented growth in bilateral trade, which has been pivotal for the space ecosystem. He pointed out that improvements in tariffs on imports to India have facilitated smoother trade between the two economies. The partnership has also been reinforced by agreements signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, including a cyber technology-focused agreement that encompasses significant space collaboration.
In response to a question about expectations from each other, Davis explained that both countries are continuously exploring complementary partnerships. Australia possesses numerous resources beneficial for India’s vast manufacturing ecosystem, while its technology companies enhance India’s tech stack. The strong Indian diaspora in Australia, comprising over a million people, further solidifies this relationship.
Davis highlighted the diverse spectrum of the Australian space ecosystem, showcasing 12 companies that represent everything from fundamental research through world-class universities to upstream technologies like launch and re-entry systems, satellite manufacturing, and downstream capabilities such as Earth observation and AI analysis.
Finally, when comparing ISRO with other space agencies like ASA, Davis noted that ISRO stands out as a highly advantageous partner. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between ASA and ISRO is one of the few bilateral commitments in the space domain, reflecting the highest level of global partnerships.
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