Minister Chris Bowen visit strengthens Australia-India energy and climate cooperation       

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, visited India from 22-26 September, engaging with Indian counterparts on energy security, the clean energy transition, and preparations for COP31. During the visit, Minister Bowen met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, visited the Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat and held discussions with clean energy industry representatives. He also delivered a keynote address at the annual Chintan Research Foundation’s COP31 symposium in New Delhi.  This was an opportunity to highlight India’s important role in shaping global climate and energy policy and the opportunities for closer cooperation on electrification, renewable energy, investment, and technology.

 The visit underscored the breadth of Australia-India cooperation on energy security and climate action, including through the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. With Australia preparing to host COP31 negotiations and India playing a significant role in the global energy transition, Minister Bowen highlighted the importance of working together on practical outcomes, resilient supply chains, clean energy deployment, and green industrialisation across the Indo-Pacific.

(Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen at Chintan Research Foundation's Pre COP31 Dialogue)

Western Australia and India deepen partnership across trade, education and air connectivity       

Western Australian Premier, the Hon Roger Cook MLA, visited Mumbai and Delhi from 17-21 September, highlighting opportunities to deepen the State’s economic and people-to-people links with India, with a focus on trade and investment, education, tourism, energy and air connectivity. During his visit, Premier Cook attended the inauguration of The University of Western Australia’s first overseas Indian campus in Andheri, Mumbai. The new campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in STEM and business, while creating opportunities for collaboration between Western Australia and Maharashtra in areas including technology, AI, critical minerals, clean energy, research and innovation.

Premier Cook's visit also showcased Western Australia’s broader engagement with India, including in sectors such as energy and primary industries, international education, tourism and creative industries. Premier Cook highlighted the importance of strengthening direct aviation links between India and Perth in enhancing two-way trade and tourism, and used the visit to promote the Perth Scorchers cricket team ahead of their upcoming game against the Melbourne Renegades which will be held in Chennai in December, and will be the first Big Bash League match to be played outside Australia. 

(Premier Roger Cook at the launch of University of Western Australia's Mumbai campus opening)