Australia and India are two major economies that have been in talks to proceed with their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for several years. The two countries have been discussing the benefits of this agreement and now appear to be edging closer towards a final agreement. Negotiations on the FTA commenced in 2011, and after several rounds of talks, both parties have shown interest in concluding this deal. In this article, we will explore the potential implications of the India Free Trade Agreement Australia and what it means for the two countries` economies.

Firstly, it`s important to understand what a free trade agreement is. An FTA is an agreement between two or more countries that eliminates or reduces tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers, allowing the flow of goods and services to be smoother, cheaper, and more efficient between them. FTAs generally lead to increased trade, improving market access and creating new opportunities for businesses.

The Indian government has been pushing to boost its economic growth by improving its trade relations with other countries. The Indian economy, which is the fifth-largest in the world, has been facing several challenges in recent times, including a slowdown in economic growth caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Indian government has recognized that it needs to foster stronger partnerships with other countries to diversify its economic growth and increase its global market share.

Similarly, Australia is also looking for ways to strengthen its economic ties with India. This FTA could potentially bring immense benefits to the Australian economy, especially in the agriculture and resources sectors. Australia is a major supplier of resources to India, and an FTA would make it easier for Australian businesses to enter the Indian market, increasing trade and opportunities for Australian exporters.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell, has expressed his confidence in the negotiations, saying that a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries could lead to an increase in bilateral trade and investment. O`Farrell said the current total trade between the two countries is valued at around $30 billion, but an FTA would significantly increase the volume of goods and services traded between the two countries.

The agreement could also see the removal of trade barriers such as customs duties, which would provide Australian businesses with increased access to the Indian market. This would lead to increased competition in the Indian market, which could help drive down prices and provide Indian consumers with more choices.

However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before the agreement can be signed. One of the significant concerns for India is the movement of skilled labor, and they are pushing for relaxed visa requirements for Indian workers in Australia. Australia has also been interested in the access of its agricultural products, including dairy and meat, into the Indian market.

In conclusion, a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and India will undoubtedly bring several benefits to both economies. The agreement will provide opportunities for businesses in both countries and could lead to increased trade and investment. As the negotiations between the two countries continue, we can expect to see more progress towards an FTA, which would be a significant step in the development of their bilateral relationship.