Next round of India-Australia comprehensive trade pact talks in November

Senior officials of India and Australia are expected to hold their next round of talks for a compressive free trade agreement in November here, the commerce ministry said on Sunday.

The two countries implemented an interim trade agreement in December 2022 and are now under negotiations to expand its scope.

It said that the tenth round of India-Australia CECA (comprehensive economic cooperation agreement) negotiations was held from 19-22 August in Sydney in the areas of goods, services, digital trade, government procurement, rules of origin and agri-tech.

Intense discussions were held on each of these tracks bringing in clarity and understanding for convergence in the remaining provisions, it added.

"The next round of CECA negotiations is likely to be held in November," it said in a statement.

The Indian delegation was led by Rajesh Agrawal, the Chief Negotiator and Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce and the Australian delegation was led by Ravi Kewalram, the Chief Negoti