The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the first India-Australia Senior Officials' Consultation (SOC) on Antarctica was held virtually on Thursday. Representing India, Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary of the Oceania and Indo-Pacific Divisions, led the discussions. On the Australian side, the meeting was led by Adam McCarthy, Chief Counsel and First Assistant Secretary of the Legal Division, along with Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of the South and Central Asia Division from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Per the MEA statement, "Productive discussions were held between the two sides across a wide range of issues. The SOC also saw participation from representatives of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and the Australian Antarctic Division, Government of Australia." 

In recent years, India and Australia have witnessed a significant transformation in their relationship, marked by rapid growth and expanding collaboration. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), bilateral cooperation has not only strengthened within existing frameworks but has also extended into new areas, creating fresh opportunities at both the bilateral and global levels. India and Australia work together in the energy, science, technology, and space sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil last November. During their discussions, both leaders expressed their commitment to accelerating joint efforts, leveraging their strengths and collaborating on climate action initiatives.

During their meeting, the Prime Ministers supported launching the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP). This initiative will serve as a framework for collaboration in key areas, including solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, mutual investment in renewable energy projects, and related sectors. Additionally, it will focus on enhancing skills training to prepare the future workforce for the renewable energy industry, as per the MEA.

The leaders emphasised the importance of research, innovation, and skills development in advancing the critical minerals sector. They also highlighted the value of professional exchanges, including attending each other’s conferences and the need for sustainable practices. Their discussions focused on supporting the global clean energy transition by ensuring a steady supply of critical minerals for technologies like batteries and rooftop solar panels.