Western Australia (WA) has reinforced its position as a trusted partner in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies following a successful Trade and Ministerial Mission to India led by Premier Roger Cook.

The mission marked 30 years since WA established Australia’s first state trade and investment office in Mumbai, highlighting the strength of the WA-India relationship.

The relationship has grown into a major economic partnership supporting trade, investment, education, tourism and people-to-people connections between both markets.

Today, India is WA’s 8th-largest trading partner, with 2-way trade valued at $6.8 billion in 2025. India is also WA’s 7^th largest source of imports, underscoring its importance to the State’s ongoing economic growth.

During visits to Mumbai and New Delhi, the delegation strengthened engagement across priority sectors including trade, investment, resources, energy, international education, tourism and sport.

The power of sport to connect WA and India was highlighted through the historical announcement that Perth Scorchers’ will open the KFC Big Bash League (BBL) 16 season at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai this December. Announced by Premier Roger Cook with Scorchers’ Head Coach Adam Voges OAM, the match will be the first time the BBL season has launched outside of Australia and is expected to be one of the most-watched games in league’s history.   

The WA Showcase Reception in Mumbai promoted WA’s strengths in mining and METS, international education, tourism and other priority industries.

The event brought together business, government and industry leaders, with a panel featuring Australia’s High Commissioner to India His Excellency Phillip Green OAM, Director General of The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, Chad Anderson and Head Coach of Perth Scorchers Adam Voges OAM exploring how tourism, sport and creative industries can strengthen WA’s profile and connections in India.

Premier Roger Cook’s keynote address at the event reinforced the value of deeper government, business, education and cultural partnerships, while Adam Voges highlighted the role of sport in fostering people-to-people connections and creating broader opportunities between the 2 regions.

A significant outcome from the mission was the launch of The University of Western Australia’s Mumbai campus, marking a new chapter in education partnership between WA and India. The campus will further be strengthening education links, talent pathways and create new collaboration opportunities in research and skill development. The milestone reflects the importance of India as WA’s partner in internation education. In 2025, India made up 15,044 enrolments which accounted for almost 17% of all international student enrolments in the State.

The delegation met with Perdaman Group to discuss Project CERES, a major urea fertiliser manufacturing facility near Karratha. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities during construction and operations, strengthen local supply chains, support regional development in the Pilbara, and enhance WA's position as a globally competitive destination for industrial investment and export-focused manufacturing. The project demonstrates how international partnerships can support industrial development and economic growth for WA.

Strengthening travel connectivity was another priority. Discussions with India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, aimed to progress opportunities for direct air services between India and Western Australia, supporting growing demand for business, education, tourism and trade. India is already WA’s 6^th largest source of international visitors, with approximately 50,000 visitors travelling to the State in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of improved connectivity.

The mission concluded with a networking event at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, highlighting future collaboration across trade, aviation, education, creative industries and sport.

The India mission demonstrated the growing strategic importance of the WA-India relationship and its potential to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen WA economy.

Published on: 09 October 2026