India, Australia move towards cooperation on clean energy

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Australia and India on Wednesday signed terms of reference of the Australia-India green hydrogen taskforce, which is aimed to meet the energy targets of both countries.

The signing came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.

Both leaders welcomed the finalization of the terms of reference of the task force, "which will advise on opportunities to accelerate manufacture and deployment of clean hydrogen, focusing on hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells as well as supporting infrastructure and standards and regulations," the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

At a joint press briefing, Albanese said the taskforce will be made up of Australian and Indian experts in renewable hydrogen and report to the Australian-Indian Ministerial Energy Dialogue.

"Investments like the taskforce will help power our industries in the future, and ensure that Australia and India meet our energy targets in the interests of both our respective countries, but also in support of reduction of global emissions," said Albanese.

On Wednesday, both countries also signed the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

"This arrangement will promote the exchange of students, graduates, researchers and businesspeople, expand our people-to-people ties, and enhance cooperation in preventing people smuggling," said Albanese.

The Indian side said Wednesday's discussions focused on cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility, and people-to-people ties.

Modi arrived in Sydney on Monday as part of the third and final leg of his three-nation tour after visiting Papua New Guinea. This is his second visit to Australia as prime minister.