Australian High Commission in New Delhi

Embassy of Australia in New Delhi, India

EmbassyAustraliaNew DelhiIndia

Overview

The Australian High Commission in New Delhi serves as Australia's principal diplomatic mission in India, located at Shantipath in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri. As both Australia and India are Commonwealth countries, the diplomatic mission is called a 'High Commission' rather than embassy. The High Commission provides comprehensive consular services to Australian nationals throughout northern India, processes visa applications for Indian residents traveling to Australia, and facilitates bilateral relations between Australia and India across political cooperation, economic ties including the historic Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), defense and security through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, education and research, climate action, critical minerals cooperation, renewable energy partnership, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections through the 720,000-strong Indian diaspora in Australia. Australia and India share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2020, characterized by shared democratic values, strategic interests in Indo-Pacific region, economic complementarity, defense cooperation through the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, US), and extensive people-to-people ties. A transformative milestone was achieved with the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) which entered into force in December 2022, making Australia the first developed country to sign a comprehensive FTA with India in over a decade. Over 85% of Australian goods exports to India are now tariff-free, expected to reach 90% by January 2026, while 96% of Indian imports to Australia are tariff-free, rising to 100% by 2026. Bilateral trade reached USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024-25, with merchandise trade surging from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 26 billion in 2022-23. Both countries are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to further deepen economic partnership, with 10 formal rounds held. Australia ranks as India's 14th-largest trading partner. Australian investment in India reached USD 17.6 billion, while Indian investment in Australia totaled USD 34.5 billion, making India one of top investors in Australia. Major Australian companies including BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals, Woodside Energy, ANZ Banking Group, Westpac, Macquarie Group, and others have interests in or trade with India, while Indian companies including Adani Group, Tata Group, and others have substantial Australian operations. In November 2024, Prime Ministers Albanese and Modi launched the elevated Australia-India Renewable Energy Partnership and reaffirmed the Critical Minerals Investment Partnership to develop new supply chains helping India lower emissions and become global manufacturing hub. Australia maintains diplomatic presence with Consulates General in Chennai (serving Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Kolkata (serving eastern India including West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, northeastern states), and Mumbai (serving western India including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa). The Australian diaspora in India includes business professionals, mining and resources sector representatives, educators, researchers, consultants, and families.
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Visa Services

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Australia for tourism, business, family visits, study, work, or migration. Australia operates a comprehensive visa system managed by the Department of Home Affairs with applications processed online and through visa application centers including VFS Global. Popular visa categories include Visitor visas (subclass 600) for tourism and business visits (allowing stays up to 3, 6, or 12 months for tourism, visiting family/friends, business meetings, conferences; applicants must demonstrate genuine temporary entry, sufficient funds, ties to India, and intention to return), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA - subclass 601) for short business/tourist visits (available for passport holders from select countries, applied online, multiple entries for stays up to 3 months), eVisitor (subclass 651) for European passport holders, Student visas (subclass 500) for studying at Australian educational institutions (Indian students are one of largest groups of international students in Australia with over 120,000 Indian students; requires Confirmation of Enrolment from Australian institution, Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, proof of financial capacity, English language proficiency - IELTS, PTE, or equivalent, Overseas Student Health Cover; allows work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies, unlimited hours during breaks; includes pathway to post-study work rights), Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) providing post-study work rights (2-4 years depending on qualification and study location; allows graduates to work in Australia after completing Australian qualifications), Skilled Migration visas including Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) for skilled workers with occupations on skilled occupation lists (points-tested system based on age, English proficiency, skilled employment, educational qualifications; pathway to permanent residence; Indian professionals particularly in IT, engineering, healthcare, accounting, and other skilled occupations successfully apply), Employer Sponsored visas including Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) for workers sponsored by Australian employers, Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allowing young people aged 18-30 to work and travel in Australia (India added to Work and Holiday program with quota; provides pathway to extend stay through regional work), Partner and Family visas for spouses, de facto partners, children, parents, and other family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents (including Partner visa subclass 820/801 for onshore applicants, 309/100 for offshore; Parent visas with substantial queues and fees; Contributory Parent visa subclass 143), Business and Investment visas for business owners, senior executives, and investors (Business Innovation and Investment visa subclass 188 and 888 for permanent residence; Significant Investor visa), and various other categories. ECTA includes provisions for enhanced mobility of professionals and students benefiting Indian applicants. Visa application process requires online application through ImmiAccount portal, payment of visa fees, provision of biometric data at VFS Global or Australian Visa Application Centre, health examinations from panel physicians for certain visa types, character requirements including police clearances, and supporting documentation varying by visa type (financial documents, relationship evidence, employment letters, educational qualifications, English test results, etc.). Processing times vary from days for ETAs to months for permanent residence visas. Visa fees range from AUD 25 for ETA to thousands for permanent residence visas. For visa information, requirements, and to apply, visit homeaffairs.gov.au or contact VFS Global. Visa enquiries: +61 2 6196 0196.
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Consular Services

The Consular Section provides comprehensive services for Australian citizens in northern India including passport services (applications, renewals, replacements for lost/stolen/damaged passports), birth registrations for children born to Australian parent(s) in India, notarial services (witnessing documents, statutory declarations, affidavits), emergency assistance for Australians in distress (arrest, hospitalization, death, victims of crime, natural disasters), emergency travel documents, and welfare and assistance services. Consular services operate by appointment; contact ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au to schedule. For emergencies, Australian citizens should call 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (from outside Australia) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia). All Australians in India encouraged to register travel plans through Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) to receive safety updates and facilitate assistance. The Australian community in India includes business professionals (mining, resources, education, consulting sectors), educators and academic staff (Australian universities have partnerships with Indian institutions), researchers collaborating on joint projects, consultants and advisors, mining and resources sector representatives (given Australia's strength in mining and India's demand for resources), and families. Concentrations in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and resource-rich regions. For consular emergencies affecting Australian citizens in northern India, contact the High Commission. For other regions, contact appropriate consulate. Travel advice for Australians visiting or living in India available at smartraveller.gov.au covering safety, health, entry requirements, and local laws.
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Trade & Export Support

Australia and India maintain rapidly expanding trade relations transformed by the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) which entered into force in December 2022, Australia's first comprehensive FTA with India. Bilateral trade reached USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024-25, with merchandise trade surging from USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21 to USD 26 billion in 2022-23. Australia's exports to India totaled AUD 32.4 billion (approximately USD 21 billion) while imports from India stood at AUD 12.6 billion (approximately USD 8 billion) in 2022-23. Over 85% of Australian goods exports to India are now tariff-free under ECTA, expected to reach 90% by January 2026, while 96% of Indian imports to Australia are tariff-free, rising to 100% by 2026. Both countries negotiating Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to further liberalize trade, enhance services trade, deepen investment ties, and cover additional sectors. Australian exports to India include coal (India is major buyer of Australian coal for power generation and steel production), LNG (liquefied natural gas - Australia major LNG exporter, India growing importer for energy needs), minerals including iron ore, copper, aluminum, and critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths increasingly important for batteries, clean energy, advanced manufacturing under Critical Minerals Investment Partnership), gold (India major gold consumer for jewelry, investment), education services (over 120,000 Indian students in Australian universities representing multi-billion dollar services export), agriculture including pulses (chickpeas, lentils), wool, wine, almonds, and other products (ECTA provides improved market access for Australian agriculture), professional and business services (consulting, engineering, financial services), and tourism services (Indians visiting Australia contribute to tourism industry). Indian exports to Australia include pharmaceuticals and medicines (Australia imports Indian generic medicines, APIs), IT services and software, textiles and garments, automotive components, chemicals, refined petroleum products, jewelry and precious stones, engineering goods, organic chemicals, and food products. Services trade particularly significant with Australian educational services major export to India, Indian IT services significant export to Australia, and growing two-way trade in professional and business services. The High Commission's trade and investment team actively supports bilateral commerce through market intelligence, business matchmaking, trade delegation facilitation, and commercial advocacy. Austrade (Australian Trade and Investment Commission) maintains offices in major Indian cities supporting Australian exporters and investors. The ECTA opens significant new opportunities particularly for Australian agriculture (pulses, wine, almonds, fruits, dairy facing reduced tariffs), minerals and resources (critical minerals partnership), education (mobility provisions benefit Indian students), and services sectors. For India, ECTA provides zero-tariff access for over 96% of exports including textiles, leather, furniture, jewelry, machinery, and other manufactured products. Both countries committed to rules-based international trade, supporting multilateral trading system, and deepening economic integration.
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Investment Opportunities

Australian investment in India reached USD 17.6 billion while Indian investment in Australia totaled USD 34.5 billion, making India one of top foreign investors in Australia. The ECTA includes investment facilitation provisions and both countries negotiating enhanced investment protections under CECA. Major Australian investments in India span mining and resources (Australian mining companies including BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals explore opportunities in India's mining sector, though Indian mining regulations limit foreign direct participation, companies engage through technology partnerships, consulting, equipment supply), financial services (ANZ Banking Group, Westpac, Macquarie Group have operations in India including banking, asset management, infrastructure financing), infrastructure and urban development (Australian expertise in urban planning, water management, waste management relevant for India's urbanization and smart cities), education and training (Australian universities partner with Indian institutions, explore branch campuses, deliver education services, provide vocational training), agriculture and agribusiness (Australian agriculture technology, farm management, agribusiness expertise create opportunities), renewable energy (Australian companies in solar, wind, battery storage, green hydrogen engaged in India's clean energy transition), and professional services. Conversely, major Indian investments in Australia concentrated in mining and resources (Adani Group has significant Australian mining assets including Carmichael coal mine and rail projects in Queensland, port operations; other Indian companies invested in Australian mining), energy sector (Indian companies in Australian oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors), IT services (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL have Australian operations serving Australian businesses), pharmaceuticals (Indian pharmaceutical companies supply Australian market), and real estate and infrastructure. The Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership announced in 2022 aims to develop new supply chains for lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and other critical minerals essential for batteries, electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, helping India reduce emissions, become manufacturing hub, and reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. Australia has abundant critical mineral resources while India has growing demand and manufacturing capacity. In November 2024, Prime Ministers launched elevated Australia-India Renewable Energy Partnership to accelerate collaboration on solar, offshore wind, green hydrogen, battery storage, grid integration, supporting both countries' net zero targets and India's renewable energy ambitions. India offers opportunities for Australian investors in mining technology and services (Australian mining expertise, equipment, technology for India's mineral sector), renewable energy (solar, wind, offshore wind, green hydrogen, battery storage), infrastructure (urban infrastructure, water, waste management, transportation), agriculture technology (precision agriculture, farm management, agritech, food processing), education and vocational training (Australian education quality recognized in India), financial services, healthcare and aged care, and sports infrastructure. Australia offers Indian investors opportunities in resources sector (coal, LNG, iron ore, critical minerals), energy including renewables, real estate and infrastructure, agriculture and food production, education institutions, and tourism. The High Commission and Austrade facilitate investment in both directions. ECTA and ongoing CECA negotiations enhance investment framework. Key sectors for cooperation include critical minerals, renewable energy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, resources, and innovation.
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Business Support

The Australian High Commission actively facilitates Australia-India business relations through its trade and investment team working with Austrade. Australian companies exploring Indian markets can contact the High Commission and Austrade offices in India for support including market intelligence (sector reports, regulatory updates, business environment analysis), business matchmaking (connecting Australian and Indian companies, identifying partners, distributors), export support (helping Australian exporters navigate Indian regulations, standards, distribution), investment facilitation (supporting Australian investors with regulatory guidance, partner identification), trade mission support (organizing trade delegations, business development missions), participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, regulatory and compliance guidance, and high-level advocacy. Austrade maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru with specialists covering priority sectors. Key sectors for Australia-India cooperation include critical minerals and resources (Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership developing supply chains for lithium, cobalt, rare earths; Australian mining technology and Indian manufacturing create complementarity), renewable energy (Australia-India Renewable Energy Partnership on solar, offshore wind, green hydrogen, battery storage, grid integration; Australian clean energy expertise and India's ambitious targets), education (over 120,000 Indian students in Australia; Australian universities partnering with Indian institutions; opportunities in K-12, higher education, vocational training, online education), agriculture and food (Australian agriculture technology, farm management, food processing technology and India's agriculture modernization needs; ECTA improves market access for Australian pulses, wine, almonds, wool), infrastructure and smart cities (Australian expertise in urban planning, water management, waste management, public transport relevant for India's infrastructure development and smart cities mission), mining services and technology (Australian mining sector excellence in technology, safety, productivity, environmental management creates opportunities to support Indian mining sector through services, equipment, training), sports infrastructure and management (Australian expertise in sports management, facilities, training relevant for India's sports development), healthcare and aged care (Australian healthcare systems, aged care expertise as India's population ages), financial services and fintech, professional services (engineering, architecture, legal, accounting), defense (under bilateral defense cooperation framework), and space (Australian and Indian space agencies collaborating on civil space). ECTA provides enhanced framework for business cooperation with reduced trade barriers, services trade facilitation, mutual recognition arrangements being developed, and regulatory cooperation mechanisms. The High Commission facilitates participation in Australia-India Business Council activities, CEO forums, sector-specific events, and bilateral economic dialogue. For Australian businesses, contact Austrade or High Commission trade section. For Indian businesses interested in Australian market, High Commission can provide information though primary support typically comes from Austrade Sydney office and Indian trade promotion agencies. The Quad partnership (Australia, India, Japan, US) creates additional framework for supply chain cooperation, critical technologies, infrastructure, climate, supporting bilateral business opportunities in regional context.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

Australia and India maintain vibrant cultural and educational exchange characterized by over 120,000 Indian students in Australia, research collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and strong people-to-people connections through the 720,000-strong Indian diaspora in Australia. Educational exchange is major pillar of bilateral relationship with Indian students forming one of largest groups of international students in Australia, enrolled across universities, vocational education institutions, and schools. Popular study fields include business and management, IT and computer science, engineering, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, accounting, education, and arts. Leading study destinations include universities in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional centers. Australia offers attractions including quality education (Australian universities consistently rank in global top 100), post-study work rights (Temporary Graduate visa allows 2-4 years of work after graduation; pathway to skilled migration for many), safe and welcoming environment, multicultural society, English language instruction, work opportunities during studies, and lifestyle. Educational services represent multi-billion dollar services export from Australia to India. ECTA includes mobility provisions facilitating student exchange, professional movement, supporting enhanced educational cooperation. Academic collaboration includes partnerships between Australian and Indian universities, joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, dual degree programs, twinning arrangements, and collaborative research centers. Major research collaboration areas include climate science and environment, agriculture and food security, water management, minerals and mining technology, renewable energy, space research (Australian and Indian space agencies collaborating), health and medical research, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and technology, and social sciences. Australia-India Council supports cultural and educational exchange including grants for projects, events, and partnerships. Cultural cooperation includes Australian cultural festivals and events in India promoting Australian arts, music, film, literature, indigenous culture, exchange of artists and cultural practitioners, film co-productions, and Australia-India cultural seasons. Sports connections strong with cricket being passion in both countries (Australia-India cricket matches among most watched sporting events globally), growing interest in Australian Rules football and rugby in India, and sports exchanges. The Indian diaspora in Australia (720,000 including Indian-born residents and people of Indian heritage) forms vibrant community contributing to Australian multicultural society, including second-largest Asian Australian group after Chinese, professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering, business, growing political representation, and cultural presence through Indian restaurants, Bollywood cinema, festivals including Diwali celebrations across Australian cities. People-to-people ties reinforced by family connections, business links, educational exchanges, tourism (Indians among top tourist groups visiting Australia; Australians visiting India), and shared Commonwealth heritage. Both governments support educational and cultural exchange recognizing they strengthen overall bilateral relationship, create people-to-people bonds, generate economic benefits, and build mutual understanding supporting strategic partnership.
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Service Area

The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has diplomatic oversight for northern India. For consular services, Australian citizens should contact the High Commission or appropriate Consulate based on location: High Commission in New Delhi (serving Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states), Consulate General in Chennai (serving Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Consulate General in Kolkata (serving West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh), and Consulate General in Mumbai (serving Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala). For visa applications, apply online through Australian Department of Home Affairs website or contact VFS Global for assistance. For emergencies, Australian citizens should call 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305.
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Appointment Information

Consular and visa services operate by appointment. For consular services (passports, emergencies, notarizations), email ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au to schedule appointment. For visa applications, apply online at homeaffairs.gov.au or contact VFS Global for visa assistance. Visa enquiries: +61 2 6196 0196 (Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 AEST). For emergencies affecting Australian citizens, call 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre: +61 2 6261 3305 (from outside Australia) or 1300 555 135 (from within Australia). Office hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00. High Commission address: 1/50 G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.
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Special Notes

The Australian High Commission is located at 1/50 G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave. Note that both Australia and India are Commonwealth countries, hence the mission is called 'High Commission' rather than 'Embassy.' The location is accessible by Delhi Metro, taxis, and app-based ride services. Public access by appointment only; visitors must have confirmed appointments. Valid photo identification required; security screening mandatory. The High Commission observes both Australian and Indian public holidays. Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th with events attended by Indian officials, Australian community, business leaders, and friends of Australia. The historic ECTA agreement entered into force December 29, 2022, first comprehensive FTA Australia signed with India, transforming bilateral trade with over 85% of Australian exports now tariff-free, rising to 90% by 2026, and 96% of Indian exports to Australia tariff-free, rising to 100%. Both countries negotiating CECA to further deepen economic partnership. For Indian travelers to Australia, information on visa requirements, health recommendations, travel insurance, accommodation available at homeaffairs.gov.au and australia.com. Australia attractions include Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches), Melbourne (culture, sports, food), Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, wine regions, diverse wildlife, outdoor activities, cosmopolitan cities. Business travelers visit for conferences, trade, investment opportunities. For comprehensive information on Australia-India relations, visa services, consular assistance, and travel advice, consult High Commission website (india.highcommission.gov.au), smartraveller.gov.au, and homeaffairs.gov.au.
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