India, Australia Target Renewables, Address China Influence

India and Australia have officially launched the Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) to enhance two-way investment in the renewable energy sector, focusing on areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage. This initiative was announced during the second India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, reflecting both nations' commitment to advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across various domains including defense, trade, and education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to leverage their complementary capabilities to accelerate climate action and meet net zero targets. The partnership also focuses on training a renewable energy workforce, particularly in solar manufacturing and battery processing, highlighting Australia's leading role in rooftop solar production. Additionally, the collaboration aims to support regional security and stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, while addressing challenges posed by China's influence in the critical minerals market.