New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is embarking on his inaugural overseas mission as Premier, choosing India as the destination for this pivotal four-day visit. Announced at the 80th Indian Independence Day celebration held at the ICC in Darling Harbour, this trip underscores the profound and multifaceted relationship between NSW and India. The itinerary, spanning New Delhi and Mumbai, is meticulously designed to foster high-level business and government collaborations aimed at strengthening economic linkages, attracting crucial investment, and generating fresh opportunities for NSW. Beyond economic objectives, the mission will also incorporate community and cultural events, reinforcing the robust existing ties between the two regions.
The economic significance of India to NSW is substantial, with trade in goods reaching an impressive AUD 6.87 billion in 2024-25. This figure firmly establishes India as one of NSW’s most vital trading partners and designates it as a priority market for future expansion. However, the depth of this relationship extends far beyond mere trade statistics. Tourism plays a significant role, with 174,000 Indian visitors contributing approximately AUD 600 million to the NSW economy and collectively spending 8.5 million nights in the state during the year leading up to March 2026. Furthermore, the educational exchange is robust, with over 28,000 Indian students currently pursuing their studies in NSW, positioning India as one of the state’s largest and most crucial international education markets.
The Premier’s delegation will concentrate on sectors where New South Wales boasts a distinct competitive advantage. These include education, research and innovation, agrifood, clean energy, critical minerals, technology, tourism, and advanced industries. This strategic focus is anticipated to unlock new avenues for NSW exporters, stimulate foreign investment, and ultimately support job creation and broader economic growth within the state. A significant aspect of the visit will also be to build upon the existing sister-state relationship between NSW and Maharashtra, a state that encompasses Mumbai, one of India’s largest and most economically dynamic centers.
Following the extensive program in India, Premier Minns will travel to Kathmandu, Nepal, from September 4 to 5, 2026. This leg of the journey aims to solidify governmental and community connections with Nepal, recognizing its growing importance as an emerging South Asian regional partner. Concurrently, while the Premier is in Nepal, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will undertake a dedicated program in Bengaluru, further advancing the mission’s objectives related to trade, investment, and technology within India. During Premier Minns’ absence overseas, Deputy Premier Prue Car will assume the role of Acting Premier.
Premier Minns articulated his enthusiasm for the trip, stating, “NSW is one of the most successful multicultural societies anywhere in the world, and our Indian community is a big part of that success.” He highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora to NSW, noting their hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, family building, and community involvement across the state. Emphasizing India’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, Minns underscored its increasing importance as a partner for NSW. The Premier expressed a strong desire for increased trade, investment, tourism, and opportunities for NSW businesses, proudly declaring India as his first overseas destination as Premier, a decision that reflects the profound importance of this relationship and the invaluable contribution of the Indian community to New South Wales.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey echoed the Premier’s sentiments, reiterating India’s position as one of the world’s most rapidly expanding global economies and its immense significance to the people of New South Wales. He emphasized that beyond the multi-billion-dollar trade relationship, education serves as a deep and enduring bond between the two regions. Mookhey stressed that by enhancing economic, educational, and innovation ties, NSW can better support its exporters, attract vital investment, and cultivate long-term opportunities for Australian businesses and families.
