News Desk
SYDNEY — India’s investment footprint in Australia has quietly expanded over the past decade, weaving a tighter economic fabric between the two nations. A fresh PwC report, Bridging Continents: Inbound Investment from India to Australia, released in early 2025, charts this steady rise.
Indian companies, hungry for global reach, have turned to Australia for mergers and acquisitions, targeting sectors like technology, industrials, retail, consumer goods, and healthcare. The numbers tell a story of progress — but also of untapped promise.
India’s outbound investment engine is roaring. Between 2022 and 2024, its businesses poured billions into foreign markets, chasing new customers and cutting-edge tech. Singapore led the pack, snapping up $4.8 billion. The UAE followed with $3.4 billion, and the Netherlands claimed $3 billion. Australia? It lagged at 22nd, pulling in just $0.1 billion. For a country long seen as a resource-rich magnet, that’s a shift. Indian firms now favor tax-friendly hubs like Mauritius and Singapore over traditional destinations like Australia. Still, the potential Down Under remains ripe.
The past decade has delivered standout moments. In 2015, Strides Arcolab scooped up Arrow Pharmaceuticals for A$265 million, pushing India’s total investment in Australia that year to A$333 million. Fast forward to 2020, and HCL snapped up DWS Ltd for A$182.8 million. A year later, Wipro bought Ampion for A$153.7 million. These blockbuster deals helped India notch 63 M&A transactions in Australia since 2015. Activity peaked in 2018, 2020, and 2021, though it dipped sharply in 2016 and softened recently.
Indian investors aren’t flooding Australia’s shores just yet. Ranking 15th among foreign investors, India’s presence is solid but modest compared to heavyweights like the United States or China. Technology, media, and telecommunications — the TMT sector — have been the sweet spot, soaking up 35% of deals and A$408 million in value over 10 years. It’s a natural fit. Australia’s digital economy is booming, and India’s tech giants are eager to meet the demand.
What’s driving this? India’s economic ascent, for one. Its companies are bolder, its ambitions bigger. Australia offers stability — a reliable market with a skilled workforce and a hunger for innovation.
Government policies in New Delhi have helped, too, loosening the reins on overseas investments. The PwC report sees room for more. With stronger ties between businesses and governments, the India-Australia partnership could shift into a higher gear.
For now, the story is one of promise. India’s investments have sparked growth and creativity in Australia, from healthcare breakthroughs to tech advances. The scale may be smaller than in Singapore or the UAE, but the foundation is firm. As India’s global footprint widens, Australia stands to gain — and India’s knack for innovation could light the way.
