Anthony Albanese is going into bat for Australian businesses and educators as he heads to India for an innings with Narendra Modi.
He will lead a business delegation of representatives from sectors including mining, energy, aviation, education and finance as well as the trade and resources ministers to discuss renewable energy and defence co-operation.
The prime minister said a stronger relationship with India would benefit the entire region.
"It also means more opportunities and more trade and investment, strengthening our economies and directly benefiting our people," he said.
He will visit Mumbai, New Delhi and Ahmedabad, where he will attend the fourth Test between Australia and India alongside Mr Modi.
Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said the benefits in the areas of clean energy and education are "overwhelming" given India is set to become the most populous nation by 2024 and grow its economy by more than 50 per cent by 2026.
"This delegation will put some of the biggest investors and most significant businesses from Australia in the room with political and business leaders from both nations," she said.
"It will be the start of closer and more intense engagement."
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also welcomed the trip, with chief executive Andrew McKellar saying the delegation was a good opportunity to cement future trading opportunities.
"Increasing access to Indian markets will help Australian businesses diversify, bringing immense benefits to local industries through growing exports across sectors like education, agriculture, and critical minerals," he said.
"Now that the Australia-India trade agreement has come into force, the task now is to ensure that political and business leaders capitalise on this opportunity, and that we maintain momentum to deepen engagement."
The trip comes as the region faces energy and food insecurity and a more assertive China.
Australian universities are looking to capitalise on the 500 million strong student market expected by 2035.
Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson, who will be travelling to New Delhi, said India has emerged as a crucial partner for the tertiary education sector.
"This is a golden period in our education relationship with India. We must grasp it with both hands," she said.
"We can do that by educating Indian students in Australia, research collaborations and through our universities having a physical presence in India."
