India and Australia have taken another big step towards sealing a trade deal, as officials wrapped up the latest round of negotiations in New Delhi, on Saturday. The two countries, which have already implemented an interim trade agreement in December 2022, are now pushing to expand its scope into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).“The 11th Round of India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations was held in New Delhi from 18-23 August 2025, further advancing the shared objective of strengthening bilateral trade and economic partnership,” the commerce ministry said, as cited by PTI.Talks spanned a wide range of areas, from goods, services and mobility to digital trade, rules of origin, legal and institutional provisions, as well as issues linked to the environment, labour, and gender. According to the ministry, the discussions brought greater understanding for convergence on the remaining provisions.To keep up the pace, both sides will continue negotiations through virtual intersessions.“Looking ahead, with shared ambition and mutual understanding to work towards a future-ready framework, India and Australia remain strongly aligned to the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial CECA,” it added.