The Morrison Government has finally admitted that its failure to make a genuine effort to strengthen trade ties with India is damaging Australian exporters.
 
After a week in the job, Trade Minister Dan Tehan says he wants to diversify Australia’s export markets to reduce our reliance on China by negotiating a free-trade agreement with India.
 
But Scott Morrison was handed a blueprint for closer economic engagement with India 2 ½ years ago that would have led to more exports and jobs for Australians – and he has completely ignored it.
 
The India Economic Strategy (IES), written by former Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade chief Peter Varghese, contained 20 priority recommendations.
 
When he released the Varghese report in 2018, Mr Morrison spoke of it glowingly and said he endorsed its findings.
 
But evidence given to Senate Estimates in October revealed that only one of the 20 priority recommendations – to set up a new Consulate-General in Kolkata – has been implemented.
 
This is yet more proof that Mr Morrison is good at making announcements but is hopeless on the delivery.
 
While the report has been gathering dust, our trade relationship with India has been going backwards.
 
In the past year alone, our two-way trade with India is down 13.6 per cent in the past year and exports have fallen 18.4 per cent, according to the latest DFAT data.
 
Mr Tehan’s promise to recognise India’s potential simply highlights his Government’s failure to implement a plan to support Australian exporters who are suffering amid China’s trade sanctions.
 
It is painfully clear to exporters that this Government hasn’t put in the hard yards needed to open up new markets, including India.
 
There’s no reason to expect todays’ silly-season announcement by a rookie Trade Minister will do anything to change that.