NSW signs AI deal with HCLTech in India trade push

Transport for NSW's Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System has signed an agreement with HCLTech to explore the use of artificial intelligence in India. The deal was announced during a New South Wales government trade mission to India.

The agreement focuses on adapting the NSW-developed traffic management system for India's diverse language markets. SCATS is owned by the NSW government and is already used in cities around the world.

The signing was part of a broader push by Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to deepen trade and investment ties with India. The visit has focused on technology, critical minerals, tourism and other sectors where the state sees potential for export growth and inbound investment.

The SCATS-HCLTech arrangement could help expand the use of NSW-owned technology in Indian cities. Revenue from wider international use of the system would return to the state and could be reinvested in transport.

Trade push

Beyond the transport technology announcement, the NSW delegation met senior executives from NMDC, NTPC Mining, Hindustan Copper and Coal India. The talks focused on Indian investment in NSW's critical minerals sector and the state's potential to supply materials needed by India's manufacturing economy.

The government has framed those discussions around NSW's mineral deposits, mining expertise and regulatory environment. India's industrial growth and large domestic market have made it a target for Australian state governments seeking stronger commercial links.

Minns argued that economic ties between NSW and India remain in their early stages despite long-standing links through migration, education and business.

"We're just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities between NSW and India," said Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales.

He added: "India is growing quickly and there are huge opportunities for NSW in critical minerals, technology, education and tourism, but we have to work for it. We have to be here making the case for NSW.

"NSW has the minerals India needs, world-class mining expertise and the safety, environmental and legal standards that major investors are looking for.

"We want Indian companies investing in NSW, and we want NSW businesses taking their technology and expertise into this enormous market.

"SCATS is a great example. It's NSW technology already being used around the world and there's a real opportunity to take it further in India.

"And we start with a huge advantage, with more than 200,000 Indian-born people call NSW home and those family, cultural and business connections give us a head start that other places would love to have."

Technology export

SCATS is one of the NSW government's more established exportable technology assets. The system manages traffic flows and has been deployed internationally, giving the state a direct commercial interest in expanding its use.

The partnership with HCLTech points to a more collaborative model for entering the Indian market, where local conditions, including multiple languages, can shape how digital systems are deployed. The focus is on making the NSW-developed technology easier to use across those language settings.

Mookhey linked that effort to the broader case for promoting state-owned intellectual property abroad.

"It's clear from being here just how ambitious India is. This is a country that wants to grow and wants to grow fast," said Daniel Mookhey, Treasurer.

He continued: "With 1.4 billion people, demand isn't the problem. The opportunity for NSW is supplying what this growing economy needs, whether that's critical minerals, technology, education or tourism.

"NSW has a lot of expertise to offer and India is looking to Australia as a trusted partner.

"SCATS is one of those great NSW success stories that most people probably don't know about. We own world-leading traffic technology and we're already selling it around the world.

"If we can sell more NSW-owned technology into cities like Delhi and Mumbai, that's more revenue we can put back into better transport at home."

Broader agenda

The mission also included meetings with Indian political leaders, including Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. A reception hosted by Australia's High Commissioner to India brought together government representatives, business leaders and NSW exporters.

At the same event, the state announced the launch of 14 NSW food, beverage and consumer brands into the Indian market. It also unveiled plans for a feature film, The Indian Cowboy, to be set and filmed in NSW.

Those announcements highlight the breadth of the state's agenda in India, spanning infrastructure, technology, resources, consumer products and screen production. They also reflect an effort by NSW to present itself as both an investment destination and a source of services, technology and cultural exports.

Philip Green, Australia's High Commissioner to India, placed the visit in the context of broader bilateral ties.

"The relationship between Australia and India continues to grow in strength and depth, supported by strong business, education, community and cultural connections.

"NSW plays a vital role in that relationship, and this mission demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available through closer collaboration between India and New South Wales," said Philip Green, Australia's High Commissioner to India.