New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- Western Australia is stepping up its push to deepen ties with India, with critical minerals, energy transition and direct air links high on the agenda as a trade and investment mission led by Premier Roger Cook visits the country this week.

The mission will travel to India and Vietnam from 17-25 September, seeking to expand opportunities for Western Australian businesses and institutions in both markets and support local job creation, according to a statement from the Western Australian government on Monday.

The delegation will meet senior government, business, industry and education stakeholders in Mumbai and Delhi, as well as government and industry stakeholders in Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam...