The 2nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, an important meeting between the Foreign Affairs Ministers and Defense Ministers of both nations, recently took place in New Delhi, India. Key takeaways from this dialogue include enhanced cooperation in information exchange and strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the Indo-Pacific. These topics underline the importance of strategic ties between the two nations and are expected to be significant agenda items at the upcoming Quad summit hosted by India.
Defence Collaboration and Implementing Arrangements
One of the key points discussed during the dialogue was the implementation of arrangements on hydrography cooperation and cooperation for air-to-air refueling. Both actions suggest a move towards concrete collaboration in defense areas. There were also discussions about training opportunities in specialized fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Anti-Submarine Warfare, anti-drone warfare and cyber security, signifying their commitment to developing advanced defense capabilities.
Industry Collaboration
Both India and Australia saw potential benefits in deepening the cooperation in defense industry and research to strengthen their relationship. Identified areas for collaboration include shipbuilding and repair, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. The two nations also exhibited interest towards joint research in underwater technologies and collaboration among defense start-ups, underlining the need for technological advancement in defense strategies.
Bilateral Defence Relations
Both India and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral defense relations, expressing satisfaction over the increasing military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, exchanges and institutional dialogues.
Historical Perspective on India-Australia Relations
Diplomatic relations between India and Australia began pre-Independence, with the first Consulate General of India established as a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941. However, these relations reached a low point when the Australian Government condemned India’s 1998 nuclear tests. However, in 2014, Australia signed a Uranium supply deal with India, recognising India’s impeccable non-proliferation record.
Strategic Partnership Elevations
In 2020, both countries elevated their bilateral relationship from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit. This was followed by a series of high-level engagements, ministerial visits and summits in 2021 and 2022.
Defence Cooperation and Joint Military Exercises
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place in September 2021, discussing various aspects of defense cooperation. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) was signed during the Virtual Summit in June 2020. Joint military exercises were also planned, with Australia hosting the Malabar exercises in August 2023, with India, Japan, and the US participating. India has also been invited to join the Talisman Sabre exercises in 2023.
China Factor
Australian relationships with China have become strained due to several reasons. Similarly, India is dealing with Chinese aggression along its border. Both Australia and India support a rules-based international order and are trying to establish regional institutions in the Indo-Pacific which are inclusive and promote economic integration.
Multilateral Cooperation and Economic Cooperation
India and Australia are members of several multi-national cooperatives, and cooperate on multiple fronts including climate change and clean development. They are also part of the Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) that significantly reduces duty on goods traded between the two nations.
Challenges in India-Australia Relations
However, the relationship between India and Australia do face several challenges such as the controversy over the Adani coal mine project, visa restrictions for Indian professionals and violence against the Indian diaspora.
Way Forward
The India-Australia relations have only strengthened in recent years due to shared values and interests. Both countries envision a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Renewed relationship between India- Australia through initiatives such as India Australia bilateral Summits give an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
