Engaging in the 8th round of their Defence Policy Talks, India and Australia gathered in Canberra to discuss strategies, future plans, and challenges. Both nations took the opportunity to explore new initiatives that could further cement their defence cooperations. This was accompanied by a mutual commitment to fully implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, based on shared values and interests.
India showcased the potential of its burgeoning defence industry, emphasizing its capacity to collaborate with Australian Armed Forces in shipbuilding and maintenance plans. The talks concluded with both sides agreeing to finalize a hydrography agreement sooner rather than later.
Historical Perspective of India-Australia Relations
The seeds of diplomatic relations between Australia and India were sown pre-independence when the Consulate General of India opened a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941. Fast forward to 2014, Australia signed a Uranium supply deal with India despite India not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This move was made in acknowledgment of India’s impressive record in non-proliferation.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
In 2020, both nations decided to elevate their bilateral relationship from just a Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant stride in their relationship. In the following years, several high-level engagements and ministerial visits took place, including virtual summits and Foreign Ministers meet.
Defence Cooperation and Joint Military Exercises
The first ever India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was conducted in September 2021 in New Delhi. Alongside this, the two countries signed a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) in June 2020 to boost defence cooperation. Naval exercises such as Kakadu Ausindex and Ex AUSTRA HIND have been conducted bilaterally, while multilateral exercises such as Malabar and Exercise Pitch Black 22 have also taken place.
China Factor in India-Australia Relations
Australia’s fraught relationship with China has resulted in Australia banning Huawei from its 5G network and calling for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Meanwhile, India has been dealing with Chinese aggression along its border. Both nations support a rules-based international order and are working towards forming inclusive regional institutions in the Indo-Pacific.
Significance of Multilateral Cooperation
India and Australia share memberships in significant international organizations like the Quad, Commonwealth, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and more. This has facilitated their cooperation in various global issues through these platforms. Specifically, Australia supports India’s membership in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreements
The Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) is the first free trade agreement that India has signed with a developed country in over a decade, marking a significant milestone. Together with Japan, India and Australia have initiated the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to enhance supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Cooperation in Education and Clean Energy Sector
India and Australia have made substantial progress in the education sector, with the Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications (MREQ) being signed in March 2023. This facilitates student mobility between the two nations, further promoting academic exchange. In terms of clean energy, both countries have committed to reducing the cost of renewable energy technologies and have dedicated significant funds towards it.
The Way Forward
The India-Australia relations have seen significant improvement over the years due to common values and interests. Both countries advocate for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, and reject unilateral or coercive actions for resolving conflicts. Through initiatives such as bilateral summits, both countries have the opportunity to strengthen their ties further and play an active role in the Indo-Pacific region.