The foreign and defence ministers of India and Australia recently convened for the first India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. This inaugural dialogue resulted from the elevation of India-Australia bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the virtual summit between the leaders of both nations in 2021.
Focus On Indo-Pacific
A primary point of discussion was the maintenance of an open, free, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific region as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Both countries expressed their support for India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative and emphasized the need for the Quad member countries to amplify efforts for cooperation in the region.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience Initiative
India and Australia resolved to fortify their collaboration through multiple mechanisms to diversify supply chains between trusted and reliable trading partners, primarily for critical health, technology and other goods and services. This resolution included welcoming the launch of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative by the Trade Ministers of India, Australia, and Japan.
Continued Engagement And Momentum
To sustain the momentum of their strengthened partnership, both nations decided to hold such meetings at least once every two years.
Shared Perspective On The Afghan Crisis
In light of the recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India and Australia shared a common approach to the crisis. This stance is encapsulated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593, which underscores that Afghanistan must not allow any form of terrorism on its soil.
Joint Efforts Against Terrorism
Further discussions were held on joint efforts towards counter-terrorism measures, countering radicalization, and advocating the proposed UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Deepening Bilateral Relationship
The ministers addressed the strengthening of multiple facets of their relationship, including bilateral trade, vaccine production and distribution, defence cooperation, community links, maritime security, cyber cooperation and climate cooperation.
Joint Action On Covid-19
An agreement was reached to deepen cooperation on vaccine manufacturing, including under the Quad framework. Both countries are working towards delivering high-quality vaccines to their Indo-Pacific partners. Researchers from both nations are also collaborating to advance Covid-19 screening and examine the future health effects of the virus via the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
Enhancing Defence Relationship
Australia has extended an invitation to India for participation in upcoming Talisman Sabre exercises to boost interoperability between both nations.
Progressing Economic Agreements
There was renewed encouragement for the finalization of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. Both countries also advocated for early resolution of issues pertaining to taxation of offshore income of Indian firms under the India Australia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
Reiteration Of Support And Grants From Australia
Additionally, Australia reaffirmed its support for India’s candidacy for permanent membership of the UNSC and pledged Australian $1 million to the International Solar Alliance and Australian $10 million to the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
India-Australia Relations On Geo-Political Front
In recent years, China’s extensive island building in the South China Sea has sparked concerns globally. This has led to the formation of the Quad group comprising of India, Australia, Japan, and the US.
Defence Relations And Multilateral Cooperation
Both nations have engaged in various naval and bilateral exercises. They also participate in multilateral groups like the Commonwealth, Indian Ocean Rim Association, ASEAN Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summits, among others.
Other Diplomatic Engagements
There have been numerous other diplomatic engagements between the two nations, such as the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in September 2014, the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and the Extradition Treaty in June 2008, and the recent India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon.
