TeaThe continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war has been a reminder of the fragility that exists in the world order. Unfortunately, we see similar fragility in the Indo-Pacific region, where Chinese aggression is affecting littoral countries in the South China Sea as well as the Indian Ocean. For some time there has been a need for the democracies of the world to come together on a common platform to create conditions that eliminate the need for war to settle disputes.
The fast-evolving India-Australia relationship has been one of positive change in response to common challenges faced by the region. In recent times, relations have been revived to hitherto unknown heights, including a historic free trade agreement with the US and Japan as part of the Quad format. But what is less discussed is that India’s increasingly mobile relationship with Australia is becoming the country’s gateway for a rejuvenating diplomatic push across the Pacific. Australia is the pivot of India’s move in the Pacific to counter Chinese interests.
Both countries are good examples of important liberal democracies shaping the future of the region based on their shared values for a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ties have gone from strength to strength since the Modi government came to power in 2014. The Prime Minister is now on his second official visit to the country. On his first visit he said that “Australia will not be in the periphery of our vision, but in the center of our thoughts”.
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background of china
The bilateral meeting comes even as the Quad leaders’ summit has been cancelled. PM Modi’s visit to Australia has sent a strong message to counter China’s growing influence. To this end, PM Modi has also indicated a “Look Pacific” policy, reiterating the centrality of the India-Australia partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
However, it is interesting to note that this meeting is coming in the backdrop of Australia-China relations with trade ministers of the two countries meeting in February 2023. Their relationship hit a snag in 2018 when Australia blocked Chinese telecom company Huawei from building its own 5G network. , It was further damaged in 2020 when then Australian PM Scott Morrison called for an independent assessment of the origin of the Wuhan virus, to which Beijing reacted strongly. “economic coercion”,
It is clear that China’s interests are pursued through building economic pathways and India is perhaps the only country in a position to counter China’s economic movements, not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also in Australia. . India provides a balance that can significantly assist in maintaining a free and open region while also providing a trustworthy partnership with Australia.
PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea is another step towards strengthening ties in the region, following China’s April 2022 agreement with the Solomon Islands that would potentially establish Chinese military presence in the region. The move is likely to be welcomed by Australia. In 2018, Beijing offered to develop Papua New Guinea’s Lombrum naval base on Manus Island, although the contract was awarded to Australia.
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past record of cooperation
India and Australia have cooperated during the pandemic in the past as well, with Australia recognizing the Indian-made Covishield as well as the indigenous Covaxin. Tourism has also picked up since then – India is one of Australia’s top five markets and Indian arrivals to the island nation have recovered most rapidly from pre-Covid levels.
The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed between the two countries in April last year is also historic. This is the first such trade deal for India in more than a decade after the one with Japan in 2011. It aims to double trade between the two countries over the next five years by providing supply chain support for critical minerals from Australia to India. In March 2022, India’s KABIL and Australia’s Critical Minerals Facilitation Office signed an MoU For cooperation in the field of mining and processing of important and strategic minerals. The bilateral meeting could fast-track this agenda to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
For India, securing a sustainable critical mineral supply chain is also a step towards its goal of becoming a renewable energy superpower. ECTA will also open up huge opportunities in the pharmaceuticals and drugs sectors from India to Australia.
Furthermore, in the field of education, mutual recognition of degrees and qualifications promises to be transformative for bilateral relations. After all, Indians are the second largest migrant group in Australia and one of the top sources of skilled immigrants. The trade deal will also aid in mobility, where there will be a legal framework for Indians who have the skills and talents that are in demand in Australia to move from one country to another.
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diplomatic communication
While there are many points of discussion in the bilateral meeting to further strengthen the partnership, there will be some tough talks as well. With around 70,000 Indian students in Australia, the issue of visa delays and movement of students, vandalism of Indian consulates and temples like BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, rise of radical anti-India elements, hate crimes against Indians will all be matters of concern.
However, it must be said that soon after PM Albanese’s visit to India in March 2023, where he met PM Modi, photographs of Australian Khalistani criminals burning the Indian flag were released to the public.
Only through such prompt response to mutual concerns and open channels of diplomatic communication can both India and Australia serve as positive examples to the rest of the world. Despite the cancellation of the Quad leaders’ summit, the importance of the bilateral meeting between the two countries reflects the priority that has been given to this partnership. Through such strong messaging and continued engagement, India and Australia can play an important role in ushering in the idea that this is an era of cooperation and not competition, especially when the stakes are high.
Rami Niranjan Desai is Consulting Editor of Global Order and Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation, New Delhi
(Editing by Therese Sudip)