Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with other nations, Issue: India-Australia defence ties.
Context:
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has caused uncertainty in global security. NATO’s focus shift and Indo-Pacific importance present an opportunity for a stronger India-Australia defence partnership.
Key Highlights:
Changing Global Security Landscape: US is becoming less predictable, pushing middle powers like India and Australia to deepen strategic ties independently.
India-Australia defence Alignment of Interests:
- Strategic geography: Australia’s strategic geography (bridging Indian & Pacific Oceans) aligns with India’s maritime goals.
- Australia’s Defence Forces (ADF): Skilled in coalition operations as seen in recent cooperation in air-to-air refuelling with India.
- Shared concerns: China’s assertiveness and need for regional stability.
- Strong ties: Strong ties with Pacific Island nations benefit India’s extended maritime engagement.
- Evolution of Institutional Framework: Bilateral relations evolved from symbolic to strategically meaningful ties.
India-Australia Defence Strategic Priorities for Deepening Defence Ties:
India-Australia Defence Broaden Defence Engagement Beyond Navy: Current ties are navy-dominated.There is a need to include Army, Air Force cooperation.Need to address strategic imagination gaps.
Institutionalise Dialogue and Coordination:
- New Delhi should increase defence attaché presence in Canberra.
- Canberra can reciprocate by scaling up strategic presence in India.
- Strengthen bilateral defence bureaucracy.
Encourage Ground-Up Strategic Thinking:
- More operational military exchanges, not just diplomatic rhetoric.
- Include fellowships, wargaming, and classified discussions for deeper understanding.
Expand Joint Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO):
- India has shown MRO capability for U.S. and UK naval platforms. It can be extended this to Australian vessels and patrol boats.
- Dual benefits: defence readiness + technology exposure.
Strengthen Defence MSME and Industrial Ties:
- Indian MSMEs can benefit from partnerships with Australian OEMs.
- Collaborate under U.S.-style INDUS X model in areas like drones, aerospace, naval parts.
Conclusion: India as a “top-tier security partner” for Australia has opportunity to reduce dependence on U.S. security umbrella. It strengthens India’s position as an Indo-Pacific power with diverse partnerships.
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