Source: The post India and Australia deepen strategic defence cooperation has been created, based on the article “India-Australia defence ties beyond American shadows” published in “The Hindu” on 4 June 2025. India and Australia deepen strategic defence cooperation.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: Donald Trump’s potential return to the U.S. presidency has disrupted global security dynamics. With NATO under burden-sharing pressure and reduced American commitments, middle powers like India and Australia face a strategic moment to enhance their bilateral defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Complementarity and Shared Vision
- Geographic and Operational Synergy: Australia bridges the Indian and Pacific Oceans and holds military assets near Southeast Asia. This supports India’s maritime goals. The Australian Defence Force’s coalition experience adds value to Indian capabilities, evident in the recent air-to-air refuelling arrangement.
- Converging Interests: Both nations are concerned about China’s assertive behaviour and seek regional stability. Australia’s influence in the Pacific complements India’s expanding outreach to island nations.
- Bilateral Foundation Strength: India’s ties with Japan, South Korea, and Europe are useful, but the New Delhi-Canberra relationship stands out for its institutional depth. Australia now views India as a “top-tier security partner,” based on a decade of high-level political and strategic investment.
Institutional Mechanisms and Military Cooperation
- Strategic Frameworks: The 2020 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 2+2 ministerial dialogue since 2021 support coordinated strategic planning.
- Interoperability Arrangements: The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement facilitates shared logistics during joint operations. The 2024 refuelling pact enables the Royal Australian Air Force to expand the reach of Indian aircraft.
- Regular Military Exercises: Exercises like AUSTRAHIND (Army), AUSINDEX (Navy), and participation in Pitch Black and Malabar reflect consistent military cooperation and trust-building.
Limitations and :Regional Complexities
- India’s Continental Challenges: India faces ongoing border disputes with China and security issues with Pakistan, limiting its ability to fully shift to maritime strategy.
- Australia’s Defence Transition: Australia is redefining its regional role through AUKUS, advanced acquisitions, and deeper ties with island nations. This process is still evolving.
Priority Areas for Deeper Engagement
- Expand Tri-Service Cooperation: Current naval focus should widen. Joint tri-service exercises and a staff-level forum are needed. A major combined exercise within a decade could test interoperability.
- Enhanced Representation in Canberra: India should raise its Defence Adviser’s post to a one-star level and add Army and Air Force officers. Dedicated staff should handle Pacific Island engagement.
- Strengthen Operational-Level Dialogue: Uniformed personnel should contribute to strategic talks. Fellowships and war-gaming exchanges can promote shared understanding.
- Joint MRO and Patrol Boat Initiatives: India and Australia can collaborate in naval MRO. Co-producing patrol boats for island nations would increase mutual technological exposure and regional impact.
Resetting Defence Industry Collaboration
- Tapping MSME Potential: Indian firms often avoid Australian-based OEMs. The MSME sectors in both countries can jointly develop dual-use technologies.
- Aligning Innovation Models: Both sides are promoting indigenisation. A framework like U.S.-India INDUS X could support MSME-level collaboration in defence and aerospace.
Question for practice:
Discuss how India and Australia can strengthen their defence cooperation to address emerging regional security challenges.
