29 Jul 2023 India-Australia Defence Policy Talks
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “India-Australia Defence Policy Talks”. The topic “India-Australia Defence Policy Talks” has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
Highlights of the Talks?
For Mains:
GS 2: International Relations
Multiple Aspects of India-Australia Relations?
Way Forward?
Why in the news?
During the recently held India-Australia Defence Policy Talks in Canberra, both countries reiterated their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Highlights of the Talks:
- Bilateral Defence Cooperation: India and Australia reviewed and explored new initiatives to strengthen their defence engagements.
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:Both parties reiterated their dedication to the complete implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust, shared interests, and common values as the foundation of their cooperation.
- Indian Defence Industry Cooperation:During the discussions, India emphasized the possibilities of collaboration between its defense industry and the Australian Armed forces concerning shipbuilding and maintenance plans.
- Hydrography Agreement: Both sides agreed to finalize the hydrography agreement at an early stage.
Multiple Aspects of India-Australia Relations:
Historical Perspective:
- Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic relations between Australia and India were established in 1941, with the opening of the Consulate General of India in Sydney, during the pre-Independence era.
- Uranium Supply Deal: In 2014, Australia signed a uranium supply deal with India, the first of its kind with a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, recognizing India’s non-proliferation record.
Strategic Ties:
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: In 2020, the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit.
- High-Level Engagements: Several high-level engagements and ministerial visits occurred in 2022 and 2023, including the India-Australia virtual summit and Foreign Ministers meet.
- Defence Cooperation: The first India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place in 2021. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) was signed in 2020 to enhance defence cooperation.
- Joint Military Exercises: Both countries conducted bilateral and multilateral military exercises, including Malabar with India, Japan, and the US.
China Factor:
- Strained Australia-China Ties: Australia’s actions, such as banning Huawei and criticizing China’s human rights violations, led to strained relations and trade barriers from China.
- India-China Border Tensions: India has faced aggression along its border with China, highlighting shared concerns between India and Australia.
- Convergence of Interests: Both countries support a rules-based international order and are part of the Quad, seeking regional institutions in the Indo-Pacific that promote economic integration.
Multilateral Cooperation:
- Membership in Various Forums: Both countries are members of Quad, Commonwealth, IORA, ASEAN Regional Forum, Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, East Asia Summits, etc.
- Economic Cooperation: India and Australia signed the Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement, and they are partners in the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
Cooperation in Education and Clean Energy
- Educational Qualifications Recognition: A mechanism for mutual recognition of educational qualifications was signed to facilitate student mobility.
- Clean Energy: Both countries signed a Letter of Intent on New and Renewable Energy and committed funds to the India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership.
Way Forward:
- Strengthening Ties: India and Australia aim to further strengthen their ties and play an active role in ensuring a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
- Shared Objectives: Both countries envision a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, resolving conflicts through dialogue and avoiding coercive actions.
- Bilateral Summits: Regular bilateral summits provide an opportunity to enhance cooperation and strategic alignment between India and Australia.
- Active Indo-Pacific Role: India and Australia seek to actively contribute to regional stability and economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Facts about Australia Relevant for India | Description |
| Geography | |
| Location | Australia is a continent and a country located in the Southern Hemisphere. |
| Neighboring Countries | Australia shares maritime borders with Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. |
| Trade Partnership | Australia is a significant trade partner for India, ranking as one of India’s major trading partners. |
| Major Exports to India | Key Australian exports to India include coal, gold, and education-related services. |
| Major Imports from India | Major imports from India include precious metals, pearls, and machinery. |
| Strategic Importance | |
| Indo-Pacific Region | Australia is a key player in the Indo-Pacific region and supports India’s Act East Policy. |
| Membership in Quad | Both India and Australia are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). |
| Climate and Environment | |
| Biodiversity and Conservation | Both countries share an interest in biodiversity conservation and environmental issues. |
| Climate Change Cooperation | India and Australia cooperate in addressing climate change challenges. |
| Defence Cooperation | |
| Military Exercises | India and Australia conduct joint military exercises to enhance defence cooperation. |
| Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) | Signed in 2020 to strengthen military ties and support each other’s operations. |
Q.1 Which of the following forums have common membership of both India and Australia?
- Quad
- ASEAN Regional Forum
- Commonwealth
- Malabar Exercises
Select the correct option:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Answer: (c)
Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding the location of Australia:
- Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
- It is the largest country in Oceania.
- The country is situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Q.3 “Discuss the significance of India-Australia strategic cooperation in promoting regional stability and addressing common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Examine the key areas of cooperation and the potential for further enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.”
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