Abstract

In recent years, the bilateral relationship between India and Australia has grown significantly encompassing political, economic, defence and strategic aspects. Despite periodic hiccups on specific matters, the contours and spirit of the relationship have never been diluted.

India has assumed prominence in the Australian strategic radar as a front rank player in its search for international partnership. Considering that a sizable portion of its maritime trade towards the West passes through the Indian Ocean, the area provides the primary basis for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The bilateral relationship is estimated to grow stronger as Indian Navy will play an important role in safeguarding maritime commerce. The counterterrorism protocol 2003 between the two states has also been instrumental in expanding ‘strategic convergence’ on the bilateral front.

Despite the disagreements between India and Australia on issues of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, both countries’ commitment towards nuclear disarmament has brought about yet another dimension to their strategic partnership. In the present era of climate change, clean coal technology and renewables too will probably emerge as great potential collaborators of India–Australia strategic relationship. Shared security concerns such as terrorism, Afghanistan, nuclear proliferation, Chinese military modernization, etc., will definitely provide additional incentives to the evolving strategic relationship.

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