India-Australia Defence Partnership: From Strategic Convergence to Operational Cooperation
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-Australia relations, Quad, AUKUS, Indo-Pacific); Defence (Bilateral agreements, Air-to-Air Refuelling, Joint Exercises).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): "Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests." (India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership).
Key Highlights from the News
The India-Australia defence relationship is entering a new phase.
Previously, it was merely "strategic convergence" based on shared concerns about China; now, it is transforming into "operational cooperation."
Major New Agreements and Decisions:
Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
Mutual Submarine Rescue Support.
Implementation of the Air-to-Air Refuelling agreement.
Expansion of information-sharing.
Key Drivers of this Change:
China's increased military influence and Beijing’s coercive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.
Uncertainty in relying solely on one country (the US) for security.
The two countries have complementary strengths: India’s scale and geography (large manufacturing capacity) and Australia’s technology (advanced technology).
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