Context: Indo-Pacific is emerging as new theatre of global politics and growing convergence among India-Australia is of strategic importance to counter China.

India-Australia: Growing convergence of views on geo-strategic and geo-economic issues

• Strategic areas of interests:
  • Views on Indo-Pacific: Both countries support free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region including stability and freedom of navigation for all nations.
  • Common challenge: Both faces common challenge of assertive China.
• Deepening institutional ties:
  • 2+2 talks: Since 2020, elevated to ministerial level Dialogue between Defence and Foreign ministries. Also marks completion of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • Deepening security relations: Australia participated in Malabar Naval Exercise which includes India, Japan, US.
  • Quad: It entails deeper engagements and cooperation among India-Australia-USA-Japan at strategic and tactical level.
• Economic relations:
  • Remarkable growth in trade: Two-way trade valued $24.4 billion in 2020.
  • Areas of prominent trade interests: Agribusiness, infrastructure, healthcare, energy and mining, education, artificial intelligence, big data and fintech,

Concerns in India-Australia relations

• High tariffs restricting trade: Imposition of high tariff for agriculture and dairy products by India discouraging Australia exports.
• Non-tariff barriers: Major factor restricting Indian exports to Australia.
• Discrimination: Skilled professionals faces discrimination in the Australian labour market.

Way forward

• Leverage common value system: Both are vibrant democracies which have respect for international laws and a belief in the equality of all nations irrespective of their size and strength.
• Quad to Quad+: Expand vision of Quad by actively engaging with other nations of Indo-pacific.
• Work towards early conclusion of Comprehensive Economic cooperation Agreement (CECA): Upholding long term sustainable economic relations both countries.