​Steady in turbulence: On India’s Australia, New Zealand ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Australia and New Zealand marked yet another step in India’s efforts to consolidate partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. India’s relations with both countries have traditionally been largely economic and people-centric, but the visits underscored an increased emphasis on strategic aspects, a fresh turn. Geopolitical competition, manifested in supply-chain disruptions and the realignment of global economic networks, is keeping the world on tenterhooks, and India has to manage the uncertainties and volatility well to be able to protect its vital interests. The visits reflected New Delhi’s attempt to strengthen the southern arc of the Indo-Pacific under its Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. India and Australia adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, significantly upgrading the existing security framework. They agreed to enhance interoperability between their armed forces, expand military exercises, establish an Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, and strengthen cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security and emerging technologies. An India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap was unveiled to deepen information sharing and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific. An immediate and consequential outcome was Australia’s decision to allow uranium exports for India’s civilian nuclear programme, removing a lingering obstacle in ties and boosting India’s clean-energy ambitions. Both countries will also find new avenues of cooperation on critical minerals, a specific field of global uncertainty.