India-Australia Relations at Their Pinnacle

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The Malabar naval exercise, which now includes all four Quad navies, concluded in August 2023, symbolizing the deepening security ties between India and Australia. Despite this positive momentum, India’s recent refusal to actively participate in the US–Australia Talisman Sabre military exercise and limit its role to that of an observer highlights the underlying uncertainty in India-Australia security relations. The conflicting signals in India’s approach indicate the complexities in managing its foreign policy imperatives, especially with regard to China.

Although India and Australia have made significant strides in deepening their security ties, their cooperation is predominantly driven by shared concerns over China rather than economic interests. However, India’s balancing act between strengthening security partnerships and maintaining stable relations with China poses a considerable challenge. India’s aspiration to be an autonomous power without significant security partnerships clashes with the reality of its vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of China’s growing influence.

India’s initial reluctance to forge robust security relations with Australia was primarily influenced by apprehensions of how China might perceive such collaborations. Despite this caution, India’s stance shifted after facing pushback from China on various diplomatic fronts, prompting New Delhi to seek support from like-minded nations, including Australia. The evolution of India’s approach toward security partnerships has been notably influenced by its complex relationship with China, characterized by periods of confrontation and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

The progression of India–Australia relations is also closely intertwined with the dynamics of US–India relations, although India’s engagements with Australia are not solely derivative of its ties with the United States. India’s strategic maneuvers reflect a delicate balancing act between managing its regional security concerns, especially along the Sino–Indian border, and its global diplomatic ambitions, manifested through engagements with various multilateral forums.

Despite the existing limitations in India’s security cooperation with Australia, the partnership is expected to endure, albeit with fluctuations, based on the evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and the Sino-Indian relationship. India’s commitment to maintaining security ties with Australia and other like-minded partners is contingent on the persisting security challenges posed by China.