Top-level diplomats from India and Australia met on November 21, 2023, to discuss regional security and issues such as the Israel-Hamas War. Expressing their concerns about these developments, the parties also emphasized their commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met in New Delhi as part of the 2+2 format talks. [1]Jaishankar stated that there was a “real momentum” in their relationship. Both Jaishankar and Wong emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region is a key priority for both countries, and they reiterated their commitment to a free, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles mentioned on November 20, 2023, that China remains a significant concern for India and Australia. [2]
Canberra had banned China’s telecommunications giant Huawei from its 5G networks in 2018. With the center-left government coming to power in Australia in 2022, bilateral economic relations improved. However, competition between Australia and China in the Asia-Pacific region continued. [3]
Military tensions on the disputed India-China borders have escalated in recent years, leading to a historic decline in bilateral relations. Meanwhile, India and Australia are working to strengthen a security alliance that includes Japan and the United States (US).
Jaishankar also referred to the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian crisis” and emphasized the urgent need for assistance.[4]Wong shared India’s view, stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. She also stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international law, including the protection of civilians in its actions. [5]
This development highlights the increasing roles of India and Australia as regional powers and the significance of their strategic alliance. The priority given by both countries to the Indo-Pacific region emerges in response to changes in regional balances. Particularly, China being both a trade partner and a security concern for both countries brings about a partnership in regional policies.
Events such as the border disputes between India and China and Australia’s ban on Huawei from the 5G network underscore the complexity of their relations with China. India and Australia are focused on collaborating with other countries to ensure regional security and limit China’s influence.
The strengthening of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a security alliance involving these countries along with Japan and the US, demonstrates their efforts to influence regional power balances and enhance regional security.
In conclusion, these developments illustrate how India and Australia strengthen their strategic partnerships in terms of their relations with China, regional security issues, and responses to international events.
[1] “India, Australia Commit to Boosting Strategic Ties as their Diplomats and Defense Chiefs Hold Talks”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/india-australia-talks-ccaecb76ae2d9e029aa80554b55f3e02, (Date of Access: 22.11.2023).
[2] Ibıd.
[3] Ibıd.
[4] Ibıd.
[5] Ibıd.
