Mains Daily Question
Sept. 29, 2023
Q1. India and Australia are two important partners in the Indo-Pacific and cooperate closely in a wide range of sectors. Examine the areas of cooperation and potential challenges that exist between the two nations. (10M/150W)
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Approach to the Answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: Introduction: Body: Heading 1: Discuss the different sectors in which India and Australia cooperate including trade, defense, diplomacy, education, and cultural exchanges. Heading 2: Identify any potential challenges or areas of tension that exist between India and Australia. These could include differences in political or economic interests, cultural differences etc. Conclusion: |
Answer: India and Australia share commonalities as vibrant democracies with strong ties in trade, energy, education, science and technology, IT, and defense. The relationship has now gained limelight with increased focus on Indo-Pacific region in the West.
The areas of cooperation in India-Australia Relations:
- Strategic and Security Cooperation:
- Quad Alliance: This aims to enhance regional security and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both the nations support a rule-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
- Maritime Security: Both countries share concerns about maritime security and actively participate in joint naval exercises to strengthen their capabilities.
- Example, Malabar Exercise
- Economic Cooperation: Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner.
- Aims to boost bilateral trade from $30 billion in 2022 to $100 billion by 2030.
- Energy cooperation:
- India and Australia signed a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2014 for energy trade.
- India also pledged AUD 10 million under the International Solar Alliance for Pacific Island Countries.
- Critical Minerals Investment Partnership: The two countries are dedicated to reducing emissions, ensuring energy security, and expanding the global markets for essential minerals and clean technology.
- Educational cooperation: The Australia-India education qualification recognition mechanism signed in 2023, recognizes degrees obtained in both countries.
- Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications (MREQ), 2023
- Deakin University and University of Wollongong of Australia are planning to open campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
- Science and Technology: Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) promotes collaboration on Science & Technology.
- For instance, Australia is supporting India’s Gaganyaan Space Program.
- People-to-people Ties: India is one of the top sources of skilled immigrants to Australia.
Challenges in India-Australia Relations:
- India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine crisis: Australia’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine differs from that of India, which could impact bilateral relations and the functioning of QUAD.
- Adani coal mine controversy: The Adani coal mine project in Australia created tensions between the two countries due to some activists protesting against it.
- Violence with Indian Diaspora: The recent attacks on Indian Diaspora and Hindu temples by Khalistan supporters have strained relations.
Way Forward:
India and Australia have strengthened their relations due to shared values, interests, and objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. There is a need to further strengthen ties and ensure a mutually effective relation between the two nations.
