India in a changing Asia

India and Australia are members of the Commonwealth and share a special relationship. The bond created through shared values, and the ties that bind the two countries, are unique in many ways. Democracy and democratic ideals, inclusiveness and pluralism are the hallmarks of the political systems in both countries. The time has hence come, I believe, for an even more profound political relationship, as well as enhancement of the existing co-operation, between our two countries.

India and Australia have had commercial ties dating back to the days of the East India Company, but it is in this century, that bilateral ties have truly blossomed. 

Prime Minister John Howard’s visit to India in July 2000 (he visited India again in March 2006) began a process which has made rapid strides since. India-Australia co-operation currently covers such aspects as trade, energy and mining, science and technology, information technology, defence and security, and education. Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced in Delhi last month that Australia and India have set a goal of doubling bilateral trade to $40 billion by 2015.

High-level visits between leaders on both sides regularly take place. India and Australia have established numerous institutional platforms, such as the Framework Dialogue of the Foreign Ministers, the Joint Ministerial Commission on Trade and Investment, the Defence Ministers Dialogue, the Australia-India Energy and Minerals Forum, and the Ministerial Dialogue on Education, etc. Other suitable mechanisms also exist below these. 

Among the important areas of co-operation today between India and Australia are defence and security. Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has played a key role in enhancing mutual defence co-operation and a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Co-operation is in place today. Defence policy talks among middle-level officials of the two countries regularly take place. There is regular interaction among the individual services of the armed forces of the two countries. 

A Joint Declaration on Security Co-operation was signed in November 2009, during the visit of then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Delhi. Terrorism is an important staple of the discussions between concerned officials of the two countries. Apart from the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, the threat posed by terrorism often figures prominently during the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries.

India-Australia co-operation in the field of Education and Training is growing rapidly. Progress has far eclipsed what was originally intended under the Education Exchange Program signed between the two countries in 2003. An Annual Ministerial Dialogue, an Australia-India Education Council and an Australia-India Strategic Research Fund have enlarged the scope of educational co-operation. 

Co-operation in energy is yet another key aspect and considerable progress has been achieved in recent years. A number of action plans have been formulated, involving on the Indian side, the Ministries of Mines, Petroleum, Coal, Power and Renewable Energy. India is also hopeful that Australia will agree in the near future be able to sell natural uranium to India to power its peaceful nuclear energy program, following the finalisation of a bilateral Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement. 

India-Australia relations having taken off, and likely to soar into the stratosphere, require somewhat detailed treatment. I cannot think of a more distinguished and enlightened audience than this to present all the facts. 

Hopefully, this will help in further enhancing the scope of initiatives taken by the leadership on both sides. I am optimistic that it will lead to the forging of an enhanced and close strategic and comprehensive partnership. This will benefit not only the countries of the region, but nations across the globe as well. 

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