Context
Australia is making the single largest bilateral investment in India on the account of India’s 75th Independence Day. Australia has emphasized upon a long and special relationship.
Relevance
GS-II: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Dimensions of the Article
- History of India Australia Relationship
- Recent Developments
- Focus Areas: Technology and Research
- Focus Areas : Student and People-to-People Connect
- Focus Areas: Indo-Pacific Region
- Way Forward
History of India Australia Relationship
- India and Australia are natural partners.
- Cultural history and ancient connect is mutually recognized by both countries.
- Australia recently returned 29 artifacts to India.
- Maitri and Mateship stand for respect, understanding and equality.
Recent Developments
- Virtual Summit happened between the two Prime Ministers.
- An Annual Summit Mechanism was established.
- Relationship has been elevated in various fields like cyber and critical technologies, maritime affairs, defense ties, economic, and Quadrilateral Cooperation.
Focus Areas: Technology and Research
- Both countries are working on a new and renewable energy partnership such as green hydrogen and ultra-low cost solar.
- Supportive of research and development in the field of harnessing mineral resources of Australia.
- These mineral resources can be used for manufacturing industries in India.
- Increasing investments in the space sector which is growing for both the nations.
- Australia-India Centre of Excellence for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy and a Consulate General in Bengaluru.
- Economic partnerships with two-way trade and investment opportunities.
Focus Areas: Students and People-to-People Connect
- Future Skills Initiative is helping young Indian students.
- Maitri Scholarships and fellowships have helped Indian students and researchers in exploring world class education ecosystem of Australia.
- A dedicated centre has been announced by the Australian PM for Australia India Relationship to deepen our relationship.
Focus Areas: Indo-Pacific Region
- Ensuring a peaceful and stable region is in interest of both countries.
- Both countries are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Advancement of cooperation from Indian Ocean to Pacific Islands.
- Augmenting Australia’s engagement in the North East Indian Ocean under India’s leadership.
- Humanitarian Assistance can also be provided to the region in need. For Example – Tonga and Kiribati was helped by India.
Way Forward
India and Australia are two flourishing democracies with mutual respect for one another. India is a natural partner for Australia in the region. Both countries have historical connect and are multicultural in nature which make them compatible with each other. India and Australia are on the path of realizing the potential of Maitri and Mateship.
Source – The Hindu
