Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese embarked on a historic trip to India, aiming to strengthen ties between the two countries in areas such as trade, education, and security. The relationship between Australia and India has been characterized by sporadic periods of interest and disinterest, with only surface-level similarities like cricket and curry bringing the two countries together in the past. However, in recent years, the relationship has deepened due to India’s ongoing border disputes with China and Australia’s deteriorating relationship with China. Australia is now seeking India as both a strategic and economic partner to diversify its markets and shape the regional order in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, India is looking to Australia for resources, investments, and support in its conflicts with China. Albanese’s visit holds great significance for the two nations, as they seek to further strengthen their ties and advance their mutual interests.
Bilateral Discussions on Economic Cooperation, Education, and Security
During Albanese’s inaugural visit to India, a diverse range of topics are being discussed, and his itinerary is jam-packed. Among the many topics, 25 business leaders are accompanying the Prime Minister in the hope of securing lucrative agreements on economic cooperation and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive free-trade agreement, building upon last year’s interim agreement. Education is another crucial area being discussed, as India is hoping to attract foreign universities to establish campuses in India to improve their higher education’s quality. Recently, mutual recognition of qualifications was signed, and an agreement was reached to establish Deakin University, the first foreign university with a campus in India. The two nations are also interested in increasing cooperation and investment in critical minerals like lithium, despite Australia’s Prime Minister earlier stating that he wished to retain more essential minerals onshore. Albanese also declared India a top-tier security partner, ahead of the Malabar naval exercise to be hosted by Australia in August, which traditionally involves joint exercises with Japan and the US, from which Australia had been previously excluded.
Challenges in Australia-India Relations: Divergent Views on Ukraine and Trade Negotiations
Despite the efforts to improve ties between Australia and India, some challenges and contradictions still persist. One significant area of disagreement is their differing views on Ukraine. While Australia has condemned Russia’s invasion and offered military support and sanctions, India maintains its traditionally strong economic and military ties with Russia. India depends on Russia for advanced military equipment and has recently increased its oil imports from the country. Although Australia has never been openly critical of India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, this issue will continue to impede long-term collaboration. Moreover, a comprehensive free-trade agreement between the two nations would require reconciling divergent interests in critical areas. Australia aims to enhance agricultural and dairy products’ market access, while India is primarily focused on services and labour mobility. Both are politically sensitive topics that will be challenging to overcome, even with the presence of many business leaders accompanying Albanese.
Australia-India Relations: Addressing Challenges and Contradictions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to India aimed to boost ties between the two nations in trade, education, and security. However, challenges and contradictions remain, including the countries’ differences over Ukraine. Australia has condemned the Russian invasion and committed military support to Ukraine, while India maintains its traditionally strong links with Russia. Albania’s visit involved a packed itinerary, including 25 business leaders seeking to secure lucrative agreements on economic cooperation, free-trade agreements, education, critical minerals, and security partnerships. While Albanese declared that Australia and India had a rich friendship underpinned by shared democratic values, India has displayed increasing intolerance for dissent and curtailed media freedom in recent years.
The country’s government has marginalized minorities, discriminated against them, and attacked them, asserting Hindu nationalist politics. Australian universities hoping to build campuses in India could face curbs on academic freedom. India’s draft guidelines for foreign universities prohibit activities that are contrary to the sovereignty and integrity of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, or morality. Although Australia has expressed concerns about digital authoritarianism, India has used technology to curb dissent and surveil opposition leaders, minorities, and critics. It’s important for Australia to base its relationship with India on a realistic estimation of its political and economic credentials, rather than being driven almost entirely by the strategic urgency to create a regional counterweight to China.
