India-Australia Partnership Expands Beyond Traditional Cooperation with Focus on Development and Defence
Opinion article highlights growing collaboration across trade, defence, energy, education, technology and multilateral partnerships
According to the article, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia in May 2023, when the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia was nearly three years old, he described bilateral ties as having entered the T20 phase. He stated that the relationship had moved beyond the traditional three Cs—Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry—and the subsequent three Ds—Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti. As Prime Minister Modi undertakes his third visit to Australia this week, the article suggests attention should also be given to two additional dimensions: Development and Defence.
Trade and Investment Continue to Expand
The article notes that economic cooperation has generated significant outcomes for both countries. Indian exports to Australia now receive duty-free access under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), benefiting sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering goods, gems and jewellery.
It also states that preferential access to 90% of Australia's trade value has supported Australian exports of critical minerals, resources, wool, avocados and macadamia. Both countries have set a target of increasing bilateral trade from $33 billion in 2025 to $100 billion by 2030.
The article further highlights that two-way cumulative investment is approaching $50 billion. It mentions that AirTrunk plans to invest $30 billion by 2030 in digital infrastructure and AI-ready data centres, while Australian investment funds are becoming increasingly active in India.
It also refers to Perdaman Chemicals & Fertilizers, funded by an Indian investor, which is establishing Australia's largest urea plant in Western Australia with an investment of $4.5 billion. According to the article, more than 98% of the plant's modules are being manufactured in India.
Defence Cooperation Strengthens
The article identifies defence as one of the fastest-growing areas of bilateral cooperation. It notes that Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited India on his first foreign tour under the Albanese government and later hosted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Australia, marking the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the country in 12 years.
Regular exchanges among senior military leaders, along with participation in exercises such as AUSINDEX, Malabar and Talisman Sabre, are described as strengthening operational coordination, particularly in the maritime domain.
The article also points to opportunities for defence industry cooperation in cyber technologies, artificial intelligence, drones and shipbuilding.
Energy and Education Identified as Emerging Priorities
Beyond the traditional Cs and Ds, the article identifies Energy and Education as additional areas of cooperation.
It states that the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership is being implemented through a Solar Taskforce and a Green Hydrogen Task Force at the ministerial level.
The article notes that India's renewable energy targets create opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals, manufacturing, laboratory research, commercial deployment, industrial use and solar rooftops.
It also mentions that Australian media recently reported arrangements for future Australian uranium exports to India, which could support India's civil nuclear programme while expanding Australia's uranium exports.
In education, the article states that more than one lakh Indian students are enrolled in Australia, while Indian campuses of Australian universities are expanding educational collaboration. Joint research in areas including advanced computing, energy, healthcare, space and defence is also highlighted.
The article further notes Australia's expertise in vocational education in sectors such as solar rooftops and mining, suggesting practical collaboration could help address workforce requirements.
Sports and Multilateral Cooperation
The article identifies sport as another emerging area of bilateral engagement, highlighting cooperation in sports education, training, medicine, infrastructure and major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.
It also notes that the growing Indian diaspora in Australia has contributed to the increasing popularity of traditional Indian sports such as kabaddi and kho kho.
On multilateral cooperation, the article highlights expanding collaboration through trilateral and regional frameworks, including India-Indonesia-Australia, India-France-Australia, the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership, the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, and potential cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.
It further refers to collaboration through the Quad and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), as well as engagement with Pacific Island countries across education, health, technology, fintech, capacity building and disaster relief.
The article concludes that the growing relationship between India and Australia continues to evolve through broader cooperation across multiple sectors.