India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Marks 5 Years of Growth and Collaboration

India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has entered its fifth year, showcasing unprecedented growth, diversification, and collaboration across defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals.

India and Australia’s bilateral relationship has reached new heights, with both nations celebrating five years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. At an event hosted by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the “enormous deepening and diversification” of cooperation between the two countries over the last half-decade.

A Relationship Built on Strong Leadership

Speaking at the anniversary event, Jaishankar credited the “strong leadership” on both sides for the transformation in ties. “The reason behind this ‘dosti’ (friendship) has actually been the strong leadership that we have seen from both countries,” he said, emphasizing the personal commitment of leaders in driving the partnership forward.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, who is currently visiting India, echoed these sentiments. He described the relationship with India as a “highest priority” for Canberra and “profoundly significant” to Australia’s national interest. For more on India’s global partnerships, read our analysis of India’s role in the Quad alliance. See our coverage of recent defence agreements.

Expanding Horizons: From Minerals to Space

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to taking the partnership to “still greater heights.” He outlined new and emerging areas for collaboration, including critical minerals, cybersecurity, advanced technology, and space exploration. Sports, too, was mentioned as a domain where the two nations can work more closely.

He also pointed out the importance of multilateral cooperation, referencing mechanisms like the Quad (the strategic grouping of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States), the East Asia Summit, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the United Nations, and the trilateral grouping with France as platforms to further deepen ties.

Defence and Security: Standing Together Against Terrorism

The event also saw Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praise Australia’s unequivocal support for India’s response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Singh and Marles held wide-ranging talks on strengthening defence cooperation, with discussions focusing on India’s security challenges along its borders and the need for greater strategic collaboration.

Jaishankar recalled the solidarity shown by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express support even while in the midst of a busy election campaign. “Today we saw one example of that as the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the strong sense of solidarity and support that we got when the Pahalgam terrorist attack happened,” Jaishankar noted.

Looking Ahead

Both sides expressed optimism about the future of India-Australia relations. Jaishankar summed up the sentiment by saying, “These have been five great years in our ties. Many more to come.”

With shared values, strategic interests, and a commitment to regional and global stability, India and Australia are poised to further expand their partnership in the years ahead.

Economic and Trade Milestones

Over the past five years, economic engagement between India and Australia has accelerated. Bilateral trade has reached new records, with both countries benefiting from the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in 2022. This agreement has reduced tariffs on key exports, encouraged investment, and opened new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, education, renewable energy, and digital technology.

Australia has emerged as a vital supplier of critical minerals to India, supporting India’s ambitions in electric vehicles, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. In return, Indian companies have increased their presence in Australia’s IT, pharmaceuticals, and services sectors, fostering a truly two-way economic relationship.

Science, Technology, and Education Partnerships

The partnership has also seen a surge in joint research initiatives and academic exchanges. Universities and research institutions from both countries are collaborating on projects ranging from climate change and water management to artificial intelligence and space technology. New scholarship programs and student exchange agreements have made it easier for students and researchers to gain international experience and contribute to innovation in both nations.

People-to-People Connections

A key strength of the India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the vibrant people-to-people ties. The Indian diaspora in Australia, now numbering over 800,000, plays a crucial role in bridging cultures and building mutual understanding. Cultural festivals, tourism, and sports—especially cricket—continue to bring the two societies closer together.

Joint Efforts in Regional and Global Forums

India and Australia have consistently supported each other in multilateral organizations and regional groupings. Their cooperation within the Quad, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and the United Nations has contributed to addressing shared challenges such as maritime security, climate change, counter-terrorism, and pandemic response.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both countries are committed to expanding their partnership into new domains. Plans are underway to deepen cooperation in cyber security, quantum computing, green hydrogen, and space exploration. With regular high-level dialogues and a shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is set to become a model for international collaboration in the 21st century.