Australia to enhance cooperation with countries like India for open, free and safe Indo-Pacific

Canberra: – Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds asserted that Australia would increase cooperation with like-minded countries, like India, for an open, secured and all-inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Australian Defence Minister also pointed out that the joint naval exercises with a strategic partner like India indicate that the ties are strengthening. Against the background of the increasing Chinese activities, the United States is working on creating a strong front of the countries in the Indo-Pacific through the medium of QUAD. The strengthening defence cooperation between India-Japan-Australia is a part of the same initiative, and the assertion of the Australian Defence Minister becomes vital in that respect.

Only last week, India and Australia held joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean. Destroyers INS Sahyadri and INS Karmuk from India and HMAS Hobart from Australia participated in the activities. It is believed that the joint exercises delivered a message that India and Australia are together against the expansionist policies of China. Only two days ago, reports pointing to the possibility of a trade war flaring up between China and Australia had been published. Against this background, the statement of the Australian Defence Minister becomes significant.

Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said, ‘A few months ago, a virtual meeting between the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers had been held. This was a historic moment in the defence cooperation between the two countries. Efforts will be made to increase this cooperation further in the time to come. Against the background of the increasing threats, now a proper quadrant has been established with Australia, India, Japan and the United States to strengthen the defence capabilities.’

In the month of June, seven agreements, including the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement were signed between India and Australia. At the same time, a plan for active cooperation between the two countries for the Indo-Pacific region also had been announced. Thereafter, India invited Australia to participate in the Malabar war exercises, which are to be held at the end of this year. Reports are also being received that India and Australia have already started developing an independent trade network in the Indo-Pacific region with help from Japan.