Australia-India relations

Modi is the only leader of the Quad nations to continue with his visit to Australia after U.S. President Joe Biden pulled out of a planned meeting in Sydney.

Left unchecked, tensions, which have sparked vandalism of Hindu temples and attacks on Sikhs, have the potential to poison the Australia-India bilateral relationship.

The visit demonstrated the diversified and comprehensive nature of the India-Australia partnership. 

Prime Minister Albanese is in India until March 11. After that, he will head to the U.S. in a trip that may provide more details about the AUKUS submarine deal.

There is a lot riding on the relationship for both New Delhi and Canberra given that both have a inherent interest in balancing China and ensuring a stable Indo-Pacific strategic order.

Given continuing tensions with China, India will seek to expand its military engagements and security consultations with the Quad.

India and Australia’s relationship has progressed remarkably, underscoring shared concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

Since 2016 India has leapfrogged both New Zealand and China to become the third largest country of birth in Australia after Australia itself and the United Kingdom. 

Canberra and New Delhi need to streamline their defense and security agenda on an accelerated pace in the face of pressure on both from Beijing.

Engagement with the growing Hindu community is essential for Australian politicians, but there is an obvious tightrope to walk.

A group of fellows at the University of Melbourne’s Australia India Institute recently resigned, alleging restrictions on their academic freedom.