New Delhi: The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which reached its fifth anniversary on June 4, 2025, has solidified its position as a cornerstone of bilateral relations between the two nations. This milestone was marked by high-level engagements, including a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon. Richard Marles, as well as a telephonic conversation between Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. These discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepening cooperation across defence, trade, science, technology, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, while emphasizing a collective vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The partnership, elevated from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, continues to align with India’s foreign policy objectives and fosters mutual growth in an increasingly complex global landscape.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
In 2020, India and Australia took a significant step by upgrading their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting a deeper commitment to collaboration across multiple domains. Over the past five years, the CSP has facilitated robust cooperation in areas such as defence, economic diversification, science and technology, and multilateral engagement. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing India’s foreign policy goals, including promoting a rules-based international order, ensuring maritime security, and fostering economic resilience.
The fifth anniversary was celebrated with significant diplomatic engagements. Prime Minister Modi met with Deputy Prime Minister Marles in New Delhi, where Modi congratulated Marles on the Australian Labor Party’s historic victory in the recent Federal elections. In a separate conversation, Modi spoke with Prime Minister Albanese, congratulating him on his historic second term. These interactions underscored the strong political goodwill and mutual trust that define India-Australia relations.
Defence and Security: A Key Pillar of the CSP
Defence cooperation remains a central pillar of the India-Australia CSP, with both nations prioritizing enhanced collaboration in defence industries and maritime security. As members of the Quad, alongside the United States and Japan, India and Australia work closely to promote regional stability and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Participation in joint military exercises such as AUSINDEX and Malabar has strengthened naval interoperability, enabling both nations to address maritime challenges effectively.
Key agreements, such as the Mutual Logistical Support Agreement and the 2+2 Dialogue framework, have facilitated seamless cooperation during joint operations and crisis response. During their meeting, Modi and Marles emphasized the importance of deepening defence industrial collaboration, focusing on areas such as joint production and technology transfer. This aligns with India’s goal of enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in critical sectors.
Counter-terrorism is another critical area of cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Marles reiterated Australia’s strong support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism, aligning with India’s long-standing advocacy for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations. Both nations committed to working together to combat terrorism in all its forms, reinforcing their shared commitment to global security.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Diversification
Economic collaboration under the CSP has been a driving force in strengthening bilateral ties. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed as part of the partnership, has played a pivotal role in diversifying trade by reducing barriers and enhancing market access for goods and services. This agreement has boosted bilateral trade, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, which includes Japan, has further strengthened supply chain security in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and critical minerals. These efforts are particularly significant in the context of global supply chain disruptions and the need for resilience in strategic industries. Both leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration in critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) has also been a key enabler of economic cooperation, providing a framework for fair taxation and encouraging investment between the two nations. These initiatives align with India’s broader objective of diversifying its economic partnerships and reducing reliance on single markets, thereby enhancing economic security and resilience.
Science, Technology, and Research Collaboration
The CSP has fostered significant advancements in science, technology, and research, with both nations leveraging their complementary strengths to drive innovation. The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, for example, has supported joint research on critical issues such as COVID-19, contributing to global health solutions. During the recent discussions, both nations welcomed the signing of the Australia-India Joint Research Project, which aims to advance collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
This focus on science and technology reflects the shared commitment to addressing global challenges, including climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation. By pooling resources and expertise, India and Australia are positioning themselves as leaders in innovation and sustainable development.
Maritime Cooperation and the Indo-Pacific Vision
A shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific lies at the heart of the India-Australia CSP. Both nations are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, addressing challenges such as illegal fishing, maritime piracy, and territorial disputes. India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) has received strong support from Australia, further strengthening maritime cooperation.
As Quad members, India and Australia collaborate on maritime security, disaster response, and regional stability. Joint participation in platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) has enabled both nations to shape regional policies and promote a rules-based order. These efforts are critical for maintaining stability and fostering economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Multilateral and Regional Engagement
India and Australia share a strong commitment to multilateralism, collaborating in global and regional forums such as the United Nations, the East Asia Summit, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. These platforms provide opportunities to address pressing issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and disaster resilience. The CSP has enabled both nations to align their positions on key international issues, amplifying their influence in global governance.
The upcoming Quad Summit, to be hosted by India later in 2025, will provide another platform for India and Australia to advance their shared goals. Prime Minister Modi extended invitations to Prime Minister Albanese for both the Annual Summit and the Quad Summit, signaling the importance of high-level engagements in sustaining the momentum of the CSP.
The Role of the Indian Diaspora and People-to-People Ties
The vibrant Indian diaspora in Australia plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. During their conversations, both Modi and Albanese highlighted the contributions of the Indian-origin community in fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and goodwill. People-to-people ties are further enhanced through educational exchanges, tourism, and cultural initiatives, which deepen mutual understanding and trust.
Agriculture cooperation is another area of focus, with both nations exploring opportunities to enhance food security and sustainable farming practices. These initiatives not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to global efforts to address hunger and climate change.
Key Outcomes of High-Level Engagements
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Deputy Prime Minister Marles focused on deepening collaboration in key sectors, including defence industries, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. Both leaders underscored the importance of aligning their efforts to address global challenges and promote a rules-based international order. Marles’ reiteration of Australia’s support for India’s fight against terrorism highlighted the shared commitment to security and stability.
In the telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Albanese, Modi congratulated him on his historic second term and emphasized the progress made under the CSP. The leaders exchanged views on regional and global matters, including the importance of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They also acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual trust.
The Path Forward for the CSP
As the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters its sixth year, both nations are poised to deepen their collaboration in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space technology. The upcoming Annual Summit and Quad Summit in India will provide opportunities to set new priorities and address emerging challenges. The focus on critical minerals and resilient supply chains reflects the strategic importance of securing resources for the global transition to clean energy.
The CSP’s emphasis on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and multilateral engagement aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. By leveraging their shared values and complementary strengths, India and Australia are well-positioned to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and contribute to global governance.
Conclusion
The fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting five years of robust cooperation across defence, trade, science, and regional engagement. The high-level engagements between Prime Minister Modi, Deputy Prime Minister Marles, and Prime Minister Albanese underscore the commitment to deepening ties and addressing shared challenges. As both nations look to the future, the CSP will continue to serve as a vital framework for collaboration, fostering a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)?
The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established in 2020, is an upgraded bilateral relationship aimed at deepening cooperation across defence, trade, science, technology, and regional stability. It builds on the earlier Strategic Partnership, fostering collaboration in areas like maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic diversification, with a shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
2. How does the CSP contribute to India’s foreign policy objectives?
The CSP aligns with India’s foreign policy goals by promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific through initiatives like the Quad and maritime exercises (AUSINDEX, Malabar). It supports economic diversification via agreements like the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. Additionally, it enhances multilateral engagement through platforms like the East Asia Summit and Indian Ocean Rim Association, strengthening India’s global and regional influence.
3. What are the key areas of cooperation under the CSP?
The CSP focuses on defence cooperation (e.g., Mutual Logistical Support Agreement, 2+2 Dialogue), economic collaboration (e.g., ECTA, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement), science and technology (e.g., Australia-India Strategic Research Fund), maritime security (e.g., Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative), counter-terrorism (e.g., support for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism), and people-to-people ties, including agriculture cooperation and diaspora engagement.
4. How do India and Australia collaborate on counter-terrorism?
India and Australia are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. Australia supports India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and advocates for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations. This collaboration strengthens global security and addresses shared concerns about terrorism.
5. What role does the Indian diaspora play in the CSP?
The vibrant Indian diaspora in Australia plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties by fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and goodwill. Leaders from both nations, including Prime Ministers Modi and Albanese, have highlighted the diaspora’s contributions in cementing people-to-people ties, which enhance mutual understanding and support initiatives like educational exchanges and cultural programs.
