India and Australia Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Chinese Military Expansion

Time Stamp: March 12, 2023 5:35 AM
Source Node: 2513047

In recent years, India and Australia have been strengthening their defence cooperation in light of China’s growing military presence in the region. The two countries have signed several agreements to enhance their bilateral defence ties, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in 2018. This agreement has allowed for increased collaboration between the two nations in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and military exercises.

The two countries have also been working together to develop a regional security architecture. In 2019, they held their first ever bilateral naval exercise, AUSINDEX 19, which focused on anti-submarine warfare and maritime security. The exercise was seen as a major step forward in their defence cooperation and demonstrated the commitment of both countries to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The two countries have also been working together to counter Chinese military expansion in the region. India and Australia have both expressed concern over China’s increasing presence in the South China Sea and have called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute. In addition, they have both taken part in joint naval patrols in the region to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight.

India and Australia have also been collaborating on defence technology. In 2019, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Industry Cooperation. This agreement allows for increased collaboration between the two nations in areas such as research and development, production and maintenance of defence equipment.

The strengthened defence cooperation between India and Australia is a positive step towards maintaining peace and stability in the region. It is also an important signal to China that the two countries are committed to defending their interests in the face of Chinese military expansion. The two countries have demonstrated their commitment to working together to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, as well as developing a regional security architecture. This increased cooperation will be beneficial for both countries and will help to ensure peace and stability in the region for years to come.