Key Points:
- A significant transformation in recent years, reshaping bilateral dynamics.
- Collaboration focused on regional stability, prosperity, and competition with a major global player.
- Strengthened ties across economic, security, and educational sectors, revitalizing the partnership.
- Skilful navigation of relationships, considering historical dependencies without isolation.
- Embracing autonomy and shared objectives, rejecting notions of external influence.
In a recent interview with NHS Media and Professor John Blaxland, the focus was on the evolving India-Australia relationship and its strategic implications. Professor Blaxland, holds a position in International Security and Intelligence Studies at the Australian National University, provided insights into the dynamics shaping this bilateral engagement.
The interview began with a reflection on the evolving India-Australia relationship. Professor Blaxland highlighted the significant transformation that has taken place in the past few years. He emphasized that while a generation ago India was a relatively small player on the global stage, the situation has changed drastically. Australia now has over a million people with South Asian ancestry, a significant bilateral trade relationship, growing educational ties, and security cooperation with India.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, was a focal point of discussion. Professor Blaxland emphasized that the Quad is not an alliance in the traditional sense. It is a forum for collaboration and competition among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. He clarified that the Quad’s purpose primarily revolves around the Indo-Pacific region rather than the broader global landscape. He explained that the Quad partners collaborate and compete with China on various fronts, seeking to ensure stability, security, and shared prosperity in the region.
Australia’s collaboration with India is multifaceted. While acknowledging the historical cricket rivalry that keeps cultural ties alive, Professor Blaxland emphasized the recent growth in economic, security, and educational ties between the two nations. He mentioned the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and bilateral activities as manifestations of this growing relationship. Moreover, he pointed out the reinvigoration of the Australia-India partnership, which has witnessed significant progress in contrast to previous decades.
Discussing India’s relations with Russia, Professor Blaxland provided a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged India’s historical dependence on Russia for military equipment and its view of Russia as a buffer against China. He also highlighted India’s reluctance to be overly critical of Russia due to these factors. At the same time, he underscored that the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue partners recognize India’s unique position and are careful not to isolate it, given its reliance on Russia and its proximity to China.
Addressing the AUKUS (Australia, UK, US) agreement, Professor Blaxland clarified that it is not a new alliance but rather an extension of existing security partnerships. He explained that Australia has had a long-standing security relationship with both the US and the UK, which has been ongoing for decades. He stressed the importance of distinguishing AUKUS from the Quad, as their purposes and constructions differ significantly.
In response to questions about whether India is being used as a counterweight to China, Professor Blaxland emphasized that India is an independent and powerful nation with its own interests. He refuted the notion that Western powers are coercing India into any particular role. He stressed that India’s actions are guided by its national interests, and its collaboration with other nations is motivated by shared objectives rather than coercion.
The interview with Professor John Blaxland provided valuable insights into the complexities of the India-Australia relationship and its strategic implications. He emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances of bilateral and multilateral engagements, highlighting that relationships are driven by shared interests and evolving dynamics rather than simplistic narratives.