In the evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape, the India–Australia partnership has emerged as a defining axis of regional stability, economic opportunity, and climate resilience. At a recent workshop hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland (AIIAQ), Ambika Vishwanath, a DFAT-funded Research Fellow at La Trobe Asia, as well as a geopolitical analyst and water security specialist, emphasised the need for India and Australia to extend their cooperation beyond limited bilateral exchanges and adopt a more active, inclusive role in shaping regional initiatives across the Indo-Pacific.
The diplomatic relationship between India and Australia dates back to 1941; however, it has only developed into a truly strategic and multifaceted partnership in recent decades. In 2009, it was elevated to a Strategic Partnership and then to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, reflecting a shared commitment to deeper cooperation across security, economic, and development spheres. Today, that partnership is underpinned by growing trade, with bilateral flows reaching USD 50 billion in 2024 and a target of USD 100 billion by 2030. Key sectors include critical minerals, agribusiness, education, and digital services. As Ambika noted, the relationship is no longer aspirational; it is operational, but it must also adapt to evolving regional demands.
Four key areas of joint action were identified as essential to advancing this cooperation. First, developing shared early-warning systems for climate disasters. Second, enhancing training and capacity for joint disaster response. Third, forming triangular partnerships with Pacific Island nations on food security and humanitarian aid. And fourth, investing in collaborative research and innovation to build climate-resilient infrastructure. In particular, this includes early warning systems for natural disasters, such as floods, cyclones, and droughts, with particular urgency in the Pacific Island region, which faces high vulnerability to climate shocks and food insecurity.
In addition to these areas, people-to-people ties, particularly in education and skilled mobility, remain a core strength of the partnership. Over 100,000 Indian students are now studying in Australia, supported by frameworks such as the Qualifications Recognition Mechanism and the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, both introduced in 2023. These initiatives support the academic and professional growth of Indian students, and as Ambika noted, are mutually beneficial, cultivating globally connected professionals who reflect shared values
Closely tied to these exchanges is the growing role of the Indian diaspora in Australia, now numbering over 800,000. This vibrant community contributes across politics, civil society, business, and academia. Ambika described this influence as a form of ‘soft diplomacy,’ driven by education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, an increasingly important element in strengthening bilateral understanding.
Food security emerged as a significant focus of the India–Australia partnership, especially in the Indo-Pacific context. The Pacific region currently imports over 70% of its food, making it highly vulnerable to global supply shocks. Ambika highlighted how India and Australia bring complementary strengths to this challenge: India contributes proven models in drought-resistant agriculture and community-based farming, while Australia provides advanced irrigation technology, remote sensing tools, and cold-chain logistics.
To enhance agricultural resilience, both countries are supporting climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, which may include the development of resilient crop varieties and drought-tolerant seeds. They are also investing in agro-meteorology, including early-warning systems tailored to smallholder farmers. Pilot projects in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea are helping to build local food systems and reduce future climate vulnerability. Without adaptation, crop yields in the region are expected to decline by 10–20% by 2050 due to escalating risks, including droughts, floods, and cyclones.
Climate action emerged as a core theme. Ambika highlighted the complementary strengths of both nations—India’s expanding manufacturing capacity and energy demand, and Australia’s critical mineral reserves and technological expertise. Collaborative efforts are underway in solar, green hydrogen, energy storage, and critical minerals, including a Memorandum of Understanding to support the joint development of strategic mineral supply chains.
To support this energy transition, the two countries are also investing in emerging technologies, including battery systems, grid management, offshore wind, and bioenergy. Joint feasibility studies have already been launched, and projected investments are expected to exceed USD 1 billion by 2027. These efforts are reinforced by capacity-building initiatives, including the India–Australia Rooftop Solar Training Academy, which aims to train 10,000 Indian professionals by 2026, as well as research partnerships spanning more than 15 universities, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation-led sustainability.
In line with growing international emphasis on inclusive climate responses, the workshop also underscored the importance of gender-integrated strategies. Ambika highlighted the incorporation of gender perspectives within key platforms, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and agricultural programs, all aimed at enhancing women’s leadership in adaptation and resilience. Joint initiatives include ISA solar projects with women-led implementation in Pacific Island nations, a 30% target for women’s participation in the Rooftop Solar Training Academy, and India’s SHG model for empowering women in climate-vulnerable regions. Additionally, Australia’s regional programs, such as Strongim Bisnis in the Solomon Islands, SOLKAS, CREWS (2020–2024), and Women’s Weather Watch, demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating gender considerations into disaster preparedness, agri-business, and climate literacy. These programs underscore the pivotal role of women as agents of change in fostering resilient communities across the Indo-Pacific.
“In the Indo-Pacific, cooperation is not a choice—it is a necessity.”
Ambika concluded by encouraging both India and Australia to move beyond short-term, bilateral goals, like trade agreements or defence deals, and instead focus on shared regional responsibilities. She stressed that their partnership should help address the broader needs of the Indo-Pacific, especially in vulnerable Pacific Island nations.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the workshop also highlighted the strategic value of engaging with multilateral platforms. Ambika pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, the QUAD Climate Working Group, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as key avenues for India and Australia to shape regional responses to climate and energy challenges. These mechanisms enable both nations to collaborate on solar deployment, maritime governance, and resilient infrastructure, reinforcing their role as stabilising forces in the Indo-Pacific.
By investing in long-term planning and consistent regional engagement, India and Australia can move from reactive responses to proactive leadership, serving not only as bilateral partners but as stewards of Indo-Pacific resilience.
Edited by Deborah Bouchez
Written by Kiseki Fujisawa
Currently, in her final year of a Juris Doctor at Griffith University, Kiseki Fujisawa is passionate about international law and global affairs. With a strong interest in the intersection of law and diplomacy, Kiseki aspires to promote justice and peace worldwide through legal and diplomatic efforts.
