India, explained.
HMAS Warramunga's embarked MH-60R helicopter, “Sabertooth”, conducts free-deck landings and recoveries during AUSINDEX 21 between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy (POIS Yuri Ramsey/Defence Images)
Strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be good not just for the region but for global security and trade.
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Why Australia–India maritime ties matterWhy Australia–India maritime ties matter
The maritime relationship between Australia and India has developed considerably over recent years, but it has yet to reach its full potential. As both countries face mounting challenges in the Indo-Pacific, such as China's growing assertiveness and the increasing competition for strategic maritime routes, there is a pressing need for deeper cooperation between them. This matters because a stronger Indo-Australian maritime alliance would not only benefit both nations but also contribute to a balanced, rules-based regional order that works towards peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Historically, the maritime connection between India and Australia was relatively underdeveloped, but it has seen significant progress in recent decades. This transformation is underpinned by an expanding naval cooperation, increased maritime exercises, and joint research initiatives. The India–Australia bilateral relationship was further solidified with the signing of the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation in 2009, which laid the groundwork for deeper defence and maritime engagements. In 2014, both countries took a giant leap forward by launching the India-Australia Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, followed by the establishment of the 2+2 dialogue framework in 2019. This dialogue includes discussions on maritime security, enhancing defence and naval ties, and developing practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
A key feature of Australia–India maritime cooperation has been joint naval exercises. The AUSINDEX naval exercises, initiated in 2015, represent a critical development in this area. These exercises, conducted in both Indian and Australian waters, focus on enhancing interoperability between the two navies, sharing best practices, and improving tactical and operational coordination. Over time, these exercises have grown in scope, covering a wide range of activities, including anti-submarine warfare, surface combat operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Such exercises not only reinforce the importance of maritime security but also serve as a platform for both countries to strengthen their operational capabilities in maritime environments.
China's growing maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a critical concern for both India and Australia.
In addition to bilateral exercises, India and Australia have actively participated in multilateral maritime engagements. Australia is a key partner in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, alongside the United States and Japan, which focuses on ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have also played pivotal roles in regional maritime forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, promoting dialogue on maritime security, disaster relief, and sustainable ocean governance. Through these platforms, India and Australia have supported a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, advocating for international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to govern the use of the seas.
Trade is another significant driver of Australia–India maritime ties. The Indian Ocean is a vital maritime trade route, linking the two countries and providing access to energy resources, raw materials, and markets across the region. The importance of maritime connectivity has spurred both countries to invest in modernising their ports and infrastructure to enhance shipping capacity and trade facilitation. For instance, the construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, India, and the expansion of the Port of Fremantle in Australia are part of broader efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and streamline trade routes. Furthermore, India is Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner, and maritime trade plays a central role in the economic exchanges between the two countries. Both nations recognise that ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean is vital for sustaining these trade flows and economic prosperity.
China's growing maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a critical concern for both India and Australia. As China asserts its territorial claims in the South China Sea and increases its naval footprint in the Indian Ocean, both countries have sought to counterbalance these actions through strengthened maritime cooperation. This has become more pronounced as both nations have increased their naval patrols in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, aiming to ensure regional stability and safeguard sea lanes that are crucial for global commerce. Australia, with its strategic location, plays a critical role in ensuring the security of key maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Malacca, which is vital for global trade, including India’s trade.
Strengthening Australia–India maritime cooperation is no longer a matter of choice but of necessity. The Indo-Pacific’s growing geopolitical significance, coupled with the region’s strategic maritime routes, demands a more robust and coordinated approach to security and economic collaboration. By deepening naval engagements, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and securing vital trade routes, Australia and India can ensure their maritime dominance while contributing to regional and global peace. Strengthening this partnership will not only help secure their national interests but will also send a clear message to the international community that the Indo-Pacific’s maritime order must be defended against any aggressive challenges.
About the author
Nidhi Priya
Nidhi Priya is a student of Masters in Management from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang East Java, Indonesia.
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