INDIA-AUSTRALIA (Bilateral relations)

 India and Australia are two of the largest democracies in the world and have maintained cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1945. Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has grown stronger, with cooperation in various areas such as defense, trade, education, and cultural exchange. This article will provide a detailed overview of the bilateral relations between India and Australia.

Historical Context:

India-Australia relations have a long history dating back to the early 19th century when the British colonized both countries. India and Australia were both part of the British Empire, and as a result, the two countries share a common language, legal system, and political structure. India gained independence from British rule in 1947, while Australia had already gained independence in 1901.

Since gaining independence, India and Australia have maintained a cordial relationship, but it was not until the 1990s that the two countries began to develop closer ties. This was due in part to the changing geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, where India and Australia are both located.

Economic Relations:

The economic relationship between India and Australia has grown significantly over the years, with bilateral trade reaching $29.44 billion in 2020-21. India is one of Australia's largest trading partners in the region, and the two countries have signed several agreements to enhance economic cooperation.

One of the key agreements between the two countries is the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which was signed in 2011. The CECA aims to eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, including agriculture, mining, and information technology. The CECA is expected to boost trade between the two countries significantly.

In addition to the CECA, India and Australia have also signed several other agreements, including the Australia-India Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), which aims to enhance defense cooperation, and the Australia-India Education Council, which promotes collaboration in the field of education.

Defense and Security:

Defense and security cooperation between India and Australia have grown significantly over the years, with the two countries conducting joint military exercises and sharing intelligence. The Australia-India Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) is one of the key agreements in the defense and security sphere, which was signed in 2020. The MLSA allows the two countries to use each other's military bases for refueling and resupply.

India and Australia also conduct joint naval exercises, with the most recent exercise, AUSINDEX, taking place in 2019. AUSINDEX involved the participation of Indian and Australian warships, submarines, and aircraft.

Cultural Exchange:

Cultural exchange between India and Australia has also grown over the years, with the two countries promoting their respective cultures through various events and initiatives. In 2018, the Australia-India Council (AIC) launched a cultural exchange program called the Oz Fest, which aimed to showcase Australian culture in India.

Similarly, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has also organized several cultural events in Australia to promote Indian culture. In 2019, the ICCR organized the International Yoga Day celebrations in Australia, which saw the participation of thousands of people.

Education:

Education is another area of cooperation between India and Australia, with many Indian students choosing to study in Australian universities. According to the Australian government, there were over 90,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian universities in 2020.

The Australia-India Education Council (AIEC) was established in 2011 to enhance cooperation in the field of education. The AIEC aims to promote student mobility between the two countries and develop joint research projects and academic collaborations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, India-Australia relations have come a long way since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1945.