Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand came against the backdrop of a perceived shift in the United States’ strategic position regarding the Indo-Pacific region. The deliberations and the subsequent signing of agreements underscore India’s policy of strengthening key bilateral partnerships across the increasingly vital region. In Indonesia, Modi was conferred with the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, while signing major strategic, defence, and trade agreements. These included deals for BrahMos and Astra missiles. The talks formalised a commitment to enhance maritime connectivity by jointly developing ports in Aceh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, alongside collaborative Coast Guard initiatives in the regional waters. The agreement to jointly develop Sabang port near the Strait of Malacca gives India a strategic edge in countering China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean. Both countries have committed to fostering a region that promotes unimpeded commerce and adheres to a rules-based order.
Among the major outcomes from the bilateral talks with Australia is the agreement to supply Australia’s uranium for India’s civilian nuclear energy programme. Australia holds about 28% the world’s uranium reserves. The agreement ends uncertainty following Australia’s reluctance to export uranium over concerns that it would be used for weapons. Geopolitical shifts and India’s assurance that the uranium would be used exclusively for peaceful purposes have led Australia to reverse its policy. The two countries have agreed to deepen defence cooperation and build robust supply chains for critical minerals. Australia will support India’s spaceflight missions through space-tracking capabilities from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Both sides have also agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). As a major Pacific power, Australia offers India an opportunity to leverage a key strategic partnership. Closer ties across the domains of trade, energy, security, and space would be mutually beneficial for both nations.
The Prime Minister’s visit to New Zealand carried symbolic and substantive import. It was the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 40 years to the nation which has a sizeable Indian diaspora. In line with a changing regional scenario and strategic realignments, the two countries have elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Building upon the recently signed FTA, India and New Zealand are set to enhance cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, defence, and education. Major outcomes of Modi’s multi-nation visit underline an emerging consensus among regional players to expand bilateral ties to achieve the larger objective of stability within the Indo-Pacific. (Source: DH)
