Australian envoy praises India
“Strong Indo-Australian Relations Amidst Challenges: Australian Envoy”
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Australian Envoy to India, Philip Green, emphasized the robustness of the strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties between Australia and India, despite occasional hurdles. Green expressed confidence in the partnership’s future trajectory, refraining from addressing queries on intelligence matters.
Last week, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to upholding democratic values amidst reports of past instances of alleged espionage activities by India on Australian soil. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) had reported on Indian operatives being expelled for attempted espionage related to defense and airport security projects.
Highlighting India’s significance in the strategic landscape, Green underscored India’s indispensable role in maintaining balance and stability in the Indian Ocean region. He stressed India’s importance as a key partner in economic security and trade diversification, beyond defense cooperation.
Australia’s recently released National Defence Strategy (NDS) 2024 identified India as a top-tier security partner, with a focus on fostering practical cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability. Green noted India’s rapid ascent as a strategic partner over the past five years, amidst growing superpower competition and territorial disputes in the Indo-Pacific, particularly involving China.
Addressing China’s military buildup and territorial assertiveness, Green emphasized the need for a sustainable strategic balance in the region, where sovereignty and freedom of states are respected. Australia, he stated, is bolstering its military capabilities to ensure regional stability and protect its interests.
While acknowledging differences with China, Green emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and managing bilateral relations constructively. He described the current state of relations with China as a “new equilibrium,” highlighting the ability to address disagreements while continuing economic engagement.
The remarks from the Australian envoy underscore the complex dynamics at play in the Indo-Pacific region, with Australia positioning itself as a key player in maintaining regional stability amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
