The Australia-India Framework for Security Cooperation: Another Step Towards an Indo-Pacific Security Partnership

Narendra Modi's visit to Australia in November 2014 and his fanfare address to the Australian Parliament was accompanied by much discussion of a "natural partnership" between the two countries. The visit was a significant step forward in a relationship that could one day become an important part of Australia's overall strategic posture. One of the most substantive achievements of the visit was the conclusion of a Framework for Security Cooperation setting out an Action Plan for a more comprehensive security and defence relationship. The Framework signals an intention on both sides to intensify the Australia-India security engagement and take it into some important new areas. This comment gives an overview of recent developments in the Australia-India security and defence relationship. It then examines the terms of the Framework, focusing on new areas of cooperation set out in the Framework. The comment then considers how the relationship will likely develop in coming years.