India-Australia Hold Maritime Security Dialogue

August 14, 2024

On August 13, 2024, the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue was held in Canberra, focusing on strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This meeting reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia and addresses crucial maritime issues.

Key Discussions

During the dialogue, senior officials from both countries discussed ways to maintain a safe maritime environment that supports inclusive growth and global well-being. Key topics included:

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Enhancing security in the region.

Maritime Domain Awareness: Improving knowledge and monitoring of maritime activities.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Coordinating responses to emergencies and disasters at sea.

Maritime Cooperation Areas

The discussions also covered:

Search and Rescue (SAR): Improving joint efforts for effective search and rescue operations.

Pollution Response: Addressing maritime pollution, particularly concerning plastic waste.

Blue Economy: Promoting sustainable economic activities that utilize marine resources responsibly.

Port State Control: Enhancing the enforcement of international maritime regulations.

Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI)

Both nations reviewed progress and future plans under the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI), which focuses on preserving maritime ecology and was established by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.

Historical Background

In June 2020, India and Australia formalized a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This agreement aims to improve navy-to-navy cooperation and enhance maritime domain awareness through information sharing.

Facts About India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue

Started in 2015: The dialogue began to improve cooperation between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.
Joint Naval Exercises: Both countries conduct exercises like AUSINDEX to strengthen their military partnership.
Addressing Maritime Challenges: The dialogue works on issues such as:
Piracy: Fighting against pirate activities.
Illegal Fishing: Preventing unauthorized fishing.
Cybersecurity and Information Sharing: Focuses on protecting maritime data and sharing important information.
Regional Collaboration: India and Australia work together in groups like the Quad (which also includes the US and Japan).
Capacity-Building: They help neighboring countries improve their maritime security and abilities.
Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Supports a region where maritime routes are open and international laws are followed.