Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 04/2014

The India-Australia Strategic Relationship: Defining Realistic Expectations

Frederic Grare

March 2014

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Abstract

Mutual indifference has long characterized relations between India and Australia, but the two countries’ interests are increasingly converging. In particular, New Delhi and Canberra are both wary of China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Yet there are several constraints hindering the development of a strong India-Australia partnership, and both countries need to be realistic about the prospects for a closer strategic relationship.