India Strengthens Defence Ties with US, New Zealand, and Australia

Context:

India is intensifying defence cooperation with key Western allies the US, New Zealand, and Australia all part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance (alongside Canada and the UK). This reflects India’s strategic positioning to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

• Key Developments
  • India–New Zealand Agreement
    • Signed a new pact to institutionalize defence relations.
    • Focus on joint military exercises, staff training, and naval port calls.
    • New Zealand expressed interest in joining India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, strengthening collective maritime security efforts.
    • Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about pro-Khalistani elements in New Zealand, indicating India’s assertive diplomatic approach.
  • India–US Engagement
    • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
    • Discussions focused on defence innovation, niche technologies, supply chain integration, military exercises, and information-sharing, particularly in the maritime domain.
    • This meeting builds on prior discussions between Modi and Trump, showing consistent progress in defence and strategic cooperation.
  • India–Australia Defence Talks
    • The 9th edition of defence policy talks focused on maritime domain awareness, information-sharing, and defence industry collaboration.
    • The engagement signals continued commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Geopolitical Implications
  • India is positioning itself as a central player in regional security by deepening relations with Four of the Five Eyes members.
  • The emphasis on maritime cooperation suggests that India is proactively safeguarding strategic sea lanes in response to China’s growing naval assertiveness.
  • Collaboration on defence technologies and supply chains indicates long-term strategic alignment with Western allies, reducing dependency on traditional defence suppliers and increasing self-reliance.

India’s intensified defence diplomacy with the US, New Zealand, and Australia highlights its proactive strategy to enhance maritime security, strengthen defence capabilities, and counter China’s regional influence. These engagements also reflect India’s broader ambition to become a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific and a leader in fostering multilateral cooperation in the region.

Source: BS