India, Australia up defence cooperation, plan key talks

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 31

India and Australia are for the first time engaged in midair refuelling exercise even as the two countries are upping defence and security co-operation in Indo-Pacific.

Nearly 160 security personnel are participating in the exercise ‘Pitchblack’ in Darwin in the Northern Territory with four SU-301, one C-17 and one C-130 involved. The Australian refuelling platform KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport is a heavily modified Airbus A330 airliner with advanced communications and navigation systems that allow air-to-air refuelling and strategic air lift.

“India has earlier participated as only an observer in ‘Pitchblack’. There have been a number of subject matter expert exchanges on air traffic control and flight safety,” a source said.

Sources indicate that bilateral defence relationship is on an upward trajectory regardless of Australia not getting a green signal to join the Malabar exercise despite demonstrated keenness. The ties have expanded since the framework for security cooperation was signed by PM Narendra Modi and then Australian PM Tony Abbott in 2014. A host of high-level meetings lined up later in 2018 include defence ministers’ talks, annual defence policy talks between all three service chiefs on both sides.

The second round of 2+2 dialogue at level of defence and foreign secretaries inaugurated last year is expected in October. In August, the Indian Navy will for the first time participate in Australian multilateral exercise ‘Kakadu’ in Darwin. In November, the Indian Navy will participate as observers in submarine rescue exercise ‘Black Carillion’ in Western Australia.

“There will be more opportunities of close co-operation, given the number of common platforms the two countries share like C-17, C-130 and P8 (Navy),” said an official.

The bilateral maritime exercise ‘Ausindex’ last held in August 2017 off Western Australia is expected early next year in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Army will also host third round of Australian Special Forces exercise ‘AustraHind’ in August. Later this year, a counter improvised explosive device activity involving the two armies will be held in India. 

The Inaugural Joint Working Group on Mutual cooperation between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is also expected in 2018. Delhi and Oz are cooperating more closely even as US-Japan and Australia have announced a new trilateral investment partnership in the Indo-Pacific, seen as countering China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

The line-up

• In August, the Indian Navy will for the first time participate in Australian multilateral exercise “Kakadu” in Darwin
• The second round of 2+2 dialogue at level of defence and foreign secretaries inaugurated last year is expected in October
• In November, the Indian Navy will participate as observers in submarine rescue exercise “Black Carillion” in Western Australia