Those of us who have been involved in planning and nurturing maritime relations with the navies of the US, the UK, Russia and France over the last two to three decades, have often wondered why Japan and Australia did not receive the same recognition that they deserved in the Narasimha Rao-led Look East policy drive.
There existed, and remain many constraints within our closed-loop decision and policy-making structures. They are not obliged to articulate India’s strategic vision in terms of a white paper, as is often done in other defence establishments. Common maritime challenges and interests in the Asia-Pacific region are, however, tackled on a bilateral, need-driven basis rather than any long-term vision.
Multi-lateral engagements at sea have been frowned upon by the political leadership, as those that may offend the sensitivities of certain countries in the region. Hence annual/biennial exercise programmes like Malabar with the USN, Indra with Russia and Konkan with the UK are limited to bilateral rather than multi-lateral exercises – with one recent exception.
It is in this backdrop that the visit to Australia last November by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a lapse of three decades, and the resulting joint statements and communications thereof, came as a pleasant surprise to the strategic community.
- Stalled Indo-Australian maritime cooperation will be expedited by the present naval exercise
- Presence of quality warships and aircrafts on both sides indicate a move towards advanced tactical exercises
- Indian navy’s familiarity with English and NATO procedures will aid in tactical-level discussions
- AUSINDEX-15 will enable both countries to gain experience in underwater warfare in tropical conditions
Convergence of Indo-Australian Naval Interests in the IOR
Australian and Indian convergence of interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been under discussion for a few years. The Indian Navy’s initiative of convening an Indian Ocean Naval Symposium did harmonise and encourage engagement and interaction with all the navies of the region. It would be fair to state that Australian cooperation in the maritime affairs of the IOR brought the two navies together. Equally, the lack of enthusiasm from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs to support a fruitful venture such as IONS hindered its progress.
Two meetings in quick succession, Tony Abbot in India in September 2014, and Modi in Australia in November the same year changed the atmospherics to a large extent.
India and Australia have a great economic synergy. There are huge opportunities for partnership in every area we can think of – agriculture, agro-processing, resources, energy, finance, infrastructure, education, and science and technology.
–Narendra Modi declared November 18, 2014
But what needs to be noted is that the strategic dimensions of the relationship were carefully calibrated at the appropriate levels of dialogue/address, both to the media and the joint session of parliamentarians.
The visit to the Australian war memorial, and elaboration on the battle of Gallipoli was perhaps orchestrated to enhance the optics of the concerned event. Stress on underlying strategic interest in areas of civil-nuclear cooperation, maritime security etc, were discretely handled by both parties. For instance, legislative and legal impediments to deliver on strategic needs of uranium to India, as reflected in the agreement reached by the two prime ministers is an example of the complexities that need to be taken note of.
AUSINDEX: A Positive Move towards Strategic Engagement
As a result of the impetus received from discussions, the long-awaited Australia-India naval exercise (AUSINDEX-15) has already commenced at/off Visakhapatnam port, and is scheduled to be completed on September 19. An analysis on the structure of this biennial exercise would be instructive to comprehend the genuine desire for strategic engagement between the two countries.
First, discussions on the need for maritime cooperation commenced a while ago and was emphasised again during former Defence Minister A K Antony’s visit to Australia. However, in the absence of conducive apex-level discussions, it remained on paper till the strategic objectives were shaped recently. Meetings between the two PMs in quick succession – Abbot’s visit to India, followed by Modi’s to Australia – contributed towards its expeditious execution.
Secondly, the composition and quality of warships and aircrafts on both sides indicate that the two navies are willing to jump from elementary to very advanced tactical exercises. Anti-submarine exercises are considered the most advanced level of engagement between any two navies.
Thirdly, that the Indian crew is not only conversant with English, but also familiar with procedures adopted by NATO forces outlined in the Allied Tactical Publications (ATP) and Allied Exercise Programmes (AXP), make it extremely convenient for communications and tactical-level discussions and preparations. It would not be the case while exercising with Russian or Chinese navies. By itself, this is a force multiplier and a tailor-made situation for cooperation and compatibility.
Fourthly, the Collins class submarine operated by the Australians is a worthy underwater opponent. This exercise would provide both navies with invaluable experience in underwater warfare in tropical conditions.
Fifthly, while surface ships on both sides are capable of deploying integral helicopters for prosecuting underwater threats, the inclusion of P3C maritime patrol aircraft from Australia and our own P81 Boeing would add a dimension that is the envy of any navy worth its salt.
AUSINDEX-15 has set a high threshold of expectations and experience which would be mutually rewarding and satisfying. It augurs well for pursuing the strategic objectives set by Abbot and Modi, but more importantly for a long and sustained relationship between Australia and India.
(The writer is a former Commander-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)