Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “jet-setting diplomacy” in his first term didn’t get the praise as desired. But five years later, the overseas reach out by PM Modi had brought more in diplomacy dividends than by the entire budget spent on the publicity of “Incredible India” by the country’s Tourism Ministry
The virtual summit between PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on Thursday was beyond the diplomatic protocol and a message to collaborate comprehensively to maximise the Indo-Australian relations, which have been most underrated and underexplored. Both leaders, while admitting that despite sharing the common values, traditions and threats — terrorism and China – the two countries haven’t moved to forge a strategic partnership as desired. The same could have resulted in a far stronger counter to the rise of China in the Asia-Pacific and also in the South China Sea to thwart attempts of the Dragon to harass ASEAN nations and disturb the regional security, including up to Australia and Japan.
Today’s virtual summit spelt out the gaps which need to be bridged urgently like science and technology, maritime security partnership, free and balanced trade relations, logistics sharing and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to moving on other issues like cyber, education, tourism, infrastructure and food. The last can be the game-changer as Australia, which is home to wine and wheat, can trade with India on a lot of food items, processed and packaged for its people; Australia is currently facing abrupt supply chains due to snapped ties with China. Australia has always voiced for India’s entry into the UN Security Council and consistently slammed Pakistan for encouraging cross-border terrorism. A strong ally like Australia in India’s strategic diplomacy charter under PM Modi will set the tempo for “correct realisation’’ of the Act-East Policy.
We have to reach out to Australia correctly and urgently to forge “comprehensive trade and security pacts” to be a strategic player in the emerging geopolitical dynamics, epicentre of which is the Indo-pacific region. India must start with two critical areas — becoming a vital regional security partner with Australia to maintain maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region; and exploring the mutual trade potential to bridge the gaps created by China’s exit from the Pacific nation’s trading chain. The Quad — an alliance of the US, Japan, India and Australia – needs to go beyond table talks and diplomacy roundups and must become a strategic defence and security arrangement like the NATO to protect the Indo-Pacific region and international waters through intensive naval exercises, air surveillance and regular talks with other stakeholders in the region — Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. The Quad can always be on their sides in the time of anticipated Chinese intrusion as reported in the South China Sea in recent months.
Not to forget, the pace of building this strategic partnership to secure the East, including the seas, is the most critical in containing the Dragon. It’s time to match the speed of China in securing the Indo-Pacific with Australia!