India Recognised As Top-Tier Defence And Security Partner By Australia’s High Commissioner

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green has declared that India is now regarded as a “top-tier defence and security partner” for Australia.

His remarks came during an address at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia earlier in July for the third India-Australia Annual Summit.

Green highlighted that the joint declaration adopted during the summit encapsulates the depth of the bilateral relationship, covering defence, maritime security, technology, energy, trade and people-to-people ties.

He stressed that the maritime domain is the most significant area of defence cooperation, given the strategic positioning of both nations in the Indo-Pacific. He noted that neither India nor Australia alone can map the Indian Ocean, underscoring the importance of their partnership.

He pointed to the Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) as a key initiative to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Energy security was also emphasised, with leaders reaffirming commitments and completing the administrative framework required to operationalise uranium exports from Australia to India. Green explained that this closes a 12-year gap since the nuclear safeguards agreement was signed, paving the way for commercial uranium sales.

Responding to questions, Green confirmed that the government framework for uranium trade is now complete, leaving actual sales to the commercial sector. He identified three strategic drivers underpinning the partnership: strategic alignment in a turbulent world, economic complementarity with India’s rapid growth, and the human component represented by over a million people of Indian origin in Australia.

On the Quad, Green said the grouping remains in excellent shape, citing recent meetings in Manila and Delhi that demonstrated strong alignment and trust among the four foreign ministers. He anticipated further meetings before the year’s end.

Regarding China, he reiterated Australia’s consistent policy: cooperating where possible, disagreeing when necessary, and always acting in national interest. He acknowledged China’s importance in global affairs and climate change, while noting differences are managed constructively.

Green emphasised India’s central role in Australia’s future economic security, particularly in building resilient supply chains. He referenced recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as reinforcing India’s importance in energy security and diversification in sectors such as electric vehicles, legacy chips and solar panels.

On defence cooperation, he revealed that Australia is upgrading infrastructure on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to strengthen maritime domain awareness, including airfield upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft.

He also noted ongoing engagement through Track 1.5 dialogues and collaboration to strengthen regional institutions, particularly the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Responding to another question, he confirmed that Australia, Canada and India are preparing to deepen collaboration in critical minerals and technologies, reflecting India’s growing strategic importance.

Green concluded by reaffirming that India is becoming more consequential among global players and that Australia is pleased to advance trilateral cooperation with India and Canada in key strategic sectors.

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Quad In Strong Shape As Australia Highlights India’s Strategic Role

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green has underlined that the Quad grouping is in “extremely good shape,” pointing to the strong sense of alignment and trust among the four member states.

Speaking at an ORF event, he noted that the recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila followed two such meetings last year and another held in New Delhi three months ago. He emphasised that the frequency of these engagements reflects the determination of the four nations to deepen cooperation.

Green added that more meetings of foreign ministers are expected before the end of the year, signalling the grouping’s intent to maintain momentum.

He highlighted India’s growing importance in Australia’s economic security program, stressing that New Delhi has become a crucial partner in ensuring resilient supply chains and energy security. He remarked that recent geopolitical developments, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz, underscored India’s strategic value for Australia’s energy supplies.

Green explained that India is seen as a trusted partner across key sectors, including electric motors, electric vehicles, legacy chips and solar panels, making it a natural source of diversification.

On the India-Australia uranium deal, Green confirmed that the government-level framework has now been completed. He explained that while Australia had earlier signed a nuclear safeguards agreement, the underlying administrative framework was not settled until recently. With that now in place, the next phase will be driven by commercial decisions, with actual uranium sales left to the private sector.

He also spoke about trilateral cooperation involving Australia, Canada and India in emerging technologies. Green said the three countries are prepared to deepen collaboration in critical minerals and critical technologies, noting that India is becoming increasingly consequential among global players. He expressed satisfaction at bringing the three nations together in these strategic fields.

On defence ties, Green pointed to the recently announced joint declaration as evidence of the growing strategic partnership between Canberra and New Delhi. He described India as a top-tier defence and security partner for Australia.

He further emphasised that maritime cooperation remains the cornerstone of bilateral defence engagement, stating that the maritime domain is perhaps the most important sphere of collaboration between the two countries.

The envoy’s remarks reflect the strengthening of India-Australia relations across multiple dimensions, from energy and supply chain resilience to defence and emerging technologies. They also highlight the Quad’s continued relevance as a platform for strategic trust and alignment in the Indo-Pacific.

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India-Japan Defence Technology Partnership Gains Momentum Amid Strategic Push

Japan can fulfil India's long standing requirement of a amphibious aircraft with ShinMaywa US-2

India and Japan have entered a new phase of defence industrial cooperation, with SIDM pushing industry-led collaboration in drones, AI-enabled systems, and secure communications, while the UNICORN naval mast project and Mogami-class frigate proposal signal Tokyo’s greater willingness to share high-end technologies.

The opportunity is substantial, but execution will depend on overcoming cost, intellectual property, and localisation hurdles.

India’s premier defence industry body, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, has invited inputs on collaboration opportunities with Japan following Tokyo’s relaxation of its long-standing restrictions on defence exports.

The areas identified include unmanned systems, counter-UAS technologies, autonomous defence platforms, AI-enabled systems, and software-defined radios. The scope could expand to electronic warfare, secure communications, radar, electro-optics, advanced composites, gallium nitride-based RF systems, mission computers, and defence software.

Japan’s revised “Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology”, approved in April 2026, marks a significant departure from its post-war caution. For India, the opening is attractive because Japan offers strengths in precision manufacturing, advanced materials, semiconductors, robotics, miniaturisation, and reliability engineering. These are capabilities Indian defence manufacturers need to compete globally.

The current moment is distinct because the conversation is shifting from buyer-seller transactions to co-development, co-production, supply-chain integration, and technology transfer. Analysts such as Dr Satoru Nagao argue that Japan’s shift is driven more by strategic logic than economics, with China being the central factor. He noted that Japan wants countries around China to strengthen their military capabilities, thereby easing Japan’s own security burden.

Recent developments underscore this logic. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Tokyo in mid-July for talks covering defence industry cooperation, maritime security, cyber, space, and advanced technologies.

His visit coincided with Japan’s renewed push for the Mogami-class stealth frigate proposal under a technology-transfer and local-production arrangement. Earlier in July, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to New Delhi saw the signing of the first India–Japan defence co-development pact, focused on the UNICORN naval communications mast.

The system, developed by NEC and used on Mogami-class frigates, integrates multiple antennas into a single mast to improve stealth and secure communications. Bharat Electronics Limited will manufacture the system in India, with localisation and integration of Indian sensors.

Nagao emphasised that the UNICORN project is not just technical but strategic, as Japan wants India aligned when facing China. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Japan’s ATLA and India’s DRDO on unmanned ground vehicles, which could be relevant for operations along the India–China border. He argued that future cooperation must extend beyond technology sharing to production lines, repair facilities, spare parts, and ammunition support.

Despite the enthusiasm, barriers remain. India’s emphasis on indigenisation under ‘Make in India’ often clashes with Japan’s cautious approach to intellectual property and export controls. Japanese firms, long accustomed to a protected domestic market, remain wary of deep overseas commitments.

Cost competitiveness is another hurdle, as Japanese systems are built for performance and reliability rather than price-sensitive export markets.

Past projects, such as the US-2 amphibious aircraft negotiations, stalled over cost and technology transfer issues.

Nagao acknowledged these difficulties but argued that successful collaboration could create momentum, citing Maruti-Suzuki as an example. He suggested that the UNICORN project could pave the way for cooperation on the Mogami-class frigate, with Japanese support extending to shipbuilding facilities in India. This could allow both Indian and Japanese naval ships to be maintained in India, expanding defence collaboration.

Japan remains one of the world’s leading investors in research and development, ranking third globally. Its technological base in AI, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, semiconductors, and space technologies is highly relevant to future warfare. For India, access to trusted high-end technology from a Quad partner fits well with efforts to reduce dependence on traditional suppliers while strengthening domestic manufacturing.

The partnership is clearly moving beyond exercises and dialogue. The first co-development project has been launched, a major naval proposal is under discussion, and industry has been asked to identify opportunities.

The test will be execution—resolving questions of intellectual property, production responsibility, cost-sharing, and export restrictions. If projects such as UNICORN and the Mogami proposal move from discussion to production, the partnership could become a serious pillar of India’s defence industrial strategy. If not, it risks remaining strategically aligned but industrially under-realised.

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India Reaffirms Zero Tolerance On Terrorism At ASEAN Regional Forum, Highlights Maritime Security And AI Cooperation

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated NewIndia’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed New Delhi’s uncompromising stance against terrorism during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila.

He declared that there must be zero tolerance for terrorism and warned that acts of terror will have consequences. His remarks underscored India’s determination to choke financial resources that sustain terrorist organisations and highlighted ongoing initiatives under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus framework, where India co‑chairs the Experts’ Working Group with Malaysia to prepare a compendium of best practices.

Jaishankar emphasised that the ARF remains a vital platform for addressing political and security challenges in the Indo‑Pacific, particularly in the current complex global environment. He welcomed the Manila Plan of Action, noting that its five pillars align closely with India’s own Indo‑Pacific approach.

He stressed that India’s contributions to disaster management and humanitarian assistance are extensive, involving the sharing of best practices, developing common Standard Operating Procedures, and conducting real‑time and table‑top exercises.

He pointed to India’s initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, alongside deployments of field hospitals, search and rescue teams, and relief materials. India has also undertaken rehabilitation efforts following disasters across multiple regions, including cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, as well as earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan. These efforts, he said, demonstrate India’s commitment to collaborative disaster response.

On maritime security, Jaishankar highlighted India’s role through the Information Fusion Centre, the Indo‑Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, and the deployment of Indian forces from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific.

These measures contribute to countering piracy, trafficking and narcotics trade, while securing maritime commerce. He stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable, and that international waterways must remain safe and uninterrupted.

He also underlined the importance of vigilance against actors undermining non‑proliferation and disarmament efforts. On the South China Sea, he reiterated India’s support for a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct that complies fully with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 and safeguards the legitimate rights of all users.

Turning to emerging challenges, Jaishankar advocated a responsible and human‑centric approach to artificial intelligence. He called for deeper cooperation on cybercrime, stressing that technological advances must be harnessed responsibly to avoid risks to peace and security. His remarks reflected India’s broader vision of balancing innovation with accountability in the digital domain.

Jaishankar’s visit to Manila included participation in several high‑level meetings, such as the ASEAN‑India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In the Quad discussions, India, the United States, Japan and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo‑Pacific and reiterated support for ASEAN centrality.

India’s message at the ARF was clear: terrorism will not be tolerated, maritime commerce must remain secure, disaster resilience requires collective effort, and emerging technologies must be governed responsibly. The stance reflects New Delhi’s ambition to play a proactive role in shaping regional and global security frameworks.

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EAM Jaishankar Meets Rubio In Manila As Quad Reaffirms ASEAN Centrality And Indo-Pacific Security

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila on 22 July 2026, reaffirming the strength of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership as the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reconvened alongside ASEAN-related engagements.

The discussions highlighted trade, defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and Indo-Pacific security, while the Quad collectively underscored ASEAN centrality and a rules-based order amid rising regional tensions.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio focused on priority areas within the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. These included trade and tariffs, energy cooperation, defence and security, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional, global, and multilateral issues of mutual interest, reflecting the broad scope of their dialogue.

The meeting coincided with the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. Rubio emphasised that the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ASEAN centrality and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

He noted that the grouping of India, the United States, Australia, and Japan shares a vision grounded in the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and confirmed that the Quad will meet again later this year.

The Quad discussions carried added significance following recent confrontations in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine forces. While the Quad did not name China directly, its emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity was widely interpreted as a message against Beijing’s growing maritime assertiveness.

The ministers reviewed the Indo-Pacific landscape, followed up on outcomes from the May 2026 Quad meeting in New Delhi, and reiterated their commitment to maritime cooperation, energy security, and critical minerals supply chain resilience.

EAM Jaishankar’s Manila visit also included participation in ASEAN framework meetings such as the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit reflects India’s continued engagement with ASEAN under the Act East Policy and its commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It is particularly significant as 2026 has been designated the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, underscoring India’s focus on regional maritime security and connectivity.

During his visit, Jaishankar also met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Their discussions followed up on the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia, with Jaishankar expressing anticipation of further engagement at the Quad meeting.

He also held talks with Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, focusing on expanding the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership. Their dialogue covered trade and investment, education, defence and security, maritime cooperation, capacity building, and development cooperation, alongside recent Indo-Pacific developments.

The Quad’s Manila meeting built upon initiatives launched earlier this year, including the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration and the Indo-Pacific Energy Security framework. These programs aim to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen energy resilience, and provide transparent alternatives to coercive infrastructure projects in the region.

The Quad’s agenda also addressed freedom of navigation, regional security challenges, critical mineral supply chains, and climate resilience, reflecting its evolution into a more action-oriented grouping delivering tangible public goods.

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EAM Jaishankar To Visit Philippines For ASEAN And QUAD Meetings

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Manila, Philippines, on 22–23 July 2026 to participate in a series of Foreign Minister-level meetings under the ASEAN framework.

His visit will include engagements in the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Ministry highlighted that Jaishankar will also join a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related deliberations. This gathering will bring together his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the United States. In addition, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several participating ministers during his stay.

The visit underscores India’s deepening engagement with ASEAN under its Act East Policy. It reaffirms New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry noted that the year 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, making the visit particularly significant in terms of regional maritime collaboration.

Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel F Ignacio, recently emphasised India’s “very important role” in helping ASEAN achieve its objectives. He pointed to New Delhi’s consistent support for ASEAN unity and centrality, aligning with ASEAN’s broader regional outlook and Indo-Pacific vision.

Ignacio explained that the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair for 2026, has adopted the theme “Navigating Our Future Together.” He said this reflects the shared responsibility of member states and partners in addressing geopolitical challenges and advancing cooperation. He stressed that ASEAN nations must collectively confront realities shaped by global factors and work towards common solutions.

The Philippines has identified three key priorities during its chairship: “Peace and Security Anchors,” “Prosperity Corridors,” and “People Empowerment.” These priorities align with ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. The chairship also focuses on regional peace and security, economic integration, digital transformation, inclusive growth, and empowerment of people.

ASEAN’s 2026 chairship comes at a time when the organisation is striving to strengthen resilience amid global uncertainties. It is also working to advance cooperation among member states and external partners, including India, whose Indo-Pacific vision converges with ASEAN’s regional outlook.

EAM Jaishankar’s participation in ASEAN-related meetings and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is expected to reinforce India’s role as a key partner in regional diplomacy.

His bilateral engagements will further consolidate India’s ties with ASEAN members and Quad partners, while advancing shared objectives of maritime security, economic growth, and regional stability.

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QUAD Partners 'Essential' For 'Free And Open' Indo-Pacific: US Envoy Sergio Gor Ahead of Manila Summit

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has underlined the indispensable role of Washington’s Quad partners in securing a free and open Indo-Pacific. His remarks came ahead of a major diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia, where he will join US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the second Quad Ministerial meeting of the year.

In a post on X, Ambassador Gor expressed his anticipation for the upcoming program, stating that the United States remains firmly committed to the Indo-Pacific vision and that Quad partners are essential in achieving this goal. His statement reinforced Washington’s emphasis on regional security frameworks and collective resilience.

The announcement followed confirmation from the US Department of State that Secretary Rubio is visiting Manila between 19 and 23 July to participate in a series of ASEAN summits. The department highlighted that the visit would demonstrate tangible results of the US-ASEAN partnership while deepening Washington’s comprehensive partnership with the Philippines.

The State Department stressed that the mission advances a clear priority: ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that delivers safety, security, and prosperity for both the region and the American people. This reflects the broader strategic and commercial pillars of US foreign policy in Asia.

During the five-day program, Secretary Rubio will attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. These engagements are expected to provide platforms for advancing multilateral cooperation and addressing pressing regional challenges.

In addition to these multilateral dialogues, the Secretary will hold bilateral talks with senior dignitaries from various Indo-Pacific nations. These meetings will take place on the margins of the main conferences, allowing for targeted discussions on security, trade, and strategic cooperation.

The timing of Rubio’s arrival coincides with a broader assembly of international foreign ministers in Manila, convened under the Philippines’ current ASEAN chairmanship. This convergence underscores the Philippines’ pivotal role in hosting high-profile diplomatic events during its tenure.

From 19 to 24 July, Manila is hosting the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Post-Ministerial Conferences, and a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. This milestone celebration highlights ASEAN’s enduring commitment to peace and cooperation in the region.

The week-long gathering will bring together foreign ministers from across Asia alongside key international dialogue partners. The presence of Quad representatives, ASEAN members, and other global stakeholders is expected to reinforce the Indo-Pacific’s centrality in contemporary geopolitics.

The Manila summit builds upon earlier Quad engagements, including the New Delhi ministerial and the upcoming Philippines meeting, signalling continuity in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The emphasis on maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order remains at the forefront of these discussions.

By aligning Quad priorities with ASEAN’s regional agenda, the United States seeks to strengthen multilateral frameworks and ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains resilient against emerging challenges. The convergence of Quad and ASEAN diplomacy in Manila reflects a deliberate effort to integrate strategic visions and foster collective security.

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India’s BrahMos Missile Arc Redefines South China Sea Deterrence

India’s BrahMos missile exports are reshaping the South China Sea security environment by creating a distributed anti-access network across Southeast Asia.

With the Philippines already deploying, Vietnam signing a major deal, and Indonesia joining through a $600 million package, China now faces a layered deterrence arc that complicates its naval operations and strategic planning.

India’s BrahMos missile exports have become a central pillar of its Indo-Pacific strategy. The Philippines was the first to acquire the system, signing a $375 million deal in 2022. Deliveries began in 2024, with batteries deployed across Luzon and the Luzon Strait, critical choke points for monitoring Chinese naval movements. Manila has since been offered extended-range variants, enhancing its ability to deter hostile fleets across wider maritime corridors.

Vietnam followed in May 2026, signing a deal worth approximately $700 million. This acquisition adds a powerful node to its layered coastal defence network, which already includes Russian Bastion-P systems, Kilo-class submarines, and Su-30 fighter jets. Integrating BrahMos strengthens Hanoi’s deterrence posture and raises the costs of coercion against its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Indonesia became the third operator in July 2026, signing a defence package exceeding $600 million. This included BrahMos missiles, ASTRA MK-1 air-to-air missiles, and joint development of Sabang Port overlooking the Strait of Malacca.

The port’s location, near India’s Great Nicobar transhipment hub, underscores the strategic depth of the agreement. Indonesia’s entry completes a triangle of BrahMos operators, forming a missile arc across the South China Sea.

Together, these deals amount to over $1.7 billion in missile sales. They represent more than isolated procurements; they establish a layered maritime denial corridor stretching across critical sea lanes linking the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean. This distributed network forces adversaries to allocate greater resources to surveillance, missile defence, and force protection measures.

The BrahMos missile itself is a formidable weapon. Jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, it travels at Mach 2.8–3, nearly three times the speed of sound. Its extended-range variants exceed 400 kilometres, and its versatility allows launches from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms.

Its sea-skimming flight profile, high terminal energy, and resistance to electronic jamming make it extremely difficult to intercept. Defence analysts compare it to China’s YJ-12, but note BrahMos is among the fastest operational cruise missiles available globally.

For Southeast Asian states with limited naval forces, BrahMos offers a cost-effective deterrence strategy. Rather than building massive fleets, they can deploy concealed coastal batteries along islands and chokepoints. This Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) doctrine allows smaller states to impose operational risks on larger navies, compelling them to operate more cautiously in contested waters.

India’s export diplomacy is closely tied to its Act East policy. By supplying BrahMos, New Delhi strengthens regional partnerships without deploying its own forces. These agreements also include training, maintenance, logistics, and operational support, creating enduring military relationships. The missile’s success has boosted BrahMos Aerospace’s revenues, with FY26 figures crossing ₹5,200 crore, underscoring India’s rise as a global defence supplier.

China’s naval dominance is now challenged by dispersed missile networks rather than rival fleets. Beijing must reconsider its deployments, as aggressive maritime actions risk heavy operational costs. The timing of India’s deals has coincided with Chinese demonstrations of power, such as submarine-launched ballistic missile tests, highlighting the escalating strategic competition.

After decades India is taking exacting revenge on the missile, submarines, air defence systems and other key weapons proliferation to Pakistan by China. By arming China’s neighbours with BrahMos, India has effectively mirrored Beijing’s strategy of empowering Pakistan, but with far greater strategic consequences across the Indo‑Pacific.

The encirclement of the South China Sea with BrahMos batteries represents a turning point in regional security. It signals a decisive shift toward cost-effective deterrence strategies and consolidates India’s role as a trusted defence partner shaping the Indo-Pacific’s security architecture.

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The Indo‑BrahMos Pivot: How India Shut The US Out of The Indo‑Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indo‑Pacific strategy has entered a decisive phase, with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile emerging as the spearhead of India’s diplomatic and military outreach.

By finalising deals with Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, New Delhi has effectively positioned itself to control the Malacca and Lombok straits, two of the most critical maritime choke-points in global trade.

This move is widely seen as a direct challenge to traditional Western dominance in the region, particularly the United States, which has long sought to maintain primacy in Indo‑Pacific security architecture.

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, has become a symbol of India’s rise as a defence exporter. Its deployment across Southeast Asia signals a new era of deterrence, where regional partners are empowered to resist coercion and assert sovereignty.

For Vietnam, the acquisition of BrahMos strengthens its ability to counter Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Indonesia’s decision to proceed with the deal reflects its determination to secure its archipelago waters, while the Philippines views the missile as a critical tool in defending its maritime claims.

India’s strategy is not limited to defence hardware. Modi’s diplomacy has been accompanied by a surge in diaspora engagement, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Large‑scale community events have reinforced cultural bonds while simultaneously projecting India’s soft power.

The Indian diaspora in these countries has become a bridge for deeper economic and strategic cooperation, ensuring that ties extend beyond government‑to‑government agreements.

Australia has already identified India as a top‑tier security partner in its National Defence Strategy 2026, and New Zealand has moved closer to India through trade and people‑to‑people initiatives.

These developments highlight how New Delhi is building alliances based on mutual trust and shared interests, contrasting with Western approaches that often produce dependent relationships rather than equal partnerships.

The Indo‑Pacific is undergoing a profound transformation. India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision are being translated into tangible outcomes, with defence, trade, technology and connectivity forming the pillars of engagement.

By combining hard power through missile diplomacy with soft power via diaspora mobilisation, India has crafted a unique model of influence that resonates across the region.

The United States, once the uncontested leader in Indo‑Pacific affairs, now finds its role diminished as regional nations increasingly look to India for leadership.

Washington’s shifting priorities and transactional approach under President Donald Trump have accelerated this trend, leaving space for New Delhi to step in as a dependable partner.

PM Modi’s strategy has effectively rewritten the rules of engagement, creating an alliance of real friends rather than reluctant dependents.

India’s rise in the Indo‑Pacific is not merely about countering China or side-lining the United States. It is about establishing a new equilibrium where regional nations collaborate on equal terms, pooling resources and strengthening resilience.

The BrahMos missile deals are emblematic of this shift, but the broader picture is one of India positioning itself as the anchor of a multipolar Indo‑Pacific order.

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India And Japan Reaffirm Defence Partnership And Indo-Pacific Commitment At 8th Policy Dialogue

India and Japan convened their 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on Monday, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting brought together senior officials from both sides to review the progress achieved in bilateral defence cooperation and to chart new avenues for collaboration in emerging domains such as defence industrial partnerships and technological innovation.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation, while Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji headed the Japanese side.

The dialogue covered the full spectrum of defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, cooperation between joint headquarters, maritime collaboration, defence exercises, capacity building, and defence equipment and technology cooperation. Maritime technology and enhanced institutional interactions were also highlighted as priority areas.

Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and emphasised the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms. They discussed possible outcomes for forthcoming ministerial visits, including the anticipated 2+2 dialogue later this year, which is expected to further consolidate the strategic partnership.

The delegations expressed satisfaction with the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional and global security issues. They agreed to intensify cooperation in emerging domains such as cyber security, space, defence industrial collaboration and technological innovation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to promoting peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for international law.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh extended an invitation on behalf of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to visit India at the earliest opportunity. Earlier in the day, Singh called on Koizumi, conveyed greetings from Rajnath Singh, and reaffirmed the growing momentum of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The invitation for Koizumi’s visit was seen as a step towards strengthening practical cooperation under the partnership framework.

The visit also carried symbolic significance. Defence Secretary Singh commenced his engagements by laying a wreath at the Self-Defence Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to the members of the Japan Self-Defence Forces who had made the supreme sacrifice in service of their nation. This gesture underscored the mutual respect and shared values that underpin the defence relationship between the two countries.

The dialogue and associated meetings highlighted the deepening defence ties between India and Japan, reflecting their shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue working closely together to address common challenges and to strengthen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership in the years ahead.

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PM Modi Deepens Indo‑Pacific Partnerships Amid China’s Missile Test And Shifting US Role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used a three‑nation tour to intensify India’s engagement across the Indo‑Pacific, positioning New Delhi as a more assertive strategic player at a time when China’s influence is expanding and US involvement appears uncertain.

His diplomacy has spanned defence, energy, critical minerals and even sports, reflecting a multi‑dimensional approach to building partnerships.

In Indonesia, Modi oversaw the signing of a landmark deal for the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, a move that underscores India’s growing role as a defence exporter.

The agreement coincided with China’s rare test of a nuclear‑capable ballistic missile in the Pacific, which drew protests from several governments and heightened concerns about Beijing’s military reach. The timing added urgency to Modi’s engagements, with regional leaders emphasising the need to maintain stability.

Australia emerged as another key partner, with agreements covering uranium supply for India’s civil nuclear program, expanded energy cooperation, and new initiatives on critical minerals and technology supply chains.

These measures are designed to reduce dependence on China for essential resources and manufacturing inputs. Australia’s Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy defended the uranium deal, stressing confidence that it would be used for peaceful energy production and describing Modi’s visit as a landmark in bilateral relations.

Fiji and Australia signed a defence pact named the “Ocean of Peace,” marking Suva’s first formal security alliance. New Zealand quickly indicated its intention to join, reflecting a broader regional trend toward deeper cooperation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the emergence of “mini‑latticework” — smaller multilateral arrangements pooling resources in areas such as semiconductors, maritime security and defence.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, "mini-latticework" refers to his strategic foreign policy vision of building tight, overlapping, and issue-specific networks of high-trust economic and defence deals with other small, advanced economies.

He emphasised that Wellington’s approach to China balances cooperation where possible with alignment alongside like‑minded partners when necessary.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that China’s missile launch was raised during Modi’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne.

Both leaders expressed concern and pledged to intensify cooperation to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo‑Pacific. Modi himself repeatedly framed India’s partnerships as built on “mutual trust,” describing this as the region’s greatest strategic asset during meetings with leaders in Japan and Indonesia.

The agreements also reflect a wider recalibration as Washington presses allies to shoulder more of the security and economic burden. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has urged partners to take greater responsibility, imposed tariffs on both allies and competitors, and altered messaging by dropping “Indo” from the name of the US Indo‑Pacific Command, even as officials insist its mission remains unchanged. This shift has encouraged regional governments to diversify ties rather than rely solely on Washington.

Energy security featured prominently in Modi’s diplomacy. Alongside uranium, India secured commitments for coal, gas and critical minerals, recognising the risks posed by reliance on the Middle East amid ongoing conflict involving Iran.

These initiatives aim to strengthen resilience in supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities in India’s manufacturing ambitions. Yet New Delhi remains heavily dependent on China for rare earths and other inputs, leaving it cautiously open to improving ties with Beijing even as it deepens cooperation with other partners.

The broader picture is one of Indo‑Pacific nations pooling resources and forging new frameworks to manage strategic competition. Modi’s tour demonstrated India’s intent to be at the centre of this evolving landscape, offering itself as a dependable partner at a time when regional governments seek balance between Washington and Beijing.

Agencies

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India, Australia Supercharge Ties with New Security and Tech Pacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese concluded the third Australia‑India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne, marking a major milestone in the six‑year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The summit produced a landmark suite of agreements designed to reinforce Indo‑Pacific security, secure critical mineral supply chains and accelerate clean energy transition.

Central to the summit was the release of a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation. This declaration replaces the 2009 security pact and significantly deepens military integration. Prime Minister Albanese described India as a “top‑tier security partner” and emphasised that the declaration reflects a shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

He confirmed that both nations will boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of defence exercises and further build interoperability between their armed forces.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the practical implications of this shift, announcing the creation of an India‑Australia Defence Innovation Corridor. He explained that this corridor will connect defence startups and industries, fostering joint research and production. He also noted that the new maritime security collaboration roadmap will infuse strength into shared efforts in the Indo‑Pacific.

Another breakthrough was the finalisation of administrative arrangements required to implement the 2015 Australia‑India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. This step paves the way for Australian uranium exports to India, exclusively for peaceful, IAEA‑safeguarded civil nuclear energy programs.

Prime Minister Albanese stated that the arrangement will help increase the share of non‑fossil fuel power capacity in India while providing an additional market for Australia’s resources sector. Prime Minister Modi added that the agreement would give India’s clean energy objectives fresh momentum as the country seeks to scale nuclear baseload capacity by 2047.

The leaders also unveiled the Australia‑India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS). This pact aims to establish a “critical minerals corridor” essential for strategic security and clean energy transitions.

Complementing this initiative is a new Memorandum of Understanding between Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of India. The partnership will map and uncover new deposits, securing supply chains necessary for global clean energy and high‑tech manufacturing.

Amid rising regional tensions, the summit reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo‑Pacific. A new Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap was endorsed to enhance information sharing and operational coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command.

The leaders also issued a strong warning against terrorism, with Prime Minister Modi declaring that terrorism is a challenge for all humanity and that India and Australia’s resolve to fight it is unbreakable.

A major highlight was the agreement to commission a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This facility will support India’s landmark Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme by providing essential telemetry tracking for upcoming crewed missions. Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that this step reflects the expansion of cooperation in science and technology.

Beyond high‑level policy, the summit emphasised the “living bridge” of the Indian diaspora and strong people‑to‑people links. Prime Minister Modi likened the bilateral relationship to a game of cricket, underscoring the cultural warmth between the two nations.

In a gesture of goodwill, the leaders announced the repatriation of an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai, alongside the return of cultural items from Australian galleries to India.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to finalising the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Both leaders expressed a desire for an ambitious, balanced and win‑win deal that would build upon the success of the 2022

Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that the India‑Australia partnership is not just for the present but also for the future, and he invited Prime Minister Albanese to return to India for further consultations.

ANI

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Mr India Dominates Australian Press As Landmark Visit Seals Uranium Deal And Economic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Australia has continued to dominate headlines across the country, with major newspapers giving extensive coverage to his engagements with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Australian newspaper led the charge, dedicating its front page to the visit under the headline, “Modi comes bearing gifts on trade, defence.” A columnist in the same publication hailed him as “Mr India,” reflecting the scale of attention his presence commanded.

The Age also placed the visit prominently on its front page, running the bold headline, “Albanese’s Modi Operandi.” This widespread editorial spotlight underscored the unprecedented media momentum generated by the bilateral talks, which were framed as a major diplomatic and media event in Australia.

Beyond the headlines, the visit delivered substantial strategic outcomes. India and Australia announced deeper cooperation in uranium exports, renewable energy, critical minerals, and green hydrogen.

A landmark agreement was reached to allow Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful nuclear energy use. This deal is expected to support India’s ambitious plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity, while simultaneously opening a new market for Australia’s resources sector.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the closeness of the partnership, declaring, “Australia and India are close partners and even closer friends.” Prime Minister Modi described the collaboration as offering “historic opportunities,” encouraging Australian businesses to invest in India’s infrastructure, including roads, ports, and rail projects. His remarks highlighted the economic vision underpinning the strategic partnership.

The corporate sector responded swiftly to the diplomatic warmth. Australia’s largest pension fund, AustralianSuper, announced an additional investment of 500 million Australian Dollars into India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. This financial commitment illustrated the growing confidence in India’s economic trajectory and the alignment of interests between the two democracies.

The cultural and emotional dimension of the partnership was equally visible. Prime Minister Albanese described Modi as a “living bridge” between Australia and India, crediting his leadership with reshaping economic ties. Modi’s outreach to the Indian diaspora in Melbourne reinforced this sentiment. 

Thousands of expatriates welcomed him with chants of “Modi, Modi” at a packed gathering, showcasing the depth of people-to-people connections. Modi reflected on the journey of bilateral relations, noting that his third visit to Australia as Prime Minister symbolised the growing strength of ties between the two nations.

The visit concluded with Modi departing for New Zealand, marking the next leg of his diplomatic tour before returning to India. From an Indian perspective, the engagements in Melbourne have cemented a new phase in the strategic partnership, combining energy security, infrastructure investment, and diaspora outreach with a strong geopolitical vision for the Indo-Pacific.

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PM Modi Draws Record 30,000 Diaspora Gathering In Melbourne Amid Landmark Australia Summit

Around thirty thousand people gathered in Melbourne to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the Indian diaspora at a community event. The turnout was described as perhaps the largest such gathering ever in Australia for any leader, underscoring the scale of enthusiasm among the Indian community.

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, members of the diaspora showcased their excitement through a vibrant cultural performance. Madan Palsule, one of the performers, explained that they were presenting a drama based on the life of Shivaji, adding that Modi’s dynamic and charismatic leadership inspired them.

Another member of the diaspora expressed joy at welcoming Modi, noting that despite living abroad, they continue to listen to Indian leaders and hope such visits remain frequent.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi concluded a high‑level summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne.

The meeting marked a significant expansion of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, resulting in eighteen landmark outcomes across defence, energy, critical technology and trade. Modi hailed the discussions as “unparalleled outcomes” across multiple sectors.

He reflected on the decision to accelerate the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, emphasising that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2022 has steadily broadened cooperation. Modi stated that the CECA would be balanced, ambitious and beneficial for both nations, adding that talks focused on invigorating trade and investment linkages.

The Prime Minister highlighted momentum achieved in renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology and education.

He noted that the summit produced a declaration to strengthen defence and security cooperation, while also advancing collaboration in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance.

Modi’s visit to Australia from 8–10 July culminated in eighteen major outcomes spanning defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research and cultural cooperation. 

The expansion of the India‑Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects the growing depth of bilateral ties, with the diaspora’s role in enriching cultural exchanges adding further strength to the relationship.

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Australian PM Albanese Calls Indian Diaspora The Living Bridge Strengthening Australia-India Partnership

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the Indian diaspora as the “living bridge” between Australia and India, emphasising that the energy and enthusiasm witnessed at the community event in Melbourne welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected the growing strength of the bilateral partnership.

Addressing thousands of members of the Indian community in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Albanese described him as “a true friend of Australia” and said it was an honour to host him in Melbourne.

He noted that the atmosphere inside the packed stadium symbolised the dynamism of India-Australia ties. Albanese remarked that the energy felt during the event defined the partnership, driven by enthusiasm and dynamism that underpin the positivity and promise of both nations and their peoples. 

He fondly recalled his visits to India, particularly the lap of Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in a chariot during Modi’s hosting three years ago, calling it an unforgettable experience.

The Australian Prime Minister said the warmth and affection he experienced in Gujarat was equally visible at the Melbourne gathering. He stressed that the depth of affection between the two peoples was palpable and present among the crowd.

Recalling his first visit to India as a backpacker in 1991, Albanese said travelling across the country helped him understand its diversity and hospitality. He shared that he learned a simple truth: “If you want to understand India, get on a train,” highlighting how he was welcomed into homes and experienced the richness of Indian culture.

Albanese described India and Australia as “two great democracies” and “two great multicultural societies,” underpinned by shared values and strong people-to-people ties. He paid tribute to the more than one million Australians of Indian origin, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening Australia’s economy, society, and multicultural identity.

He praised their generosity of spirit, noting that in times of trouble or national crisis, the Indian community is often the first to volunteer and lend a hand.

He further highlighted the diaspora’s role in boosting skills in critical industries such as healthcare and IT, growing Australia’s small business sector, and contributing to education through Indian students choosing Australia as their destination.

He emphasised that this was particularly significant in Victoria, the education state. Albanese also pointed to the expanding educational partnership between the two countries, recalling that Deakin University from Victoria became the first foreign university to establish a campus in India, paving the way for deeper academic collaboration.

Concluding his address, Albanese said Australians had been enriched by the cultural and economic contributions of the Indian community.

He declared, “We are a better nation because we have you in it. You are the living bridge between Australia and India.”

His remarks came as Prime Minister Modi continued his three-day visit to Australia, which has already produced major outcomes across defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, significantly expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

ANI

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