Indo-Pacific is emerging as a crucial geopolitical hotspot due to its economic and strategic significance in today’s international politics. The Indo-Pacific region is a growing priority for India and Australia, as emphasised in their respective national strategies, due to the growing economic and geopolitical relevance of the region. Economically, the Indo-Pacific is significant for trade connectivity, the blue economy,  market segmentation between the two countries, and strategically, the rising role of middle powers, minilateral participation with small islands, and maritime security of the region. 

The dynamic changes in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Chinese strategic posture in the region, debt trap politics, disruptive trade routes, and human and climate security concerns in the region, demand active India-Australia cooperation in the region. The island states in the Indo-Pacific region have faced increasing security threats from multiple fronts in recent years, including large scale military buildup, human trafficking, illegal migration, maritime border conflicts, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. As Australia’s immediate region of strategic interest, Australia has a strong interest in stable and prosperous island countries with well-governed maritime spaces, with the partnership of India.