Context: The 15th India–Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism was held in Canberra to enhance cooperation in tackling global terrorism and violent extremism. The dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials from both countries, reaffirmed mutual commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Broad Cooperation: Both sides reviewed domestic, regional, and global terrorism threats and discussed mechanisms for coordination between law enforcement, judicial bodies, and maritime security agencies.
- Technology & Radicalisation: They resolved to counter the misuse of emerging technologies—such as encrypted communications, social media, and cryptocurrencies—by terrorist networks, while reinforcing efforts against radicalisation and violent extremism.
- Information Sharing: Reaffirmed the importance of timely intelligence exchange and operational coordination, especially to curb terrorism in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Multilateral Engagement: Both nations agreed to deepen cooperation through UN, FATF, GCTF, IORA, and QUAD mechanisms to combat terror financing and cross-border terror networks.
India–Australia Strategic Partnership
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), 2020: The relationship was elevated to a CSP, establishing annual leaders’ summits and 2+2 ministerial dialogues, strengthening institutional cooperation in security and trade.
- Defence & Security Cooperation: Joint military engagements such as AUSINDEX (naval exercises), Malabar drills, and logistics support agreements boost maritime domain awareness and regional security.
- Economic Cooperation: The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA, 2022)—India’s first trade deal with a developed nation in a decade—reduced tariffs on over 85% of goods, enhancing trade diversification.
- Critical Minerals Partnership: Both nations are collaborating on securing supply chains for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, supporting India’s green energy and EV manufacturing goals.
- Education & Migration: The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA, 2023) facilitates smoother movement of students, researchers, and professionals, reinforcing people-to-people ties.
Significance
This enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation aligns with India’s strategic objective of strengthening maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. It also reinforces Australia’s role as a trusted partner in maintaining rules-based order and ensuring peace in the region.
Way Forward
- Institutionalise real-time intelligence exchange frameworks.
- Enhance capacity-building and training programmes for counter-terrorism forces.
- Expand cooperation in cyber and financial crime tracking.
- Promote collaboration in multilateral counter-terror forums to set global norms on terror financing and tech misuse.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia.