A LONG AWAITED
STRATEGIC OUTREACH-AUSINDEX-15
Those of us who have been involved in planning and nurturing
maritime relations with the navies of USA, 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 were and are 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 UK are limited
to bilateral rather than multi-lateral exercises-with one recent exception.
It is in this backdrop that the visit to Australia in last
November by the Indian PM, after a lapse
of three decades and the resulting joint statements and communications thereof,
came as a pleasant surprise to the strategic community.
Australian and Indian convergence of interests in 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 the Australian cooperation in the maritime affairs of the Indian
ocean region brought the two navies together. Equally the lack of enthusiasm
from our MOD and MEA to support a fruitful venture such as IONS retarded its
progress.
Two meetings in quick succession, Abbot in India in September
last 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." said the PM at the media interaction on 18 Nov 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.
Visit to the
Australian War memorial and elaboration on the battle of Gallipoli were 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.
As a result of the impetus received from discussions, the long awaited Australia-India naval
exercises (AUSINDEX) has already commenced at/off the port of Vishakhapatnam
and is scheduled to be completed on 19 Sep15. An analysis on the structure of
this biennial exercise would be instructive to comprehend the genuine desire
for strategic engagement between the two countries.
Firstly, discussions on the need for maritime cooperation
commenced a while ago and was emphasised again during Anthony's visit to
Australia. However in the absence of conducive apex level discussions, it
remained on paper till the strategic objectives were shaped recently. The
meetings between the two Prime Ministers in quick succession ,i.e. Abbot's
visit to India followed by Modi's to Australia contributed to its expeditious execution.
Secondly, the composition and quality of warships and
aircraft on both sides indicate that the two navies are willing to jump from
elementary exercises to very advanced
tactical exercises. Anti Submarine exercises are considered to be the most
advanced level of engagement between any two navies.
Thirdly, that the Indian crew is not only conversant with
English but is 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 under water 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.
http://www.thequint.com/india/2015/09/15/australia-india-naval-exercise-a-long-awaited-strategic-outreach (The Quint -15 Sep 15 )
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