Narendra Modi Signs New Military Agreement with Australia

Australia started a new era in domestic and international security by revealing a military co-operation deal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The security agreement between the two countries is expected to defend an international order based on rules.

Authorities from both India and Australia confirmed that India had quietly signed a potentially transformative framework agreement with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the confirmation of the deal came only after Chinese President Xi Jinping had left Canberra. The Ministry of External Affairs in India revealed on its website that "the Framework for Security Cooperation" had been established for reflecting the expanding and deepening defence and security agreement between the countries. Both the countries decided to have the agreement based on areas of mutual interest so that the consultation and co-operation would get intensified between the two. Abbott earlier described India as the "emerging superpower of Asia."

The common areas of interest between the countries include border control, counter-terrorism as well as close consultations on international and regional institutions. The "action plan" also includes Australia's commitment to support India so that the Asian country can become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. There will be military exercises in the Indian Ocean, regular talks between armed forces of both the countries and annual prime ministerial summits between Australia and India. A joint statement from Abbott and Modi hinted closer collaboration on cyber policy, counter-terrorism, defence, maritime security and non-proliferation. "They agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the Defence Minister, conduct regular maritime exercises and convene regular navy to navy, air force to air force and army to army staff talks," the joint statement said.

The Australian Financial Review quoted Modi's earlier statement where he said that prosperity would be useless without security. The Indian prime minister said that there should be a feeling of security to pursue dreams. Even though India has seen tremendous progress on the foundation of stability and peace, he said that nothing should be taken for granted. India can expand its security co-operation with Australia to play a part in preserving stability and peace, Modi said.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au