International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Australia-India Relations typified by Succession of Subtle Contacts, Sustained Connections and Strong Ties

A nation-state in its inter-state relationships embraces the terms -- contacts, connections and ties. Despite shared linkages based on geographical location and historical legacy between Australia and India, their bilateral relationship is replete with the envisioned prospects and failure of expectations testifying to invidious preferences and rapprochement. This paper seeks to analyse the Australia-India relations which are best fit into three phases – (subtle) contacts, (sustained) connections and (solid) ties. These Indian Ocean littorals, which were oblivious of each other until and after the British colonization of Australia in 1788, had their contacts begun initially in the form of trade (1792) and remarkable contribution of itinerant Indians to the economic development of Australia in 19th century. Besides the envisioned potential prospects of Australia-India relations and well-expressed intentions for strengthening the future relations, so commendable was the benevolent assistance of Australia. Even so, Indians in Australia remained victims of the White Policy infirmities until 1973; and the Indian Ocean littorals endured drift and discord attitude all through the Cold War period, inasmuch as their arguments became deeper than differences on account of poverty of communications and exotic impressions. The post-Cold War imperatives of globalization propelled two colonial cousins to embark on strategies for reinforcing the bilateral relationship through a series of initiatives which manifested in sustained connections which reflected a convergence of strategic perspectives so much as to become natural partners. Bearing testimony to the solid ties between them are their participation in a raft of multilaterals and minilaterals, besides the substantial growth in the bilateral trade and investment as well as convergence in their strategic, diplo¬matic and mil¬i¬tary link¬ages.