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Australian High Commissioner to <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, <keyword id="20307863" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="philip-green" source="keywords">Philip Green</keyword> OAM, on Wednesday, expressed Canberra's willingness to collaborate with New Delhi in the <keyword id="20242397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-sector" source="keywords">space sector</keyword> and added that both nations are going ahead with the three collaborative space projects and signing the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. While speaking to ANI, Philip Green expressed <keyword id="19895799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australia" source="keywords">Australia</keyword>'s interest in partnering with India in its <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword> endeavours, adding that the Australian government has pledged a USD 18 million grant for <keyword id="22187831" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="joint-India-Australia-space-projects" source="keywords">joint India-Australia space projects</keyword>. "Here today we are saying that we are keen to be partners for India in its space journey. We're already strategic and quad partners with India and we want to do more with space and my government is backing it," said Philip Green. Today we're signing the first MOU of three that has been settled as a result of an USD 18 million dollar grant for my government specifically, for India-Australia space collaborations," he added. Further, the Australian envoy said they are excited about the <keyword id="20535850" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-space-sector" source="keywords">Indian space sector</keyword> and believe its different and complementary skills can benefit each other. "We're very excited about the Indian space sector and we're particularly excited about the fact that Australia has different and complementary skills," the Australian envoy said to ANI. "We're a very big continent with very few numbers of people, which means we have very dark skies. We have great abilities in terms of space tracking," he added. Congratulating PM Modi for his victory in the 2024 general elections, Philip Green said that Australia is looking to work even more closely in the future. He also disclosed during the interview that there could be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise the already strong partnership. "We congratulate Modi and his government on re-election. We look forward to working even more closely as we go forward. There are three powerful drivers in our bilateral relationship, our new strategic alignment, the very strong complementarity between our economies and what we call the human bridge, the more than a million people of Indian origin who now make Australia their home," said Philip Green. "We're planning visits I'm not going to announce them to you today, but I can assure you there will be high-level visits by Australia and India to galvanise what is already a strong partnership," he added On April 30, "the Australian Government announced funding for three collaborative space projects that will strengthen the space economy for the two partner nations," said the <keyword id="22187832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australian-Space-Agency" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Australian Space Agency" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Australian Space Agency">Australian Space Agency</keyword> in an official statement. "The projects will receive a total of A$18 million (Rs 98 crore) as part of the International Space Investment India (ISI) Projects program," the statement added. Each project will include a number of Australian and Indian partners, who will help address climate change, boost manufacturing, and advance artificial intelligence, among other objectives.

"Keen to be partners with India in its space journey": Australian envoy on space collaboration projects

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China's Xi Jinping negotiated a truce with India's leader, Narendra Modi.</li><li>They agreed to a patrolling arrangement on a disputed Himalayan border.</li></ul>At the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-hosts-brics-summit-defy-west-us-economy-china-dollar-2024-10">BRICS summit</a> in Russia this week, China's leader Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shook hands for the first time in five years.The symbolic moment came after a deal was struck to resolve a long-standing feud between the Asian superpowers.In the lead-up to the summit, the countries announced they had reached a patrolling agreement that would reduce tensions along a disputed <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-buying-new-light-tanks-for-himalayan-mountain-warfare-2023-6">Himalayan border.</a>The dispute had led to deadly hand-to-hand combat in recent years, taking the lives of 20 Indian troops and at least four Chinese soldiers.After their meeting at the summit hosted by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Xi and Modi said they would continue discussions on resolving the issue.<h2 id="997cee52-7fd6-4283-bf77-94e40a12b5cc">A setback for the US</h2>Some analysts believe it is a development that's unlikely to be welcomed in Washington, DC.The US has sought to recruit India to help it contain China's growing regional aggression alongside other members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a security pact that also includes Japan and Australia."So definitely, this is a setback for the United States of America's Indo-Pacific outlook, given the kind of rapprochement we are seeing in India-China relations, and particularly India, China and Russia coming together," Jagannath Panda, head of the Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs, told Business Insider."Putin, Xi, and Modi meeting definitely signals that there is a kind of understanding under the carpet that has happened, which is quite subtle," he said.It's an assessment echoed by Zhiqun Zhu, professor of political science and international affairs at Bucknell University."The thaw in India-China relations is a boon to both countries. This is particularly significant for China because India may now be less inclined to confront Beijing as part of Quad," Zhu told <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.voanews.com/a/india-china-deal-raises-questions-about-us-indo-pacific-strategy-/7838623.html">Voice of America. </a>"In this sense, the effectiveness of Quad would be diluted with a less enthusiastic India."<h2 id="baf534cf-4366-41b8-b9ef-d526ffe91fda">Competition between Asia's rival powers intensifies</h2>Tensions have been building between China and India for years.As the two biggest economies in Asia, the countries have long jostled for regional power, with the dispute over the Himalayan border a flashpoint that led to clashes in 2020, 2021, and 2022.Amid the stand-off, Chinese vessels have reportedly surveilled the Indian Ocean in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/another-chinese-research-vessel-spotted-off-india-fuelling-unease-2024-03-11/">what experts told Reuters</a> was a likely intelligence-gathering operation, while India has strengthened its security ties with China's chief global rival, the US.In 2017 India played a key role in restarting the Quad, an alliance designed as a bulwark against growing Chinese influence and aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.But India has long sought to balance its relationship with rival superpowers the US and China, and does not at this point want to tie itself too closely to either side, say analysts.In addition to being a member of the Quad Alliance, it is a founding member of the BRICS, an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-asia-countries-flaunt-russia-putin-diplomacy-relationship-brics-2024-9">association of non-Western economies </a>that China has sought to transform into an alternative global economic power base to the US.<div type="image" title="India-China border" height="683" width="1024" msid="114594056" hostid="261" sizebytes="158650"></div>"This explains why it remains part of multilateral groupings with contradictory goals," said Praveen Donthi, a South Asia analyst with the Eurasia Group in Washington, DC, pointing to both its membership of the US-aligned Quad and China-dominated BRIC group.The truce comes with China on the back foot diplomatically, said Panda, pointing to its damaged relations with Europe and the US after its support f<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-and-china-anti-us-coalition-is-growing-more-threatening-2024-9">or Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</a>"One could draw a conclusion at this point that probably the Chinese are more interested to rebuild the ties with India than the other way round," said Panda.He said there's also the possibility that Xi has reached an agreement with Modi behind the scenes for India to remain silent if China acts on its longstanding ambition to seize back control of Taiwan.Such a move would likely draw in the US and its other regional allies, who have pledged to help defend<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-taiwan-drone-swarms-uav-us-playing-catch-up-production-2024-10"> Taiwan's independence.</a>"I think China's bigger ambition and target is the Taiwan issue, and therefore they would not really like to continue the kind of tensions they were engaged in with India for the last three to four years," he said."Therefore, they would like to rebuild, and they would like to ensure that India does not react to the Taiwan issue so sensitively."In any case, its a setback in US attempts to include India in a deeper security alliance, he said."For a long time, the US has tried to develop security and defense ties with India," said Panda.For the time being, a truce suits both Russian and Chinese interests, Rahul Bhatia, an analyst at the Eurasia Group, said. But, he added, tensions remain.He said that though both parties have opened discussions about the border dispute, the underlying problem remains unresolved, and future flare-ups are likely.Donthi said the progress between the leaders could also be derailed if tensions between the US and China increase."This comes as a relief after four years of eyeball-to-eyeball troop deployment in the Himalayas. However, it's only the beginning," he said.

Xi undercut the West by negotiating a truce in China's long feud with India

India remains highly dependent on imports for minerals critical to accelerating its <keyword id="19951336" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-transition" source="keywords">energy transition</keyword>, with a full reliance on shipping in lithium, cobalt and nickel, according to a report released Monday. The report, published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), said that India's demand for <keyword id="19978839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="critical-minerals" source="keywords">critical minerals</keyword> is expected to more than double by 2030, while domestic mining operations may take over a decade to start producing. It stresses that India needs a carefully crafted import strategy to mitigate potential trade risks while balancing international relationships to secure these essential minerals. IEEFA's report examines five critical minerals (and their compounds) - cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium and nickel - from the perspectives of import dependency, trade dynamics, domestic availability, and global price fluctuations. The findings show that India remains largely import-dependent for these minerals and their compounds, with 100 per cent import reliance for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. "India should strive to de-risk its critical minerals sourcing by identifying new international resources and expediting <keyword id="20681115" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-production" source="keywords">domestic production</keyword>. A concerted effort to partner with and foster bilateral relations with <keyword id="23713985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mineral-rich-nations" source="keywords">mineral-rich nations</keyword> should be a priority for India," said the report's co-author Charith Konda, Energy Specialist, IEEFA. "The country can also explore investment opportunities in resource-rich, friendly nations, such as Australia and Chile, as well as African countries like Ghana and South Africa," he added. The report said India depends heavily on China for synthetic graphite and natural graphite and it should explore cooperation initiatives with countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil and Tanzania which are some of the highest graphite producing countries. "As part of the Global South cooperation initiatives, these countries could be favourable partners for India for <keyword id="23713984" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="graphite-trading" source="keywords">graphite trading</keyword>," said the report's co-author Kaira Rakheja, Energy Analyst, IEEFA. India is also highly import-dependent for copper cathodes and nickel sulphates from just two countries - Japan and Belgium. The report suggests India could look at the US, the fifth largest producer of copper in the world, to diversify its suppliers and enhance <keyword id="23714709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="supply-security" source="keywords">supply security</keyword>. For minerals like lithium oxide and nickel oxide, the dependency is low on one country, but overall imports largely come from Russia and China, both countries with potential trade risks. "Developing domestic lithium refining capacity will help India integrate with the global lithium supply chain," said Rakheja. The report also notes the significant efforts that the Indian government is making to improve domestic production of critical minerals with the auctions by the Ministry of Mines and the planned Critical Minerals Mission. "The critical minerals mining block auctions can serve as an opportunity for India to focus on building refining and processing capabilities to emerge as a global value-adding hub," said Rakheja. "Government support in the form of viability gap funding and technology development will help promote such auctions and ultimately the domestic production of critical minerals. "A stable supply of critical minerals is imperative for India to achieve its <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> goals," Konda said. India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030. Currently, the country's renewable energy installed capacity stands at 201 GW, with solar energy accounting for 91 GW. According to another study, the fast-developing South Asian nation needs to install around 7,000 GW of renewable energy capacity to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Energy transition: India remains highly dependent on imports of critical minerals, says report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Despite pressure from Western allies, India has refused to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war.</li><li>India's Narendra Modi this week spoke with both Ukraine's and Russia's leaders.</li></ul>When <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/narendra-modi-won-already-seeing-cost-him-allies-cabinet-funding-2024-6">Narendra Modi</a> visited Ukraine over the weekend, he greeted its president Volodymyr Zelenskyy with an exuberant bear hug.He did the same <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-india-modi-putin-hug-west-isolation-big-blow-2024-7">to Vladimir Putin</a> only weeks ago when he traveled to Moscow to meet the Russian president, much to the anger of Zelenskyy."It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day," Zelenskyy wrote on X at the time.Modi's visits to both Ukraine and Russia characterize his relentless ambiguity on the Ukraine war. He has not condemned nor supported the invasion and is now acting as a peacemaker.The diplomatic highwire act highlights the dilemma Modi faces as he seeks to balance pressure from the US to show more support for Ukraine against <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/modi-putin-russia-india-relationship-not-worried-us-biden-mad-2024-7">maintaining good ties with Russia.</a><h2 id="5631f287-50fa-42fc-9492-15da89d39bf8">A quick end to the war</h2>In the wake of the Ukraine trip, Modi called Putin. In a post on X, Modi said he reiterated "India's firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict."Dinakar Peri, a fellow at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, told Business Insider that Modi's Ukraine visit was high on symbolism."Although the image of India being a peacemaker is largely rhetoric, the fact of the matter is that India is definitely uniquely positioned in comparison to many other countries due to the kind of bandwidth they have with Russia," said Peri.Rahul Bhatia, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, told BI that while India is reluctant to come down on one side in the Ukraine war, it sees grave dangers in a prolonged conflict in Ukraine."India has sought to take a balanced approach to the war in Ukraine. New Delhi wants to maintain its relationship with Russia regardless of its diplomatic isolation," said Bhatia.<h2 id="bb68f21a-9c73-4a16-a530-190e801237c5">India's ties with the Kremlin are tested</h2>Modi's insistence on not taking a side in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-murder-convict-ivan-rossomakhin-kills-again-joins-army-wagner-2024-8">Ukraine</a> is likely to baffle and frustrate many Western observers, but analysts say there are vital economic and strategic goals behind India's position.India has long had <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-bid-undermine-global-ukraine-support-working-zelenskyy-peace-2024-6">close diplomatic ties with Russia</a>. During the Cold War, it relied on the Kremlin for military support while the US-backed regional rival Pakistan.It now depends on Russia for oil supplies, surpassing <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/xi-china-putin-russia-frenemies-limits-power-sphere-influence-2024-7">China</a> this week to become Russia's top oil importer."Most of the oil India imports from Russia is actually going to Europe," said Peri. "India is just a conduit — the oil is refined here, and the refined petroleum products are going to Europe as we speak.""In that way, India has played the middle role of stabilizing the larger global economy, which would otherwise have gone for a toss."Peri also pointed out India's dependence on Russia for military equipment, as well as upgrades and spare parts."Around 60% of Indian military equipment is of Russian origin," said Peri. "We have received a lot from other countries in the last few decades, like France, Israel, and increasingly so from the US, but we're still heavily Russian-oriented."But the Ukraine war has shaken up India's relations with the Kremlin.The US is pressuring India to help isolate Putin as punishment for the Ukraine invasion, and India is worried about the Kremlin's increasingly close relationship with China, which has backed Russia amid the Ukraine invasion."India-US ties are not just about Russia or the war in Ukraine," said Peri. "They're also about trade and strategic cooperation, which in some cases is also underpinned by concerns over China or the larger developments in the Indo-Pacific."<h2 id="4c3050d8-adb0-46af-b14f-2689f19f7caa">India sees Russia as a buffer against China's aggression</h2>India has long been concerned about China's increasing aggressiveness in Asia, with a Himalayan border dispute erupting into clashes that left 24 people dead in 2020.Indian and Chinese militaries have been engaged in a standoff on the disputed region of Ladakh since 2020. Although the countries have disengaged on several points, the standoff has continued.Peri said that is India dependent on good ties with the Kremlin to help mitigate that threat: "The standoff created new dynamics for India, and those are all factors which will be in Indian calculations on the stand it takes."Bhatia agreed that India has an eye on China when it engages with Russia. "While New Delhi accepts that Russia and China will gradually grow closer, it believes that maintaining a good relationship with Moscow will ensure that Russia remains neutral when India-China border tensions flare up," he said.It also relies on close ties with the US to help counter China's aggression, reviving the "Quad" dialogue with the US, Australia, and Japan in 2017 to counter China's threat.In the meantime, Modi will likely continue India's tightrope act, maintaining its alliance with the US while seeking not to alienate the Kremlin as it warily watches China's growing might.

India's refusal to take a side in the Ukraine war is frustrating the West. But it has its reasons.

Earlier this week, former US President Donald Trump revealed that Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> is scheduled to meet with him next week. This potential gathering, set against the backdrop of Trump’s bid for a return to the White House, highlights how global leaders are positioning themselves in anticipation of possible changes in US leadership. “He happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic,” Trump said on Tuesday during a town hall event in Flint, Michigan, while discussing free trade and US job protection. He even went on to call India a “very big abuser” in trade, Al Jazeera reported. Most likely, Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting up with Trump could be an acknowledgment of the latter's potential return to power in the November election, as foreign leaders carefully navigate diplomatic relations with key US political figures. However, neither the Trump campaign nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs have clearly commented on the matter yet, meaning that the Indian leader’s plans of a tête-à-tête with ex US President Trump are foggy at best. During a press conference, foreign secretary <keyword id="20181706" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vikram-misri" source="keywords">Vikram Misri</keyword> said, "there are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not." "We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings," he added. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113444882" title="Trump says PM Modi will meet him during US visit, calls him &amp;#39;fantastic&amp;#39;" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>What we do know with certainty is that Mr Modi is indeed scheduled to travel to the US over the weekend and his calendar is going to be jam-packed. His visit coincides with his planned participation at the <keyword id="23145156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Quad-Leaders-Summit" source="keywords">Quad Leaders Summit</keyword> (including representatives from Australia, India, Japan and the US) in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by President Joe Biden. As per a White House official, the meet-up will feature "ambitious announcements in multiple areas such as maritime security, high-quality infrastructure and critical and emerging technologies to demonstrate the group’s endurance". Prime Minister Modi will have bilateral meetings with President Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday, following the conclusion of the Quad Summit. A special event, the Cancer Moonshot initiative, is also scheduled on the sidelines of the summit. In his meeting with President Biden, India and the US are anticipated to sign several agreements, including those related to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on drug frameworks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Modi and Biden will review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US, which spans over 50 areas of engagement and bilateral dialogue mechanisms. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113085171" title="India is likely to benefit if Trump wins US elections, per Nomura Global Research" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Both leaders will also assess progress in areas of cooperation, though tensions remain due to the alleged assassination plot involving Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The investigation is ongoing, and India has formed a committee to examine the accusations. This visit may serve to ease some of the friction in the relationship. Defence cooperation remains a key area of collaboration between India and the U.S., including agreements on the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, joint manufacturing of Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and co-production of GE F414 engines in India. The Ukraine conflict is also expected to be a topic of discussion. Prime Minister Modi is supposed to attend the "Modi &amp; US" community event at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island. The event, already overbooked with more than 24,000 Indian Americans registered for a venue with a capacity of 15,000, has attracted attendees from 42 states, especially the tri-state area. Additionally, PM Modi will allegedly lead a roundtable with CEOs of American companies working in fields like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and cutting-edge technology. Lastly, on September 23, Modi will address global leaders at the United Nations' Summit of the Future (SOTF) and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other heads of state attending the UN General Assembly. Obviously, squeezing in a meeting with Trump and Democrat Candidate Kamala Harris (you know, to balance things out) seems unlikely given Mr Modi’s tight schedule. But we’ll have a clearer picture only in the coming days. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111770277" title="PM Modi likely to address high-level UNGA session on Sep 26" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Why is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the US this weekend?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In a move likely to anger the US, Modi is visiting Russia.</li><li>It signals strong ties between the two countries and shows that India is pursuing its own agenda.</li></ul>In a move likely to anger the US, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Russia on Monday for his first bilateral trip after winning a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-election-results-complicates-plans-unseat-china-modi-bjp-2024-6">historic third term</a> in office.Modi's two-day visit to Russia — where he is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin — is significant in that it signals strong ties between New Delhi and Moscow. It also shows the world that India is not afraid to pursue its own agenda.Vinay Kwatra, India's foreign secretary, told reporters in New Delhi that issues between Russia and India have "piled up" and "need to be addressed," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-07/putin-hosts-modi-after-hailing-best-in-history-ties-with-india-rival-china">Bloomberg reported</a>.Russia's relationship with India goes back to the Cold War, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/rise-in-trade-with-russia-not-a-temporary-phenomenon-s-jaishankar-429969-2024-05-17">trade between the two countries</a> has grown since Russia started the war in Ukraine. <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/russian-oil-india-purchases-us-crude-wti-sanctions-ukraine-war-2024-3">India is a major buyer of Russian oil</a>. Russia is also India's biggest arms supplier.Kwatra underscored that the two countries' trade relationship has remained "resilient."Still, Modi's trip will "rankle many Western observers," Ved Shinde, a researcher and contributor to Australia's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-modi-will-go-moscow">Lowy Institute</a>, wrote in a note on Wednesday."Since the Ukraine war began, India's purchase of cheap oil from Russia has been seen as profiting from troubles in the heart of Europe," Shinde added.<h2 id="05696275-c92a-4ee6-84e4-fd193ca99db2">Modi's visit to Russia will make the US look bad</h2>Just like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vietnam-russia-putin-visit-us-wary-manufacturing-supply-chain-diplomacy-2024-6">Putin's visit to supply-chain hot spot Vietnam</a>, India's engagement with Russia isn't a good look for the US, as it comes while Washington is trying to isolate Putin.The US has raised "some concerns" about India's relationship with Russia with New Delhi, Kurt Campbell, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.state.gov/special-online-briefing-with-deputy-secretary-of-state-kurt-m-campbell/">US deputy secretary of state</a>, said last month.However, Washington acknowledges that India's ties with Russia are different from its ties with the US."We have many areas of alignment, but it is not surprising that there would be areas where we've had perhaps different perspectives, views, historical ties," Campbell said about America's relationship with India.India, for its part, is looking to balance its relationship with the world's key powerbrokers: the US, Russia, and China."There are different degrees in India's multi-alignment. Make no mistake — the United States and its allies are more consequential for India's future than its relationship with Russia," Shinde wrote.India needs to leverage its historical ties with Russia to secure its economy and security, so Modi isn't just in Russia for a goodwill trip.<h2 id="c79db6fd-b57b-4ff5-8f16-bc16c77b8021">Reducing the trade imbalance</h2>A key agenda item for the visit is to reduce a huge bilateral trade imbalance, Kwatra said.India imports about $60 billion of goods a year from Russia, but Russia buys less than 10% of this amount from India, Bloomberg reported.Modi may also touch on China's activities in the Indo-Pacific region, Kwatra added.India is trying to manage its relationship with China, which has been testy since a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-border-clashes-could-cause-more-indian-ocean-activity-2020-7">border dispute in 2020</a>. Modi skipped the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan last week.There's also the matter of Russia's ties with China.At the summit last week, Putin said <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/video/kazakhstan-china-government-russia-government-russia-5b1c1a8f402c400d8d703543b0562b51">Russia's relationship with China</a> is in the "best period in history."Modi now needs to cozy up to Putin to counter China's advances."The reason for the time-tested stability in India-Russia ties is to maintain a continental balance in the Eurasian heartland. That is, to balance China," Shinde wrote."Or to put it another way, don't go around making new adversaries when there are already two open fronts — China and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-and-china-pick-sides-in-tense-india-pakistan-rivalry-2022-3">Pakistan</a>," he added.

Modi's Russia visit shows India isn't worried about making the US mad

The <keyword id="13535043" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india-australia-economic-cooperation" source="Orion">India-Australia Economic Cooperation</keyword> and Trade Agreement, which would give a big boost to especially textiles, gems and jewellery and pharmaceuticals sectors, is expected to create new 10 lakh jobs, said <keyword id="269080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-commerce-minister" source="Orion">Union commerce minister</keyword> Piyush Goyal. "Since the labour-intensive sectors will be benefitted, it is expected to create additional employment of at least 10 lakhs jobs in India, create ample opportunities for investment, promotion of start-ups. Similarly, it would provide enhanced job opportunities for Indians in Australia and increased remittance flows to India," Goyal said. The Australian parliament has announced the passing of the <keyword id="120586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="free-trade-agreement" source="Orion">free trade agreement</keyword> (FTA) with India, Goyal on Tuesday said adding that the initial size of bilateral trade between the two countries can go up to around USD 45-50 billion in the next five-to-six years. Addressing a press conference on the trade deal following the approval of the Agreement by the Australian Parliament, Goyal said that duties on 100 per cent tariff lines would be eliminated by Australia under this deal. The Minister underscored that the Agreement was finalized after extensive and exhaustive stakeholder consultations and pointed out that it was "unanimously accepted" and supported by all quarters. The deal which was signed on April 2, 2022, is now ready for ratification for its early implementation. The Agreement will enter into force shortly, on a mutually convenient date once both sides have completed their domestic processes, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement on Tuesday evening right after minister Goyal's presser. Australia is an important strategic partner of India and both democracies are part of the four-nation QUAD, Trilateral Supply Chain Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF). The trade relationship facilitated through the deal will open a new chapter on India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership between two vibrant economies with shared interests and trade complementarities. This Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement is the first trade agreement of India with a developed country after more than a decade, the statement said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/googles-parent-company-alphabet-prepares-to-lay-off-10k-employees/articleshow/95691119.cms" style="">Google's parent company Alphabet 'prepares' to lay off 10K employees</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/vedanta-announces-third-dividend-of-rs-17-50-per-share/articleshow/95690324.cms">Vedanta announces third dividend of Rs 17.50 per share</a>

India-Australia trade deal estimated to create 10 lakh jobs: Piyush Goyal

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a narrower-than-expected reelection victory.</li><li>But the setback likely won't deter his global ambitions.</li></ul>India's Prime Minister <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indian-election-results-shocking-blow-narendra-modi-2024-6">Narendra Modi</a> emerged from Tuesday's election victory with his air of invincibility damaged.The strongman leader of the world's largest democracy had been predicted to win reelection for a third term by a landslide.But his Bharatiya Janata Party <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-election-results-narendra-modi-bjp-congress-2024-6">failed to gain enough seats</a> to claim outright victory, and it will need the support of coalition partners to form a government.The result, though, is unlikely to deter Modi, as he continues to pursue one of the core goals of his decade in power: transforming India into one of the world's most powerful nations.<h2 id="272ba8df-0d6b-4e4a-960e-7da93df8450f">A leader of the Global South</h2>Under Modi, India's growth has put it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2024/02/23/india-to-become-third-largest-economy-by-2027-implications-for-leaders/?sh=58b178754fd5">on the path</a> to becoming the world's third-biggest economy by 2027 — and it has become an important and increasingly abrasive global power player.Modi wants to position India as a leader of the Global South — a term often used to describe a group of developing nations — and for it to have a permanent position on the UN Security Council to mark its new global status.He has strengthened ties with the US, a long-standing ally, but he's also sought to build ties with Russia and has clashed with Asia's chief power, China.Modi will work to cement his foreign-policy legacy in his third term.<h2 id="c3e5a4c5-0e40-407e-a012-9b6448008edc">Countering Chinese aggression</h2>Richard Rossow, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider that countering China's aggression and seeking foreign investment will be key focuses for Modi going forward."India's main priorities will remain unchanged," he said.A clash between India and China in June 2020 over a long-simmering Himalayan border dispute resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers. Meanwhile, tensions in the Indian Ocean are escalating, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-produces-vast-undersea-maps-submarine-warfare-report-says-2024-1">a report from earlier this year</a> finding that China is mapping vast undersea areas in preparation for a potential naval conflict with the rival regional power.<div type="image" title="Biden Modi" height="2666" width="4000" msid="110739802" hostid="261"></div>India is part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with the US, Australia, and Japan, and it'll be looking to counter China's aggression by strengthening these strategic relationships."On security affairs, India wants to continue building partnerships that can help it manage belligerent actions China is taking today and in the future. This includes robust engagement with nations in its own neighborhood, particularly in the maritime domain," Rossow said.<h2 id="1c4bdd94-6b6b-4a40-a00c-8ff78e101722">A dark side</h2>India's new assertiveness under Modi has a dark side.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=wapo+india+assassination&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enGB1112&amp;oq=wapo+india+assassination+&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMg0IAxAAGIYDGIAEGIoFMgoIBBAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBRAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBhAAGIAEGKIEMgoIBxAAGIAEGKIEMgoICBAAGIAEGKIE0gEINDg2N2owajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">The Washington Post in April</a> reported that India's security services were behind the assassination of a dissident in Canada last June and the attempted assassination of a Modi critic in the US, claims that India has denied.Modi's disappointing election result is unlikely to change his often abrasive and aggressive pursuit of foreign goals."This election result is unlikely to have much of an impact on India's international security actions," Rossow said.<div type="image" title="Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin" height="3196" width="4714" msid="110739803" hostid="261"></div>But Modi will face serious challenges in his efforts to cement India's new global status.India has bought vast quantities of Russian oil, and that money has been used by Putin to fund his war in Ukraine. This move has aggravated the US, which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ9WiQPyLFk&amp;ab_channel=Reuters">has reportedly</a> pressured Modi to stop the purchases.Putin's "no limits" relationship with China's Xi Jinping presents another strategic conundrum for Modi, who seems keen to retain good ties with Putin but is wary of China's global might.Modi's core challenges in the years ahead will be ensuring regional stability by avoiding war with China and Pakistan and continuing India's economic rise through vital domestic reforms."India's journey towards true great power capabilities is thus likely to be long and arduous," <a target="_blank" href="https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/04/21/indias-arduous-road-to-achieving-its-great-power-ambitions/">Ashley J. Tellis</a>, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote.Correction: June 5, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated which countries are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. It's a group consisting of India, the US, Australia, and Japan; the UK is not part of it.

Modi is on a mission to assert India's global power. His election setback won't deter him.

New Delhi, <keyword id="19895159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="russia" source="keywords">Russia</keyword> is a power with an enormous tradition of statecraft and it is turning more towards Asia or non-West parts of the world, External Affairs Minister <keyword id="19922782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="s-jaishankar" source="keywords">S Jaishankar</keyword> said on Friday, delving into current geopolitical developments and their fall-outs. In an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue, <keyword id="19920247" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jaishankar" source="keywords">Jaishankar</keyword>, replying to a question on Moscow's growing proximity with Beijing, said it makes sense to give Russia multiple options and that railroading it into a single option and criticising it for that would be like a self-fulfilling prophecy. "I think it makes sense to give Russia multiple options. If we railroad Russia into a single option and say that's really bad because that's the outcome, then you are making it a self-fulfilling prophecy," he said. "Today it is important for other countries, especially in Asia to engage Russia," Jaishankar said. "Russia is a power with an enormous tradition of statecraft. Such powers would never put themselves into a single relationship of an overwhelming nature. It would go against their grain," he said. The external affairs minister was asked to comment on intensification of ties between Russia and China and whether <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> was uncomfortable with it. "What's happened today with Russia essentially is that a lot of doors have been shut to Russia and the West. We know the reasons why. Russia is turning more to Asia or to parts of the world which are not West," he said. The external affairs minister suggested that policies of the West are bringing Russia and China closer. "It's kind of funny -- on the one hand you have people who set policies (and) bring the two together and then you say beware of them coming together," he said. The question was asked by <keyword id="20700294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="michael-fullilove" source="keywords">Michael Fullilove</keyword>, Executive Director of Lowy Institute, Australia. Jaishankar's comments came days after he said India has had a "stable" and "very friendly" relationship with Russia, and that Moscow never hurt New Delhi's interests. The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. India's import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. In his remarks, Jaishankar also highlighted India's G20 presidency and how it ensured induction of the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping. He noted that if the G20 could be expanded, the permanent membership of the UN Security Council can also be increased. "When the sort of smoke clears and people look back on this G20, it will surely be recognised for the fact that the African Union's membership was agreed upon," he said. The external affairs minister also highlighted India's foreign policy priorities including combating terrorism and attempting to ensure inclusive global welfare. It could be millets, it could be yoga, it could be solar energy, it could be combating terrorism, it could be black money. You today see an India, which is really pushing and trying to get itself and its ideas on the global stage, he said.

Russia is a power with enormous tradition of statecraft: Jaishankar

Australia will participate in the <keyword id="2438987" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malabar-naval-exercise">Malabar naval exercise</keyword>, involving the United States, Japan and India, to bring the four key partners in the Indo-Pacific region together next month, according to a statement issued by the Australian government. In a significant move that comes amid a Sino-India border row, India on Monday announced Australia's participation in the upcoming <keyword id="2426742" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malabar-exercise">Malabar exercise</keyword> along with the US and Japan, effectively making it the first military-level engagement between the four-member nation grouping -- the Quad. The invitation by India to the Australian navy for the exercise next month came two weeks after the foreign ministers of the Quad held extensive talks in Tokyo with a focus on enhancing their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a region that has been witnessing increasing Chinese military assertiveness. Issuing the joint statement with Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said that the announcement was another important step in Australia's deepening relationship with India. The federal government said that following an invitation from India, Australia will participate in the Malabar exercise. The exercise will bring together four key regional defence partners India, Japan, the United States and Australia in November, it said. Reynolds said Malabar-2020 marked a milestone opportunity for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). "High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia's maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific," Reynolds said. Foreign Minister Payne said that the Malabar exercise also "showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests". "This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister (Scott) Morrison and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi agreed on June 4, 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo," she said. "It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region," Payne asserted. Participation in the naval exercise demonstrates Australia's enduring commitment to enhancing regional security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increasing the capability and inter-operability of the ADF, she said. Australia last participated in Exercise MALABAR in 2007. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/trump-versus-biden-what-the-result-of-us-election-could-mean-for-india/articleshow/78750339.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Trump versus Biden — Here’s what the result of the US election could mean for India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/exclusive-why-tata-motors-ceo-is-not-worried-about-musks-tesla-coming-to-india/articleshow/78749755.cms">Why Tata Motors CEO is not worried about Musk's Tesla coming to India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/byjus-renewal-rates-stand-at-86-the-founder-of-the-11-billion-edtech-startup-shares-how-they-cracked-the-code-for-repeat-subscriptions/articleshow/78749254.cms">BYJU’S renewal rates stand at 86% – the founder of the $11 billion edtech startup shares how they cracked the code for repeat subscriptions</a>

India ropes in all QUAD nations to participate in Malabar naval exercise

India and Australia on Thursday inked a landmark agreement for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support besides firming up six more pacts to further broadbase ties after Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> and his Australian counterpart <keyword id="826044" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Scott-Morrison">Scott Morrison</keyword> held an online summit. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) will allow militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation. India has already signed similar agreements with the US, France and Singapore. The other pacts will provide for bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber and cyber-enabled critical technology, mining and minerals, military technology, vocational education and water resources management. In the talks, the two sides also deliberated on a host of key issues including dealing with growing threat of terrorism, maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, reform in the World Trade Organisation and ways to deal with the coronavirus crisis. According to a joint statement issued after the Modi-Morrison talks, both sides discussed the issue of taxation of offshore income of Indian firms through the use of the India-Australia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and sought early resolution of the issue. It said both sides also decided to re-engage on a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) while suitably considering earlier bilateral discussions where a mutually agreed way forward can be found. The two countries recognised that terrorism remains a threat to peace and stability in the region and strongly condemned the menace in all its forms and manifestations, stressing that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. The joint statement said both sides support a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, including by countering violent extremism, preventing radicalisation, disrupting financial support to terrorists and facilitating prosecution of those involved in acts of terror. The two sides also called for early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). In his opening remarks, Modi also pitched for a coordinated and collaborative approach to come out of the adverse economic and social impact of the epidemic that has infected around 65 lakh people and killed 3.88 lakh globally. He said a process of comprehensive reforms covering almost all areas has been initiated in India as his government viewed the coronavirus crisis as an "opportunity". Referring to the virtual summit, the prime minister termed it "a new model of India-Australia partnership, a new model of conducting business". It was the first time that Modi held a "bilateral" virtual summit with a foreign leader. The prime minister described his talks with Morrison as "an outstanding discussion", covering the entire expanse of ties between the two strategic partners. "Our government has decided to view this crisis as an opportunity. In India, a process of comprehensive reforms has been initiated in almost all areas. It will soon see results at the ground level," the prime minister said. Modi also conveyed his appreciation to Morrison for taking care of the Indian community in Australia, especially the students during the "difficult time". In his remarks, Morrison complemented Modi for his "constructive and very positive" role including at the G-20 role in pushing for a concerted global approach in dealing with the coronavirus crisis. Modi said he believed that it is the "perfect time and perfect opportunity" to further strengthen the relationship between India and Australia. "We have immense possibilities to make our friendship stronger," Modi said, adding: "How our relations become a 'factor of stability' for our region and for the world, how we work together for global good, all these aspects need to be considered." The prime minister said India was committed to expand its relations with Australia on a wider and faster pace, noting that it is important not only for the two countries, but also for the Indo-Pacific region and the world. "The role of our comprehensive strategic partnership will be more important in this period of global epidemic. The world needs a coordinated and collaborative approach to get out of the economic and social side effects of this epidemic," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-responds-to-prime-minister-narendra-modi-and-us-president-donald-trump-conversation/articleshow/76188158.cms">China responds to Modi-Trump conversation — ‘there is no need for any third party to intervene’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-border-standoff-reaches-lieutenant-general-level-military-negotiation/articleshow/76167405.cms">India-China border standoff reaches Lieutenant-General level military negotiation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-is-a-bully-says-us-representative-on-india-china-border-issue/articleshow/76147159.cms">China is a ‘bully’ says US Representative on India-China border issue</a>

India and Australia ink landmark defence pact after Modi-Morrison online summit

<ul><li>The annual <keyword id="2426742" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malabar-exercise">Malabar Exercise</keyword> kicks off today with Australia as a permanent member. </li><li>This is the first time that all four <keyword id="887681" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Quad">QUAD</keyword> members — the US, Australia, India and Japan — are participating in the Malabar Exercise together in over a decade. </li><li>The timing of their cooperation is significant with China’s growing assertiveness in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and, of course, Eastern Ladakh.</li></ul>India, the US, Japan, and Australia haven’t had their navies alongside each other for over a decade. Today, they kick off the first phase of the annual Malabar Exercise in the Bay of Bengal. The last time around, in 2007, Singapore was also among their ranks for the first-ever Malabar Exercise conducted outside of the Indian off the Japanese island of Okinawa. The event was a ‘test drive’ for how QUAD could coordinate on the open seas. While the partnership between India and the US remained strong — Australia withdrew in 2008 after a slew of diplomatic protests from China and India’s narrative under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that year to prioritise the India-China relationship. The QUAD was also on a nearly decade-long hiatus. In 2020, that is no longer the case. Japan became a permanent member of the Malabar Exercise in 2015. And this year, Australia also accepted India’s invitation to join in with its Royal Australian Navy (RAN). <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Navy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Ships participating in the Malabar Exercise </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Royal Australian Navy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HMAS Ballarat </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">US Maritime Forces </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">USS John S McCain </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Indian Navy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Shakti, Ranvijay, Shivalik, Sindhuraj </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Japan Maritime Self Defence Force </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">JS Onami </td></tr></tbody></table> <div type="image" title="malabar 2017_edited" msid="79018793" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;US and Japanese (R) Navy ships are pictured docked at a harbour during the inauguration of joint naval exercises with India in Chennai on 10 July 2017&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The significance of the Malabar Exercise The coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing conflict along the border with China only served as more incentive for India to make the QUAD work. The members have refrained from referring to China directly and claim the organisation’s goal is to work towards a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’. <div type="image" title="quad malabar." msid="79018706" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sships of the Indian Navy and U.S. Navy sail in formation in the Bay of Bengal during the Malabar Exercise 2017 between India, Japan and the US&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Even at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministerial Summit, the countries were careful not to name China but insist that the QUAD has a positive agenda based on shared interests and democratic values. However, this is the first year that all four member countries of the QUAD, or the Asian NATO, are ‘officially’ participating in the Malabar Exercise. The solidification of the alliance between them is a strong signal to China who has been asserting itself in the straits of Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong and, of course, Eastern Ladakh. On its part, China has made it clear that it's not particularly comfortable with the Malabar Exercise. “We hope relevant countries’ military operations will be conducive to regional peace and stability, instead of the contrary,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin during the regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday. The 2020 Malabar Exercise The 2020 Malabar Exercise makes its 24th iteration. Alongside the Indian Navy, the RAN, and Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force (MJSDF), the US will be sending its Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain. “It is fitting to see our Navies operate in a high end, tactically relevant exercise like Malabar. It is another opportunity to further strengthen our combined capabilities and enhance our partnerships," said <a href="https://t.co/YEqTr6tyT0?amp=1">Captain Steven DeMoss</a>, commodore of the US Destroyer Squadron Fifteen in a statement. This year’s exercise at sea includes a variety of high-end tactical training aimed at specific interactions designed to enhance interoperability between the navies of the four counties. The Indian Navy’s participation will be led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. Along with its ships, India will also be sending its submarine dubbed Sindhuraj and many aircraft, including the advanced jet trainer Hawk, martin patrol aircraft Dornier, and the long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I. Once the first phase of the Malabar Exercise is complete on November 6, the second phase is scheduled for mid-November in the Arabian Sea. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/tcs-infosys-hcl-tech-and-others-to-see-more-freshers-than-lateral-hires-in-the-next-six-months/articleshow/79014794.cms">TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, and others to see more freshers than lateral hires in the next six months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/prajakta-koli-aka-mostlysane-advice-for-content-creators-on-the-fine-line-between-brand-collaborations-and-staying-honest-on-social-media/articleshow/79013162.cms">Prajakta Koli aka MostlySane’s advice for content creators on the fine line between brand collaborations and staying honest on social media</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkart-acquires-gaming-startup-mech-mocha-as-it-looks-to-tap-the-social-gaming-space-for-more-consumers/articleshow/79014466.cms">Flipkart acquires gaming startup Mech Mocha as it looks to tap the social gaming space for more consumers</a>

Malabar Exercise kicks off today with the QUAD countries reuniting after over a decade

The recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> in Vladivostok underlined the countries’ harmonious strategic orientation. In what Modi called a “unique case”, India <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026120/india-challenging-chinas-influence-south-china-sea-outreach" class="link-text">extended</a> a US$1 billion credit line to Russia to develop its Far East, as part of India’s new “Act Far East” policy, a complement to the “<a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1689454/indias-act-east-plan-lesson-china" class="link-text">Act East</a>” policy which seeks to deepen ties with Southeast Asia. Modi and Putin also reached a preliminary agreement on the induction of skilled Indian workers into Siberia. Urging both nations to “deepen the bond”, Modi said: “India is proud of the achievement of the Indian diaspora. I am sure here in the Russian Far East too they will make an active contribution towards the region’s progress.” The Russian <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1855525/china-backs-putins-idea-developing-russias-far-east" class="link-text">Far East</a> is a federal district distinct from the Siberian federal district, stretching from Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia to the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 6.2 million sq km, or a third of Russia. Resource-rich and sparsely populated, it is viewed with muted anxiety in Moscow as an area that may be slowly taken over by China’s steady <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2100228/chinese-russian-far-east-geopolitical-time-bomb" class="link-text">demographic creep</a>. This relationship has withstood the vicissitudes of a global order, through the menacing certitude of the cold-war decades when the Soviet Union was one of two poles, to the post-September 11 uneasy world (dis)order where Russia is the inheritor of a shrunken Soviet mantle both geographically and economically. Notwithstanding disappointments in the Boris Yeltsin period, such as when the Russian president condemned India’s nuclear tests, and Russia’s discomfiture over the visible improvement in India’s relations with the United States since late 2008, both Moscow and Delhi have maintained mutual trust. If the US, Russia and China are the core global strategic players, then India and Japan are potentially important swing states. Tokyo, while committed to the US-led alliance, is seeking to improve its position with both China and Russia. To this end, Japanese prime minister <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3025905/vladimir-putin-rebuffs-shinzo-abes-call-sign-peace-treaty-over" class="link-text">Shinzo Abe</a> was also in Vladivostok recently for the Eastern Economic Forum to explore greater economic engagement in Russia’s Far East. Russia’s economy is weaker and this is borne out by the International Monetary Fund’s global list of national gross domestic product. Russia’s GDP, at an estimated US$1.649 trillion this year, is ranked 12th, against Japan’s GDP in third place and India’s GDP in fifth place. For China and Russia, there is deep political and strategic cooperation. But the stark <a href="https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/3009679/china-and-russia-arent-economic-equals-thanks-us-trade-war" class="link-text">economic subaltern</a> status that Moscow has to accept and the demographic imbalance in the Far East causes deep anxiety. Moscow recalls China as the junior partner during the cold-war decades, and the inversion of roles is galling.In this context, the Russia-India relationship may be characterised as one of kaleidoscopic polarity, wherein both nations have a deep foundation of strategic consonance and yet allow for a degree of issue-specific flexibility. This is reflected in an 81-paragraph joint statement issued at Vladivostok. Deep geostrategic concerns underline the relationships between Russia’s Vladimir Putin, India’s Narendra Modi and China’s <keyword id="191809" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xi-Jinping">Xi Jinping</keyword>. The three leaders meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28. Photo: Reuters Thus, Russia and India can have different positions on China’s <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3007588/belt-and-road-differences-aside-china-and-india-agree-disagree" class="link-text">Belt and Road Initiative</a> to link economies into a China-centred trading network, or the US-led <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3003898/why-india-should-rethink-its-reticence-towards-quad" class="link-text">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a> with India, Australia and Japan. At the same time, Russia and India remain committed to “multilateralism”, underline “the primacy of international law” and emphasise “their commitment to the purposes and the principles stated in the UN Charter including the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of member states”.For India, this last point is especially relevant given developments in <a href="https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3021620/kashmir-modis-india-may-have-won-battle-lost-trust" class="link-text">Kashmir</a> where Moscow’s support has been particularly welcome against China’s <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026308/beijing-gives-pakistan-its-backing-amid-rising-kashmir" class="link-text">uncritical support</a> of Pakistan and the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3023648/donald-trump-offers-mediate-explosive-kashmir-stand" class="link-text">ambiguous</a> US position.India has its own <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/3011748/modi-20-indias-us-china-balancing-act-just-got-trickier" class="link-text">tightrope</a> to walk with China over their festering <a href="https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2127282/doklam-stand-china-will-india-learn-right-lessons-or-pay" class="link-text">territorial disputes</a> and China’s support of Pakistan, whose army <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3008614/why-china-dropped-its-opposition-un-blacklisting-pakistan" class="link-text">supports</a> anti-India jihadi terror groups and whose penchant for nuclear sabre-rattling China tacitly endorses. <h3 style="margin-bottom: 1.42857rem; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 1.71429rem; line-height: 2.35714rem; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; display: inherit;"></h3>Early next month, Modi will receive Chinese President Xi Jinping and India’s “special and privileged” relationship with Russia will be on the agenda. President Xi is likely to be keen to ascertain how the Vladivostok agreements affect China’s security concerns. Particularly as India and Russia now see themselves as “stakeholders” who have “agreed to intensify consultations on complementarities between integration and development initiatives in the greater Eurasian space and in the regions of Indian and Pacific Oceans”. Will the Indo-Pacific become more animated with Russia’s entry when the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026120/india-challenging-chinas-influence-south-china-sea-outreach" class="link-text">Vladivostok-Chennai</a> sea route becomes a reality?Commodore C. Uday Bhaskar is director of the Society for Policy Studies (SPS), an independent think tank based in New Delhi. (The above articles is based on personal views of C. Uday Bhaskar, Business Insider India has not edited the article).

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