Milestones in India-Australia Relations:

Early Years & Independence (Pre-1990s):

• 1836: First recorded arrival of Indians in Australia. Primarily came as indentured laborers and traders. This laid the foundation for the Indian diaspora in Australia.
• 1945: India and Australia establish diplomatic relations. This marked the formal beginning of bilateral ties.
• 1947: India gains independence from British rule. Australia, as a fellow Commonwealth nation, recognizes India's sovereignty.
• 1950: Australia supports India's position on Kashmir in the UN Security Council. An early example of diplomatic convergence on a contentious issue.

Cold War Era (1950s-1980s):

• 1950s-60s: Relations strained due to divergent views on the Cold War. India's non-alignment contrasted with Australia's pro-Western stance.
• 1971: Australia opposes India's role in the Bangladesh Liberation War. This further strained bilateral relations.

Post-Cold War & Growing Partnership (1990s-2010s):

• 1991: India embarks on economic liberalization. This opened up opportunities for enhanced trade and investment with Australia.
• 2000: Australian Prime Minister John Howard visits India, marking a shift towards stronger ties.
• 2008: The first round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) begins. This signified the intent to deepen economic engagement.
• 2009: Terrorist attack on Indian students in Australia sparks outrage in India. Both countries cooperate closely on security issues in response.
• 2014: Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit Australia in 28 years, signifying a new era in bilateral relations.

Strategic Partnership & Beyond (2010s-Present):

• 2014: India and Australia elevate their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" encompassing defense, security, and economic cooperation.
• 2015: Uranium sale agreement signed, highlighting growing trust and strategic convergence.
• 2017: "Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific" released, outlining a commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• 2020: India included in the Malabar naval exercise with the US, Japan, and Australia (Quad). This reflects deepening strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
• 2022: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA) comes into force, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment significantly.
• 2023: Australian PM Anthony Albanese visits India, strengthening ties and discussing further cooperation on critical minerals, education, and clean energy.

Context & Importance:

The trajectory of India-Australia relations reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape. While initial ties were warm but limited, the Cold War led to a divergence of interests. The end of the Cold War and India's economic liberalization provided the impetus for renewed engagement.

The rise of China and growing concerns about regional security have been major catalysts in strengthening the partnership. Both nations see each other as vital partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Today, the relationship is multifaceted and robust, marked by close collaboration across a range of areas. The IndAus ECTA is expected to further deepen economic ties, while strategic convergence and shared values will continue to drive closer cooperation on regional and global issues. The future of India-Australia relations holds immense potential, with both nations committed to fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership.