Forging Stronger Ties: India Expands Trilateral Partnerships with France and Australia in the Indo-Pacific Region

India is gearing up to enhance the structure and coordination of the trilateral partnership with France and Australia, aiming to establish a more organized framework for regular meetings and a refined agenda. This strategic move aligns with India’s broader objective of forging strong alliances with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region to advance both economic and security interests.

Commencing in 2020 with a meeting among the foreign secretaries of India, France, and Australia, the trilateral gained momentum with a ministerial dialogue in 2021 during a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting. Despite a momentary setback caused by tensions between France and Australia over a submarine deal cancellation, the trilateral regained traction with ‘Focal Points’ meetings in 2021 and 2023.

The second ‘Focal Points’ meeting in 2023 concentrated on key areas such as maritime security, environmental concerns, and multilateral affairs. The participants identified upcoming projects and discussed the potential for a Foreign Ministers’ meeting during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, emphasizing the commitment to achieving tangible outcomes.

Sources suggest a renewed focus on regularizing group meetings to ensure tangible results. Plans to convene Foreign Ministers’ meetings during the previous year’s UNGA session in New York did not materialize, indicating the need for a more structured approach.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, along with their Indian counterparts, reiterated their commitment to cooperation within the Australia-India-France trilateral grouping during the Second Australia-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023. The collaboration aims to address shared interests in the Indian Ocean, emphasizing discussions on maritime security, climate change, and environmental issues.

Responding to queries, the spokesperson of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi highlighted the trilateral grouping’s role in coordinating efforts on common challenges and fostering open discussions.

While queries directed to India’s foreign ministry await responses, it is evident that India is adopting a collaborative approach not only with France and Australia but also with the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, a trilateral initiative between India, France, and the UAE was launched, focusing on cooperation projects in energy, particularly solar and nuclear energy, as well as combating climate change and biodiversity protection in the Indian Ocean region. The trilateral with France and the UAE is anticipated to emphasize business and trade, while the partnership with France and Australia will center around maritime security.

As geopolitical competition escalates in the Indo-Pacific, India is increasingly relying on alliances with a select group of like-minded countries, including the Quad, to advance its economic and security objectives. This strategic positioning underscores India’s commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing regional challenges through coordinated efforts with key partners.