Senior Australian and Indian leaders have warned that booming bilateral trade could falter without stronger maritime security cooperation, delivering the message just weeks before the 11th round of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations in New Delhi.
At the Australia–India in the Indian Ocean Century symposium, India’s High Commissioner Gopal Baglay said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had advanced rapidly and that security and trade needed to move in step. “We are cooperating not merely for our own security, but as a force for the larger global good… This is our responsibility towards stability in the Pacific and the world beyond. The 11th round of CECA talks later this month will build on this momentum across trade, maritime collaboration, and defence interoperability.”
Australia’s Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, called India a “top-tier security partner” and stressed that trade relied on safe seas. “Trade cannot flourish if the seas it travels remain vulnerable. Since the signing of ECTA, $30 billion worth of Australian exports have been extended to India tariff-free, and Australians have saved $225 million on goods from India.”
Akashika Mohla, Founder of Wired Global Media & Advisory, urged both nations to embrace leadership rooted in values rather than dominance. “In this increasingly multipolar world, countries like India and Australia must lead, not with dominance, but with democratic discipline. Together, we must preserve the rules-based maritime order, push back against coercion, and invest in connectivity, sustainability, and peace across this vast oceanic arc. This is the Indian Ocean Century, the only project of the century, and how we show up here will define who we become.”
Former Trade Minister Dan Tehan warned against slowing momentum. “The Australia–India partnership in particular is going to be absolutely vital. We cannot stop growing the relationship. We must continue to build it.”
National security expert Dr Josh Roose linked terrorism to economic fragility, saying stability was essential for trade. Japan’s Consul General in Melbourne, FUROYA Tokuro, pointed to QUAD’s role in regional cooperation, describing it as “a great framework leading to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
The panel’s convenor said the timing was critical. “Economic cooperation without strategic cooperation is a false promise. With CECA talks imminent, this is the moment to match trade ambition with maritime steel. Indian Ocean century is the only project of the century.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
