Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described his meeting with Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken as “very productive”, highlighting continued efforts to strengthen bilateral defence and industrial cooperation between India and Belgium.

Singh’s remarks came after his engagement with the Belgian defence leadership. The meeting assumes significance as India seeks to expand defence partnerships with European countries and strengthen cooperation in areas including defence manufacturing, investment and maritime security.

India-Belgium Defence Engagement

India and Belgium have been exploring opportunities to deepen defence cooperation, including greater engagement in the maritime domain and the defence industrial sector.

Singh had earlier met Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi in March 2025 during Princess Astrid’s visit to India. At that meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, as well as ways to strengthen defence-industrial cooperation. (Press Information Bureau)

Focus on Defence Industry

India has been encouraging foreign defence companies to invest in the country and integrate Indian manufacturers into global supply chains. During the earlier India-Belgium discussions, Singh welcomed Belgian investment in India's defence sector and suggested that Belgian companies could expand their presence in India.

The approach is aligned with India's broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its objective of becoming a larger exporter of defence equipment.

Maritime Cooperation

Maritime security remains an important area of potential cooperation between India and Belgium. Discussions between the two countries have included the possibility of defence engagement in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime sector. (Press Information Bureau)

The importance of maritime capabilities has also increased as India seeks to strengthen its role as a security partner in the wider Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.

India’s Defence Export Push

Singh has repeatedly emphasised the need to increase India's defence exports and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The government has set a target of raising defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30.

According to the Ministry of Defence, India's defence production reached approximately ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, while defence exports rose to a record ₹38,424 crore. The government has linked the growth in production and exports with its broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. (Press Information Bureau)

Belgium Partnership Gains Importance

Belgium is an important European partner for India, with bilateral engagement extending beyond defence to trade, investment, technology and other sectors.

Recent India-EU discussions have also included defence-industrial cooperation, with India seeking greater collaboration with European partners in emerging areas such as counter-drone technologies and electronic warfare. (Press Information Bureau)

‘Very Productive’ Meeting

Singh's description of the latest meeting as “very productive” signals India's continuing interest in expanding defence ties with Belgium.

Further cooperation could provide opportunities for Indian and Belgian companies to work together in defence manufacturing, technology and supply chains, while strengthening the broader strategic relationship between the two countries.

Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Arrives in India; Maritime Security, Defence Cooperation in Focus

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his maiden official visit to India, with strengthening bilateral defence ties and maritime security cooperation at the centre of his two-day programme. (DD India)

Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono welcomed Koizumi and said the opening discussions had been fruitful. In a post on X, Ono said the programme began with a visit to the Western Naval Command and discussions on advancing maritime cooperation between the two countries. (DD India)

Visit to Western Naval Command

During his Mumbai engagements, Koizumi inspected a Guard of Honour at the Western Naval Command and laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh at the Naval Dockyard.

He also visited the indigenous stealth destroyer INS Chennai, where he was briefed on the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, roles and regional responsibilities. Koizumi held discussions with Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahajan Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. (The Tribune)

Rajnath Singh Meeting

Koizumi is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday. The two ministers are expected to discuss ways to deepen India-Japan defence cooperation, strengthen strategic trust and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (The Tribune)

The discussions are also expected to cover maritime security cooperation and collaboration in defence equipment and technology under the Make-in-India framework.

Focus on Indo-Pacific

The visit comes as India and Japan seek to expand their strategic and defence partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Japan's recent revision of its Three Principles on Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology is also expected to provide scope for deeper cooperation in defence technology and equipment.

The Indian Defence Ministry said the bilateral meeting would provide an opportunity to develop a roadmap for further strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries. (The Tribune)

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the emergence of the Mecca Defence Agreementinvolving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey reflects a wider shift in global geopolitics, with the international order becoming increasingly pluralistic and power more widely distributed among different countries and regional groupings.

Speaking during the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, Morrison said the changing international environment was likely to create greater space for new security partnerships and smaller strategic groupings.

“We're going to see more and more pluralism in the global order,” Morrison said while discussing the recently formed defence arrangement and broader geopolitical developments.

Shift in Global Power

According to Morrison, the traditional structure of international power is undergoing significant changes as countries increasingly pursue partnerships based on specific strategic and national interests.

He said the world was moving towards a more distributed geopolitical system, where different countries could form flexible alliances and cooperative arrangements instead of relying entirely on large, established blocs.

The former Australian leader linked this development to the growing importance of regional and “minilateral” partnerships, particularly across the Indo-Pacific and the wider Middle East.

Mecca Defence Agreement in Focus

Morrison's remarks came amid discussions over the new defence cooperation framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey.

The agreement has generated international attention because of its potential implications for regional security and military cooperation.

While details of how the arrangement will evolve remain subject to further institutional and political developments, Morrison said its emergence should be viewed within the larger transformation taking place in the global order.

The growing number of regional arrangements, he suggested, reflects a world in which strategic influence is no longer concentrated in a small number of traditional power centres.

India’s Growing Strategic Role

During the discussion, Morrison also highlighted India's increasing geopolitical importance and described New Delhi as a key player in the future strategic balance of the Indo-Pacific.

He said India's role was becoming increasingly significant as the global distribution of economic and political power changes.

Morrison particularly emphasised India's importance to the Quad, which brings together India, Australia, Japan and the United States.

According to him, India's participation gives the grouping a distinctive strategic character and will remain critical to its future effectiveness. He also argued that the Quad should maintain a broad agenda covering security, economic cooperation, technology and humanitarian issues rather than becoming solely a military alliance.

More Flexible Partnerships Ahead

Morrison said geopolitical cooperation in the coming years could increasingly involve countries working together on selected issues without necessarily joining rigid alliance structures.

This could lead to what he described as greater “mix and match” among countries and partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Such arrangements may focus on areas including maritime security, technology, trade, critical minerals, supply chains and defence cooperation.

The development of new regional frameworks, including the Mecca Defence Agreement, could therefore become part of a broader trend towards more flexible international partnerships.

China and Regional Security

The former Australian prime minister also discussed China's expanding strategic influence and the challenges facing countries across the Indo-Pacific.

He pointed to developments involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Myanmar while underlining the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.

Morrison said India would remain central to efforts aimed at maintaining regional balance, particularly as geopolitical and economic competition intensifies.

He also highlighted India's growing potential in areas such as technology, manufacturing, space and defence-industrial cooperation.

Changing Geopolitical Landscape

Morrison's comments underline the growing debate over how the global order may evolve as established alliances face new challenges and emerging powers expand their influence.

The rise of new defence arrangements and issue-based partnerships could reshape regional diplomacy in the years ahead.

For countries such as India, the changing environment could create greater opportunities to pursue strategic partnerships while maintaining flexibility in foreign policy.

As new groupings emerge across different regions, Morrison's assessment suggests that the future global order may be defined less by a single dominant structure and more by multiple centres of power, competing interests and increasingly diverse strategic partnerships.

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, agriculture, border protection and critical supply chains during Vietnamese President To Lam's official visit to Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Lam discussed closer bilateral coordination amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific.

The two sides also agreed to increase cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy, while expressing concern over trade practices that can disrupt global supply chains.

New Maritime Security Agreement

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force.

The agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation in maritime law enforcement and improve coordination between the two agencies.

A separate agreement was also signed to expand cooperation and mutual assistance between the border forces of Australia and Vietnam.

The agreements come as both countries place greater emphasis on maritime security and maintaining stable sea routes across the Indo-Pacific.

Focus on Peaceful Dispute Resolution

President To Lam said Australia and Vietnam needed stronger dialogue and greater mutual trust as international developments become increasingly complex.

Speaking alongside Albanese, Lam said countries should strengthen dialogue, build trust and protect security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight.

He also stressed that disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The comments come against the backdrop of continuing territorial disputes and strategic competition in the South China Sea.

South China Sea Remains Key Issue

Australia has increased its maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific and regularly deploys naval vessels and surveillance aircraft in the South China Sea.

Vietnam, China and several other countries have overlapping territorial claims in the region.

In April, Australia joined Canada and the United States in a multilateral transit through the South China Sea, highlighting Canberra's broader approach to maintaining freedom of navigation in contested waters.

For Vietnam, closer cooperation with Australia provides another avenue for maritime law enforcement and regional security coordination.

Trade Ties Continue to Grow

Economic relations were also discussed during Lam's visit.

According to the joint statement, two-way trade between Australia and Vietnam increased 22 per cent year-on-year during the first half of 2026, reaching approximately $8.1 billion.

Vietnam's exports to Australia include electronics, smartphones and garments.

Australia supplies Vietnam with commodities including coal, minerals and natural gas.

The growth in trade has encouraged both countries to explore areas where their economies can become more closely integrated.

Critical Minerals and Semiconductors

Australia and Vietnam also agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy.

Critical minerals have become increasingly important to global manufacturing and the development of technologies such as batteries, renewable-energy systems and advanced electronics.

Both countries are looking to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to disruptions affecting strategic industries.

Cooperation in these areas could create opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and greater integration between Australian resources and Vietnam's growing manufacturing sector.

Agriculture and Border Cooperation

Agriculture and border security were also included in the expanded bilateral cooperation agenda.

The agreements are expected to support greater institutional coordination and mutual assistance between Australian and Vietnamese authorities.

For Australia, stronger ties with Vietnam form part of its wider effort to build relationships across Southeast Asia. For Vietnam, deeper engagement with Australia provides opportunities to expand economic and security partnerships beyond its traditional relationships.

Broader Indo-Pacific Partnership

The latest agreements mark another step in the development of Australia-Vietnam relations following the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both governments are seeking closer cooperation at a time when the Indo-Pacific is facing geopolitical competition, supply-chain disruptions and growing maritime security concerns.

The focus on defence, border security, critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy reflects an attempt to broaden the relationship beyond traditional trade and diplomatic ties.

The two countries are expected to continue working together on regional security, economic resilience and practical cooperation as they deepen their strategic partnership.

Terror Funding Priority

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for coordinated international action to choke terror funding and protect global shipping routes from attacks and disruption. He delivered the message at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila, where ministers discussed political and security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.

Jaishankar said countries must deny terrorist groups access to financial resources, networks and institutional support. He also argued that the international community must impose consequences for acts of terrorism rather than limit its response to statements of condemnation.

Zero Tolerance Message

“There must be zero tolerance for terrorism,” Jaishankar said, while stressing that terrorist attacks must carry consequences. He identified terror funding as a priority area for regional and global cooperation.

India and Malaysia currently co-chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. Jaishankar said India was leading work on a compendium of global best practices to strengthen counter-terrorism coordination among participating countries.

Shipping Routes Must Stay Open

The minister also condemned attacks on merchant vessels and civilian infrastructure. He said international waterways must remain safe, secure and open so that trade can move without interruption.

His remarks came as conflict in West Asia, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks involving oil tankers created fresh risks for energy supplies and commercial shipping. ASEAN economies depend heavily on imported energy, making disruption along major sea routes a central concern at the Manila meetings.

India Details Maritime Role

Jaishankar highlighted India’s contribution to maritime security through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative. He also referred to Indian deployments stretching from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific.

According to the minister, these efforts help countries counter piracy, trafficking and narcotics smuggling while protecting maritime commerce. India’s emphasis on safe shipping reflects its wider objective of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its centre.

South China Sea Code

Jaishankar backed a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. He said the proposed framework must comply fully with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and protect the legitimate rights of all users.

The issue carried added urgency after fresh confrontations between China and the Philippines in disputed waters. The South China Sea remains a major commercial route as well as a strategic flashpoint involving overlapping territorial and maritime claims.

Wider Security Agenda

The External Affairs Minister welcomed the Manila Plan of Action and said its five pillars aligned with India’s Indo-Pacific approach. He sought closer cooperation on disaster relief, common operating procedures, field exercises and the sharing of best practices.

Jaishankar also urged countries to remain alert to efforts that weaken non-proliferation and disarmament frameworks. On technology, he supported a responsible, human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and stronger cross-border cooperation against cybercrime.

The address featured prominently in Latest News Today, India News Update and National and International News coverage because it connected terrorism, maritime trade and regional stability. It also emerged as an important Public Interest Story in Trending News India coverage.

What Comes Next

The forum’s discussions could shape cooperation on counter-terrorism, shipping security, disaster response and regional maritime rules. However, participating countries will need stronger intelligence-sharing, financial tracking and coordinated enforcement to translate political commitments into measurable action. This assessment follows from the priorities outlined by India at the meeting.

Tensions between China and the Philippines have risen once again after Beijing claimed it tracked, intercepted, and expelled two Philippine vessels that it alleged had entered waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal without authorization.

The incident, announced by China's Coast Guard on Thursday, marks the second reported maritime confrontation between the two countries this week, underscoring the fragile security situation in the South China Sea.

Scarborough Shoal remains one of the region's most sensitive flashpoints, with both Beijing and Manila asserting sovereignty over the strategically located reef.

China Alleges Unauthorized Entry

In a statement, the China Coast Guard said the two Philippine vessels had "intruded" into waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal despite repeated warnings.

Chinese authorities stated that coast guard personnel carried out what they described as tracking, monitoring, interception, and expulsion operations, calling the measures "standard, professional, and lawful."

Beijing reiterated its claim of sovereignty over the disputed feature, known in China as Huangyan Dao, and urged the Philippines to cease what it described as "infringing and provocative actions."

Philippines Yet to Respond

As of Thursday, neither the Philippine Coast Guard nor the Philippine Embassy in Beijing had publicly responded to China's latest claims.

The absence of an immediate official response leaves differing accounts of the incident unresolved, a common feature of disputes in the South China Sea where rival claimants often issue conflicting statements after maritime encounters.

Second Confrontation This Week

The latest development follows another confrontation earlier this week near the Second Thomas Shoal, another disputed feature in the South China Sea where tensions between Chinese and Philippine vessels have repeatedly flared.

Both governments lodged diplomatic protests following that encounter, reflecting the increasingly strained relationship over competing territorial claims.

The recurring incidents have raised concerns about the risk of miscalculation in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

ASEAN Meeting Highlights Dispute

The maritime dispute also featured prominently during meetings on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering this week.

Foreign ministers from China and the Philippines exchanged diplomatic protests regarding the earlier confrontation, illustrating how the territorial dispute continues to shape regional diplomacy.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Manila could face "bitter consequences of its own making" if it continued what Beijing views as provocative actions supported by outside powers.

Strategic Importance of Scarborough Shoal

Scarborough Shoal is located in the northeastern part of the South China Sea and is regarded as one of the region's most strategically significant maritime features.

Although it lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone under the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, China rejects that decision and continues to maintain effective control over the area.

The South China Sea is a vital global shipping corridor through which trillions of dollars in international trade pass annually. It is also believed to contain significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and rich fishing grounds, making competing territorial claims particularly sensitive.

Regional Concerns Continue

The latest incident adds to a series of confrontations involving coast guard and naval vessels in disputed waters over the past several years.

Regional analysts warn that repeated encounters between rival maritime forces increase the possibility of accidental escalation, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek mechanisms for preventing conflict.

Despite ongoing dialogue through regional forums, sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea remain among the most challenging security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity during a high-level meeting in Manila, Philippines. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, came amid renewed tensions in the South China Sea following a fresh confrontation between Chinese and Philippine forces.

Although the joint discussions did not explicitly mention China, the repeated emphasis on respecting sovereignty and maintaining the rules-based international order was widely viewed as a diplomatic message directed at Beijing's growing maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific.

Quad Reviews Regional Security

The meeting brought together India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their counterparts from Japan and Australia to review recent developments affecting regional security.

Following the discussions, Jaishankar said the ministers reviewed the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape and assessed progress on decisions taken during the previous Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi.

He reiterated that the four countries remain committed to promoting a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while recognizing ASEAN's central role in the region's security architecture.

Rule of Law at the Centre

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the group's shared vision, stating that India, the United States, Japan and Australia remain united in supporting an Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rubio said the Quad continues to be a strategic priority for Washington and confirmed that the four nations are expected to meet again later this year to advance cooperation across security, economic resilience, critical technologies and regional stability.

Diplomatic observers noted that the ministers deliberately avoided directly naming China, but the language used closely reflected long-standing concerns over Beijing's activities in disputed maritime regions.

South China Sea Tensions

The meeting took place just a day after a fresh confrontation between China and the Philippines near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

According to Philippine authorities, personnel from both sides engaged in a physical clash involving oars and batons during a maritime encounter. Manila alleged that a Chinese Coast Guard officer injured a Filipino sailor during the incident.

China rejected the allegations, accusing Philippine personnel of provoking the confrontation and claiming that Manila's account distorted the facts.

The incident has further heightened tensions between the two countries, both of which have summoned each other's ambassadors following the clash.

Strategic Message Without Naming China

While the Quad's official statements avoided directly referring to Beijing, analysts believe the meeting reflected growing concern over attempts to alter the regional status quo through coercion or unilateral actions.

The emphasis on territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law aligns with the group's longstanding position on maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The latest developments also highlight the Quad's expanding role as a strategic platform for coordination among four major democracies amid increasing geopolitical competition in the region.

India's Expanding Indo-Pacific Role

For India, the Manila meeting reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while continuing to advocate dialogue, adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific are essential for regional prosperity and global trade, particularly as vital international shipping routes pass through the South China Sea.

With maritime security becoming an increasingly prominent issue, the Quad is expected to deepen cooperation in areas including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, cyber security, critical technologies, supply chain resilience and maritime domain awareness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent five-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand has marked a renewed strategic focus on India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision, signalling New Delhi's intent to deepen partnerships in the region amid rapidly evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

The visit, held from July 6 to July 11, came after a series of engagements in Europe, West Asia and the Indian Ocean, highlighting the government's effort to balance India's diplomatic outreach across multiple strategic theatres.

Renewed Focus on the Indo-Pacific

The East Asia tour followed Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia earlier this year and Japanese Prime Minister's visit to India in early July, creating momentum for stronger cooperation with key Indo-Pacific partners.

The three-nation visit was among the longest overseas engagements undertaken by the Prime Minister in recent years and focused on expanding cooperation in defence, trade, technology, maritime security and regional connectivity.

Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, Modi described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

Global Context Shapes India's Strategy

The renewed emphasis on the Indo-Pacific comes against the backdrop of significant geopolitical changes over the past few years.

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Gaza crisis and tensions in the Gulf region have reshaped global strategic priorities. At the same time, shifts in United States foreign policy and Washington's evolving approach towards China have prompted countries across Asia to reassess their regional security and economic strategies.

Growing concerns over the security of critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, have further reinforced the importance of diversified partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Defence and Economic Cooperation in Focus

India's engagements with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand placed significant emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation, maritime security, resilient supply chains and economic collaboration.

The tour reflected New Delhi's broader objective of working closely with like-minded democracies to promote a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific while expanding investment, technology partnerships and people-to-people ties.

Officials view stronger regional cooperation as essential to ensuring stability across one of the world's most strategically significant maritime regions.

Act East Policy Continues to Evolve

Launched more than a decade ago, India's Act East Policy has gradually expanded beyond economic engagement to include strategic, security and connectivity initiatives across Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Pacific.

The latest diplomatic outreach indicates that the Indo-Pacific remains central to India's foreign policy despite competing global crises, with New Delhi seeking to strengthen its role as a key regional stakeholder through sustained diplomatic and strategic engagement.

Analysts believe the visit reflects India's continued effort to balance economic interests, regional security concerns and strategic partnerships in an increasingly complex international environment.

India has stepped up its strategic engagement across the Indo-Pacific by deepening partnerships with South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, signalling a broader effort to strengthen regional cooperation, maritime security and resilient supply chains. The latest diplomatic outreach, spanning April to July, reflects New Delhi’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy built around what analysts describe as a modern interpretation of Kautilya’s Mandala theory.

The diplomatic momentum included high-level bilateral engagements with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s multi-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Together, these visits underline India’s focus on building a network of strategic partnerships with like-minded maritime democracies amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Expanding the Indo-Pacific Vision

India’s approach seeks to reinforce cooperation through initiatives such as the Act East Policy, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the MAHASAGAR vision. Rather than forming an exclusive military bloc, New Delhi aims to promote a rules-based, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific while expanding its strategic and economic space.

The strategy comes at a time when China’s growing regional influence has complicated India's neighbourhood dynamics, prompting New Delhi to strengthen ties with countries across the wider maritime region.

Indonesia Emerges as a Key Maritime Partner

Indonesia featured prominently during Prime Minister Modi’s recent diplomatic tour. Recognised as a strategic gateway between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia controls vital maritime routes through the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits.

During the visit, India and Indonesia signed multiple agreements covering defence, maritime cooperation and trade. Indonesia agreed to acquire BrahMos cruise missiles and became the first international customer for India’s Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile system.

The two countries also expanded cooperation between their maritime agencies, strengthened information-sharing mechanisms and explored collaboration in developing Indonesia’s Sabang Port, located near one of the world's busiest shipping corridors.

Economic cooperation also advanced through agreements on rare-earth supply chains, steel manufacturing partnerships, digital payment connectivity and local currency settlement mechanisms.

Australia and New Zealand Deepen Strategic Cooperation

In Australia, the two countries concluded a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, alongside a Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and agreements covering coast guard coordination and civil nuclear cooperation.

The partnership is expected to enhance defence interoperability, maritime surveillance and long-term energy cooperation, including Australian uranium exports to India.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. Both nations adopted a Roadmap to 2030 and agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the coming years.

The discussions also covered logistics, hydrography, maritime mapping and broader regional cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

Japan and South Korea Reinforce Economic Security

Earlier diplomatic engagements with Japan and South Korea laid the foundation for the broader regional outreach.

India and Japan strengthened cooperation in defence technology, economic security, critical minerals and resilient supply chains. The two countries also agreed on their first defence co-development project involving naval communication systems.

Meanwhile, South Korea and India focused on expanding cooperation in advanced technologies, semiconductors and supply chain resilience, reflecting growing convergence on emerging economic and security priorities.

Strategic Balance in the Indo-Pacific

Analysts believe India’s expanding network of partnerships reflects an effort to create a balanced regional architecture rather than an alliance directed against any single country. By strengthening defence cooperation, promoting resilient supply chains and supporting freedom of navigation, India is seeking to reinforce stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The approach also supports greater diversification of trade, technology partnerships and maritime connectivity while encouraging cooperation among countries that share similar interests in maintaining an open and rules-based regional order.

As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi’s recent diplomatic engagements indicate a long-term strategy centred on strategic partnerships, economic resilience and maritime cooperation, positioning India as an increasingly influential stakeholder in the region’s evolving security and economic landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underlined the deepening ties between India and New Zealand, describing the relationship as one built on shared values, mutual trust and people-to-people connections, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

The visit marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with both nations elevating their engagement to a Strategic Partnership, signing multiple agreements and setting an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to around ₹35,000 crore by 2030.

Speaking before members of the Indian community, Modi blended personal memories with a broader vision for future cooperation, stressing that India's foreign policy values goodwill and public welfare over the size of any nation's population.

A Personal Story from Three Decades Ago

Recalling his first visit to New Zealand nearly 25 to 30 years ago, long before he assumed public office, Modi shared an emotional anecdote about a muffler gifted to him during that trip.

Holding up the same muffler while addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said he had preserved it for decades and continued to wear it, describing it as a symbol of the affection and warmth extended by the people of New Zealand.

He said such gestures reflected the strength of human relationships and demonstrated that India values the spirit of friendship above all else.

Strategic Partnership Enters New Phase

Earlier in the day, Modi held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland.

The two leaders announced 18 major decisions and signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering sectors including defence, trade, education, agriculture, sports, science, technology, disaster management and maritime cooperation.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and expanding economic engagement through the implementation of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

Focus on Trade, Technology and Innovation

Highlighting future opportunities, Modi said India and New Zealand should deepen collaboration in emerging sectors including space technology, digital innovation, renewable energy and sports.

Describing the present as "the era of collaboration," he said the two countries possess complementary strengths that can generate long-term economic growth and technological advancement.

The Prime Minister noted that New Zealand-based companies have already partnered with India's space programme and said cooperation in advanced technology reflects the shared aspirations of both nations.

He also called for stronger collaboration in sports, particularly rugby, saying India could benefit from New Zealand's expertise through coaches, trainers and technical specialists.

Praise for Indian Diaspora

Modi praised the Indian community in New Zealand for serving as a bridge between the two countries.

He said that although members of the diaspora live thousands of kilometres away from India, their emotional connection with their homeland remains intact.

According to the Prime Minister, the contributions of people of Indian origin have strengthened New Zealand's economy, society and cultural diversity while simultaneously reinforcing bilateral ties.

He added that New Zealand's leadership consistently acknowledges the positive role played by the Indian community in the country's development.

Learning from New Zealand

The Prime Minister also highlighted New Zealand's achievements in public welfare, women's empowerment and agricultural development, saying India continues to draw inspiration from the country's progress.

He noted that New Zealand was the first nation to grant women the right to vote and said India is also expanding opportunities for women across multiple sectors while pursuing balanced economic and social development.

Modi emphasised that India's growth story combines modern innovation with the preservation of its civilisational heritage, allowing the country to evolve while maintaining its cultural identity.

Strengthening Long-Term Bilateral Relations

The visit concluded with both countries expressing confidence that the newly announced Strategic Partnership will open fresh avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, education, security and people-to-people exchanges.

Modi assured members of the Indian diaspora that high-level engagement between the two nations would become more frequent, saying they would not have to wait another four decades for the next visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

The Auckland visit capped Modi's three-nation tour and reinforced India's growing engagement with partners across the Indo-Pacific region, signalling a renewed commitment to expanding strategic and economic cooperation with New Zealand.

India and Australia on Thursday elevated their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by signing a series of landmark agreements spanning civil nuclear energy, defence, trade, critical minerals, emerging technologies and space cooperation. The announcements came after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese during the Third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne.

The most significant outcome of the summit was Australia's decision to begin supplying uranium to India for peaceful civilian purposes under the 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The arrangement is expected to strengthen India's long-term clean energy ambitions while deepening bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear sector.

Addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi described India and Australia as trusted partners capable of working together to address global challenges ranging from energy security to resilient supply chains. He said Australian uranium would support India's ambitious nuclear power expansion, complementing the country's renewable energy targets.

Boost to Clean Energy Partnership

India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Modi said Australia's abundant uranium reserves, technological expertise and investment potential would contribute significantly to India's clean energy transition.

The two countries also announced plans to establish a Critical Minerals Corridor, aimed at strengthening supply chains for minerals essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, batteries and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The initiative comes as several countries seek to diversify supplies of critical minerals amid growing geopolitical competition and concerns over concentrated global production.

Space and Technology Cooperation Expands

In another major announcement, Australia agreed to host a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The facility is expected to improve communication and tracking capabilities during future Indian crewed space missions.

Both leaders also committed to expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, cyber security and digital public infrastructure. Modi highlighted that India has committed more than $10 billion towards AI, quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing, creating opportunities for Australian technology companies and investors.

The two countries also welcomed a new Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership to promote collaboration in emerging technologies.

Defence and Maritime Ties Strengthened

Security cooperation featured prominently during the summit, with India and Australia unveiling a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.

The agreement includes the establishment of an India-Australia Defence Innovation Corridor connecting defence start-ups, industries and research institutions. Both nations also agreed to deepen cooperation in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance while enhancing interoperability between their armed forces through more complex joint military exercises.

Additionally, the two sides endorsed a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap aimed at ensuring a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi called for accelerating negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), describing it as a balanced and mutually beneficial trade pact that would unlock greater investment and business opportunities.

He noted that India's exports to Australia have doubled since the implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), reflecting the growing strength of bilateral trade.

The Prime Minister invited Australian investors to participate in India's rapidly expanding infrastructure sector, including ports, airports, highways, railways, data centres and clean manufacturing projects. He also proposed stronger partnerships between states, universities, industries and smaller cities in both countries to broaden the scope of bilateral engagement.

Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, strengthening regional stability and promoting dialogue to resolve global conflicts. They reiterated support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and pledged closer coordination through regional and multilateral forums.

Using a cricket analogy to describe the relationship, Modi said India-Australia meetings combine the strategic planning of a One-Day International, the speed of a T20 match and the endurance of a Test series, underscoring the long-term nature of the partnership.

The summit marked another significant milestone in India-Australia relations, signalling closer cooperation across strategic sectors ranging from nuclear energy and defence to advanced technology, critical minerals and space exploration.