Australia releases National Defence Strategy, terms India “top tier security partner”

Australia released its National Defence Strategy and it lists “potential for tension and miscommunication between India and Pakistan/ India and China- with risk of nuclear weapon use” as key security risk among others. Also sees “flashpoints” on the border with India.

Ausies released their National Defence Strategy where it termed India as “top tier security partner”. Amid the rising China threat, Australia will increase the “depth and complexity” of defence cooperation but the country has also committed to support India’s “key role” in the region.

Among other priorities, the Australian government will see the Australian Defence Forces shift to an integrated, focused force designed to address Australia’s complex strategic circumstances.

Australia’s projected defence spending will increase by another $50 billion over the next decade which aims to put the country’s total defence spending at 2.4% of GDP in 10 years. According to Australian National Defence Strategy, China has employed coercive tactics in pursuit of its strategic objectives.