This joint project with the University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute (UWA DSI) aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Australia and India in maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically focusing on Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA). This initiative will address five key aspects of UDA: an initial scoping study of Australia-India bilateral undersea intentions and capabilities; anti-submarine warfare (ASW), uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs); undersea search and rescue; and deep-sea awareness. The project aims to contribute significantly to regional stability and security while aligning with recent diplomatic developments and broader initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) by fostering policy collaboration across academic, industry, and government spheres.
The India-Australia Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, referred to in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), prioritizes strengthening regional maritime domain awareness. This project addresses critical areas of maritime security that have become increasingly important due to the growing presence of underwater threats in the Eastern Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its relevance is further underscored by its alignment with recent diplomatic developments, notably the joint statement issued after the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in November 2023, highlighting increased discussion of bilateral cooperation in UDA.
For the project, five long-form joint research publications will be produced on one of each of the UDA themes identified above. They will be authored by subject-matter experts at the University of Western Australia Defence and Security Institute (UWA DSI) and the Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR). A final white paper will synthesize the findings of these five thematically focused long-form papers and offer detailed policy recommendations. Two advocacy events in India and Australia will be hosted to disseminate the project’s findings to a broader audience, particularly industry, media, the government, and academia.
In addition, to ensure the best-informed research, four workshops will be held involving government and non-government stakeholders, two each in India and Australia, with seven participants from each country. There will also be a three-week exchange opportunity for an Australian researcher in India and an Indian researcher in Australia.
The project is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia.