Explain the India-Australia relations since 1990s.

India-Australia relations have undergone significant transformation since the 1990s, evolving from a relatively low-key engagement to a strategic partnership characterized by growing cooperation across various sectors. Several key factors have shaped the trajectory of India-Australia relations during this period:

1. End of Cold War and Economic Liberalization: The end of the Cold War and the subsequent wave of economic liberalization in India and Australia created new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Both countries embarked on economic reforms aimed at opening up their economies, promoting trade and investment, and integrating into the global economy. This shift towards market-oriented policies provided a conducive environment for deepening economic ties between India and Australia.

2. Trade and Investment: Economic relations between India and Australia have expanded significantly since the 1990s, driven by growing trade and investment flows. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, with both countries benefiting from complementarity in their economies. India's rapid economic growth and rising middle class have fueled demand for Australian resources, particularly coal, minerals, and agricultural products. Meanwhile, Australia has emerged as an important destination for Indian exports, including IT services, gems and jewelry, and pharmaceuticals.

3. Strategic Partnership: India and Australia have pursued closer strategic ties in response to shared security challenges and geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries recognize the importance of maintaining a rules-based order and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The establishment of the India-Australia Strategic Partnership in 2009 and the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020 reflect the deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries.

4. Security Cooperation: India and Australia have strengthened security cooperation in recent years, focusing on counterterrorism, maritime security, defense collaboration, and intelligence-sharing. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which also includes the United States and Japan, has emerged as a key platform for promoting security cooperation and addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. India and Australia have also conducted joint military exercises and signed defense agreements to enhance interoperability and defense ties.

5. People-to-People Ties: People-to-people ties between India and Australia have flourished in recent years, facilitated by increased travel, tourism, and educational exchanges. Indian diaspora in Australia has grown significantly, contributing to cultural diversity, economic development, and closer bilateral ties. Educational exchanges have expanded, with a growing number of Indian students choosing to study in Australia, further strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

6. Multilateral Cooperation: India and Australia have collaborated closely in multilateral fora, including the United Nations, G20, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Both countries share common interests and perspectives on a wide range of global and regional issues, including climate change, sustainable development, trade liberalization, and regional integration.

7. Challenges and Opportunities: Despite the progress made in India-Australia relations, challenges remain, including differences over issues such as immigration, nuclear non-proliferation, and agricultural market access. However, both countries recognize the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in addressing differences and building a stronger partnership based on shared values and interests.

Overall, India-Australia relations have witnessed significant growth and diversification since the 1990s, driven by converging interests, shared values, and a growing recognition of the importance of bilateral cooperation in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic Indo-Pacific region. As both countries continue to deepen their engagement across various sectors, India and Australia are poised to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of the region and the global order.