Analysts believe that Beijing perceives the growing defense collaboration among India, South Korea, and Australia as a strategic effort to contain China within the Indo-Pacific region. This shift in alliances is largely fueled by concerns about a potential security vacuum that could arise if the U.S. reduces its military presence there. The Indian naval frigate Sahyadri arrived at Busan, South Korea on October 13 to participate in its inaugural joint military exercise with South Korea, marking a significant step in defense ties between the two nations.
During this exercise, termed by India’s Ministry of Defence as “the culmination of years of discussions and planning,” both nations conducted harbor maneuvers and various sea drills. The Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate commissioned in 2012, symbolizes India’s operational capabilities aimed at enhancing its presence in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
On the diplomatic front, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Australia for the inaugural Australia–India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue highlighted the commitment of both nations to foster regional cooperation and sustain a “free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” Analysts argue that such developments intensify Beijing’s perception of a containment strategy aimed at China, potentially escalating tensions, particularly in the Indian Ocean where India and Australia are enhancing their military capabilities to counter Chinese naval operations.
Liselotte Odgaard from the Hudson Institute asserts that collaborations like submarine rescue and logistics agreements not only bolster India’s naval strength but challenge China’s maritime ambitions. The drills between the Indian and South Korean navies, alongside India’s strengthening relations with Japan and Vietnam, reflect a network of partnerships geared toward counterbalancing China without direct confrontation.
However, Beijing is expected to interpret these moves as part of a broader encirclement by the U.S. and its allies, prompting potential increases in its naval deployments across the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. A Chinese think tank expressed concerns that rising defense ties between India and Australia could destabilize regional peace, emphasizing the need for balanced interactions to mitigate confrontation risks.
While some Chinese analysts argue that India’s military maneuvers should not be viewed solely through an anti-China lens, they acknowledge the broader implications of such collaborations. Lin Minwang from Fudan University indicates that defense cooperation in this region reflects concerns over China gaining unchecked influence, particularly if U.S. presence wanes.
Jagannath Panda highlights that Australia’s evolution from a basic defense partner to a strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific aligns with India’s increasing engage in multilateral diplomacy. The ongoing military exercises with South Korea lay the groundwork for future collaboration in maritime security and defense technology.
Overall, this developing trilateral cooperation suggests a concerted effort to shape the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific while signaling to China the collaborative resolve of regional partners in balancing its assertiveness.
