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need to work harder. For instance they’ll need to work harder to see eye to eye on the Ukraine issue. But then on the Chinese pressures in the Indo-Pacific, they are on the same page.”

In terms of developing human capital, the relationship is at the beginning of a high-impact time, Prof. Medcalf observed. “But we’ll have to be realistic. Both nations are democracies; both will have their own strategic imperatives and pursuits.”

He wrote in mid-2020 after a virtual conference between Prime Ministers Morrison and Modi: “Australia and other democracies will need to take care in defining their India relations primarily through convergent interests, mindful of the danger to India’s own democratic strengths from elements within broader Hindu nationalism.”

As an academic, what are his views on the topic of Indian studies in Australian universities?

“I think it’s absolutely vital to develop an enduring (education) relationship; it will be of strategic benefit to both. We’ve come a long way in that since the late 2000s. Bring the best and brightest students here, future leaders not just in business and scientific research, but also in policy and international relations, and those that can raise genuine interest in people-to-people relations.”

He added, “Australia must elevate its game in ensuring that the Indian student experience here is a positive one.”

In terms of studying India, Prof. Medcalf’s comment was that there is room for improvement. “There have been pockets of excellence, but not with coherent continued progress. I’m hopeful that the recently announced Centre for Australia-India Relations will make a profound difference in that regard.”

Prof. Medcalf is currently Professor and Head of the National Security College at the Australian National University. “It is a privilege to lead the institute, and I consider this another career highlight. We have helped lift Australian national security capabilities considerably, and have trained thousands of government officials.”

Prof. Rory Medcalf lists his latest book, Contest for the Indo-Pacific as yet another peak point in his career in foreign policy. “Marise Payne and Penny Wong, the former and current Foreign Ministers, launched the book jointly in 2020, because the region demands bipartisan support. The role that I played here in developing the Indo-Pacific concept is most satisfying.”

Rajni Anand Luthra