The strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean region has gained considerable attention in the past decade. The escalation of maritime disputes, energy politics, piracy from and around the Horn of Africa, disagreements on the interpretation of the Law of the Sea are redefining geopolitics. Issues of security and sharing of maritime riches in East Asian waters can be examined in the broader framework of the Indo-Pacific region.
The up-coming Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) to be held in the Philippines is reflective of the increasing importance given to maritime cooperation in the region. What are the implications of this dynamic situation for Indo-Australian relations? Where does the future lie for strategic and economic partnership between these two nations?
Gateway House hosted Peter Varghese, the Australian High Commissioner to India, in conversation with Tanya Sakzewski, Journalist and Executive Producer of ‘The Outsider,’ to discuss maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Peter Varghese took up his position as Australian High Commissioner to India in August 2009. Prior to his posting he was for five and half years the Director General of the Office of National Assessments in Canberra, reporting directly to the Australian Prime Minister. Mr Varghese is a career diplomat since 1979. He has served in Vienna (1980-83), Washington (1985-88), as Minister (Political) in Tokyo (1994) and as High Commissioner to Malaysia (2000-2002).
Tanya Sakzewski is the Executive Producer of The Outsider, a debate show focusing on pressing Indian issues. A career journalist, she has been the Producer of the Doha Debates and BBC Hard Talk.
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