India politics has accelerated port infrastructure projects to counter China’s Belt and Road initiative and enhanced connectivity and trade facilitation could boost GDP from 0.4% to 10.6% in South Asia. In an era of heightened competition, improved port infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to diversify and de-risk supply chains, yet Australia has been notably absent from Indian Ocean infrastructure projects.
What are the risks if China has a monopoly on port improvements in the Indian Ocean? What difference could Australia’s expertise make for port development? How would improved ports help Australia politics ,America and other allies and partners?
Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha sat down with Director of Research Jared Mondschein to discuss these issues and her new report: Building bridges across the Indian Ocean: Australia-India cooperation for port development.
Sinha’s Maitri Fellowship was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.The United States Studies Centre held a discussion hosted by Lecturer in American Studies and political scientist, This webinar featured a panel of leading experts who shared their knowledge and perspectives on critical aspects of the US election for use in the classroom and beyond.The Indian Ocean Region brims with economic promise, yet it faces growing challenges — from inadequate infrastructure to fierce geoeconomic competition. As China deepens its presence through the Belt and Road Initiative, Australia and India are poised to offer a resilient and strategic alternative.
This event featured inaugural Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha in conversation with USSC Economic Security Director Hayley Channer, discussing opportunities for India and Australia to collaborate on Indian Ocean port linkages, supply chains and sustainable development.
They discussed practical ways to create a competitive edge that not only advances each country’s interests but also benefits the broader regional landscape. The launch, which took place on Sunday, encountered immediate setbacks. X suspended an official government account created to promote the memecoin after users raised concerns about its legitimacy, Financial Times reports. Additionally, deepfake detection tools flagged Touadéra’s announcement video as suspicious, fuelling scepticism about the project.
However, Albert Yaloké Mokpeme, a government spokesperson, confirmed that the president had “officially announced the launch” of the cryptocurrency. Touadéra also introduced a new website and X account, reaffirming his commitment to the initiative through continued posts from his verified account.