Cocos Islands Australia
Source: The Hindu
GS II: International Relation
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Concerns in the region
Why in News?
Expanding the strategic reach of the Indian military and improving interoperability with Australia, an Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft visited Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) in the Southern Indian Ocean, close to Indonesia and strategic maritime choke points earlier this month, diplomatic and official sources confirmed.
News in Brief
- The region from the east coast of Africa to the western shores of Australia is the primary area of responsibility of the Indian Navy.
- North-eastern part of the Indian Ocean is a priority area for Australia as described in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Cocos (Keeling) Islands are used by India and Australia respectively for surveillance and reconnaissance.
About Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, also known simply as the Cocos Islands, is a remote group of islands located in the Indian Ocean. They are an external territory of Australia and are situated approximately 2,750 kilometers (1,708 miles) northwest of Perth, Western Australia, and about 900 kilometers (560 miles) southwest of Christmas Island.
Key facts about the Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
- Geography: The Cocos Islands consist of 27 coral atolls, with only two of them, West Island and Home Island, being inhabited. The total land area of all the islands combined is approximately 14 square kilometers.
- History: The islands were originally uninhabited until they were discovered by English explorer Captain William Keeling in 1609. In the 19th century, the islands became part of the British Empire, and in 1955, they were transferred to Australian jurisdiction.
- Demographics: As of my last update in September 2021, the population of the Cocos Islands is relatively small, with most residents living on West Island and Home Island. The majority of the population has Cocos Malay ancestry, and English is commonly spoken.
- Government: The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an external territory of Australia, administered by the Australian government. The islands have their local government known as the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which is responsible for providing essential services to the residents.
- Economy: The economy of the Cocos Islands is largely dependent on tourism, coconut plantations, and fishing. Tourism is limited due to the remote location of the islands.
- Culture and Language: The Cocos Malay culture has a significant influence on the islands’ traditions and way of life. Cocos Malays speak a creole language known as Cocos Malay, which is a blend of Malay and English.
- Tourism: Despite their remote location, the Cocos Islands offer visitors beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique marine life, making them an attractive destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
- Time Zone: The Cocos Islands are in the Australian Western Standard Time zone (AWST) and do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are known for their natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, making them a tranquil getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The islands’ remoteness and small population contribute to their unique charm and allure to travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path destination.
Concerns in the region
- The presence of Chinese research vessels, submarines, and underwater drones operating in the Indian Ocean has indeed raised concerns among countries in the region, including India and Australia.
- China’s growing maritime activities in the Indian Ocean are seen as part of its broader geopolitical and strategic interests.
- The region is vital for trade, energy routes, and overall security.
- India and Australia, along with other regional stakeholders, will continue to monitor developments in the Indian Ocean.
How is the region important for India and Australia?
- For India and Australia, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India and territories in the Indian Ocean for Australia, offer strategic advantages for strengthening maritime surveillance.
- These island territories serve as important geographical locations for monitoring and safeguarding the Indian Ocean’s maritime domain.
- By enhancing maritime surveillance in the region, India and Australia can improve their maritime domain awareness.
- Awareness is crucial for detecting and responding to potential security threats, including illicit activities like piracy, smuggling, and unauthorized naval operations.
- Building regional partnerships helps in pooling resources and intelligence, enhancing interoperability, and collectively addressing maritime security challenges.
Some key objectives and strategies that India and Australia might pursue in response to the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean include:
- Increased Naval Cooperation: Strengthening naval cooperation through joint exercises, information sharing, and coordinated patrolling to enhance maritime security in the region.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Investing in advanced surveillance technologies, such as radar systems, maritime patrol aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, to improve real-time monitoring and detection capabilities.
- Information Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of intelligence and information on maritime activities among partner countries to have a comprehensive view of the maritime environment.
- Capacity Building: Assisting smaller littoral states in the region with training, equipment, and capacity-building initiatives to improve their own maritime surveillance capabilities.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Engaging in diplomatic efforts to address concerns related to freedom of navigation, adherence to international maritime laws, and maintaining a rules-based order in the Indian Ocean.
- Multilateral Forums: Active participation in multilateral forums, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Quad (comprising India, Australia, the United States, and Japan), to strengthen regional cooperation on maritime security.
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