The headlines in relations between Australia and India have been grim. Controversies over uranium and the welfare of Indian students, along with misperceptions about a purported Australian tilt to China, have upset what should have been a rapid upward trajectory in ties between these two Indian Ocean democracies.

Yet when Kevin Rudd arrives in India today, he and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh will find that they have an unusual opportunity to rescue the relationship from drift, and to put it on a truly strategic footing in which each country can help the other increase its resilience and influence in the international system.

For the furore over student welfare has at least focussed high-level attention in both countries on the challenges and benefits of dealing closely with the very different democracy on the other side of the water. And both countries’ rocky relations with China in recent times should remind them of this fundamental challenge they have in common.

The question will be whether the leaders have the vision and the political courage to seize this moment and take the necessary steps to a strategic partnership that goes beyond rhetoric.

Why should Australia and India bother to make the effort? Canberra already knows that India matters. The Rudd government talks the talk. It is aware of the great benefits that close ties with India offer Australia in the long run. India is on course to be one of the three big global economies. This underpins its potential as a rising great power, with corresponding military strength and diplomatic influence.

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