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Australia’s engagement in South Asia is characterised by strong people-to-people links, cultural ties and increasing trade and investment. South Asia is the southern subregion of Asia, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Australia is an engaged Indian Ocean partner, with strong relationships across the region, including with our closest partners: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Our partnership with India is deeper and more consequential than ever, and we are working to deliver on our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Strong relationships are important for navigating the shared challenges and opportunities our region faces.
Purpose of the Development Partnership Plan
Australia’s International Development Policy presents a long-term vision for how the development program will meet the critical needs of our partners, support sustainable development and help lift people out of poverty. Australia seeks relationships based on respect and partnerships that create economic and social value for us all. To achieve this, Australia supports our partners to:
- build effective, accountable states that drive their own development
- enhance state and community resilience to external pressures and shocks
- connect with Australia and regional architecture
- generate collective action on global challenges that impact us and our region.
The Australia – South Asia (Regional) Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 (DPP) translates into action the regional development priorities Australia shares with South Asia. The DPP sets out agreed objectives, how we will work with partners to deliver shared outcomes, and how progress will be monitored. It also identifies where Australia can add value to regional development priorities in South Asia and how Australia will work with other development actors, ensuring the Australian Government contribution to development ambitions in the region are well coordinated.
The DPP reflects the full spectrum of Australia’s development support – Australian Government regional Official Development Assistance (ODA) as well as significant bilateral and global ODA and non-ODA development activities. A commitment to ongoing dialogue and engagement with government and non-government actors in support of a genuine and respectful partnership underpins this DPP. A mid-cycle review of the DPP will be undertaken.