India–Germany–Australia Seek Joint Climate–Security Path

Emerging research on the nexus between climate, peace and security (CPS) highlights the importance of integrating climate adaptation and mitigation methods to advance sustainable peace. While climate change itself may not directly cause conflict, its cascading effects—such as resource scarcity, displacement and economic stress—can become focal points of tension. Although these links remain debated, meaningful responses could have long-term stabilising effects. Locally driven efforts are essential for addressing climate-related security risks and preventing future cycles of conflict. A nuanced CPS framing can enable smarter climate action while strengthening security at multiple levels. India’s scalable local models, Germany’s technical expertise, and Australia’s engagement in the Pacific present an opportunity for collaboration on integrated CPS approaches.

How is this playing out in the Indo-Pacific?

The Indo-Pacific—one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in terms of economy, trade and development—is confronting complex challenges arising from climate change and shifting geopolitics. These are compounded by non-traditional security issues, including rising food, water and health insecurities, which often outweigh traditional security concerns for regional policymakers.

The COP27 Presidency initiative “Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace” (CRSP) shifted the focus from a climate–security nexus toward a climate and peacebuilding nexus, which can be adapted to the Indo-Pacific context. This reframing provides countries with new opportunities for innovative engagement across the region.

Addressing these challenges requires recognising that current development models are no longer sustainable. As risks intensify, new partners must step up with skills, knowledge and resources for ground-up, context-specific transformation. While Germany, India and Australia differ in historical experience and regional approaches, all three must respond proactively and in coordination.

Beyond relying solely on multilateral organisations, smaller configurations can help fill gaps left by larger institutions. Minilateral partnerships working with local actors can deliver targeted, sustainable solutions that endure beyond donor cycles and political shifts. Such partnerships are also better placed to integrate climate, peace and security concerns while contributing to broader strategic stability.

As one of the region’s oldest and most committed partners, Australia has pledged to be a principled and reliable supporter of countries in the Pacific and broader Indian Ocean region. Its 2024 National Defence Strategy and International Development Policy highlight a climate-forward global security agenda, ranging from disaster response to renewable energy. As a founding member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Australia remains one of the largest donors, with deep networks despite a complex legacy.

India positions itself as the primary security provider for the Indian Ocean region, evolving from a Neighbourhood First Policy to the broader SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. As a founding member of the International Solar Alliance, it promotes climate-positive solutions, especially for LDCs and SIDS. India’s engagement with Pacific Island Countries has expanded through grants, concessional loans, humanitarian aid, capacity building and technical support across sectors such as health, IT, education and community development. Its development cooperation, rooted in South–South principles, prioritises low-cost, demand-driven solutions without political conditions.

Germany, though a relatively recent actor in the region, brings technical expertise in climate adaptation, ecosystem-based solutions and capacity-building. German universities and research institutions are developing cutting-edge climate technologies that can be adapted to regional contexts. For example, the project “Ensuring Climate-Resilient Access to Water and Sanitation” strengthened rural WASH systems by integrating climate-resilient technologies.

Unlikely partners, innovative engagement

While minilateral cooperation has typically been ad hoc or focused narrowly on blue economy or marine pollution, it offers a nuanced pathway to address both traditional and emerging climate-related risks. Although several trilateral and quadrilateral platforms already exist, streamlining projects, knowledge and resources could greatly benefit small island countries in the Indian and Pacific Oceans that often struggle with overlapping initiatives. Many efforts consume valuable time and resources while functioning largely as discussion platforms with limited on-ground impact.

Germany, India and Australia—though seemingly unlikely partners—hold complementary strengths that could support a more effective CPS agenda across the region. Their combined potential lies in addressing overlooked areas such as small-scale projects, research, financing opportunities and capacity building.

One starting point could be establishing a trilateral technical cooperation track with the Pacific NDC Hub, a regional mechanism supporting Pacific Island Countries in implementing and financing their climate commitments. While Germany and Australia are already key financiers, such a track could leverage Australia’s regional presence, Germany’s technical expertise and India’s experience with low-cost, scalable development solutions. Initial cooperation could begin with small-scale water security projects, a pressing concern for many Pacific nations.

Another option is expanding the India–Australia Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management to include Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), known for innovations such as AI for pandemics and disaster risk reduction. Together, they could jointly develop and pilot dual-use disaster resilience technologies and capacity-building programmes for the Indo-Pacific.

While both India and Germany face capacity constraints, their specialised knowledge could complement Australia’s operational footprint in the Pacific. Ignoring these opportunities risks leaving the region trapped in reactive cycles of crisis management, lacking sustainable, locally owned solutions. Innovative, targeted approaches can better address the complex ways CPS linkages unfold.

Moving forward, strategic coordination among partners will be essential for translating such approaches into lasting regional impact.