Australia’s newly appointed Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, has outlined his vision to boost Australia’s diplomatic and strategic footprint across one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.
In an interview with ABC Radio National’s Breakfast program, Watts said his new role builds on the Albanese Government’s efforts to deepen regional engagement over the past three years.
The former Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs described the Indian Ocean as a strategic priority, highlighting its centrality to Australia’s trade, security, and diplomatic agenda.
“In the influencing business, half the job is turning up,” Watts said, pledging to leverage relationships built during his previous portfolio to expand Australia’s influence and presence in the region.
The Indian Ocean spans from East Africa to Southeast Asia, but Watts noted Australia’s main focus lies in its immediate neighbourhood – particularly the northeast Indian Ocean and South Asia. He cited India as a major partner in both trade diversification and defence collaboration.
Watts also underscored the region’s diversity, pointing to common interests among Indian Ocean Rim countries, such as securing vital shipping lanes and tackling maritime security issues. “Half of Australia’s seabound trade leaves from Indian Ocean ports,” he noted, adding that Western Australians, in particular, grasp the region’s importance.
As Special Envoy, Watts aims to position Australia as a committed and cooperative partner in a region where no single nation can act alone. He emphasised working with key middle powers, including India, Indonesia, and South Africa, to build a peaceful, prosperous, and rules-based maritime order.
When asked about aid and development, Watts flagged continued support for humanitarian issues such as the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh – currently Australia’s largest humanitarian aid commitment – and shared environmental concerns facing island nations.
Watts concluded by reaffirming Australia’s responsibility and opportunity in the Indian Ocean:
“We have the biggest exclusive economic zone, one of the longest coastlines, and a huge search and rescue zone. It’s not just in our interest—it’s our duty to engage.”
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