Australia’s engagement in the Indian Ocean region has grown significantly over the past few decades, shaped by strategic, economic, and security considerations. The Indian Ocean, as the world’s third-largest ocean, connects some of the most dynamic economies, and it serves as a critical maritime route for trade and energy supplies. For Australia, which is both a Pacific and Indian Ocean state, this region represents an area of opportunity and challenge. Its foreign policy in the Indian Ocean is characterized by a mix of bilateral partnerships, regional institution building, maritime security initiatives, and economic cooperation. One of the central pillars of Australia’s engagement has been its recognition of the Indian Ocean as a strategic space critical to its national interests. Australia relies heavily on sea lines of communication that pass through the Indian Ocean, particularly for energy imports and the export of resources to markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Ensuring the freedom of navigation, stability of trade routes, and protection of maritime infrastructure is a top priority. To this end, Australia actively supports international efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism in the region. It participates in joint naval exercises, capacity-building programs, and information-sharing networks with regional partners. Institutional