We have to keep China happy.
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An Australian Defence Force bid to join multilateral naval exercises is poised to be blocked by India over concerns it could inflame diplomatic tensions with China.
For a quarter of a century military assets from the United States and India, and more recently Japan, have come together for joint annual naval drills known as Exercise Malabar, north of Australia.
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The ABC has learnt that in the past few weeks Australia's Defence attaché to New Delhi has requested that India allow the ADF to attend this year's exercises as an official "observer".
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However, in India there has been growing speculation among military officials that New Delhi will shortly reject Australia's request to take part in this year's exercises, also because of concerns over China's possible reaction to the move.
The Defence Department said "India has not indicated whether the Australian Defence Force will be invited to the Exercise Malabar in 2017".
India to block Australia from naval exercise amid concerns it could inflame China tensions
---
An Australian Defence Force bid to join multilateral naval exercises is poised to be blocked by India over concerns it could inflame diplomatic tensions with China.
For a quarter of a century military assets from the United States and India, and more recently Japan, have come together for joint annual naval drills known as Exercise Malabar, north of Australia.
...
The ABC has learnt that in the past few weeks Australia's Defence attaché to New Delhi has requested that India allow the ADF to attend this year's exercises as an official "observer".
...
However, in India there has been growing speculation among military officials that New Delhi will shortly reject Australia's request to take part in this year's exercises, also because of concerns over China's possible reaction to the move.
The Defence Department said "India has not indicated whether the Australian Defence Force will be invited to the Exercise Malabar in 2017".
India to block Australia from naval exercise amid concerns it could inflame China tensions
