China’s growing military ambition means India will remain a vital defence partner. Last Saturday, a Chinese fighter jet dropped flares 300 metres in front and 60 metres above a Royal Australian Navy helicopter. It was the latest life-threatening manoeuvre in a litany of incidents that show Beijing is increasingly flouting international norms by flexing its military muscles.

As three of the largest militaries in Asia, Australia, India and Japan all have a key role in maintaining regional stability. Last year, Australia’s defence forces rejoined the Malabar exercises with both countries and the United States to deepen interoperability between the regional partners.

Modi’s role in maintaining the status quo and his longevity should not be discounted.

The 73-year-old is in the middle of his third election campaign. After a decade in power, his approval ratings are still in the 80s as India rides a wave of “Modimania”, driven by growing Hindu nationalism, rising incomes and a torrent of digitisation.

But Albanese should tread carefully.

Last May, Albanese joined Modi onstage at a campaign event for thousands of his supporters in Sydney’s west. In front of 20,000 rapturous Modi fans, Albanese called Modi “the boss”. Asked later whether he had any concerns about Modi’s human rights record, Albanese told a reporter to “chill out”.

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One can only wonder whether Australia’s intelligence agencies were quite so relaxed.

The comments came three years after India’s “nest of spies” was disrupted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

The threats to Australian-based Sikh activists have continued since, prompting ASIO to monitor members of the minority religious group who want to establish a separate state of Khalistan. Hindus say they have also been targeted by Sikhs in the decades-old sectarian dispute that has spread from northern India to the United States, Canada and Australia.

The Australian government’s navigation of the strained relationship with China shows it is possible to have disputes and continue on speaking terms. Perhaps a degree of scepticism about Modi’s intentions as he pursues 15 years in power would not be misplaced.

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