AUKUS alliance and its pivot to France
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: International Relations
- •Source: BS*
Context: The article discusses the AUKUS alliance among the US, UK, and Australia to bolster military capabilities against China, including sharing nuclear submarine technology.
What is AUKUS?
AUKUS, a trilateral partnership formed in 2021, aims to bolster security and defence interests, primarily countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. It entails deeper information and technology sharing, along with the integration of security-related industries. India is not a member but has engaged in informal talks with the AUKUS bloc on emerging technologies, though no formal dialogue has taken place yet.
Technologies shared among AUKUS:
AUKUS shares nuclear submarine propulsion technology with Australia, marking the first time the U.S. has done so outside the UK. Additionally, the partnership spans eight high-tech military domains, including AI, quantum technologies, cyber warfare, undersea warfare, hypersonic technologies, electronic warfare, and innovation/information sharing. For instance, an algorithm enhancing sonobuoy data sharing from P-8 Poseidon aircraft is among the initial technologies utilized.
AUKUS’s impact on India:
Despite operating similar aircraft to AUKUS nations, India wasn’t offered participation in AUKUS’s nuclear technology sharing. Traditionally, the US reserves such technology for closer allies.
What can be an alternative for India?
France could be a strategic partner for India, especially in developing nuclear submarine technology. France’s use of low-enriched uranium aligns with non-proliferation standards, making it a suitable option. The existing strategic relationship between France and India could support this partnership.
Significance of Indo-Pacific:
The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical geopolitical and geoeconomic space, capturing the attention of major powers around the world. India being the source of the name “Indo” in the region, has been a key partner of various like-minded stakeholders, led by the USA.
Elements of India’s Indo-Pacific Approach:
• Security and Défense Cooperation: India emphasizes the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on maritime security and defence cooperation.
• Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: India promotes connectivity and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the principles of transparency, sustainability, and respect for sovereignty.
• Economic Cooperation and Trade: India advocates for enhanced economic cooperation and trade in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to foster economic growth, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. Initiatives like the Act East policy and East Asia Summit, focus on strengthening economic linkages with Southeast Asian countries.
• People-to-People Exchanges: India emphasizes people-to-people exchanges, cultural diplomacy, and soft power initiatives as essential components of its Indo-Pacific approach.
• Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation: India believes in the importance of multilateralism and regional cooperation in addressing common challenges and it actively engages in forums such as ASEAN-led mechanisms, QUAD, BIMSTEC et al to promote dialogue, cooperation, and collective action.
The extent to which India’s approach aligns with the objectives and initiatives of the QUAD and AUKUS:
Positive alignment:
• Free and open Indo-Pacific: India’s Indo-Pacific approach aligns with the objective of the QUAD and AUKUS to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• Defence and maritime security focus: India’s emphasis on security cooperation and maritime security aligns with the objectives of the QUAD and AUKUS.
• China’s aggression in the region: India’s Indo-Pacific approach aligns with the concerns of the QUAD and AUKUS regarding China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. All three entities share a common objective of maintaining a balance of power.
• US alignment: India’s Indo-Pacific approach aligns with the US’s strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The QUAD and AUKUS are initiatives driven by the US, and India’s alignment with these entities demonstrates its commitment to strategic partnerships and cooperation with the US.
Limitations:
• Going over security: While India’s Indo-Pacific approach emphasizes multi-sectoral cooperation, the QUAD and AUKUS have a stronger focus on defence and military cooperation.
• Regional focus: India’s Indo-Pacific approach encompasses a more regional focus limited to the Indian Ocean, whereas the QUAD and AUKUS have a broader focus on the Indo-Pacific as a whole with the Pacific side in focus.
• Engagement with China-led groupings: India’s approach to engaging with China-led groupings, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS, may differ from the positions of the QUAD and AUKUS.
• ASEAN Centrality: The ASEAN countries play a central role in the Indo-Pacific region, and their centrality gets tacit approval from India’s vision. However, QUAD-AUKUS do not recognise ASEAN centrality to the same degree.
Insta Links:
• AUKUS Alliance
Mains Links:
The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (UPSC 2021)