There is a flurry of diplomatic theories on whether to form or break alliances amid volatile international situations.Â
With the Prime Minister attending the Quad Summit in Washington, India and Japan had possibly joined the AUKUS, which the White House recently ruled out.Â
So what exactly are the niches of AUKUS, and how does it affect the world, India in particular.Â
What is AUKUS?Â
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership for the Indo Pacific between Australia, the UK and the US.
AUKUS will encompass a new system of meetings and engagement between the three countries.Â
After the departure of the American army from Afghanistan, this is seen as an attempt to put the western military in the Indo Pacific region. Though Biden refrained from pointing out a specific country, it is an open secret to counter China’s influence.
The agreement is compared to the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes New Zealand and Canada, but the main difference is that AUKUS broadly focuses on military capability. Â
Features of AUKUSÂ Â
The main features of the alliance are:
Australia will be able to obtain nuclear-powered submarines (this has more incredible speed, can stay underwater for a more extended period and can carry heavier loads than conventional ones)Â Â
There will be a potential deployment of US troops in Australia and more joint military exercises with the US. This fact may concern other countries of the Indo Pacific.Â
The three countries will be able to save expenses by increasing platform sharing and other innovative ventures. The fields of artificial intelligence, Quantum Technologies and additional undersea abilities will be critical areas of cooperation. Â
Criticism By China and France
Both China and France have criticized AUKUS for their reasons. China has abjectly disparaged the alliance saying that an exclusive grouping like this has no future and will undermine regional stability.
Since the aim of the three countries is clear, China, quite against its actions, stated that it will aggravate the arms race and wound non-proliferation efforts.
France is dissatisfied with AUKUS as it has disrupted its plans to sell nuclear submarines to Australia (French-Australian submarine deal worth $90 billion).
The foreign minister of France called AUKUS a “stab in the back”. To alleviate the situation, Mr Biden and Mr Macron will have in-depth consultations to ensure confidence.
New Zealand was also left out of this alliance despite being part of the Five Eyes treaty in the past due to the country’s non-nuclear policy. Â
Effect on IndiaÂ
In the meetings of both Quad and AUKUS, Afghanistan is bound to be discussed. Since China has favoured the Taliban, the discussions in these meetings are expected to be tilted away from the new government.
The need to end radicalism, extremism, cross border terrorism and the dismantling of global terrorist networks may be the raging topics of the debate. India and the US will be reviewing a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
The four foundational defence agreements between India and the US as part of a Defence partnership to increase co-production and innovation projects will also be significant in the discussion.
India has also said that Australia’s explanation of nuclear submarines only dealing with nuclear power technology is acceptable and hence not a case of proliferation.Â
No doubt, if India had been a part of AUKUS, our military power, especially against China, would have increased manifold.
As Joe Biden has stated, the key focus would be on the Indo Pacific region, indicating belligerent China.
Even though India is not a part of the summit, China’s lows can benefit us. The country might try stabilizing its relationship with India to avoid any more enemies than it already has.
On the other side, China might turn to cement its ties with the Taliban, who are currently all in for finances regardless of the source. The situation is tricky, but if India acts cautiously, it can be a boon for us
