AUKUS is the new security partnership signed between Australia, U.S. and U.K.
On 15th September 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new defence pact with U.K and Australia.
The acronym of the agreement was named AUKUS. The main aim is to share advanced technology, cyber underwater systems and expertise in artificial intelligence among the countries.
The pact intends to focus on resolving diplomatic, security and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Any update due to the AUKUS agreement is stated not to affect the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad.
Virtual press conference on the AUKUS pact held on 15th September.
According to Australian PM Scott Morrison, the first initiative of AUKUS will be to deliver a fleet of the nuclear-powered submarine fleet for Australia.
In a report, he said, ‘We will seek to determine the best way for its achievement. Our main intention is to build these submarines in Australia with close cooperation of U.K. and U.S.”
Amid reports, the submarines will provide defence capabilities, and their advantage would be to travel for a range along with great power and endurance.
In reply to France anger, Australia stated to continue work with India, France and Indonesia to ensure to inclusiveness of the Indo-pacific region.
Australia acknowledged that France didn’t welcome the AUKUS pact, but it shouldn’t affect the engagement.
According to Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrel, the pact aimed at China’s power across the region. He noted that no direction in AUKUS stated to provoke any country.
In this initiative, Australia’s neighbouring country, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, disagreed by banning submarines from the waters of New Zealand.
U.K PM Borris Jhonshon stated that the submarines would have no signs of nuclear weapons as they would run on nuclear-based reactors rather than outfitting nuclear-based weapons on them.
This statement also showed the commitment of Australia to remain fulfilling its duties as a non-nuclear-weapon state, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The usage of submarines would be to guard against threats.
U.S President Joe Biden stated its importance to be long term rather than short term, maintaining peace and stability over the Indo-Pacific region.
He added’ the future of our nations and the world depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific enduring and flourishing in the upcoming decades.
France, which already has a strong presence in the region, would be looked forward to joining by the U.S in future.
India’s action against the pact
In the following pact, India maintained a studied silence for the diplomatic situation and relationships with its allies.
France being an important strategically for India, was dissatisfied with Australia’s $90-billion scrap program decision.
Still, Australian PM Scott Morrison spoke to Indian PM Narendra Modi regarding the plan before making a formal announcement.
In New Delhi’s perspective, it flags a political resolve in Washington to defy the growing security hurdles from Beijing.
Until now, the United States shared nuclear technology only with the United Kingdom, which states the acknowledgement of the U.S. that preventing China requires out-of-the-box thinking.
Along with drawing London in the new trio coalition with Australia, U.S. is ensuring a long-term role for its traditional European ally stabilizing the Indo-Pacific.
As India is Preoccupied with overland threats from China, the need for enduring partnership is a must to protect its maritime flank.
