Recently, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have come together to sign a noteworthy agreement. This newly formed alliance allows for the exchange of confidential “naval nuclear propulsion information” among these nations. This groundbreaking pact was publicly announced following the formation of their defence alliance, known as AUKUS. The alliance aims to tackle strategic tensions in the Pacific, predominantly the escalating rivalry between China and the US.
A Closer Look at AUKUS: Its Formation and Purpose
In September 2021, a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, AUKUS, was announced by the US. This alliance encompasses Australia, the UK, and the US. The cornerstone of this deal lies in the sharing of US nuclear submarine technology with Australia. The Indo-Pacific orientation of the alliance positions it strategically against China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. The alliance will entail the organization of meetings and engagements between the three countries, coupled with cooperation across emerging technologies such as applied AI, quantum technologies and undersea capabilities.
Impact on the Indo-Pacific Region and QUAD
Concerns have been raised that the formation of AUKUS could adversely affect US-EU relations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), potentially weakening the international coalition in the Indo-Pacific. NATO was established in 1949 through the Washington Treaty, and its primary goals are the collective defence of its members and the maintenance of a democratic peace in the North Atlantic area.
Adding to the international tension, France cancelled a meeting of foreign ministers that included itself, Australia, and India at the UN. This cancellation could be seen as a setback to the trilateral engagement which has become a significant element in the emerging Indo-Pacific architecture over the past few years.
The Ambiguity Surrounding AUKUS and QUAD
The future relationship between the QUAD and AUKUS alliances remains uncertain. Some believe that the “Anglosphere nations”, which have strong cultural and historical ties to the UK, inspire more confidence in each other than outside nations. QUAD, by its nature as an alliance of India, the US, Australia, and Japan, seeks to protect the interests of democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region and tackle global issues.
India’s Perspective on AUKUS
Despite its perceived indifference towards the AUKUS alliance, India could potentially see secondary benefits emerge from the deal. The prospect of three advanced nations employing their sophisticated military power to advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific could deter China’s increasingly assertive regional stance. Furthermore, India’s concerns over being encircled by China might be alleviated due to the presence of the AUKUS alliance, given China’s vast infrastructural development projects and presence within the region.
However, fears persist that the AUKUS deal could lead to an influx of nuclear attack submarines in the Eastern Indian Ocean, possibly eroding India’s regional dominance.
Future Strategies for India
While the strengthening of relations between India and the US is generally viewed positively, India must be cautious of exaggerated claims that may obscure reality. Offers from America to help transform India into a “great power” should be received with healthy scepticism.
In light of this, it becomes imperative for India to acquire technologies similar to those being offered to Australia, including stealth fighters, jet engines, advanced radars and nuclear propulsion for submarines and aircraft-carriers.
Europe has emerged as a significant hub in India’s international relations, with every nation from Luxembourg to Poland offering something unique. Over recent years, India’s strategic engagement with France has intensified, overcoming previous reluctance to collaborate on Indian Ocean security. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for these nations to remind France, Australia, the UK and the US of their shared interests in securing the Indo-Pacific, despite their current disagreements.
