Recent developments in international security treaties have seen Russia withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty (OST), a decision heavily influenced by the prior withdrawal of the United States. Russia argues that the integrity of the agreement, designed to permit unarmed surveillance flights over member nations, has been seriously compromised following the United States’ departure. It is important to note that this agreement differs substantially from the Open Sky Agreements, bilateral contracts between two nations that govern the rights of airlines to provide international passenger and cargo services.
Context of the Withdrawal
The United States withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty in November 2020, stating that continuous violations by Russia made continued participation untenable. The United States accused Russia of repeated non-compliance with OST protocols, alleging that Moscow not only obstructed surveillance flights on its territory but also exploited its own missions to collect strategic data. Furthermore, the United States claims that Russia misused its flights over American and European lands to identify potential targets for wartime strikes.
Motivations for Russia’s Departure
Defending its non-compliance, Russia mentioned USA’s restrictions on flights over Alaska, which mirrored the Russian stance on flights over Kaliningrad. Following the United States’ withdrawal from OST, Russia failed to procure assurance from remaining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members that data secured from their Russia-overflights would not be shared with the United States.
The Larger Implications
Russia’s withdrawal from this treaty might negatively affect Washington’s European allies who rely on OST data to monitor Russian military activities. This move comes after the collapse of another significant arms control accord, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, abandoned by both nations in 2019. This now-deceased treaty aimed at eliminating stockpiles of intermediate-range land-based missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Where does India Stand?
With the rising mistrust between global powers, maintaining good diplomatic relationships with both nations could pose a challenge for India if hostilities escalate.
The Open Skies Treaty: What is it?
First proposed by the United States in 1955 to deescalate Cold War tensions, the OST was formally signed in 1992 by NATO and former Warsaw Pact countries in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Coming into effect in 2002, the treaty aimed at fostering mutual trust among its 34 members, thereby minimizing chances of accidental warfare.
Under the agreement terms, a member nation can undertake surveillance on any part of the host country, provided the latter consents. Such surveillance should only employ approved imaging equipment. The gathered data, detailing troop movements, military exercises, and missile engagements, is then shared with all member states. Initially, both Russia and the United States were signatories of this treaty, though India is not a member.
