AUKUS

Published on 07 Jan 2025

Established in 2021, the AUKUS is intended to be a strategic partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States to bolster their allied deterrence and defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The major highlight of this arrangement is the sharing of US nuclear submarine technology to Australia.

Objective of AUKUS

• Maritime Enhancement: It aims to bolster Australia's maritime capabilities through the acquisition of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

• Technological Collaboration: Technology and information sharing among the U.S., U.K., and Australia, facilitating joint development of cutting-edge defense technologies.

• Geopolitical Response: AUKUS strategically positions member nations in the Indo-Pacific, addressing changing geopolitics and reinforcing collective commitment to regional security.

• Deterrence and Security: AUKUS leverages nuclear-powered submarines as a deterrence mechanism, enhancing Australia's security posture and contributing to collective security interests.

• Strengthening Alliances: AUKUS reinforces the trilateral partnership, fostering deeper collaboration in defense, technology, and shared strategic interests among the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

Concerns Regarding AUKUS 

• Regional Security Impact: AUKUS raises worries about the strategic balance in the region due to the sharing of sensitive defense technologies and intelligence.

• Example: AUKUS, Five Eyes, QUAD shows increasing Western presence in Asia Pacific matters.

• Diplomatic Setback for Allies: Traditional U.S. allies like India, Japan, and South Korea perceive AUKUS as a diplomatic setback, fearing potential sidelining and reduced regional influence.

• Example: It has affected France- US and France- Australia relations.

• Non-Proliferation Concerns: Transfer of nuclear-powered submarine technology sparks concerns encouraging nuclear pursuits by other nations.

• Example: With nuclear-powered submarines, Australia will be the first non-nuclear state, to utilize a loophole enabling it to withdraw nuclear material from the oversight of IAEA.

• Economic Implications: AUKUS raises economic concerns for nations like India with substantial defense industries, potentially affecting their ability to sell defense equipment to Australia.

Potential Advantages for India in the Context of AUKUS

• Strengthening Ties with Australia: India can benefit from Australia's advanced capabilities, fostering cooperation in sensitive strategic areas for mutual technological advancement and regional security.

• Example: India can capitalize on Australia's enhanced scientific and technical capabilities,

• Unique Indo-Pacific Arrangements:  India can take steps with U.S. and its allies for more military cooperation, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing to enhance its strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

• Example: Similar to Exercise Malabar in QUAD.

• Anglosphere Ties: Despite historical challenges, AUKUS revives ties among English-speaking nations, encouraging India to explore opportunities for collaboration in technology and defense.

• Recognizing Britain's Role: The AUKUS deal underscores Britain's strategic importance in Asia, providing India with opportunities for closer cooperation on Indo-Pacific security issues.

AUKUS holds immediate promise for participating countries. Critically, it will help catalyze technological innovation and enhance research and development for emerging capabilities necessary to maintain a competitive edge, strengthen defense ties, and deepen the three countries’ presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
AUKUS Australia United Kingdom UK United States USA multilateral organisation strategic partnership Indo-Pacific India and AUKUS

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
Bilateral and Multilateral Relations