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Source: The post is based on the article “Senate India Caucus to push for ‘NATO plus five’ status for India” published in The Hindu on 25th June 2023
What is the News?
U.S. Senate’s India Caucus Co-Chairs will introduce legislation to give India ‘NATO plus five’ defence status.
Note: Caucus is a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy.
What is NATO plus five?
NATO Plus is a grouping of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
The group works toward boosting global defence cooperation.
What are the benefits of India becoming a member of NATO plus five?
India would 1) gain access to seamless intelligence sharing between these countries 2) get access to the latest military technology without much of a time lag and 3) will help in further strengthening India’s defence partnership with the United States.
What are the drawbacks for India if it becomes a member of NATO plus five?
Impacts India – Russia ties: If India joins the US-led NATO alliance which is backing Ukraine in the current war with Russia, it will directly impact India’s strong, established and deep ties with Russia.
Affects India’s Strategic Autonomy: NATO membership may also affect India’s strategic autonomy.
