Raja Mandala: Two discourses on strategic autonomy

Raja Mandala: Two discourses on strategic autonomy

Article

1. C Raja Mohan talks about Europe, USA, and India in the context of sovereignty and strategic autonomy, at the time when USA is retrenching (backing off) from Europe and Asia

Important analysis

European view, on retrenchment of USA as net security provider

2. Importance of strategic autonomy is gaining ground in European Union and in Asia due to retrenchment of America
3. President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that Europe can no longer rely on Washington alone for its security.
4. German foreign minister Heiko Maas declared that the, outstanding aim of Berlin’s foreign policy, is to build a strong, sovereign Europe.
5. President of European Parliament said, its time Europe, took its destiny into its own hands, and become a credible sovereign actor on the global stage.
6. The EU, has unveiled an ambitious agenda for common defence. This includes Permanent Structured Security Cooperation under the common security and defence policy, development of a joint force and the establishment of a $15-billion European Defence Fund.
7. Berlin, despite its long-standing nuclear aversion, has now begun to debate the merits of a German nuclear option.

India’s stand on Sovereignty and strategic autonomy

8. The idea of strategic autonomy and sovereignty, is central to Indian foreign policy
9. But Delhi today is more aligned with Washington, on key regional and global interests than Moscow or Beijing, for example on Pakistan, cross-border terrorism and security in the Indo-Pacific
10. However, critics have long dismissed the Indian and European debates on “strategic autonomy” as empty talk. Autonomy has no meaning if it is not backed by solid national power.
11. The assertiveness of Russia in Europe and China in Asia and the deepening alliance between them adds to the pressures not just on the US allies but also India.

Way forward

12. There is a need for cooperation between India and European Union at the time when Washington is withdrawing from the global scene
13. Delhi must end its neglect of existing European structures like NATO and pay attention to the emerging defence institutions in European Union.
14. The EU, on its part, must begin to integrate India into its security apparatus.
15. Deepening defence partnership is a good way to enhance the strategic autonomy of India and      Europe in an uncertain world.