Aukus alliance aims to enhance military capabilities against China

Source: The post Aukus alliance aims to enhance military capabilities against China has been created, based on the article “Aukus focus: The strategic pivot to France” published in “Business standard” on 7th June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses the Aukus alliance between the US, UK, and Australia, which aims to enhance military capabilities against China, particularly by sharing nuclear submarine technology and other advanced technologies. It also mentions India’s exclusion from this technology sharing and suggests that France could be an alternative partner for India in developing submarine technology.

For detailed information on AUKUS Security Alliance read this article here

What is the Aukus alliance?

1. The Aukus alliance, formed in September 2021, is a partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It focuses on military cooperation, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, to counter China’s growing influence.
   2. The alliance plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines that are conventionally armed.

What technologies are shared under Aukus?

1. Nuclear Submarine Propulsion: Aukus facilitates the unprecedented transfer of nuclear submarine propulsion technology to Australia. This is significant as it’s the first time the U.S. has shared such technology outside the UK.
2. Advanced Technologies: The partnership extends into eight high-tech military domains: Artificial intelligence (AI), Quantum technologies, Cyber warfare, Undersea warfare, Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies, Electronic warfare, Innovation and information sharing.

For example, the first tangible Aukus technology to be utilized is a trilateral algorithm that enhances the sharing of sonobuoy data from P-8 Poseidon aircraft, used for submarine tracking.

How does Aukus impact other allies?

1. India’s Position: Although India operates 12 P-8 Poseidon aircraft, similar to those used by Aukus nations for submarine tracking, it was not offered participation in the nuclear technology sharing aspect of Aukus. The US has traditionally never shared nuclear submarine technology with India, reserving this for closer allies.
2. Japan’s Considerations: Japan, with significant technological expertise, especially in areas covered by Aukus’s Pillar 2, debates whether its participation would result in giving or receiving more benefits. Japan evaluates its involvement based on its own capabilities and strategic needs in the region, especially concerning potential confrontations with China.

What could be an alternative for India?

1. Given the limitations with the US, the article suggests that France could be a strategic partner for India, especially in developing nuclear submarine technology.
2. France’s nuclear technology uses low-enriched uranium, which aligns with non-proliferation standards, making it a suitable option for India.
3. The strategic relationship between France and India, spanning defense, space, and culture, could support this partnership.

Question for practice:

Discuss the implications of India’s exclusion from the nuclear technology sharing aspect of the Aukus alliance and the potential for France to serve as an alternative strategic partner for India in developing submarine technology.