AUKUS Alliance: The Nuclear Submarine Alliance

The AUKUS Alliance was signed by Australia, UK and USA in September 2021. It is a nuclear alliance. According to the first security pact signed under the alliance, UK and USA will help Australia in improving its military nuclear capabilities.

What is AUKUS Alliance?

The AUKUS Alliance or the Nuclear Submarine Alliance is a trilateral security pact signed between UK, Australia and USA. The first major initiative of the alliance is that UK and USA will deliver nuclear – powered submarine fleet to Australia. Around eight nuclear powered submarines are to be delivered. These submarines are capable of stealthy and long range missions.

What is the impact of AUKUS alliance on India?

The alliance is in the interests of India. This is because, under the alliance, Australia is strengthening its naval capabilities. On the other side, Japan is also increasing its defence budget. Together with Japan, Australia will help ease off the pressure faced by India in the Indian Ocean where the Chinese naval presence is increasing day by day. China has a naval base in Djibouti. From here, it sends warships, intelligence gathering vessels and submarines to Indian Ocean. Thus, a strengthened Australia mean more secured Indian Ocean. This supports the efforts of India in the Indian Ocean.

Why did Australia sign the deal?

Australia is now seeking to develop independent defence capabilities. The following are the three objectives of Australian Defence Strategy:

• To shape Australia’s strategic environment
• To respond with credible military force
• To deter actions against Australia’s interest

Also, Australia is developing a force structure and has plans to spend 270 billion USD on acquiring defence capabilities in coming years. Both India and Australia consider themselves as net security provider of the Indian Ocean.

What is the French stand on the alliance?

France has reacted sharply since the alliance was announced. France lost the Australian submarine project. France is one of the major defence partners of India. In this point of view, India may not enthusiastically welcome the alliance. However, Australia is a strategic partner and the military cooperation between India and Australia is increasing lately.