Need for India’s Entry to NATO-Plus

The recent discussions surrounding India’s potential inclusion in The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Plus framework—that aims to bolster global defense cooperation and counter the strategic competition posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The article explores the implications of India’s participation in NATO Plus, examining its benefits, geopolitical challenges, and the impact on India’s longstanding policy of strategic autonomy.

What is NATO Plus?

NATO Plus is a security arrangement that consists of NATO and the U.S.A.’s five treaty allies — Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
Aim: To enhance “global defense cooperation” and win the “strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party”.
NATO, although involved in discussions and debates about the expansion of the alliance, has not officially recognized the concept of ‘NATO Plus.’
Before including them in the alliance, an active assessment of their compatibility with NATO’s principles, obligations, and defense commitments is necessary.
NATO Plus actively directs its focus towards China, distinguishing itself from NATO, which was established with a focus on the Soviet Union and Russia.
As a result, India is a critical link in the NATO plus framework due to its existing disputes with China.

NATO

NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a transatlantic military alliance of 31 countries, most of which are from Europe.
The North Atlantic or Washington Treaty established the alliance in 1949, with its headquarters located in Belgium.
Finland recently joined NATO as its 31st member (April 2023) while Sweden has expressed interest in joining.
Aim: Safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means.
According to analysts, the Russian invasion has revived NATO and could potentially lead to the onset of Cold War 2.0.

What does India believe?

Contrary to joining the alliance, India has stated that it will not join NATO due to its capability to counter any Chinese aggression, which is currently impossible due to the geographical separation between the two countries by the Himalayan region.

Besides, China is currently reeling under a looming economic crisis. Earlier on Wednesday, China’s exports fell 7.5% from a year earlier in May and imports were down 4.5%, adding to signs an economic rebound following the end of anti-virus controls is slowing as global demand weakens under pressure from higher interest rates. Exports slid to $283.5 billion, reversing from April’s unexpectedly strong 8.5% growth, customs data showed Wednesday. Imports fell to $217.7 billion, moderating from the previous month’s 7.9% contraction. China’s global trade surplus narrowed by 16.1% to $65.8 billion.

“The United States should strengthen the NATO Plus arrangement to include India. The United States should also strengthen diplomatic deterrence by supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and amending the TAIPEI Act to provide that the United States, alongside its allies and partners, should publicly oppose any attempts by the CCP to resolve the status of Taiwan’s sovereignty by intentionally misusing, misinterpreting, and misleading others on the underlying purpose of UN Resolution 2758 or the United States’ One China Policy,” according to US Congressional Committee recommendations.

FAQs about Need for India’s Entry to NATO-Plus

Q1: What is the purpose of NATO Plus?

NATO Plus aims to enhance global defense cooperation and counter the strategic competition posed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is an informal framework that includes NATO and five treaty allies of the United States: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.

Q2: Is NATO Plus an officially recognized concept within NATO?

No, NATO Plus is not an officially recognized concept within NATO. Before including potential members in the alliance, an active assessment is required to determine their compatibility with NATO’s principles, obligations, and defense commitments. This assessment takes place despite the use of the concept of ‘NATO Plus’ in discussions and debates about the expansion of the alliance.

Q3: How is NATO Plus different from NATO?

While establishing NATO with a focus on the Soviet Union and Russia, the primary focus of NATO Plus is to counter China’s influence. NATO Plus expands the scope of defense cooperation beyond the North Atlantic region to address global challenges posed by China.

Q4: What role does India play in the NATO Plus framework?

The existing disputes between India and China position India as a critical link in the NATO Plus framework. India’s inclusion in NATO Plus could contribute to countering Chinese aggression and strengthening the alliance’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Need for India’s Entry to NATO-Plus,Need for India’s Entry to NATO-Plus