The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 4th July 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India should refuse America’s ‘NATO Plus’ bait

Why in News?

Reflecting the same sentiment, the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), in May 2023, recommended strengthening the ‘NATO-Plus’ framework by including India in the grouping. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had rejected this idea by saying that “NATO template does not apply to India”.

'NATO Plus Five' Defense Arrangement

• The current arrangement includes the S., NATO partners, and five countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Israel.
• A U.S. House of Representatives committee on China recommended adding India to the arrangement.

Senator Warner's Announcement

• Senators Warner and Cornyn plan to introduce the legislation as a standalone bill and as an amendment to the defense authorization.
• The goal is to upgrade India-U.S. defense ties by adding India to the 'NATO plus five' arrangement.
• The legislation aims to facilitate the transfer of defense equipment with minimal bureaucratic interference.

India's Rejection

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the proposed framework does not apply to India.
• The Biden administration understands India's position and the unique circumstances it faces.

Enhancing Defense Capabilities

• Senator Warner defends the move, emphasizing the importance of improving India's defense capabilities, particularly in response to the threat from China.
• He believes increasing defense trade between the U.S. and India is an effective way to achieve this objective.

Human Rights and Democracy

• Senator Warner addresses the issue of human rights and hopes for a reaffirmation of commitment to democracy from Prime Minister Modi.
• He highlights the need for both nations to uphold democratic principles, human rights, freedom of belief, and freedom of expression.

Moving Beyond Existing Descriptions

• Senator Warner aims to strengthen the India-U.S. relationship beyond commonly used descriptions, such as the world's oldest and biggest democracies.
• He envisions a full-fledged partnership between the two nations.

About NATO

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

• NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance formed in 1949.
• It was established with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty.
• The primary purpose of NATO is to promote collective defense and security cooperation among its member countries.

Member Countries

• NATO consists of 31 member countries as of now.
• The original 12 founding members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Additional countries have joined over the years, including Germany, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Poland, and many others.

Collective Defense

• The cornerstone of NATO is the principle of collective defense.
• Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty states that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against all members.
• If a NATO member is attacked, other members are obligated to assist and respond collectively, including with military force if necessary.

Security Cooperation

• NATO facilitates security cooperation among member countries through various means.
• It conducts joint military exercises, training, and operations.
• NATO provides a platform for political consultations and coordination on defense and security issues.

Decision-Making

• Decision-making in NATO is based on consensus among member countries.
• Each member has an equal say in the decision-making process, regardless of its size or military capabilities.
• Decisions are made through consultation and discussion among member countries, led by the North Atlantic Council (NAC).

Partnerships

• NATO has developed partnerships with other countries and international organizations.
• Partnerships include the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, among others.
• These partnerships aim to promote dialogue, cooperation, and interoperability between NATO and non-member countries.

Adaptations and Evolutions

• NATO has adapted and evolved over time to address changing security challenges.
• It has expanded its focus beyond Europe to address global security issues.
• NATO engages in activities such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and crisis management.

Role in International Security

• NATO plays a crucial role in international security and stability.
• It contributes to deterrence, defense, and conflict resolution.
• NATO has been involved in various military operations, including peacekeeping missions and combat operations in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and elsewhere.

Transatlantic Alliance

• NATO represents a strong transatlantic alliance between North America and Europe.
• It fosters cooperation and solidarity among member countries on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
• The United States plays a significant role within NATO as one of the leading member countries.

About 'NATO plus five' Arrangement

• The 'NATO plus five' arrangement refers to a defense cooperation framework between the United States, its NATO partners, and five non-NATO countries.
• The five non-NATO countries included in this arrangement are: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and Israel

Purpose and Features:

• The purpose of the 'NATO plus five' arrangement is to enhance defense cooperation, interoperability, and security coordination between the United States, NATO, and the five partner countries.
• It allows for the transfer of defense equipment and technology among the participating nations.
• The arrangement facilitates military exercises, information sharing, and joint defense planning.