2021 · GS Paper 2 · Q20 · 15 marks
The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.
In short
AUKUS will not supersede existing Indo-Pacific partnerships but adds a hard-capability layer beside the Quad, ANZUS and ASEAN-led forums, strengthening deterrence while raising arms-race and proliferation concerns. Under the 2023 San Diego pathway, Australia acquires Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the early 2030s.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 303 words
Different function
The Quad delivers public goods such as the 2022 maritime domain awareness initiative; AUKUS supplies hard capability, so they divide labour.
A lattice, not a replacement
AUKUS layers onto ANZUS, Five Eyes and the US hub-and-spoke alliances, while ASEAN centrality, Indonesian unease and its three-member size limit its reach.
Capability leap
The 2023 San Diego pathway gives Australia Virginia-class submarines from the early 2030s and a rotational force at HMAS Stirling from 2027.
Staying power
The Trump-Albanese meeting of October 2025 reaffirmed the pact even as a Pentagon review was under way.
Deterrence with risk
It deters Chinese coercion but risks an underwater arms race and sets a proliferation precedent through the IAEA safeguards exception.
Allied rift and India
France's cancelled contract pushed Paris towards India, and India's Foreign Secretary held in 2021 that AUKUS does not affect the Quad.
Complementarity
Keep the Quad focused on public goods while India deepens bilateral defence ties with France and AUKUS members.
Guardrails
Transparent IAEA arrangements for Australia's submarines should ease the anxiety of Indonesia, Malaysia and other neighbours.
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Regional12 questions
Asked in 10 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026“IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA.
- 2025"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.