India Was Informed About Australia-UK-US Defence Pact, Says Envoy
NDTV
Australia, UK and US launched the defence pact on Wednesday that focuses on Indo-Pacific. Experts believe it is a veiled way to confront China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell on Friday said that decision to form AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defence partnership was taken after deep consideration and Canberra informed their Indian counterparts about the decision.
"The Australian Prime Minister, our ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence have spoken to their Indian counterparts to inform them about the decision. The decision has been taken after deep consideration," said the Australian envoy to India on AUKUS agreement to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
This comes after US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the other two nations launched the AUKUS pact on Wednesday that focuses on the Indo-Pacific. Experts believe it is a veiled way to confront China's growing assertiveness in the region.
The Australian envoy said this decision was taken after an assessment of the capability required to meet a more challenging strategic environment. "Nuclear powered submarines will provide Australia with the right capability," he added.
