The Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, a multidisciplinary global think tank organised an exclusive interview with special guest Prof. Harsh V. Pant on theme ‘An Indian perspective on the AUKUS and the QUAD Leader’s Summit’, held on 25 September 2021. The programme started with the welcome speech delivered by FGS Founder and President Dr. Sandeep Tripathi. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest Dr. Harsh V. Pant, Professor, King’s College London, UK, and Head of Strategic Studies Programme, ORF New Delhi, and Mr. Don Mclain Gill, Director, Research at Forum for Global Studies and Fellow at the International Development and Security Cooperation, Phillipines. The programme was moderated by Mr. Don Mclain Gill, who highlighted the recent developments leading to the QUAD members meeting in Washington. He raised the question on shifting geopolitical landscape which has resulted in rapid geostrategic shifts in the Indo-Pacific region and requested Dr. Pant for his insights on the shaping discourse.
Dr. Pant congratulated and appreciated the initiative taken by FGS to provide space and opportunity for skill development and learning to young and passionate scholars in the field of global affairs. He highlighted that the countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond are now waking up to the real challenges that they face. He stated that these challenges are not just related to the rise of China, but also due to absence of any frameworks to look at challenges faced under the present strategic environment. He commented on the positions of different countries like France, Russia and China towards the emerging dynamics revolving around the AUKUS and QUAD groupings. He also explained India’s position over the AUKUS grouping.
Mr. Gill while emphasising on India’s pivotal role in the Indo-pacific region, raised the question on how India will be looking at AUKUS in the long-term perspective.
Dr. Pant in his response underlined the policy standpoints of India, Australia, and US. He referred to the Australian decision as a strong statement towards a longstanding policy question internal to Australia. He said that in a similar way, India’s partnership with US in the Indo-pacific region will be shaped through resolution which has to take place internally. He further mapped the trajectories taken by the current and former US presidents in several domains like Afghanistan, Europe and Indo-pacific highlighting the increasing unilateralism in the US decision making. He remarked that AUKUS represents the exposed vulnerabilities of EU that it no longer stands as a major strategic player in global geopolitics. He emphasised on the UK’s significance as a strategic player. On question of India-France relationship in times ahead, Dr. Pant explained the various realms where the two countries can co-operate and co-ordinate.
Mr. Gill thanked Dr. Pant for his valuable insights and for gracing FGS with his presence for the interview.