NATO Plus

Why in news?

• As Prime Minister visits Washington, the US Senate is set to introduce legislation that aims to grant India ‘NATO plus five’ defense status.
• However, India’s External Affairs Minister has already rejected this framework for India.

About NATO Plus:

• NATO Plus is a coalition consisting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
• The primary objective of this group is to enhance global defense cooperation.
• Membership in NATO Plus would offer several advantages to India, including seamless intelligence sharing among member countries, access to cutting-edge military technology without delays, and a strengthened defense partnership with the United States.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

• NATO is an alliance composed of 31 North American and European countries with shared values and interests.
• The organization was established through the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as the Washington Treaty, on April 4, 1949.
• The main purpose of NATO is to safeguard peace and ensure the territorial integrity, political independence, and security of its member states.
• Article Five of the treaty stipulates that an armed attack against one member shall be considered an attack against all members, and the alliance will provide assistance, including the use of armed forces if necessary.
• NATO’s headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following countries is not a member of North Atlantic Treaty organization?

(a) Canada

(b) United Kingdom

(c) Japan

(d) Turkey

Answer