Pentagon asks NATO allies to do more as US shifts focus to Indo-Pacific

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

The Pentagon has asked NATO allies to show they are doing more for Europe’s defence as Washington shifts its focus to security challenges closer to home and in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States has already begun reducing its military presence in Europe, where about 80,000 troops remain, and is reviewing how far further cuts should go.

A strong US presence is seen as key to NATO’s ability to deter adversaries such as Russia, but future cuts will depend on how effectively European allies and Canada respond to Washington’s demand for an overhaul of the alliance. Under the proposed approach, they would take over the conventional defence of Europe, while the US would provide backup, including with nuclear weapons, only if needed.

After a briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, US Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby praised Germany, Poland and Scandinavian countries for their efforts. But he told reporters, “We hope to see more from countries like the United Kingdom.”

Colby said Washington’s aim was to bring “NATO to a more realistic, fit-for-purpose, fit for time, more balanced structure. And so that’s the spirit we’re going to continue pursuing our Europe posture review in”. He said the Pentagon had circulated a survey seeking written answers on how allies planned to meet the US aims, adding, “We just received several of the questionnaires, so we’re looking forward to reviewing them,” without saying which countries had responded.

The survey also seeks information beyond NATO-related issues, including whether allies would give US forces unfettered access to their bases and airspace. The matter has drawn attention after some in Europe hesitated when the United States launched its war on Iran without consulting them. Colby said, “Europe has an interest in making sure that also that Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon, which is of course our objective. We need to be able to have the ability to operate effectively. We need predictability.”

The US push at NATO comes as it cuts troops in Europe and considers deeper reductions, while pressing allies to take on a greater role in the continent’s conventional defence.

With PTI Inputs

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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA