Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Raisina Dialogue: Everything You Need to Know
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raisina Dialogue
Mains level: Factors shaping India's foreign policy
Introduction
- The ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from February 23 in New Delhi.
What is Raisina Dialogue?
- The Raisina Dialogue is an annual multilateral conference.
- The inaugural edition was held in March 2016.
- It is held in New Delhi, India.
- It is organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and held in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
- It is modelled after Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.
- The dialogue brings together policymakers, experts, scholars, and leaders from various fields.
- It focuses on discussing geopolitical, economic, and strategic issues facing the world.
Theme of this year’s edition
- The theme of the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,” according to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- The participants will engage with each other over six “thematic pillars”:
- Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities;
- Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate;
- War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries;
- Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion;
- Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress; and
- Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty.
Why is it a significant event for India’s Foreign Policy?
- International Representation: Reflects India’s aspiration to play a leading role and make significant contributions globally.
- Platform for Engagement: Offers India avenues to engage with key regional and global issues.
- Advocacy for World Order: Demonstrates India’s commitment to a world order based on rules, inclusivity, and cooperation.
- Strengthening Global Image: Enhances India’s reputation as a responsible and resilient global partner.
Similar Dialogues around the World
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Strategy and Foreign Affairs for India in 2024
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Factors shaping India's foreign policy
Central Idea
- Contradiction in Global Aspirations: Despite calls for peace, 2023 witnessed the continuation and emergence of significant conflicts, notably between Russia and Ukraine, and in the Gaza Strip.
- China’s Stance: Amidst its economic challenges, China’s aggressive posture remains a concern for the West and India, adding to the global tension.
2023: Strategic Realities and Challenges
Crisis in the Middle East: The Hamas attack disrupted efforts to normalize Israel-Arab relations, leading to a devastating response from Israel and derailing the reconciliation process.
- Stress in India-US Ties: Allegations of an Indian official’s involvement in an assassination plot have strained relations, with India promising to investigate if provided with information.
- Russia-Ukraine War Fatigue: The prolonged conflict sees the West grappling with funding challenges, while Russia, despite sanctions, maintains resilience, partly due to its closeness with China.
- India’s Maldives Challenge: The new government’s request for India to withdraw military personnel and terminate agreements reflects its proximity to China, complicating India’s strategic position.
- China, the Biggest Worry: The ongoing border standoff and China’s influence in the region, including its ties with Russia and the Maldives, continue to be India’s primary strategic concerns.
- G20 and Global South Positioning: India’s leadership in the G20 and its role in uniting the Global South reflect its aspiration to continue the legacy of Non-Alignment adapted to modern realities.
- Engagement in Kabul: India’s cautious engagement with the Taliban and coordination for consular services indicate a nuanced approach to Afghanistan, balancing security and diplomatic needs.
2024: Anticipating Challenges and Opportunities
- Impact of Lok Sabha Elections: The election outcome will significantly influence India’s foreign policy, with a stronger mandate potentially leading to more assertive stances, while a weaker mandate might reflect coalition compulsions.
- US & Canada Relationships: Navigating the complexities arising from the assassination plot allegations and maintaining robust ties with both nations will be crucial for India.
- New Government in Pakistan: The post-election scenario in Pakistan might offer a window for re-engagement, depending on the political dynamics and India’s strategic choices.
- Outcome in Bangladesh: India’s interest in the continuation of Sheikh Hasina’s government reflects security and connectivity priorities, with the opposition viewed with caution.
- Continuing Deadlock with China: The border standoff and its potential escalation will be a critical factor in India’s security and diplomatic strategy, especially in an election year.
- West Asia Dynamics: India’s evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for its position in the Global South will be closely watched, with a focus on balancing relations and principles.
- Future of the War in Ukraine: India’s balancing act between its economic interests and international pressures, especially in its relationship with Russia, will continue to be a delicate matter.
- Trade Pacts and Tech Partnerships: Finalizing trade agreements and enhancing tech partnerships with the West will be key areas of focus, with potential major developments expected in 2024.
Conclusion
- Balancing Act: India’s foreign policy in the coming years will involve navigating a complex array of global conflicts, bilateral tensions, and internal political dynamics.
- Strategic Posture: The outcomes of various global and regional conflicts, along with India’s own electoral politics, will shape its strategic and foreign policy posture, reflecting a blend of continuity and change.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Raisina Dialogue and its Significance
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raisina Dialogue
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Foreign Secretary has told a Parliament committee that the Raisina Dialogue is now among the most significant global level think tank events in the world.
What is Raisina Dialogue?
- Flagship Geopolitical Conference: The Raisina Dialogue, founded in 2016, emerged as India’s flagship conference for discussions on global geopolitics and geo-economics.
- Hosted by ORF: The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an independent think tank, collaborates with the Ministry of External Affairs to host the Raisina Dialogue.
Emergence of the Dialogue
- Geopolitical and Geo-economic Discourse: The Raisina Dialogue is a significant global-level think tank event that fosters cross-sectoral discussions on geopolitics and geo-economics.
- Global Participation: Raisina Dialogue serves as a platform for engagement among policymakers, heads of states, cabinet ministers, local officials, private sector executives, media representatives, and scholars.
- Inspired by Shangri-La Dialogue: Modeled after Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Raisina Dialogue facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogues on crucial global issues.
Political patronage to the dialogue
- Participation: PM’s attendance and address at the 2016 Raisina Dialogue marked a turning point, elevating the event’s significance.
- Shifting Paradigm: PM Modi’s presence elevated Raisina Dialogue from its modest beginnings in 2015 to a global focal point within a span of eight years.
- Global Recognition: The conference gained international recognition and prominence, attracting participants of repute from across the world.
Significance: Reflecting Indian Perspective
- Strategic Vision: Raisina Dialogue embodies a deliberate strategy to reflect and project India’s point of view on global matters.
- India-Centric Thinking: In alignment with the government’s focus on promoting India-centric thinking, the conference portrays India’s stance on global issues.
- Diverse Representation: The event brings together international sponsors, co-sponsors, and participants, fostering diverse viewpoints and critical appraisal of foreign policies.
Magnitude and Impact
- Global Participation: The recent edition of the Raisina Dialogue held in March 2023 witnessed the presence of Italy’s Prime Minister and over 30 foreign ministers. Participants from more than 100 countries engaged in discussions.
- Growing Influence: The conference’s stature and influence are evident through its widespread representation and discussions on a wide array of global issues.
Conclusion
- The Raisina Dialogue stands as a remarkable testament to India’s increasing role and influence in the global arena.
- As the Dialogue continues to shape discussions on geopolitics and geo-economics, it reinforces India’s position as a significant player on the world stage.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Clearance to Politicians for Foreign Travels
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A Delhi State Minister has moved the court seeking directions for the government to decide on granting her political clearance before it is too late.
- Earlier, Delhi CM’s participation to attend the World Cities Summit in 2022 was due to delayed political clearance by the Centre.
Understanding Political Clearance
- Political clearance is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is required for public servants and government officials traveling abroad.
- Applications for political clearance can be made through the epolclearance.gov.in portal since 2016.
- The decision on political clearance considers various factors, including the nature of the event, level of participation, invitation, and India’s relations with the host country.
(1) Process for CMs and State Ministers to Travel Abroad
- Informing the cabinet: The Cabinet Secretariat’s circular of May 6, 2015, mandates informing the Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs about proposed foreign visits by CMs and State Ministers.
- Mandatory nature: Prior political clearance and FCRA clearance are mandatory for such visits.
- Application process: The application for clearance must be sent to the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
(2) For other Ministers and Parliamentarians
- Union ministers require clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office in addition to political clearance from the MEA for official and personal trips abroad.
- Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members need clearance from the Speaker and Chairperson respectively, only for official trips.
- Government employees, depending on their rank and delegation type, require approval from the Minister concerned or a screening committee of secretaries.
(3) Application to Judges
- Judges of the Supreme Court and state High Courts must send their proposals to the Department of Justice after obtaining clearance from the Chief Justice of India.
- Approval from the MEA and, in certain cases, the Home Ministry is required.
- Delhi High Court has struck down guidelines on judges’ personal travel in the past.
Debates surrounding political clearance
- In his early term, PM Modi held meetings with Union department secretaries to discuss the issue.
- Calls have been made to change the “dilatory system” of MEA clearing travel proposals by officials.
- The MEA has asserted its prerogative in deciding the suitability, desirability, and level of participation of Indian officials in engagements abroad.
Reasons for Political Clearance Denials
- The inappropriateness of direct correspondence: The MEA may consider direct correspondence between a diplomatic mission and a state government as inappropriate, leading to denial of clearance for a visit.
- Substantive and protocol considerations: Concerns may arise regarding the substantive and protocol aspects of a CM’s visit, which could influence the decision to deny political clearance.
- Unsuitability or undesirability: The nature of the event or the level of participation from other countries might be deemed unsuitable or undesirable for a CM’s visit, resulting in denial of clearance.
- Special consideration challenges: Concerned agencies may face challenges in providing special consideration to a Chief Minister’s visit, considering substantive and protocol angles.
- Prevailing circumstances: The prevailing circumstances, including diplomatic relations with the host country or other relevant factors, can play a role in the decision to deny political clearance.
- National security concerns: In certain cases, national security considerations may lead to the denial of political clearance for an official visit.
- Lack of sufficient justification: If the purpose or justification provided for the visit is not deemed sufficient, the political clearance request may be denied.
Importance of Political Clearance
- Ensures effective representation and protection of India’s interests abroad.
- Maintains diplomatic relations and adheres to established protocols.
- Balances security concerns with the need for international engagements.
Implications for diplomacy
- Denial of political clearance can impact bilateral and multilateral relationships.
- Strengthens cooperation and dialogue between countries.
- Builds trust and goodwill through smooth facilitation of visits and engagements.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), NATO
Mains level: Relevance of NAM
Non-alignment is an old concept today, and India has adopted an approach of “issue-based alignment”, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Try this question for mains:
Q.“The gradual exit of the US from institutional geopolitics has created an ocean of opportunity for small nations”. Discuss.
What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
- The NAM is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
- The group was started in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961.
- After the UN, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.
Its formation
- NAM emerged in the context of the wave of decolonization that followed World War II.
- It was created by Yugoslavia’s President, Josip Broz Tito, India’s first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt’s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno.
- All five leaders believed that developing countries should not help either the Western or Eastern blocs in the Cold War.
- As a condition for membership, the states of the NAM cannot be part of a multilateral military alliance (such as the NATO) or have signed a bilateral military agreement with one of the “big powers” involved in Great Power conflicts.
- However, its idea does not signify that a state ought to remain passive or even neutral in international politics.
Its relevance today
- One of the challenges of the NAM in the 21st century has been to reassess its identity and purpose in the post-Cold War era.
- The movement has continued to advocate for international cooperation, multilateralism, and national self-determination, but it has also been increasingly vocal against the inequities of the world economic order.
- On the contrary, from the founding of the NAM, its stated aim has been to give a voice to developing countries and to encourage their concerted action in world affairs.
The geopolitics of opportunity
- Non-alignment was a term of a particular era and geopolitical landscape. One aspect was independence, which remains a factor of continuity for India.
- The consequences of global shifts, including the US and the assertiveness of China, are opening spaces for middle powers like India, Japan, the EU and others.
US repositioning has impacted everyone
- The consequence of repositioning of the US, that the big umbrella is now smaller than it used to be, has allowed many other countries to play more autonomous roles.
- India needs to take more “risks”, as the world expected it to take a more proactive stance on various issues including connectivity, maritime security, terrorism, climate change and terrorism.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Virtual Summit
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Mains level: NAM, it's aims and objective, current role of NAM; India's past, present and future link to NAM
PM Modi has for the first addressed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit since assuming office in 2014.
Possible mains question-
Q. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has lost its relevance in the new era of multipolar world. Comment.
Highlights of the online summit
- The online NAM Contact Group Summit on “United against COVID-19” was hosted by current NAM Chairman and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.
- The NAM leaders announced the creation of a task force to identify requirements of member countries through a common database reflecting their basic medical, social and humanitarian needs in the fight against COVID-19.
What is the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)?
- The NAM is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
- The group was started in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961.
- After the UN, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.
Its formation
- NAM emerged in the context of the wave of decolonization that followed World War II.
- It was created by Yugoslavia’s President, Josip Broz Tito, India’s first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, Egypt’s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno.
- All five leaders believed that developing countries should not help either the Western or Eastern blocs in the Cold War.
- As a condition for membership, the states of the NAM cannot be part of a multilateral military alliance (such as the NATO) or have signed a bilateral military agreement with one of the “big powers” involved in Great Power conflicts.
- However, its idea does not signify that a state ought to remain passive or even neutral in international politics.
Terms of summits
- Unlike the UN or the Organization of American States, the NAM has no formal constitution or permanent secretariat.
- All members of the NAM have equal weight within its organization.
- The movement’s positions are reached by consensus in the Summit Conference of Heads of State or Government, which usually convenes every three years.
- The administration of the organization is the responsibility of the country holding the chair, a position that rotates at every summit.
- The ministers of foreign affairs of the member states meet more regularly in order to discuss common challenges, notably at the opening of each regular session of the UN General Assembly.
Its relevance today
- One of the challenges of the NAM in the 21st century has been to reassess its identity and purpose in the post-Cold War era.
- The movement has continued to advocate for international cooperation, multilateralism, and national self-determination, but it has also been increasingly vocal against the inequities of the world economic order.
- On the contrary, from the founding of the NAM, its stated aim has been to give a voice to developing countries and to encourage their concerted action in world affairs.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Indian nationals living abroad
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Data on Indian's living abroad
Mains level: Indian diaspora in Gulf region
There are over 1.36 crore Indian nationals living abroad, according to data tabled by the Ministry of External Affairs in Lok Sabha.
Indians abroad
- The highest number of Indians abroad are living in the United Arab Emirates, where the 34,20,000 Indians comprise about one-fourth of all Indians abroad.
- The UAE is followed by Saudi Arabia (25,94,947), the US (12,80,000), Kuwait (10,29,861), Oman (7,79,351), Qatar (7,56,062), Nepal (5,00,000), UK (3,51,000), Singapore (3,50,000) and Bahrain (3,23,292).
- The CPV (Consular, Passport and Visa) division of the ministry is the nodal division that coordinates with all missions / posts abroad regarding transportation of the mortal remains of Indians from abroad to their hometowns in India.
Total remittances recieved
- Citing RBI data, the ministry said that during 2018-2019, $76.4 billion was received as remittances from Indians abroad.
- During 2019-2020 (April-September), $41.9 billion was received.
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Ministry of External Affairs : Important Updates
Raisina Dialogue 2020
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raisina Dialogue
Mains level: Raisina Dialogue and its impact on India's global profile
India`s annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, Raisina Dialogue 2020 has began with the participation of over 100 countries.
Raisina Dialogue
- The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.
- It is jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation.
- Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters.
- The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.
This years’ agenda
- The fifth edition of the Dialogue 2020 has been India`s contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades.
- This year`s Dialogue titled `Navigating the Alpha Century` is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.
Significance of the dialogue
- The Raisina Dialogue has acquired an enviable global profile uniting the best strategic thinkers of the world.
- The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India`s deliberative ethos, as well as its international credibility and convening power.
- The Dialogue has grown along with India`s diplomatic profile and will set the tone for its intensive diplomatic engagement this year.
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