The invasion violated the Games’ Olympic Truce, which says nations should not attack each other from 1 week before the Olympics to 1 week after the Paralympics.
Belarus was implicated for allegedly allowing Russia to use its territory for military purposes.
In October 2023, the Russian Olympic Committee was suspended after declaring authority over Ukrainian sports organizations in certain regions.
Political Neutrality and Violations
The IOC cited Russia’s International Friendship Association (IFA) as a political body violating the IOC charter.
The charter states that sports organizations within the Olympic Movement shouldapply political neutrality.
Russia’s announcement of the Friendship Games in 2024 led to accusations of politicizing sports.
Critics note the concept of “political neutrality” is not based on objective criteria and is challenging to interpret consistently.
What is Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs)?
The IOC allows athletes from these countries to participate as individual-neutral athletes (AINs).
Athletes must not represent their country or any associated organization.
They cannot actively support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
AINs are athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports qualified through existing qualification systems.
They will compete under a neutral flagand uniform, with a neutral song played if they win medals.
The audience cannot wave their flags.
Do you know?
The Indian Olympic Association was suspended in 2014, leading to three athletes competing under the Olympic flag.
India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in New Delhi, creating an informal forum to enhance regional cooperation in security, connectivity, trade, and investment in the Bay of Bengal
About BIMSTEC:
BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is a regional organization established in June 1997.
seven countries: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
It aims to foster multifaceted cooperation across various sectors, including security, connectivity, trade, and investment, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region.
Importance of Strengthening Eastern Ties
Regional Stability and Security: The growing presence of China in the Bay of Bengal is perceived as a potential threat to regional stability. By strengthening ties with countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, India aims to reinforce its position as a preferred security partner in the region.
Economic Development: Enhanced relations with eastern neighbors facilitate India’s access to essential maritime routes, particularly for its landlocked northeastern states.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Improved relations with Myanmar and Thailand are integral to India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. These countries are key members of ASEAN, which India considers central to its vision for the region.
Strengthening ties can enhance India’s influence and presence in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with its “Act East Policy” and “Neighbourhood First” approach.
Major Components of the Retreat
The 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat was structured into two main segments:
Assessment of Regional Cooperation: The first part focused on evaluating the current state of cooperation within BIMSTEC, building on outcomes from the previous retreat.
Member states discussed various initiatives, including the establishment of Centers of Excellence in areas like Agriculture and Maritime Transport, and emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in trade and entrepreneurship.
Expectations for the Upcoming Summit: The second segment involved discussions on each country’s expectations for the upcoming summit.
Key proposals included mapping mineral resources, promoting the Blue Economy,enhancing tourism and cultural exchanges.
Bilateral merits
India-Myanmar Concerns: Mr. Jaishankar addressed issues with Myanmar regarding the flow of displaced persons, narcotics, and arms across the border, and urged the return of unlawfully detained Indian nationals.
India-Bangladesh Cooperation: In his meeting with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Mr. Jaishankar was requested to ensure the smooth supply of daily essentials and send a technical team for the Teesta project, signifying efforts towards resolving long-pending concerns.
Way forward:
Enhance Security Collaboration: Need to prioritize discussions on security cooperation among BIMSTEC members, particularly in countering transnational crimes such as narcotics and arms trafficking.
Develop Connectivity Projects: Indian government should expedite the implementation of connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, to facilitate trade and movement. This will not only enhance economic ties but also improve regional stability.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? Waht are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022)
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (UPSC IAS/2021) Q2 How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (UPSC IAS/2021)
Prelims: Q Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019) (a) Japan (b) Russia (c) The United Kingdom (d) The United States of America
Note4Students:
Prelims: Bordering countries with Russia and China;
Mains: Geopolitics dynamics as per India;
Mentor comments: India-Russia relations have evolved significantly, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Bilateral trade surged to approximately $65 billion in 2022, driven by discounted oil imports, which accounted for a substantial portion of trade. Despite Western sanctions, India continues to maintain strong ties with Russia, focusing on energy supplies and defense cooperation. The two nations are exploring new payment mechanisms and investment opportunities to strengthen economic ties. However, India’s diversification in defense procurement poses challenges to this traditional partnership, highlighting the need for a strategic shift in their relationship.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the News?
Two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, marking his first bilateral trip in the government’s third tenure.
Assessment of the conflict in Ukraine
Evolution of the Conflict: The conflict began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and has entered its third year with no clear resolution in sight. Initially expected to be a swift operation, the war has evolved into a prolonged military stalemate.
Casualties and Displacement: The war has resulted in significant human costs, with over 10,000 civilians killed and nearly 20,000 wounded according to the United Nations.
More than 14 million people have been displaced, with 6 million now living as refugees in various countries.
Territorial Control: As of now, Russia controls approximately 17% of Ukrainian territory, a decrease from the 20% occupied early in the conflict. This indicates some resilience on Ukraine’s part despite ongoing military challenges.
Economic Impact: The conflict has imposed heavy economic burdens on both countries. Estimates suggest that Ukraine has suffered losses exceeding $500 billion, while Russia has incurred substantial financial sanctions, losing over $300 billion due to international responses.
Military Stalemate: The military situation has stabilized, with Russia managing to hold its positions in eastern Ukraine. However, Ukraine continues to face shortages of arms and personnel, complicating its counteroffensive efforts.
International Dynamics: The conflict has highlighted divisions within the West regarding support for Ukraine For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland have provided significant military aid, while others, such as Germany and France, have been more cautious,
Global South Perspective: Many countries in the Global South disapprove of Russia’s actions but also resist unilateral sanctions imposed by Western nations. This reflects a broader geopolitical divide where nations seek to navigate their interests without fully aligning with either side.
Future Prospects: The likelihood of a “frozen conflict” appears to be increasing, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The potential for a peace process, as indicated by upcoming conferences, suggests that diplomatic efforts may be necessary to address the ongoing stalemate.
India’s Position: India has maintained a neutral stance, abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia and increasing its oil imports from Russia. While providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, India has refrained from deeper military or infrastructural support, reflecting its strategic interests in maintaining relations with both Russia and Western nations.
Geopolitics dynamics as per India:
Strategic Autonomy and Geopolitical Signaling: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, following the cancellation of his visit to Astana, Kazakhstan for the SCO Summit, signifies India’s strategic choice to prioritize a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over a joint appearance with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
India’s Strategic Concerns: India aims to maintain Russia as a strategic ally in the face of continuous tensions with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Western Geopolitical Dynamics: The Biden administration has strengthened alliances like AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.) for nuclear submarines and engaged with “Quad Plus” countries, including New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines leading dilution of the main objective of QUAD.
The U.S. hosted the “AP-4” (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan) leaders during the NATO summit in Washington, underscoring its strategic focus in the region.
India’s Position within the Quad: India’s reluctance to make the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) a strategic concept risks limiting its utility to Indo-Pacific partners compared to other emerging alliances.
Broader Geopolitical Strategy: The visit to Russia highlights India’s commitment to its strategic autonomy and the importance of diversifying its strategic options.
Geo-Economic Thrust of Modi’s Visit to Russia
Geo-Economic Thrust of Modi’s Visit to Russia Strengthening Trade Relations: The visit underscores a significant increase in India-Russia trade, which surged by 66% to $65 billion last year, driven largely by discounted Russian oil imports.
Focus on Energy Supplies: The joint statement from the Modi-Putin summit emphasized enhancing cooperation in energy supplies, particularly oil and LNG.
Circumventing Sanctions: The summit outlined action items aimed at circumventing Western sanctions.
Maritime Connectivity: The discussion included plans to operationalize the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor.
Defence Cooperation: Despite diversifying its defence procurement, India continues to rely significantly on Russia for military hardware. The visit aimed to address concerns regarding delays in defence supplies.
Conclusion: India’s strategic autonomy, underscored by Modi’s visit to Russia, focuses on strengthening geo-economic ties, energy cooperation, and diversified alliances, balancing its relations with Russia and the West amidst global conflicts.
The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prioritized India-funded projects in neighbouring countries, receiving the majority of the Ministry of External Affairs’ allocation.
What are the India-funded projects in the neighbourhood?
India has provided significant aid to Nepal, including funding for hydroelectric power plants like Pardi, Trishuli and Devighat.
In Afghanistan, India has provided over $3 billion in assistance and was involved in over 400 projects across 34 provinces, including major infrastructure projects like the Salma Dam and the Zaranj-Dalaram Highway.
In Myanmar, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Projects is $484 million project aims to connect the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram to the Sittwe port in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
In the 2024-25 budget, India allocated ₹700 crore to Nepal (up from ₹550 crore), ₹245 crore to Sri Lanka (up from ₹150 crore), and ₹30 crore to Seychelles (up from ₹10 crore).
Reasons for reduced focus on Bhutan
Bhutan, the largest recipient of MEA’s annual allocation, saw a dip in funding by ₹332.02 crore to ₹2,068.56 crore.
However, this slight reduction does not indicate a decrease in funding for projects in Bhutan, as India and Bhutan recently cleared 61 projects amounting to ₹4,958 crore.
Importance of Bhutan for India:
Strategic Importance:
Bhutan shares borders with India and China, acting as a buffer state between the two. Its strategic location is crucial for India’s security interests.
India has provided assistance to Bhutan in areas like defence, infrastructure, and communication to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During the 2017 Doklam standoff between India and China, Bhutan allowed Indian troops to enter its territory to resist Chinese incursions.
Economic Importance:
India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for 98% of its exports and 90% of its imports.
Bhutan’s hydropower potential is a significant source of revenue, and India has been instrumental in assisting Bhutan in developing these projects.
India provides substantial economic support to Bhutan. In 2015-16, India’s budgetary support to Bhutan stood at ₹61.60 billion, making it the largest recipient of India’s foreign aid.
Cultural Ties: Bhutan and India share strong cultural ties, as both countries are predominantly Buddhist
Future scope for India’s Neighbourhood Policy (Way forward)
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Need to negotiate free trade agreements, promote investments, and collaborate on infrastructure projects to boost economic ties.
For example, India and Bangladesh have made significant progress in recent years, with the inauguration of the Maitri Setu bridge connecting Tripura to Bangladesh. The two countries are also working on the Akhaura-Agartala rail link to enhance connectivity.
Promoting Regional Cooperation: Need to collaborate on regional initiatives such as the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement for seamless movement of goods and people.
For instance, India has been actively involved in the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection project to enhance regional connectivity and energy cooperation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC IAS/2016)
At least 130 people have died in clashes during student protests over government job quotas in Bangladesh.
Why have students in Bangladesh taken to the streets?
Opposition to Quota System: Students are protesting against the quota system for government jobs, specifically the 30% reserved for freedom fighters and their descendants, which they believe limits merit-based opportunities.
Reversal of Quota Reforms: The protests intensified after the Supreme Court restored the quota system, reversing the previous decision to abolish it. Students demand a more balanced and inclusive quota system.
Why Is the 30% quota for Freedom fighters and their descendants an emotive matter for the Awami League?
Legacy of Sheikh Mujib: The quota system was introduced by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and continuing it is seen as fulfilling his legacy and honouring the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Political Significance: The Awami League views the quota as a means to reinforce support within the bureaucracy and maintain political loyalty, linking it closely to the party’s historical and ideological narrative.
How did the protests turn violent?
The violence escalated when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina labeled protesters as “razakars” or traitors, which enraged students and led to violent clashes with the police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The situation deteriorated to the point where the military had to be deployed to control the unrest, further intensifying the violence and confrontation between protesters and authorities.
Have the Quotas Been Misused?
Allegations of Abuse: There have been claims that the quota system has been misused, with reservations extended to party operatives and not just deserving freedom fighters’ descendants.
Dilution and Extension: The quota system, initially meant for freedom fighters and war survivors, has been criticized for being extended to broader categories over time, leading to concerns about fairness and effective utilization.
India’s recent Initiatives – ‘Strengthening Ties and Empowering Governance’
Economic Cooperation: India and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen trade and investment linkages, including the early commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Capacity Building for Civil Servants: India has been providing training and capacity-building programs for Bangladeshi civil servants through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).
Development Assistance: India is the largest development partner for Bangladesh, having extended approximately $8 billion in Lines of Credit (LOC) over the past eight years for infrastructure development in sectors such as roads, railways, and shipping.
Way forward:
Balanced Approach: The Bangladesh government should consider a transparent and balanced quota reform that addresses both merit-based and reservation needs.
Monitoring and Accountability: Establishing mechanisms to monitor the implementation of quotas and prevent misuse is crucial.
Recently, the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Japan highlighted the UNSC’s paralysis, ongoing violations of international law, and the growing influence of China and an axis of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.
Present State of the UNSC:
Paralysis and Ineffectiveness: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is currently paralyzed, unable to effectively address or resolve significant global conflicts. Efforts to reform the UNSC have stalled, leaving it incapable of adapting to contemporary geopolitical realities.
Impunity in Violations of International Law: International law is being violated with impunity in conflicts such as the Ukraine war and the assault on Gaza by Israel.
The UNSC’s inability to act decisively has contributed to a growing disregard for its authority and mandates.
Role of India in QUAD:
Strategic Partnership: India’s involvement in QUAD enhances its strategic partnerships with the other member nations, allowing for collaborative efforts in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
Building Indo-In Pacific Policy: One of the primary objectives of QUAD is to mitigate China’s assertive actions in Indo Pacific region.
India is positioned to take on a leadership role in regional security.
Economic Collaboration: The QUAD nations are working towards strengthening economic ties, including infrastructure development at ‘Strait of Malacca’ and alternative financing options for Indo-Pacific countries.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: India has actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, exemplified by its Operation Sanjeevani, which provided medical assistance to several Indo-Pacific nations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Silverlining on BRICS
Promoting South-South Cooperation: BRICS represents a significant non-Western global initiative in the post-Cold War era. It can bring together major emerging economies from different parts of the world.
Amplifying Voices in Global Governance: The BRICS Population is around 40% of the world so the BRICS nations can amplify their voices in global governance and expand their choices of international partners through this grouping.
Fostering Economic Resilience: Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, BRICS has emerged as a more effective and efficient institution in fostering economic resilience among its member nations.
Exploring Alternative Financial Mechanisms: BRICS has taken steps to establish alternative financial mechanisms, such as the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
Role BRICS group in G20: The BRICS group has consistently pushed for the inclusion of development issues in the G20 agenda. They argue that the G20 should prioritize the needs of developing countries, particularly in terms of infrastructure investment and social sector support
Promoting Sustainable Development: The BRICS nations have emphasized the importance of responsible financing for green and sustainable development.
Initiatives like the NDB’s focus on sustainable infrastructure projects which would help in achieving of SDG Goal 9.
Conclusion: Need to support and advocate for comprehensive reforms of the UNSC to address its paralysis and enhance its effectiveness. This includes expanding permanent membership to better represent contemporary global dynamics and improving decision-making processes to tackle conflicts with greater agility.
Mains PYQ:
Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (2020)
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Mentor comment: India’s strategic autonomy refers to its ability to pursue national interests and foreign policy without external constraints. This concept has gained renewed significance in the context of a multipolar world, where India seeks to balance relationships with major powers like the U.S. and Russia while navigating regional dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. However, India’s strategic autonomy is often challenged by external pressures, as seen in its cautious approach to alliances like the Quad and its historical non-alignment stance. The effectiveness of this autonomy remains variable, influenced by geopolitical developments and internal policy decisions
Let’s learn!
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Why in the news?
On July 11, 2024, U.S. Ambassador Garcetti stated, “In times of conflict there is no strategic autonomy,” after PM Modi’s visit to Moscow, highlighting U.S. concerns about India’s stance.
Current State of India-U.S. Relations:
Steady Trajectory with Stress Points: The strategic partnership between India and the U.S. remains steady overall, but stress points have emerged, particularly concerning India’s stance on the Ukraine war.
Ukraine War and India’s Neutrality: India maintained its strategic partnership with Russia, expanded energy cooperation, and refused to condemn the invasion, which caused friction with the U.S. and its allies.
Western Perception: The West views India’s position as economic support for Russia, widening the stress points in the India-U.S. partnership over the past two and a half years.
Strategic Autonomy:
Strategic autonomy means making decisions that best serve a nation’s interests, free from external pressures. It involves having the conviction, will, and resources to take autonomous decisions.
All Indian governments since Independence have followed strategic autonomy, reflected in policies like non-alignment, multi-alignment, and multi-directional foreign policy.
U.S. Criticism:
Ambassador Garcetti’s Comments: He questioned India’s ability to exercise strategic autonomy during crises, suggesting that it becomes meaningless during such times.
India’s Response: India asserts its right to take autonomous foreign policy decisions, emphasizing strategic autonomy as a cornerstone of its international relations.
Historical Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy:
Non-Alignment: Initially, India maintained equidistance from both the capitalist and communist blocs, leveraging non-alignment and Asian solidarity to mobilize Third World voices and pursue its interests.
Cold War Dynamics: With shifting global alliances, India strengthened ties with the Soviet Union while retaining strategic autonomy.
Post-Cold War Era: After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the communist bloc, India sought greater economic integration and a closer strategic partnership with the West.
Great power rivalry
Multipolar Global Order: The world is transitioning from a unipolar to a multipolar order, with the U.S. maintaining its position as the most powerful country, while China is rising as a strong competitor, and Russia is challenging Western security architecture.
This shift impacts global dynamics, especially in regions like West Asia, where conflicts like the shadow war between Israel and Iran further complicate the power balance.
India’s Strategic Autonomy: India aims to maintain its strategic autonomy by balancing relations between great powers without joining any alliance system.
Strategic autonomy is essential for India to navigate the complexities of global power rivalries and pursue its national interests independently.
Recasting India-Russia Partnership: Despite Russia’s deepening ties with China, India seeks to recast its historical partnership with Russia into a more equal bilateral relationship.
Way Forward:
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships While Ensuring Autonomy: Indian Govt. needs to deepen strategic ties with the U.S. and Europe, emphasising shared values in defense, technology, and economic cooperation while maintaining a robust partnership with Russia. Simultaneously need to ensure these relationships are based on mutual respect and recognition of India’s strategic autonomy, allowing India to independently navigate complex global dynamics.
Diversification of Alliances: Govt. shoulddevelop and strengthen ties with other emerging powers such as Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asian nations.
Domestic Capability Building: Indian Govt. should focus on self-reliance in critical sectors such as defence, technology, and energy through initiatives like ‘Make in India.’ Reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by investing in domestic manufacturing and innovation.
Q) ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Prelims: Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020) 1) The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2) “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3) In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 only (d) 3 only
Note4Students:
Prelims: India-Nepal Bilateral Ties;
Mains: Neighbourhood First Policy; Panchasheel Principles;
Mentor comment: India and Nepal share deep geographical, civilizational, historical, economic and cultural ties. They have an open border and close people-to-people connections. The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship forms the bedrock of their special relationship, granting citizens of both countries equal economic and educational opportunities. India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and source of foreign investment. The two countries have extensive cooperation in areas like defense, disaster management, infrastructure development, water resources, and education. During recent years, the Indian government has been observing some strains and gaps in this relationship, which needs urgent attention seeing the regional geopolitical situations.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the news?
India-Nepal relations have involved a significant decline in bilateral ties since 2015, which has now presented an opportunity for improvement.
Key events and issues that contributed to the strain include:
•New Constitution in Nepal: In 2015, Nepal’s Constituent Assembly adopted a new constitution, which India had wanted to be reworked. Despite promises made during visits to New Delhi, the draft was promulgated unamended, leading to tensions. •Economic Blockade: India imposed an economic blockade on Nepal, which lasted nearly six months. This blockade was seen as a response to the new constitution and was widely criticized for its impact on Nepal’s economy and relations with India. •Increased Chinese Influence: Nepal’s PM Khadga Prasad Oli reacted to the blockade by signing 10 agreements with China, covering areas such as trade, transit, power, and transport. This move further strained the India-Nepal relationship. •Political and Diplomatic Tensions: The Indian government became more involved in Nepali governance and politics, leading to accusations of interference. The RSS and the BJP were also accused of attempting to influence Nepal’s politics and culture to align with India’s image. •Border Disputes: The publication of an updated political map by India in October 2019, which included the disputed Limpiyadhura-Kalapani triangle, led Nepal to amend its constitution to include the same region on its map. This further exacerbated the border disputes between the two countries.
The present context of Power and Prowess between both countries:
Conjecture in Nepal: There is speculation in Nepal about what Narendra Modi’s third term as Prime Minister means, given the legacy of the blockade, Hindutva activism, economic stifling, and geopolitical coercion.
Indian Exceptionalism: India’s long history of interfering in Nepal’s politics and governance goes against the principle of non-interference, as seen in the Panchsheel doctrine.
India’s overbearing attitude towards Nepal seems to be based on power rather than prowess (skill or expertise), which could lead to a more stable and economically energized Nepal, benefiting India’s National Security and Economy.
Legacy of India’s existing Policies: Modi’s foreign policy and national security teams remain unchanged, leading to questions about whether he will become more moderate or aggressive to compensate for the BJP’s domestic slowdown.
Modi’s“Neighbourhood First“ initiative has been unsuccessful, and he may need to correct his policies on Nepal as the closest neighbor.
Nepal is not just a basket-case neighbor but the seventh largest remittance-sending country to India, helping support livelihoods in India’s poorest regions.
Nepalian Viewpoint:
Eroded Ability to Engage Equally
Nepal’s political, civil society, bureaucratic, and security institutions have lost the ability to engage with their Indian counterparts as equals. This is due to the ongoing political turmoil in Nepal.
Nepal’s political leadership has included both weak and subservient figures. The worst example was during the prime ministership of Pushpa Kamal Dahal (‘Prachanda’), the Maoist leader.
Dahal’s Subservience to India
During his 2023 visit to India, Nepali PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal avoided raising issues that could have upset Modi. He failed to discuss pending bilateral matters like air routes, the Limpiyadhura-Kalapani dispute, and the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report.
To please the RSS, Dahal and his team wore saffron robes at a temple in Madhya Pradesh.
Dahal signed a power trade deal that let India refuse imports from Nepal’s Chinese-backed hydropower plants and allowed the Indian embassy to distribute grants in Nepal.
Considering the South Asian Region and India’s Peaceful Existence:
Nepal’s Cordiality towards India: Presently, New Delhi is far from considering Nepal as the future connectivity gateway to the Chinese mainland via railways and roadways breaching the Himalayan rampart.
A continuing ‘Himalayan paranoia’, with its origins in the 1962 debacle with China, fuels geo-strategic insecurity in New Delhi think-tanks.
India’s Missed Opportunities: Indian economists fail to note the enormous savings in Military expenditure represented by Nepal’s presence as a ‘benign buffer’along the central stretch of the Himalaya, especially after the concerns over the Indian exchequer’s inability to bear military costs and pensions (Agniveer Scheme).
The open Nepal-India border is the prototype for a future South Asia at peace, but New Delhi analysts constantly harp on the insecurity it represents for India.
Nepal’s Suffering and India’s Misconceptions
The Maoists used shelters across the unregulated border during their decade-long insurgency against the Nepali state.
Every summer, the Indian media claims Nepal “releases” monsoon waters into the Ganga plain, but Nepal has no significant storage dams, and the Gandaki and Kosi barrages are controlled by India.
‘Nepal studies’ is not an academic discipline in India, which contributes to Indian citizens viewing Nepal as poor, ungrateful, and even malevolent.
Conclusion: Frustrated Nepalis want India to treat them as an equal partner, not a “big brother”. India’s policymakers should accept that Nepal is a separate country from India. Nepal should try to clear up misconceptions about itself and suggest ways to improve relations.
China’s Communist Party commenced and formulated a strategy for achieving self-reliant economic growth amidst heightened National security concerns and restrictions on American technology access.
What are the plenums of the Chinese Communist Party?
The Chinese Communist Party holds a major congress twice a decade, where members of the Central Committee are elected. In between the party congresses, the Central Committee holds seven plenums attended by all its current members.
The plenums are numbered from 1st to 7th, with each focusing on different aspects:
1st, 2nd, and 7th plenums typically focus on power transitions between Central Committees.
4th and 6th plenums generally center on party ideology.
3rd plenums have historically focused on long-term economic reforms.
5th plenums are associated with deliberations for the country’s five-year development plans.
What are the major decisions taken at these meetings?
Chinese govt is planning to take measures to restore and expand domestic consumption, focusing on sectors like automobiles, real estate, and services.
Reforms are also planned to transform the mechanisms of economic development by making the domestic market and technological innovation the main drivers of growth and emphasis on advancing the “New Development Pattern“ adopted in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)
Provisions that provided relaxation of restrictions on home purchases and funding curbs on property developers in some cities are incorporated to boost the struggling real estate market.
Focus on advancing science and technology sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy and Electric Vehicles under the “New Quality productive Forces” initiative
What are the expected implications shortly for regional trade and politics?
Trade and Economic Relations: Policies discussed at plenums can impact China’s trade strategies on economic reforms, market regulations, and industrial policies could influence trade volumes, tariffs, and investment flows.
Changes in China’s economic policies could include shifts in investment patterns, and infrastructure projects linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Security Dynamics: Discussions on National security policies and Military strategies can impact regional security dynamics, especially India’s Arunachal Pradesh region influencing alliances, defense postures, and regional stability.
Conclusion: The Indian Government needs to watch its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy very effectively keeping its stance assertive rather than passive this time.
Mains PYQ:
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt.
The suspected gunman, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired up to eight shots from an AR-15-style rifle before being killed by a Secret Service sharpshooter.
What is the U.S. Secret Service?
The U.S. Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security. It was originally established in 1865 to combat counterfeiting of U.S. currency.
After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, the Secret Service was given the additional responsibility of protecting the President.
About the Protective Mission:
The Secret Service is tasked with protecting the President, Vice President, President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their immediate families.
It also protects former Presidents and their spouses (unless remarried), as well as major presidential and vice presidential candidates within 120 days of a general election.
The Secret Service provides physical security for the White House, the Vice President’s residence, and foreign diplomatic missions in Washington D.C.
It secures major events designated as National Special Security Events, like the State of the Union address and presidential inaugurations.
What is the difference between SPG (Special Protection Group) and the US Secret Service?
Dimensions
India’s SPG
US Secret Service
Mandate and Origins
The SPG was formed in 1988 to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India
The U.S. Secret Service was established in 1865 to combat currency counterfeiting.
Scope of Protection
The SPG is mandated to provide security only to the serving Prime Minister and their immediate family.
The U.S. Secret Service protects the President, Vice President, their families, presidential/vice-presidential candidates, and former Presidents and their spouses for life.
Tenure and Resignation
SPG personnel have a fixed 6-year tenure and are not allowed to resign during their deputation.
U.S. Secret Service agents can resign freely and may be assigned to protective details for 3-5 years before being transferred.
Coordination with Foreign Agencies
When the Indian PM visits the U.S., the SPG takes a backseat while the U.S. Secret Service takes over primary security responsibilities.
The U.S. Secret Service coordinates with foreign agencies to protect visiting heads of state, including the Indian PM.
Operational Differences
The SPG has an unblemished record, while the U.S. Secret Service has lost one President (John F. Kennedy) to assassination.
SPG personnel are drawn from various paramilitary forces, while the Secret Service has its own dedicated agents.
Conclusion: While both the SPG and the U.S. Secret Service are elite protective agencies with distinct mandates, origins, and operational structures, they each play critical roles in safeguarding their respective leaders.
Mains PYQ:
Q Indian government has recently strengthed the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organisations. (UPSC IAS/2019)
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