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Subject: International Relations

  • BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Why in the News?

    • India joined a meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS group, which was held in Russia. This meeting was the first one after BRICS expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE became as full-time members.

    What is BRICS?

    Details
    Members BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
    Origin Coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 as BRIC, formalized as BRICS in 2010
    Formation First meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006
    South Africa’s Inclusion Invited to join BRIC in December 2010
    Global share of BRICS
    • Population: 41%
    • GDP: 24%
    • Global trade: 16%
    Chairmanship Rotated annually among members, following sequence B-R-I-C-S
    India’s Hosting Hosted the 2021 BRICS Summit
    Key Initiatives
    • New Development Bank (NDB) established in 2014: Approved 70 infrastructure and sustainable development projects
    • Contingent Reserve Arrangement signed in 2014: Aims to forestall short-term balance of payments pressures and strengthen financial stability
    • Customs agreements signed for trade facilitation
    • BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation initiated in 2021: Involves six existing satellites developed by members

    Objective of BRICS

    • The primary objectives of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are to promote economic cooperation, development, and influence in world affairs.
    • Key goals include fostering economic growth and cooperation among member nations, creating institutions for development financing, and strengthening political coordination and dialogue on international issues.

    BRICS-11 Expansion

    • BRICS celebrated its 15th summit by adding six new members, growing from five to eleven countries. This move aims to boost its global influence.
    • New members include Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, and Argentina, expanding BRICS’ reach across different regions.
    • These countries full membership commenced on January 1, 2024.

    Challenges within BRICS

    • No Unified Vision: BRICS lacks a clear and unified vision for addressing global issues, hindering coordinated action.
    • Bilateral Conflicts: Tensions between member countries, such as China-India border disputes and Russia’s conflicts, undermine cohesion and collaboration within BRICS.
    • Economic Disparities: Economic inequality among member nations, with China dominating the group economically, poses challenges to equitable decision-making and cooperation.
    • Trade Imbalances: Trade imbalances among member states hinder intra-BRICS trade and economic integration efforts.
    • Heterogeneity: Cultural, linguistic, and political diversity among member nations limit the development of common strategies and objectives.
    • Limited Institutional Framework: BRICS lacks robust institutional mechanisms for effective coordination and implementation of collective initiatives.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:

    1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
    2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is happening in the French territory of New Caledonia?

    Why in the News?

    New Caledonia, France’s Pacific island territory, is under a state of emergency due to deadly riots.

    About New Caledonia 

    • New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the Pacific.
    • It enjoys a large degree of autonomy but depends heavily on France for matters like defence and education.
    • It includes the island of New Caledonia where the capital, Noumea, is located, the Loyalty Islands; the Belep Islands; and the Ile des Pins.
    • New Caledonia’s lagoons were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.

    The Crisis: A Quick Recap

    • New Law: The French government passed a law that has upset people in New Caledonia.
    • Vote Reforms: Now, French citizens who lived on the island for 10 years or more can vote. The government says it’s fairer this way.
    • Resistance from Indigenous people: The locals, especially the Kanak community, feel this gives too much power to French settlers and stops them from gaining independence.

    How did France occupy this territory? 

    • Exploration: British explorer James Cook named the island New Caledonia in 1774 after the Latin name for Scotland.
    • French Annexation: France annexed it in 1853 and New Caledonia became a French overseas territory in 1946.
    • Fewer Locals: France brought in lots of French people. Now, the original Kanak people are only 40% of the population, while others, like the Caldoches and newer French arrivals, make up the rest.

    Why are the people protesting?

    • There were similar fights in the 1990s, leading to promises of more power for locals.
    • In 2018, 2020, and 2021, they voted on whether to be independent from France. But many boycotted the last vote, saying it wasn’t fair because of the pandemic.

    Why is it significant for France?

    • France sees New Caledonia as important for keeping power in the region.
    • It wants to stay strong in the Pacific to stand up to other big powers, like China.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolutions.

  • Settling trade disputes through ‘litigotiation’ 

    Why in the News?

    In March, India and the U.S. settled their last lingering WTO poultry dispute, marking the end of seven trade disputes resolved since Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. visit.

    What is ‘Litigotiation’?

    • ‘Litigotiation’ is a blend of “litigation” and “negotiation,” referring to a strategic process where legal disputes are managed through a combination of courtroom litigation and settlement negotiations.
    • This approach recognizes that most legal disputes do not end with a court verdict but rather with a negotiated settlement reached during the litigation process.

    Trade dispute on poultry products between India and USA at the WTO

    • Indian Scenario: India had prohibited the import of various agricultural products from the US because of concerns related to Avian Influenza.
    • U.S. argued: The U.S. challenged India’s import restrictions on poultry products, which were imposed due to concerns about avian influenza (bird flu) potentially transmitting to humans.
    • It argued that India deviated from internationally recognized standards that were set by the World Organization for Animal Health (formerly OIE) and failed to provide scientific justifications for its measures, violating the WTO’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement.
    • The dispute was initiated by the U.S. in 2012 and remained unresolved for over a decade, making it the oldest of the seven trade disputes between India and the U.S. In 2015, India lost a long-pending dispute over poultry imports from the US at the WTO.
    • The recent settlement allowed India to avoid a yearly $450 million claim.
      • In exchange, India agreed to reduce tariffs on select U.S. products such as cranberries, blueberries, frozen turkey, and premium frozen duck meat, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

    What are the standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health?

    • The Terrestrial Animal Health Code
      • First published in 1968, provides standards for the improvement of terrestrial animal health and welfare and veterinary public health worldwide.
      • These standards should be used by Veterinary Services to set up measures for the early detection, reporting, and control of pathogenic agents, including zoonotic agents, and preventing their spread.
    • The Aquatic Animal Health Code
      • Introduced in 1995, provides standards for the improvement of aquatic animal health and welfare worldwide.
      • These standards should be used by Aquatic Animal Health Services to set up measures for the prevention, early detection, reporting, and control of pathogenic agents in aquatic animals (amphibians, crustaceans, fish, and mollusks).
      • Implementation of the recommendations in the Aquatic Code ensures the safety of international trade in aquatic animals and aquatic animal products.

    About WTO:

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade among its member nations. It was established in 1995 and has 164 member countries, representing over 98% of global trade and global GDP.

     

    Conclusion: The India-U.S. settlement underscores the power of diplomatic negotiations in resolving complex trade disputes, fostering stronger bilateral ties, and promoting a more stable and cooperative international trade environment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • How the Six-Day War of 1967 transformed the Middle East?

    Why in the News?

    Fifty-seven years have elapsed since the Six-Day War ( June 5 to June 10, 1967) fought between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

    Causes of the War

    • Historical Tensions: Rooted in the establishment of Israel in 1948, which resulted in the displacement and death of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, creating a massive refugee crisis.
    • Egypt-Israel Relations: Particularly hostile due to territorial and water disputes, exacerbated by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s aggressive stance against Israel.
    • Cold War Influences: Military build-up in Israel and Arab states along Cold War lines, with Israel supported by the US and Arab states by the Soviet Union.
    • Provocations: Egypt’s naval blockade of the Straits of Tiran in May 1967, cutting off Israel’s maritime access to the Red Sea and mobilizing forces in the Sinai Peninsula.

    Outbreak of the War

    • On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive airstrike on Egyptian airfields, swiftly gaining air superiority and neutralising the Egyptian Air Force.
    • Israel’s ground forces advanced into the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Egypt.
    • Jordan and Syria entered the war, attacking Israel from the east and north, but were quickly repelled.

    Impacts of the War

    • Territorial Gains for Israel: In less than a week, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan.
    • Geopolitical Shift: The defeat was a major blow to Arab nations, establishing Israel’s military and geopolitical dominance in the region.
    • Emergence of Palestinian Nationalism: The war spurred the rise of Palestinian nationalism and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) emerged as a significant political entity.
    • Continued Conflict: Ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, including the 1973 Yom Kippur War, are direct results of the 1967 war and subsequent Israeli occupation of key territories.
    • Unresolved Refugee Crisis: The plight of Palestinian refugees displaced during and after the war remains unresolved, continuing to fuel regional instability.

    Conclusion: The Six-Day War was thus a pivotal event that not only redefined territorial boundaries but also reshaped political dynamics and set the stage for ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • India issues new advisory against fake job rackets in Myanmar, flags another ‘dangerous’ area

     

    Why in the news?

    The advisory was shared on social media by the Indian Embassy in Yangon on Monday (June 3 2024), urging caution against job offers in the Pha Lu area, south of Myawaddy town. This region has recently emerged as a hotspot where most Indian victims are being trafficked, often via Thailand.

    Highlights made by the Indian Embassy’s Advisories:

      • The embassy has issued multiple advisories warning against fake job rackets in Myanmar, highlighting the significant and ongoing threat.
      • Declared New Danger Zone: The Pha Lu area, south of Myawaddy town, has been identified as a new hotspot for trafficking, necessitating heightened vigilance. Previous advisories flagged Myawaddy, Yangon, Laukkaing, Lashio, and Tachileik as risky areas.
        • There’s been a rise in Indian nationals falling victim to crime syndicates in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border.
    • On Security Issues:
      • Broader insecurity: Not just Indian nationals, but individuals from countries like Malaysia and the UAE have also been targeted by these syndicates.
      • Social Media Caution: Emphasis on avoiding job offers made through social media or unverified sources.
      • Security Worsening: The security situation in Myanmar has deteriorated since the February 2021 military coup, exacerbating human trafficking issues.
    • Consultation Urged: Indian nationals are urged to verify job offers and consult respective Indian embassies before accepting employment abroad.

    India-Myanmar Bilateral Relations:

      • India and Myanmar signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1951, and the visit of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 laid the foundations for a stronger relationship.

    Significance of India-Myanmar Relation:

      • Economic Cooperation: India is Myanmar’s 4th largest export market and 5th largest import partner. The bilateral trade target of $1 billion was achieved by 2017.
      • Strategic Cooperation: India’s engagement with Myanmar is motivated by a desire to counter China’s growing influence in the region and enhance its own influence and standing.
      • Security Ties: India and Myanmar have cooperated on security issues, including combating drug trafficking and insurgent groups operating in the border areas.
      • Recent Developments: India gifted Myanmar its first submarine, and the two countries have carried out joint operations against insurgent camps.

    The relationship faces challenges such as the Rohingya issue, the coup by the military junta, and the exploitation of the porous border by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups

    Way Forward:

    • Need Monitoring and Ground Surveillance: India can collaborate with social media platforms to monitor and remove fraudulent job postings and take legal action against those responsible.
    • Stronger Bilateral Cooperation: Strengthen cooperation with Myanmar and neighboring countries like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia to crack down on human trafficking networks and facilitate the safe return of victims.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Preparing for ASEAN-India FTA Review

    Why in the News?

    The Commerce Department is gearing up for the upcoming negotiations on the ASEAN-India FTA review. The ASEAN-India FTA, while beneficial, has led to a widening trade deficit for India.

    ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA):

    • The AITGA, signed in 2009 and effective in 2010, aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods between ASEAN and India, covering sectors like agriculture, textiles, electronics, and machinery.
    • AITGA is an important component of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services among ASEAN and India.

    Major Concern: Growing Trade Deficit

    • Since the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), India has been facing a growing trade deficit.
    • The trade deficit means India is importing more than it is exporting. In 2022-23, India imported goods worth US$87.57 billion, while it exported US$44 billion.
    • In 2022-23, ASEAN made up 11.3% of India’s global trade. This deficit has grown a lot this year.

    Because of this, there’s a need to urgently review and change the current trade setup between ASEAN and India.

    Key Areas of Negotiation

    • Rules of Origin (ROO): Modifications in ROO are planned to increase market access for Indian products and prevent the rerouting of goods, particularly from China, through ASEAN countries.
    • Trade Remedies: A new chapter on trade remedies will aim to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and import surges.
    • Exclusion of New Areas: The agreement will not expand to cover additional areas like labour, environment, MSMEs, or gender to avoid complicating the pact.

     

    About ASEAN

    Details
    Establishment Established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
    Chairmanship Rotates annually among member states based on alphabetical order of their names.
    Objective To promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among member countries.
    Members
    • Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
    • East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
    Objectives
    • Accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
    • Promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the UN charter.
    • Establish an ASEAN community comprising three pillars: ASEAN security, economic, and socio-cultural.
    ASEAN Charter
    • Launched in 2008 to create a legal entity and establish a single free-trade area for the region.
    • ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009.
    • Adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
    ASEAN Plus Six
    • ASEAN Plus Three initiated integration efforts with East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea).
    • Expanded to the East Asia Summit (EAS) including ASEAN Plus Three, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
    India and ASEAN
    • A key pillar of India’s foreign policy and the foundation of Act East Policy.
    • India has a separate Mission to ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta.
    • ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
    Delhi Declaration Identifies Cooperation in the Maritime Domain as a key area of cooperation under the ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
    Delhi Dialogue Annual Track 1.5 event for discussing politico-security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.
    ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) Undertakes policy research, advocacy, and networking activities with organizations and think tanks in India and ASEAN.
    Strategic Cooperation India places ASEAN at the centre of its Indo-Pacific vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following countries:

    1. Australia
    2. Canada
    3. China
    4. India
    5. Japan
    6. USA

    Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5

    (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6

    (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5

    (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

  • India second-biggest foreign threat to Canadian democracy: report

    Why in the news?

    A parliamentary committee report in Canada has claimed India as the second-biggest foreign threat to the country’s democracy.

    About the Khalistan Movement

    • Origins and Objectives: The Khalistan Movement is a separatist movement seeking to create an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Punjab region of India.
    • Activities in Canada: Canada has a significant Sikh population, and some members support the Khalistan Movement. This has led to tensions between Canadian Sikhs and the Indian government.
    • Notable Incident: The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan ideologue, in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023, intensified these tensions.

    Historical Background

    • Canada and India established diplomatic relations in 1947. The relationship was enhanced by personal ties between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Canadian Prime Ministers Louis St. Laurent and Lester B. Pearson in the 1940s and 1960s.
    • Canada provided significant aid to India under the “Colombo Plan”, including food aid, project financing, and technical assistance. India has been one of the largest recipients of Canadian bilateral aid, amounting to over $3.8 billion CAD.

    Recent Developments

    • India and Canada have seen significant growth in bilateral trade, reaching $8.16 billion in 2023.
    • Canada is home to over 1.2 million people of Indian origin, who are well-integrated into the mainstream and active in politics.
    • The two countries have a strategic partnership underpinned by shared values of democracy and pluralism, with regular high-level interactions and long-standing people-to-people ties.
    • India and Canada have signed several agreements, including the Air Services Agreement, Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, and Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.

    Challenges

    • Interference Allegations: Canada claims that India has expanded its interference efforts beyond countering pro-Khalistani activities to include targeting Canadian politicians, ethnic media, and Indo-Canadian communities.
    • Mutual Suspicion: The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has also accused India of being involved in the election process in Canada, a claim denied by India.
    • Ethnic and Political Dynamics: The presence of a significant pro-Khalistan population in Canada complicates bilateral relations, with domestic politics in both countries influencing diplomatic interactions.

    India’s Stand

    • Denial of Allegations: The Indian government has consistently denied allegations of interference in Canadian affairs and the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
    • Counter-Terrorism: India views the Khalistan Movement as a terrorist threat and seeks to counter its activities both domestically and internationally.
    • Diplomatic Responses: In response to accusations from Canada, India has taken measures such as suspending visa services and issuing official statements to refute claims of interference.

    Way forward:

    • Regular Consultations: Establish a framework for regular high-level meetings between Indian and Canadian officials to address mutual concerns and prevent misunderstandings.
    • Bilateral Committees: Form joint committees to handle specific issues such as security concerns, immigration, and trade disputes.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the origins and objectives of the Khalistan Movement and analyse the current challenges it poses to bilateral relations between India and Canada. 15M

  • Second Phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

    Why in the News?

    Pakistani PM is on a formal visit to China to attend the formal announcement of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-II).

    About CPEC-II

    • CPEC’s next phase shifts focus from infrastructure and energy to sectors like agriculture, Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-I (ML-1) upgrade, and realignment of the Karakorum Highway.
    • CPEC was initiated in 2015 as part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    Why CPEC-II?

    • It will provide Pakistan with a strategic advantage in terms of trade and commerce
    • CPEC-II includes significant investments in the energy sector, which will help overcome Pakistan’s chronic power shortages and ensure a stable supply of electricity
    • Provides a shortcut for China’s access to the Persian Gulf to secure oil imports, and
    • Stimulate industrial and economic activity in Pakistan.

    Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

    • The Belt and Road Initiative, formerly known as One Belt One Road, is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013.
    • It will invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.
    • Infrastructure projects include ports, railways, highways, power stations, aviation and telecommunications.
    • “Belt” refers to the overland routes for road and rail transportation, called “the Silk Road Economic Belt”; whereas “road” refers to the sea routes or the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
    • The project has a target completion date of 2049 which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

    India’s Concerns

    • Sovereignty Concerns: India expresses reservations as CPEC traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), challenging territorial sovereignty and potentially bolstering Pakistan’s claim over the region.
    • Geostrategic Implications: The expansion of Gwadar port under CPEC extends China’s “String of Pearls” around India, prompting concerns over regional power dynamics.

    CPEC’s Progress so Far

    • Mixed Outcomes: The initial phase of CPEC primarily addressed infrastructure, energy, and port development projects, with progress showing variations.
    • Project Status: While several power projects have been completed, significant delays and challenges persist in transport-related projects and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

    Challenges and Roadblocks

    • Slow pace: Gwadar, despite being the epicentre of multibillion-dollar projects, lacks basic necessities like reliable access to water and electricity, let alone other facilities.
    • Baloch freedom movement: This is another impediment to the stalled project where Chinese officials are targeted and killed.
    • Consistent security threat: China is also seeking to deploy its Army in the CPEC projects, to which Pakistan has contested.

    PYQ:

    [2018] The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

    [2016] ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

    (a) African Union

    (b) Brazil

    (c) European Union

    (d) China

  • Do North Korea’s trash balloons indicate an escalation?

    Why in the news?

    South Korea has suspended the 2018 peace agreement and announced the possibility of resuming propaganda broadcasts in North Korea following Pyongyang’s release of thousands of balloons filled with trash and human waste into the South.

    Inter-Korean Peace Agreement, 2018

    • The 2018 inter-Korean peace agreement refers to several agreements and declarations made between North and South Korea to reduce military tensions and improve diplomatic relations. Key elements of the agreement included:
      • Ceasefire Maintenance: Maintaining and reinforcing the Korean Armistice Agreement.
      • Demilitarization: Implementing measures to reduce military tensions, such as dismantling guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
      • Family Reunions: Facilitating family reunions for those separated by the Korean War.
      • Economic Cooperation: Pursuing economic projects and infrastructure development.
      • Propaganda Halt: Both sides agreed to cease propaganda broadcasts and leaflet drops across the DMZ.

    Why did South Korea suspend the 2018 agreement?

    • Recent Provocations: North Korea’s recent aggressive actions, including GPS signal jamming, missile launches, and the release of balloons carrying trash and human waste, pose a threat to South Korean security and civilian safety.
    • Lack of Trust: The ruling People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea cited a significant erosion of trust between the two Koreas. Senior PPP official Choo Kyung-ho emphasized that mutual trust needs to be restored for any agreements to be honoured.
    • Calls for Apology: South Korea demands an immediate apology from North Korea for these provocations, highlighting the need for accountability and reparations for the damages caused.

    North Korea emboldened by Russian support 

    • Military Assistance: The US has warned that Russia is aiding North Korea in developing advanced weapons technologies, such as hypersonic missiles, in exchange for artillery shells amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
    • Diplomatic Shield: As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia provides a diplomatic shield for North Korea, stalling efforts to pass new resolutions condemning North Korean actions. This backing allows Pyongyang to act more aggressively without significant international repercussions.

    Escalated Danger of Conflict

    The situation on the Korean Peninsula poses an escalated danger of conflict due to several factors:

    • Aggressive Posturing: North Korea’s recent actions, including missile tests and aerial provocations, signal an aggressive stance that could lead to military confrontations.
    • Policy Shift: Analysts believe Kim Jong Un may be deviating from the defensive policies of his predecessors, adopting a more aggressive strategy aimed at altering the status quo on the peninsula.
    • International Alliances: North Korea’s alignment with Russia, and possibly other authoritarian states like China and Iran, suggests a willingness to use military force to achieve geopolitical goals, challenging the US-led liberal world order.
    • Military Preparedness: The South Korean military and its allies need to stay vigilant as North Korea tests the South’s air defences and military response times, indicating a higher readiness for potential conflict.

    Way forward:

    • Engage in Multilateral Talks: Revitalize dialogue with key stakeholders, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, to address North Korea’s actions and find diplomatic solutions.
    • Leverage International Organizations: Utilize platforms like the United Nations to garner international support and pressure North Korea to comply with international norms.

    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)

  • Securing India’s energy transition 

    Why in the news?

    India has signed new agreements and updated existing ones with a dozen African countries to secure critical minerals. This initiative is crucial for achieving India’s energy transformation goals.

    India’s Critical Mineral Acquisition Plans in Africa

    • India has signed new agreements and updated existing ones with a dozen African countries to secure critical minerals.
    • This initiative is crucial for India’s energy transformation goals, aiming to diversify sources and reduce dependence on any single supplier.
    • The agreements are part of a broader strategy to secure access to minerals necessary for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.

    Demand for Energy in India and China’s Dominance

    • Energy Demand in India: India’s peak power demand increased to 250 GW in 2023-24, marking a 12.7% increase from the previous year. By 2030, India’s peak power demand is expected to reach 366 GW, up from the current level of 240 GW.
    • China’s Dominance: China leads in securing and processing critical minerals, having established long-term relationships with mineral-rich countries in Africa and Latin America. Chinese companies dominate mining rights in economically poor yet mineral-rich nations.
      • China has built significant capacities for processing and refining minerals, making it the primary global hub for critical mineral processing.

    India’s Other Overseas Critical Mineral Acquisition Plans

    • Earlier this year, India signed an agreement with Argentina to explore and develop five lithium brine blocks.
    • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) discovered inferred lithium reserves of 5.9 million tonnes in Jammu & Kashmir.
    • India aims to diversify its sources of critical minerals by securing mining leases abroad, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply chain.

    Government Initiatives to Secure Critical Minerals

    • Exploration and Geological Studies: The government is pushing for more extensive exploration and geological studies within India to identify potential reserves of critical minerals. The Geological Survey of India has been tasked with accelerating the exploration of India’s 3.2 lakh sq km land mass using new data and technologies.
    • Securing Mining Leases Abroad: India is focusing on securing mining leases in other countries to ensure a diversified supply of critical minerals. The agreements with African countries and Argentina are examples of this strategy.
    • Building Domestic Capacities: The government is providing incentives to build refining and processing capacities within India for critical minerals. There is an emphasis on attracting private miners, both domestic and global, to participate in critical mineral exploration within India.
    • Policy and Auction Reforms: The government is analyzing why auctions often fail to generate enough interest and is considering policy changes to attract big players. Coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments on clearances and royalty payments are being emphasized to streamline the auction process.
    • White Hydrogen Exploration: There is a call for active exploration of potential White Hydrogen deposits within India’s geographical borders.

    Way forward:

    • Accelerate exploration efforts across India’s 3.2 lakh sq km land mass.
    • Utilize new data sources and advanced technologies to identify potential reserves of critical minerals.
    • Focus on unexplored areas for potential discoveries of critical minerals, including White Hydrogen deposits.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objectives? Explain. (UPSC IAS/2022)