Type: IOCR

Why in the News?

The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.

About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM):

• GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine.
• It is coordinated via India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; it hosts regular meetings to explore integration of traditional systems into health strategies.
• It supports global efforts like the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, fostering knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
• It focuses on policy development, capacity building, and scientific validation of traditional practices.
• It builds momentum for global events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and World Health Assembly sessions.

India’s Key Initiatives in Traditional Medicine:

The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy through dedicated facilities and education. Key efforts include:

• Establishment of Ayush Arogya Mandirs (wellness centres) for integrated care.
• Expansion of insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments.
• Promotion of collaborative research with DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.
• Use of AI, genomics, and bioinformatics to bolster scientific credibility.
• Strengthening of global outreach via bilateral agreements, international events, and multilateral platforms.

Why in the News?

India and Pakistan agreed to cease all firing and military actions following precision strikes by India under Operation Sindoor as a Self-Defence against the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians.

About Right to Self-Defence under UN Charter:

• The United Nations Charter generally prohibits the use of force under Article 2(4).
• Article 51 provides an exception, permitting the use of force in self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member State.
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Nicaragua v. U.S. (1986) interpreted “armed attack” as the gravest form of the use of force.
• The right of self-defence is subject to two key conditions:

1. 1. Necessity: The force must be essential to respond to an armed attack.
   2. Proportionality: The response must not exceed what is required to repel the attack.

• Under Article 51, states must immediately notify the UN Security Council (UNSC) of any action taken in self-defence.
• In India’s case, the May 7, 2025 missile strikes were described as a “measured response” to the Pahalgam massacre, implying invocation of Article 51, though not explicitly stated.
• India’s May 8 briefing to 13 of 15 UNSC members was likely in fulfilment of this reporting obligation.

‘Unwilling or Unable’ Doctrine:

• This is an emerging principle in international law, particularly after 9/11.
• It allows a state to use self-defensive force against non-state actors operating from another state’s territory if that state is:
  • Unwilling or
  • Unable to stop the threat.
• It was prominently invoked by the US:
  • In 2011 (killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan).
  • In 2014 (airstrikes on ISIS in Syria).
• However, it is criticised by countries like Russia, China, and Mexico for undermining state sovereignty and the UN system.

India’s Stance:

• India’s position is unclear but evolving. At a UNSC Arria Formula meeting in Feb 2021, India listed 3 conditions:

1. The non-state actor has repeatedly attacked the state.
2. The host state is unwilling to neutralize the threat.
3. The host state actively supports or sponsors the non-state actor.

• Legal scholars note it is uncertain if these conditions are cumulative or independent.
• In response to the Pahalgam attack, India accused Pakistan of inaction and labelled it a safe haven for terrorists.
• This suggests implicit reliance on the “unwilling or unable” doctrine, though it is not codified in customary international law.