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Connectivity Projects: India and Southeast Asia

Why in News Recently, at the virtual ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit on Future of India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships, the...

16 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Upcoming Quad Meeting

Why in News Recently, the US announced that the first in-person meeting of the Quad countries is going to be held in New York, US. The heads of all...

15 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue: India-US

Why in News Recently, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, along with India’s Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change...

14 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Australia First 2+2 Dialogue

Why in News Recently, the foreign and defence ministers of India and Australia held the first India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New...

13 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)

Why in News Recently, the revamped US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership SCEP was launched during the ministerial meeting of the Petroleum and...

13 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Sri Lanka Deteriorating Ties

This article is based upon “Sri Lanka’s economic crisis poses challenges for India” which was published in Livemint on...

10 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
C-295 Aircraft Deal

Why in News The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared procurement of 56 C-295 MW medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force under...

09 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-US Agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Why in News Recently, India and the US have signed a Project Agreement (PA) to jointly develop an Air-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) or...

08 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
China’s New Sea-Road-Rail Link to Indian Ocean

Why in News Recently, a new sea-road-rail link providing Chengdu (China) with access to the Indian Ocean via Yangon (Myanmar) was opened. The...

01 Sep 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Malabar Exercise 2021

Why in News Recently, the Navies of the Quad (Quadrilateral Framework) Nations (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) have participated in...

27 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Greater Male Connectivity Project: Maldives

Why in News Recently, Afcons, an Indian company, has signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives which is the Greater...

27 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Netherlands Relations

Why in News Recently, India and Netherlands reviewed bilateral cooperation in Science and Technology and Innovation. Key Points Highlights of...

26 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Philippine Maritime Exercise

Why in News Recently, the Indian Navy carried out a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea. Earlier...

24 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Exercise Konkan 2021

Why in News Indo-UK Naval Exercise, ‘Konkan 2021’ was recently held between INS Tabar and HMS Westminster in the English Channel. The...

23 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise: India-Saudi Arabia

Why in News Recently, India and Saudi Arabia started their first-ever Naval joint exercise called the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise. The decision on...

16 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Indian Base in Mauritius’ Agalega Islands

Why in News Recently, Mauritius has denied a report that it has allowed India to build a military base on the remote island of Agalega. Earlier...

12 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Diplomacy And Strong Counter-measures

This article is based on To take on China, rely on diplomacy and strong counter-measures which was published in the Hindustan Times on 10/08/2021....

10 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Indo-US Nuclear-Deal

Why in News Recently, the former foreign secretary of India, Vijay Gokhale in his book claimed that the Left parties in India were influenced by...

09 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Bangladesh Commercial Railway Link Restored

Why in News Recently, Bangladesh and India started regular operation of freight trains through the restored Haldibari-Chilahati rail route after...

03 Aug 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
US Secretary of State’s Visit to India

Why in News Recently, in his visit to India, the US Secretary of State mentioned that actions by India and the US will shape the 21st...

29 Jul 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements

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		'article_id' => (int) 9797,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Connectivity Projects: India and Southeast Asia',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, at the virtual <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN</strong></a><strong> (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit on Future of India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships,</strong> the Indian government underlined the importance of cross-border connectivity between India and Southeast Asian nations.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>ASEAN</strong> brings together <strong>ten Southeast Asian states</strong> &ndash; Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam &ndash; into one organisation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Connectivity between India and Southeast Asia:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India currently is working with ASEAN on multiple connectivity projects, <strong>through land, water, and air.</strong></li>
<li>Giving substance to ASEAN-India relations through connectivity will <strong>gradually change the geopolitical landscape of this region.</strong></li>
<li>In this context, India has now been<strong> actively developing infrastructure in Northeastern India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bcim-not-a-part-of-bri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor</strong></a> is part of this.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These connectivity projects <strong>will not only curb existing insurgencies,</strong> but also help India&rsquo;s northeastern states to develop their economic potential and integrate with mainland India.</li>
<li>Further, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/17th-asean-india-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA)</strong></a> is central to India&rsquo;s growing engagement with her eastern neighbours. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will enable small and medium-sized enterprises in the border areas to explore new business opportunities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Examples of Cross Connectivity Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One of the flagship projects <strong>for land connectivity</strong> between ASEAN and India.</li>
<li>Connecting the three countries<strong> from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand to Bagan in Myanmar,</strong> was first proposed in 2002.</li>
<li>Besides this, the <strong>India, Myanmar, and Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement (IMT MVA)</strong> is in the final stage. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On realization, this will become the <strong>first-ever cross border facilitation agreement between South and Southeast Asia.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786159_image10.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786159_image10.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To develop connectivity <strong>through water,</strong> ASEAN and India are working on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/presidents-visit-to-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>KMMTTP.</strong></a></li>
<li>Initiated by the Indian government in 2008 and is entirely funded by India.</li>
<li>To seek an <strong>alternative route through Myanmar for the transportation of goods to the northeast region of India.</strong></li>
<li>Connects <strong>Kolkata in India to Sittwe and Paletwa in Myanmar</strong> by sea and river respectively.</li>
<li>Alongside this initiative, India has contributed to build a sea link via Sittwe port in Myanmar in order to enable an <strong>alternative transit route through Bangladesh.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786186_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786186_image7.png" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mekong-India Economic Corridor (MIEC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Involves the integration of <strong>four Mekong countries &ndash; Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia - along with India,</strong> connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Dawei, Bangkok, and Phnom Penh with Chennai.</li>
<li>The corridor will provide opportunities for the participant countries to develop infrastructure, enhance their economic base with the region, and especially reduce the transit distance between India and ASEAN countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786275_image15.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631786275_image15.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Extension of Trilateral Highway:</strong> The Trilateral Highway can be extended to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This will enable greater connectivity and economic integration of India's northeast with its eastern neighbours.</li>
<li><strong>Digital Highway:</strong> As such beyond movement of goods and physical connectivity, it is also important for two regions to explore ways to enhance digital connectivity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is in concurrence with the Government of India efforts to turn India into a Global Data Hub.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Maritime Connectivity:</strong> With the introduction of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sagarmala-seaplane-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Sagarmala&rdquo; project</strong></a>, India plans to invest in port infrastructure for improved integration and connectivity through the sea. This is an encouraging step towards enhancing India-ASEAN Connectivity projects.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1754899" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9778,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Upcoming Quad Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the US announced that the<strong> first in-person meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad countries</a></strong> is going to be held in New York, US. The heads of all the <strong>four countries</strong> (India, Japan, Australia, and the US) are going to attend the meeting.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Reacting to the upcoming summit, <strong>China criticized the Quad</strong> and said the formation of "exclusive cliques (circles)" targeting other countries runs counter to the trend of the times and is "doomed to fail".</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631701811_image10.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631701811_image10.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="268" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Formation of the Quad:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-early-warning-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Tsunami</strong> </a>(2004), India, Japan, Australia, and the US created an informal alliance to collaborate on disaster relief efforts.</li>
<li>In<strong> 2007,</strong> then PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, formalised the alliance, as the <strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</strong> or the Quad.</li>
<li>The Quad was<strong> supposed to establish an Asian Arc of Democracy but was hampered</strong> by a lack of cohesion amongst its members and accusations that the group was nothing more than an<strong> anti-China bloc.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2017,</strong> faced again with the rising threat of China, the four countries<strong> revived the Quad,</strong> broadening its objectives and creating a mechanism that aimed to slowly establish a rules-based international order.</li>
<li>In<strong> 2020,</strong> the trilateral <strong>India-US-Japan <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malabar-exercise-2021#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20multilateral%20war,India%20and%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar naval exercises</a> expanded to include Australia,</strong> marking the first official grouping of the Quad since its resurgence in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, it was the<strong> first joint military exercises among the four countries</strong> in over a decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In March <strong>2021,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad leaders met virtually</strong></a> and later released a joint statement titled <strong>&lsquo;The Spirit of the Quad,&rsquo;</strong> which outlined the group&rsquo;s approach and objectives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives of the Quad:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the &lsquo;Spirit of the Quad&rsquo;, the group&rsquo;s primary objectives <strong>include</strong> maritime security, combating the Covid-19 crisis, especially vis-&agrave;-vis vaccine diplomacy, addressing the risks of climate change, creating an ecosystem for investment in the region and boosting technological innovation.</li>
<li>However, despite the Quad&rsquo;s seeming commitment to a broad range of issues, its <strong>main focus area is still considered to be countering China.</strong></li>
<li>Quad members have also indicated a willingness to <strong>expand the partnership through a so-called Quad Plus</strong> that would include South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam amongst others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Quad and its Linkage with China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Each of the Quad members are threatened by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-china-sea-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China&rsquo;s actions in the South China Sea</a></strong> and its attempts to extend its sphere of influence through initiatives such as the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>One Belt One Road Project.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The US has long been concerned about the <strong>global competition with China</strong> and have maintained that China aims to subvert the international rules-based order.</li>
<li>Japan and Australia are likewise both concerned about China&rsquo;s expanding presence in the South and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/senkaku-islands" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East China Seas.</strong></a></li>
<li>India has its own long pending <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border issues with China.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the other hand, <strong>China sees the existence of the Quad as part of a larger strategy to encircle China</strong> and has pressured countries like Bangladesh to avoid cooperating with the group.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Chinese foreign ministry accused the group of openly<strong> inciting discord among regional powers in Asia. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Related to Quad:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undefined Vision:</strong> Despite the potential for cooperation, the Quad remains a mechanism without a defined strategic mission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Quad is not structured like a typical multilateral organisation and lacks a secretariat and any permanent decision-making body.</li>
<li>Additionally, unlike <a href="/admin/articles/edit/s/daily-news-editorials/should-india-join-nato" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NATO</strong></a>, the Quad does not include provisions for collective defence, instead choosing to conduct joint military exercises as a show of unity and diplomatic cohesion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maritime Grouping:</strong> The entire focus on the Indo-Pacific makes the Quad a maritime, rather than a land-based grouping, raising questions whether the cooperation extends to the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian regions.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Aversion of Alliance System:</strong> The fact that India is the only member that is averse to a treaty alliance system, has slowed down the progress of building a stronger Quadrilateral engagement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need For Clear Vision:</strong> The Quad nations need to better explain the Indo-Pacific Vision in an overarching framework with the objective of advancing everyone&rsquo;s economic and security interests.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will reassure the littoral States that the Quad will be a factor for regional benefit, and a far cry from Chinese allegations that it is some sort of a military alliance.</li>
<li>The forthcoming Ministerial meetings can be an opportunity to define the idea and chart a future path.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expanding Quad:</strong> India has many other partners in the Indo-Pacific, therefore India should pitch for countries like Indonesia, Singapore to be invited to join in the future.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should develop a comprehensive vision on the Indo-Pacific which would ideate on the current and future maritime challenges, consolidate its military and non-military tools, engage its strategic partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/quad-nations-meeting-us-china-7508605/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9760,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue: India-US',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, along with India&rsquo;s Union Minister for Environment, Forests and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Climate Change</strong></a> launched the <strong>Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD)</strong> between the two countries.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has so far <strong>abstained from committing to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-transforming-to-a-net-zero-emissions-energy-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">net zero goal</a></strong> but is on a<strong> climate pathway that is compatible</strong> with keeping global temperatures to below 2 degree celsius by the end of the century.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>one of the two tracks of the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030</strong> partnership launched at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/leaders-summit-on-climate" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Leaders' Summit on Climate</strong> </a>in April 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-india-strategic-clean-energy-partnership-scep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revamped US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership SCEP</a></strong> (first track) was launched.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will provide both countries an <strong>opportunity to renew collaborations on climate change</strong> while <strong>addressing financing aspects and deliver climate finances</strong> primarily as grants and concessional finance as envisaged under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>It will also <strong>help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action</strong> with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pillars to the CAFM:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Climate Action Pillar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It would have <strong>joint proposals looking at ways in which emissions could be reduced</strong> in the next decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Finance Pillar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Through this the<strong> US will collaborate in attracting capital and enhancing the enabling environment</strong> to deploy 450 GW of renewable energy capacity in India and demonstrate and scale innovative clean energy technologies and promote bilateral clean energy investment and trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adaptation and Resilience:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The two countries will collaborate in building capacities to <strong>&ldquo;measure and manage climate risks&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunities for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There&rsquo;s never been a better time to invest in the energy transition. <strong>Renewable energy is cheaper than ever.</strong></li>
<li>In fact,<strong> it is cheaper to build a solar farm in India than anywhere else</strong> on the planet.</li>
<li>Investors are now moving to clean energy all around the world and <strong>the energy transition is already rebounding after the worst of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a></strong> and is now on track to smash the pre-pandemic record of 8.4 billion USD invested in one year.</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/net-zero-by-2050-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Energy Agency</strong> </a>forecasts that if India seizes the clean energy opportunity, it could become the world&rsquo;s largest market for batteries and solar panels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently <strong>India's installed power capacity is projected to be 476 GW by 2021-22</strong> and is expected to rise to at least <strong>817 GW by 2030.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-to-collaborate-on-reaching-green-energy-targets/article36433782.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9753,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Australia First 2+2 Dialogue',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the foreign and defence ministers of India and Australia held the first India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The inaugural dialogue is held in pursuant to the elevation of India-Australia bilateral relations to<strong> comprehensive strategic partnership</strong> during the India-Australia <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Leaders&rsquo; virtual summit</strong></a> in 2021.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631535277_image13.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631535277_image13.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus on Indo-Pacific:</strong> To maintain an open, free, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific region (in line with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)</strong></a>).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To support India&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Pacific Oceans&rsquo; Initiative</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Need for renewed efforts by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad member countries</strong></a> to expand cooperation in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focus on Supply Chain Resilience Initiative:</strong> To work together through multilateral, regional and plurilateral mechanisms to diversify supply chains between trusted and reliable trading partners for critical health, technology and other goods and services.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, they welcomed the launch of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative</strong></a> by the Trade Ministers of India, Australia and Japan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Keeping-up with the Momentum:</strong> Decided to meet at least once every two years in this format to keep up the momentum.</li>
<li><strong>Shared Vision on Afghanistan:</strong> Displayed a common approach to the Afghan crisis, after the recent<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/17-08-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India held that the policy is summed up by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council</strong></a> Resolution 2593.</li>
<li>UNSC Resolution 2593, emphasises most of all, that Afghanistan must not allow its soil to be used in any manner by any body for terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering Terrorism:</strong> To continue to work together on counter terrorism; countering of radicalization and on the proposed UN <a href="/printpdf/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Bilateral Relationship:</strong> Discussed strengthening their relationship in bilateral trade, vaccines, defence production, community links, maritime security, cyber and climate cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation on Covid-19:</strong> Agreement was reached to deepen cooperation in vaccine manufacturing, including under the Quad framework, and to deliver high quality vaccines to their Indo-Pacific partners. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Researchers of both countries are working together to advance Covid-19 screening and study the future health effects of the virus through projects funded by the <strong>Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Relationship:</strong> Australia has invited India for participation in future<strong> Talisman Sabre exercises</strong> which will raise interoperability while both sides explore longer term reciprocal arrangements in logistics support.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Agreements:</strong> There was renewed support expressed for finalization of bilateral <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cecpa-india-mauritius" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from this, both countries also pitched for early resolution of the issue of taxation of offshore income of Indian firms under the India Australia<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-brazil-signed-amended-dtac#:~:text=Double%20Tax%20Avoidance%20Agreements%20(DTAAs,and%20earns%20income%20in%20another." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Others:</strong> While reaffirming support for the Indian candidacy for permanent membership of the UNSC, grants of Australian $ 1 million to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a>, and Australian $10 million to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure</strong></a> (both India-led initiatives).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>&lsquo;2+2&rsquo; Dialogue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries.</li>
<li>It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.</li>
<li>India holds such talks with Australia, Japan and the USA.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-Australia Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Political Relations:</strong> Over the past few years, China&rsquo;s actions&ndash; including extensive island building in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-china-sea-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a> has heightened concerns in a number of countries around the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has led to formation of <strong>Quad (India, Australia, Japan and US) grouping. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Relations:</strong> Bilateral naval exercise (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ausindex-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AUSINDEX</strong></a>), Ex AUSTRA HIND (Bilateral Exercise with Army), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pitch-black" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>EX PITCH BLACK</strong></a> (Australia&rsquo;s multilateral air combat training exercise) and multilateral <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong> </a>(comprising Quad countries).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The countries have signed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mutual Logistic Support Arrangement (MLSA)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Cooperation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both are members of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a>, Commonwealth, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN Regional Forum</strong></a>, Asia Pacific Partnership on Climate and Clean Development, and have participated in the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">East Asia Summits</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries have also been cooperating as members of the Five Interested Parties (FIP) in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization</strong> </a>context.</li>
<li>Australia is an important player in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apec-virtual-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)</strong></a> and supports India's membership of the organisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Diplomatic Engagements:</strong> A Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was signed in September 2014.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-myanmar-ink-various-pacts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Extradition Treaty</strong></a>, which were signed in June 2008.</li>
<li>Further, recently <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-circular-economy-hackathon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)</strong></a> was also organised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-australia-to-hold-22-ministerial-dialogue-on-sept-10-12-7499746/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9732,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the revamped <strong>US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership SCEP</strong> was launched during the ministerial meeting of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry with the US Ministry of Energy.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SCEP was launched in accordance with the <strong>US - India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership</strong> announced by both countries at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/leaders-summit-on-climate" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Leaders&rsquo; Summit on Climate</strong></a> held earlier this year (2021).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The aim is to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The Partnership will proceed along <strong>two main tracks:</strong> the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue.</li>
<li>India elevated the India-US energy dialogue to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-india-strategic-energy-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic energy partnership</strong> </a>in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Revamped Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Addition of a fifth Pillar on <strong>Emerging Fuels (cleaner energy fuels).</strong></li>
<li>With this, the <strong>SCEP inter-governmental engagement</strong> now spreads across <strong>five pillars of cooperation</strong> - Power and Energy Efficiency, Responsible Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Growth and Emerging Fuels.</li>
<li>Support India in achieving its goal of installing <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A new <strong>India-U.S. Task Force on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biofuels</a></strong> was also announced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reviewed India-US Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indo-US nuclear cooperation agreement was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-nuclear-deal#:~:text=The%20Indian%20government%20agreed%20to,have%20been%20on%20an%20upswing." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>signed in 2008</strong></a>.</li>
<li>A major aspect of the Deal was that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsg-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)</strong></a> gave a special waiver to India that enabled it to sign cooperation agreements with a dozen countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transformation of the Gas Task Force:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be the <strong>India-US Low Emissions Gas Task Force.</strong></li>
<li>It will focus on addressing India&rsquo;s natural gas policy, technology, and regulatory barriers by promoting efficient and market-driven solutions aimed at meeting India&rsquo;s growing energy demand, and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutionalism of India Energy Modeling Forum:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Six Task Forces were constituted for carrying out <strong>research and modelling in different areas.</strong></li>
<li>There will be deliberations on Energy Data Management, Low Carbon Technologies and Just Transition in the Coal Sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expanded the Scope of (PACE)-R Initiative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to include <strong>smart grid and grid storage</strong> as part of the second phase of the <strong>Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE)-R initiative</strong> anchored on the Indian side by the Department of Science &amp; Technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Updates on US-India Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malabar-exercise-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></a>: The Navies of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad (Quadrilateral Framework) Nations</a> (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia)</strong> participated in the 25<sup>th</sup> edition of the exercise.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-us-agreement-for-air-launched-unmanned-aerial-vehicle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-US Agreement on ALUAV</strong></a>: India and the US have signed a <strong>Project Agreement (PA)</strong> to jointly develop an <strong>Air-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV)</strong> or drones that can be launched from an aircraft.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-us-trade-issues-free-trade-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Issues in Free Trade Agreement</strong></a>: The US administration has indicated that it is no longer interested in securing a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nisar-joint-earth-observing-mission-of-nasa-and-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NISAR</strong></a>:<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> NASA</strong></a> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ISRO</strong></a> are collaborating on developing an <strong>SUV-sized satellite called NISAR</strong>, which will detect movements of the planet&rsquo;s surface as small as 0.4 inches over areas about half the size of a tennis court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-agree-to-collaborate-on-emerging-fuels/article36394798.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9715,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'India-Sri Lanka Deteriorating Ties',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based upon<a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/sri-lanka-s-economic-crisis-poses-challenges-for-india-11631206452325.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Sri Lanka&rsquo;s economic crisis poses challenges for India&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in Livemint on 09/09/2021. It talks about deteriorating ties of India and Sri Lanka in recent times, how the latter&rsquo;s economic crisis are worsening it and what India can do to preserve this age-old relationship.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s development partnership with Colombo has always been demand-driven, with projects covering social infrastructure like education, health, housing, access to clean water and sanitation, besides industrial development.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo;</a> policy</strong> towards Sri Lanka also resonated with Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <strong>&lsquo;India First&rsquo; foreign and security policy</strong> in 2020.</p>
<p>However in recent times, due to Chinese intervention, the ties between the two countries have plummeted. The condition is likely to worsen with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-emergency-in-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sri Lanka declaring the state of emergency</strong></a> in the country.</p>
<p>To prevent India from losing significant ties with countries like Sri Lanka, it needs to nurture its international &amp; diplomatic policies and make use of the regional platforms to the fullest.</p>
<h3>India and Sri Lanka</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Ties:</strong> India is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <strong>third largest export destination,</strong> after the US and UK. More than 60% of Sri Lanka&rsquo;s exports enjoy the benefits of the <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/a-note-on-free-trade-agreements-and-their-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.</strong></a> India is also a major investor in Sri Lanka.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> from India amounted to around $ 1.7 billion over the years from 2005 to 2019.</li>
<li>In July 2020, the <strong>RBI signed a currency-swap agreement with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka</strong> (CBSL) under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/currency-swap-arrangement-for-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC Currency Swap Framework 2019-22</strong></a>, for withdrawals of up to $400 million.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plummeting Relations:</strong> The political and economic ties began to worsen between the two since February, 2021 when <strong>Sri Lanka backed out from a tripartite partnership with India and Japan</strong> for its<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-project-in-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> East Container Terminal Project</strong> </a>at the Colombo Port, citing domestic issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, later, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-container-terminal-offer-to-india-japan-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>West Coast Terminal</strong></a> was offered under a public private partnership arrangement to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s State of Emergency:</strong> Sri Lanka, running out of Forex reserves for essential imports like food, has recently declared a state of economic emergency. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka depends heavily on imports to meet even its basic food supplies, such as sugar, dairy products, wheat.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>price of food items has risen</strong> in tandem with the<strong> depreciating rupee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Tourism sector has also drastically suffered</strong> since the terror attacks of 2019, followed by the pandemic and the <strong>FDI inflows have halved</strong> from $1.2 billion (2019) to $670 million (2020).</li>
<li>Its public<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-public-debt-ratio" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Debt-to-GDP ratio</a> was at 109.7%</strong> in 2020 and the <strong>external debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 62%</strong> in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Debt-to-GDP Ratio</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the metric comparing a country's public debt to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is often<strong> expressed as a percentage.</strong></li>
<li>By comparing what a country owes (debt) with what it produces (GDP), the debt-to-GDP ratio reliably <strong>indicates a particular country&rsquo;s ability to pay back its debts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A country with a<strong> high debt-to-GDP ratio typically has trouble paying off public debts.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Chinese Intervention in the Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Largest Creditor to Sri Lanka:</strong> China is the<strong> largest bilateral creditor to the country.</strong> Its loans to the Sri Lankan public sector <strong>amount to 15% of the central government&rsquo;s external debt.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka heavily relies on Chinese credit to address its foreign debt burden.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surpassing Indian Exports:</strong> China&rsquo;s exports to Sri Lanka surpassed those of India in 2020 and stood at <strong>$3.8 billion. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s exports were at $3.2 billion</strong> for the same year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment in Infrastructure Projects:</strong> China has invested about $12 billion in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Infrastructure projects between 2006-19. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The country also has <strong>formal control over Sri Lanka&rsquo;s Hambantota port</strong> as a part of a 99-year lease.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka has decided to <strong>establish a Special Economic Zone around the Colombo port city</strong> and a new economic commission, <strong>to be funded by China.</strong> The Colombo port handles<strong> 60% of India&rsquo;s trans-shipment cargo.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Leasing of Hambantota and the Colombo Port City project makes it almost certain for the <strong>Chinese navy to have a permanent presence in the Indian Ocean</strong> which will be worrisome for India&rsquo;s national security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shifting Interests of Smaller Nations:</strong> Sri Lanka&rsquo;s economic crisis may further push it to align its policies with Beijing&rsquo;s interests. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This comes at a time when India is already on a <strong>diplomatic tightrope with Afghanistan and Myanmar.</strong></li>
<li>Other South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives have also been turning to China to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preserving Strategic Interests:</strong> Nurturing the Neighbourhood First policy with Sri Lanka is important for India to preserve its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.</li>
<li><strong>Taking Advantage of Regional Platforms:</strong> Platforms like the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAGAR</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IORA</strong></a> could be leveraged to foster cooperation in fields like technology-driven agriculture, marine sector development, IT &amp; communication infrastructure etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian foreign policy towards Sri Lanka, as part of its &lsquo;<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indian-ocean-islands-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Island Diplomacy</strong></a>&rsquo;, will also have to evolve in tune to the emergent realities and threats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restraining Chinese Expansion:</strong> India will need to continue to work on the Kankesanturai port in Jaffna and the oil tank farm project in Trincomalee to <strong>ensure that China does not make any further inroads in Sri Lanka.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries can also cooperate on <strong>enhancing private sector investments to create economic resilience.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging India&rsquo;s Soft Power:</strong> In the technology sector, India can <strong>create job opportunities in Sri Lanka</strong> by expanding the presence of its IT companies. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These organisations can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost the island nation&rsquo;s service economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f7ff;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the recent decline in Indo-Sri Lankan relations and the role that China has played in it. Suggest the measures that both the countries can take to preserve their bilateral ties.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9686,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'C-295 Aircraft Deal',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-committees-formed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)</strong> </a>has cleared procurement of <strong>56 C-295 MW medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india"><strong>Make-in-India initiative</strong></a> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/reforms-in-civil-aviation-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>aerospace sector.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The C-295MW aircraft <strong>will be purchased from Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631175643_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1631175643_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="536" height="291" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Capacity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The C-295 MW is a transport aircraft of<strong> 5-10 tonne capacity</strong> with contemporary technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has a<strong> rear ramp door</strong> for<strong> quick reaction</strong> and<strong> para-dropping</strong> of troops and cargo.</li>
<li>It will be installed with the <strong>indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Replacement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will replace the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s ageing fleet of <strong>Avro-748 planes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Avro-748 planes are a <strong>British-origin twin-engine turboprop,</strong> military transport and freighter with a <strong>6-tonne freight capacity.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Execution: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)</strong> will jointly execute the project to equip the air force with the new transport aircraft under the Make-in-India initiative in the aerospace sector. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Airbus will supply the <strong>first 16 aircraft in fly away condition</strong> while the <strong>remaining 40 will be assembled in India</strong> by TASL.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Private Sector Participation:</strong> This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the process of manufacturing in India, it is expected that all the suppliers of TATA Consortium who will be involved in special processes will gain and maintain globally recognized <strong>National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)</strong> accreditation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan:</strong> It offers a unique opportunity for the Indian Private Sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation Industry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This programme is a unique initiative to strengthen <strong>indigenous capabilities</strong> and boost <strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boost MSMEs:</strong> The project will give a boost to the aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/msme-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)</strong> </a>spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Import Dependence:</strong> The project will <strong>augment domestic aviation manufacturing</strong> resulting in <strong>reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies and major component assemblies of aero structure are scheduled to be manufactured in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Employment Generation:</strong> The programme will act as a catalyst in employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem of the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3000 indirect jobs and an additional 3000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than <strong>42.5 lakh man hours of work</strong> within the aerospace and defence sector of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infra Development:</strong> It will involve development of specialized infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiways. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Before completion of deliveries,<strong> &lsquo;D&rsquo; Level servicing facility (MRO)</strong> for C-295MW aircraft are scheduled to be set up in India.</li>
<li>It is expected that this facility will act as a regional <strong>MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul)</strong> hub for various variants of C-295 aircraft.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Offset Obligations:</strong> Airbus will discharge its <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/dilution-of-offset-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offset obligations</a> </strong>through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian offset partners giving further boost to the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In simplest terms, the offset is <strong>an obligation by an international player to boost India&rsquo;s domestic defence industry</strong> if India is buying defence equipment from it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)</strong> is a worldwide cooperative program of major companies designed to manage a cost-effective consensus approach to special processes and products and provide continual improvement within the aerospace and defense industries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1753260" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9670,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-US Agreement for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the US have signed a <strong>Project Agreement (PA) to jointly develop an Air-launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (ALUAV) or<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-unmanned-aircraft-system-uas-rules-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> drones</a></strong> that can be launched from an aircraft.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The PA was <strong>signed under the Joint Working Group Air Systems in the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)</strong>, between India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the US Department of Defence (DoD).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Project Agreement (PA):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> It aims towards design, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation of systems to co-develop an <strong>ALUAV prototype.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The PA for the ALUAV fell under the <strong>Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Memorandum of Agreement between MoD and US DoD.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was first signed in January 2006 and renewed in January 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Participants:</strong> The PA outlines the collaboration between Air Force Research Laboratory, <strong>Indian Air Force, and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Execution:</strong> The <strong>Aeronautical Development Establishment</strong> at the DRDO and the <strong>Aerospace Systems Directorate</strong> at the Air Force Research Laboratory, along with the <strong>Indian and US Air Forces</strong> are the principal organisations for the execution of the PA.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> It was a significant step towards <strong>deepening defence technology collaboration</strong> between the two nations through co-development of defence equipment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It could in the future <strong>lead to joint manufacture of artificial intelligence-enabled drone swarms</strong> capable of being launched from aircraft to overwhelm an adversary&rsquo;s air defence systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> The DTTI was announced <strong>in 2012</strong> as an ambitious initiative for co-production and co-development of military systems but has never really taken off despite several efforts.</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong>To <strong>strengthen the US and India&rsquo;s defence industrial base</strong> by moving away from the traditional &ldquo;buyer-seller&rdquo; dynamic toward a more collaborative approach.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would be through exploring new areas of <strong>technological collaboration</strong> through <strong>co-development and co-production.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Projects:</strong> The projects under DTTI have been identified as the near, medium and long term projects. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>near-term projects</strong> included so far are Air-launched Small Unmanned Systems (drone swarms), LightWeight Small Arms Technology and Intelligence-Surveillance-Targeting &amp; Reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems.</li>
<li>The <strong>medium-term projects</strong> identified are Maritime Domain Awareness Solution and Virtual Augmented Mixed Reality for Aircraft Maintenance or VAMRAM.</li>
<li>The two <strong>long term projects</strong> are Terrain Shaping Obstacle (lethal munitions) and anti-drone technology called Counter-UAS, Rocket, Artillery &amp; Mortar (CURAM) system for the Indian Army.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Working Group:</strong> Under the DTTI, Joint Working Groups on land, naval, air, and aircraft carrier technologies have been established for focus on mutually agreed projects in respective domains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Major Agreements between India and US</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)</strong> </a>largely pertains to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was signed between India and the US in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)</strong></a> was signed in 2018.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to facilitate communication between the weapons platforms of the two armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)</strong></a> was signed a full 14 years later in 2016.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to provide mutual logistics support around the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)</strong></a> was signed by the government in 2002.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to protect the military information shared by the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-us-signed-co-development-agreement-for-air-launched-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-defence-ministry/article36268029.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9561,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'China’s New Sea-Road-Rail Link to Indian Ocean',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a new sea-road-rail link <strong>providing Chengdu (China) with access to the Indian Ocean via Yangon (Myanmar)</strong> was opened.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The trade corridor is <strong>China's first to link western China with the Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630495407_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630495407_image1.png" width="400" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About New Trade Corridor:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The new trade corridor passage <strong>connects the logistics lines of Singapore, Myanmar and China</strong>, and is currently the most <strong>convenient land and sea channel linking the Indian Ocean with southwest China.</strong></li>
<li>China also has plans to develop <strong>another port in Kyaukphyu in the Rakhine state, Myanmar</strong> including a proposed railway line from Yunnan (China) directly to the port, but the progress there has been stalled by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/military-coup-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>unrest in Myanmar</strong></a>.</li>
<li>China plans to develop this region in Myanmar as a <strong>&lsquo;border economic cooperation zone&rsquo;</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a>.</li>
<li>It is expected to become the<strong> lifeblood of international trade for China</strong>, while providing a source of income for Myanmar.</li>
<li>This trade corridor is <strong>another direct Chinese outlet to the Indian ocean.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first one being at the <strong>Gwadar port in Pakistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This trade route is also <strong>China&rsquo;s alternative to the "Malacca Dilemma&rdquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Malacca Dilemma is <strong>a word coined in 2003</strong>, by the then Chinese President Hu Jintao.</li>
<li>This <strong>refers to China&rsquo;s fear of a maritime blockade at the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/15-04-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Straits of Malacca</a></strong>. Since most of China&rsquo;s oil imports pass through the Straits of Malacca, a maritime blockade here could paralyze China&rsquo;s economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630495894_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630495894_image8.png" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Gwadar Port:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gwadar is being developed as part of the CPEC to the far <strong>western <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uighur-muslims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Xinjiang region</a></strong>.</li>
<li>Gwadar has long been touted as the site for a Chinese base suitable for <strong>People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)</strong> operations.</li>
<li>China pursues a <strong>"strategic strongpoint" concept</strong> whereby <strong>strategically sited foreign ports containing terminals and commercial zones</strong> operated by Chinese firms can be used by its military.</li>
<li>Such "strongpoints" offer the potential for China to form a network of supply, logistics and intelligence hubs along the <strong>perimeter of the Indian Ocean.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is referred to as the <strong>String of Pearls theory.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gwadar is important to China for <strong>three reasons:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One is establishing <strong>direct transport links to the Indian Ocean</strong> via the CPEC.</li>
<li>The second factor is that Gwadar helps anchor or <strong>stabilise western China, a region where China feels vulnerable to Islamic agitation.</strong></li>
<li>Further, Gwadar is just 400 km from the important <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strait-of-hormuz-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hormuz Strait</strong> </a>(linking Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian sea), through which 40% of Chinese imported oil flows.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630496749_1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630496749_1.png" width="350" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implications for India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China&rsquo;s economic stakes in the Bay of Bengal and this new trade corridor signifies a larger maritime presence and naval engagement in the region which in turn <strong>reinforces the string of pearls policy by China.</strong></li>
<li>Apart from <strong>this trade corridor</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/viability-of-bri-and-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China Pakistan Economic Corridor</strong></a> (CPEC), China is also planning the <strong>China-Nepal Economic Corridor (CNEC)</strong> which will link Tibet to Nepal.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The endpoints of the project will touch the boundaries of the Gangetic plain.</li>
<li>Thus three corridors signify the economic as well as strategic rise of China in the Indian subcontinent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Counter Steps Already Taken by India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/launch-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar Port </strong></a>in Iran&rsquo;s East.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad Initiative</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-infrastructure-and-north-east" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Developing North-Eastern India</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-opens-first-road-rail-transport-link-to-indian-ocean/article36210663.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9499,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Malabar Exercise 2021',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Navies of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad (Quadrilateral Framework) Nations</strong></a> (India, the United States, Japan, and Australia) have participated in the<strong> 25<sup>th</sup> edition of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar Exercise</a>,</strong> which began off the coast of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Guam</strong> is a US island territory in the North Pacific Ocean, which is much <strong>closer to China in the East than to the US mainland in the West</strong> making it an<strong> ideal US military strategic outpost for Indo-Pacific operations.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630062267_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630062267_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="401" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Malabar Exercise:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>a multilateral war-gaming naval exercise</strong> that was started in 1992. It began as<strong> a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and the United States.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Two more editions of the exercise were carried out <strong>in 1995 and 1996, after which there was a break until 2002</strong> in the aftermath of India&rsquo;s nuclear tests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>From 2002 onward,</strong> the exercise has been conducted every year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Japan and Australia first participated <strong>in 2007,</strong> and <strong>since 2014, India, the US and Japan have participated in the exercise every year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2020 <strong>Australia joined the Malabar Exercise</strong> on India&rsquo;s request in order to contain China in the Indo-Pacific region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For the first time in over a decade, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar 2020</strong></a> saw the participation of all four Quad members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is aimed <strong>to support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Malabar 2021:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the <strong>first joint maritime exercise within the framework of Quad in the Western Pacific</strong> and apparently aims to frighten China. It is being hosted by the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Enhance Strategic Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such complex exercises have further <strong>enhanced synergy and mutual understanding among the four navies in undertaking joint maritime security operations,</strong> and will go a long way in further strengthening their already close strategic partnership.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Indo-Pacific Coalition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A major step towards building a<strong> sustainable <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Pacific</a> coalition thereby addressing the massive strategic imbalance</strong> generated by an economically and militarily powerful China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a <strong>consensus, among many major liberal democracies, that China threatens the international system,</strong> liberal societies and a rules-based regime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Peace through Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is not a coincidence that as <strong>India-US ties improved in the mid-2000s, China was better behaved.</strong></li>
<li>It is only <strong>with economic strength and partnerships</strong> such as the one that will be manifested in the Malabar exercise that<strong> India can broaden its options with China.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>road to peace in the mountains may lie through the sea.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Exercises with Quad Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India- Japan: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JIMEX</a></strong> (naval exercise), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-4th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SHINYUU Maitri</strong></a> (air force exercise), and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dharma Guardian</strong></a> (military exercise).</li>
<li><strong>India-US:</strong> Yudha Abhyas (Army), Vajra Prahar (Military), Spitting Cobra, SANGAM, RED FLAG, COPE INDIA.</li>
<li><strong>India-Australia: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-26th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AUSINDEX</a> (Maritime),</strong> AUSTRA HIND, Pitch Black</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-us-passex" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Passage Exercises (PASSEX).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Quad</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>four-nation alliance of India, Australia, USA and Japan</strong> which was <strong>established in 2007.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The idea of Quad was first mooted by former <strong>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is often dubbed as an<strong> "Asian" or "mini" <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a>,</strong> and is viewed as a <strong>counterbalance to China's military and economic clout</strong> in the Indo-Pacific region.</li>
<li>Interestingly, the QUAD, which used to be known as the quadrilateral security dialogue, is <strong>now known as the quadrilateral framework to indicate it has gone beyond a narrow security dialogue.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/malabar-exercise-of-quad-nations-why-it-matters-to-india-7472058/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9493,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Greater Male Connectivity Project: Maldives',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Afcons, an Indian company, has signed a contract for the <strong>largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives</strong> which is<strong> the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The project is the <strong>result of bilateral consultation between India and the Maldives</strong> and has been under discussion since the visit of India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister to Male in September 2019.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630058406_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1630058406_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Greater Male Connectivity Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will consist of a <strong>6.74 km-long bridge</strong> and causeway link <strong>between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.</strong> It will use <strong>renewable energy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project is funded by a <strong>grant of USD 100 million and a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/line-of-credit-to-pacific-island-nations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Line of Credit (LOC)</a> of USD 400 million from India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>not only the biggest project India</strong> is doing in the Maldives but <strong>also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is considered as the<strong> economic lifeline for the Maldives</strong> and will provide a <strong>major boost to connectivity between the four islands</strong> accounting for about half of the Maldivian population.</li>
<li>It will <strong>add dynamism to the Maldivian transport and economic activities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Maldives-China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The GMCP project would be<strong> bigger than the Sinamale Bridge built with Chinese assistance</strong> that connects Male with Hulhumale and Hulhule and was completed in 2018.</li>
<li>Also the <strong>Indian aid to Maldives in August 2020</strong> was <strong>appreciated and contrasted with the previous expensive commercial loans to Maldives by China</strong> which are being termed<strong> &ldquo;debt-trap diplomacy&rdquo; of China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Wherein <strong>China intentionally extends excessive credit</strong> to another country with the <strong>intention of extracting economic or political concessions</strong> from the debtor country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The India-Maldives relationship suffered a setback when Maldives entered into a <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/a-note-on-free-trade-agreements-and-their-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Free-Trade Agreement (FTA)</strong></a> with China in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-election-in-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>election of a new pro-India government in Maldives</strong></a>, the relationships have improved and Maldives is also considering pulling out of the FTA with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At present,<strong> India-assisted projects</strong> in the region include <strong>water and sewerage projects on 34 islands,</strong> reclamation projects for the Addl island, a port on Gulhifalhu, airport redevelopment at Hanimaadhoo, and a hospital and a cricket stadium in Hulhumale.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India had also announced a<strong> 800 million USD Line of Credit to Maldives in December 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Cooperation:</strong> Earlier in August 2021, in the Deputy National Security Adviser-level meeting hosted by Sri Lanka, India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives had agreed to work on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/collaboration-of-india-sri-lanka-and-maldives-on-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;four pillars&rdquo; of security cooperation.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>UNGA President:</strong> In June 2021, <strong>India welcomed the election of Maldives&rsquo; Foreign Minister</strong> as the President of the 76<sup>th</sup> session of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA)</strong> </a>for 2021-22.</li>
<li><strong>Mou&rsquo;s:</strong> In November 2020, India and the Maldives signed<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mous-between-india-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)</strong></a> related to High Impact Community Development Projects and on Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs.</li>
<li><strong>Relief Package:</strong> In August 2020, India had committed to Maldives a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-announces-package-to-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> five-pronged package</strong> </a>including air, sea, intra-island and telecommunications to <strong>help it deal with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Bilateral Bubble:</strong> Maldives is the first South Asian country with which India started a bilateral <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>air bubble</strong></a> during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Bilateral Visits:</strong> Since September 2018, India and Maldives have seen a number of bilateral visits.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-visit-to-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Prime Minister visited Maldives</strong></a> to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maldives-presidents-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maldives President also visited India</strong> </a>in December 2018.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/visit-of-home-minister-of-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Home Minister of Maldives met the Indian Home Minister</strong></a> in February, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Maldives and India are members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a> and the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/visit-of-home-minister-of-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This isn&rsquo;t only about an ambitious project involving both India and the Maldives. The terms of the agreement call for the<strong> completion of the bridge by 2023.</strong></li>
<li>For India, <strong>Maldives holds strategic importance</strong> and showing that <strong>it can deliver would help mitigate some concerns that may exist in the Maldives.</strong></li>
<li>In accordance with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First Policy</strong></a> of the government, India remains a committed development partner for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives.</li>
<li>Given the economic hardships being faced by Maldives due to Covid-19 pandemic and previous debts,<strong> this project and previous packages will definitely warm up the relationship between both the countries.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will also<strong> provide a strategic edge to India over China with regards to Maldives.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-maldives-mega-infra-project-signing-explained-7472592/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1630061816251000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0668gyMpj_zUzbSSkpXMvM" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9471,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Netherlands Relations',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Netherlands reviewed bilateral cooperation in Science and Technology and Innovation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629961915_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629961915_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="477" height="457" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India <strong>emphasized that the trinity of Health, Agriculture and Water</strong> are bedrock of close mutual collaboration between the two nations.</li>
<li>Netherlands proposed to work together in the area of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/green-hydrogen-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Green Hydrogen</strong> </a>and <strong>ocean sciences.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries agreed to support joint research and development regarding<strong> Smart Energy Grids, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/big-data-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Data </a></strong>and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast#:~:text=Internet%20Of%20Things%20(IoT)%20is%20a%20computing%20concept%20that%20describes,than%20the%20object%20by%20itself." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Internet of Things</a>.</strong></li>
<li>India invited Netherlands for exchanges in the Space sector particularly in the wake of path-breaking reforms initiated by India in the recent past<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/private-sector-participation-in-space" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> allowing the private sector to have a level playing field</strong></a> in satellite launches and space based activities.</li>
<li>Bothe countries also flagged future collaboration in <strong>Solar Energy, Gas-based installations, Cyber Security, Data Science, Urban Water System and emerging areas,</strong> which will create jobs for people in India.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/changing-climate-and-deglaciation-a-warning-call" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Climate Change</strong></a> as a key area of concern for the entire World was also highlighted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Government of India, on the occasion of Independence day, announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-hydrogen-energy-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Hydrogen Mission</strong></a> to make<strong> India a Global Hub for Green Hydrogen Production and Export.</strong></li>
<li>Also, the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences</strong> has recently launched the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/deep-ocean-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Deep Ocean Mission</strong></a>, with a view to explore the deep ocean for resources and develop deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean resources.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India-Netherlands Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Economic and Trade:</strong> The Netherlands is the <strong>sixth largest contributor of foreign investment into</strong> India in FY 2021.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Netherlands is <strong>India&rsquo;s 5<sup>th</sup> largest trading partner</strong> in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>. It is also one of the leading investor nations in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong> Indo-Dutch relations<strong> can be traced back to more than 400 years</strong> when the <strong>first Dutch EIC (East India Company)</strong> was established in India (in around 17<sup>th</sup> century AD).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The official relations between the two nations were established in the year 1947 which, since then, have been cordial and friendly.</li>
<li>The two countries also share <strong>common ideals of democracy, pluralism and the rule of law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong> The Netherlands currently is <strong>home to the largest Indian community on the European mainland.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An <strong>Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Cultural Centre "The Gandhi Centre"</strong> was established in The Hague in October 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Science &amp; Technology:</strong> The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) collaborates with the various departments in the Indian Government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For instance, there is an ongoing project titled <strong>&ldquo;Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS-HR)&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The LOTUS-HR project is an India-Netherlands joint collaboration of universities and companies funded by the India`s Department of Biotechnology and the Dutch NWO-TTW.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collaboration in Water Management:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A platform called <strong>Dutch Indo Water Alliance Leadership Initiative (DIWALI)</strong> has been developed in which India and Netherlands could participate in designing solutions for water challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collaboration in Agriculture:</strong> Agriculture is one of the core sectors identified by the Netherlands for enhancing bilateral cooperation with India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>5<sup>th</sup> Joint Agriculture Working Group (JAWG)</strong> meeting on Agriculture took place in New Delhi in 2018.</li>
<li>Under the JAWG, an Action Plan was signed which envisages cooperation in establishing <strong>Centres of Excellence (CoE)</strong> in horticulture, animal husbandry &amp; dairy, fisheries and food processing.</li>
<li>This is also accompanied by<strong> skill development &amp; capacity building</strong> in the fields of cold chain, supply chain management etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Healthcare Cooperation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An MoU for Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare and Public Health was signed in January 2014 to promote greater research collaboration in emerging health challenges associated with <strong>communicable diseases</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/antimicrobial-resistance-threat-to-global-health-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>antimicrobial resistance.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1747647" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9445,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Philippine Maritime Exercise',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Indian Navy carried out a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Philippine Navy</strong> in the West Philippine Sea.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier <strong>Indo-UK Naval Exercise, &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-konkan-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Konkan 2021</a>&rsquo;</strong> was held <strong>in the English Channel.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629798419_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629798419_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It will <strong>strengthen bilateral collaboration in the maritime domain</strong> towards a collective aim of<strong> ensuring a stable, peaceful and prosperous <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Pacific</a>.</strong></li>
<li>This is<strong> in a series of exercises that India is conducting with littoral nations that share their maritime boundaries with China</strong> as part of its deployment.</li>
<li><strong>Indian naval ships INS Ranvijay and INS Kora are currently deployed to the Western Pacific</strong> with an aim to strengthen maritime security collaboration with partner nations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad</a> countries - India, the US, Australia and Japan -</strong> will conduct the <strong>next edition of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar naval exercise</a> off the coast of Guam</strong> in the face of China&rsquo;s growing military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific.</li>
<li>China claims sovereignty over all of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-china-sea-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South China Sea</strong> </a>(arm of the Western Pacific Ocean) a huge source of hydrocarbons. However, several <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations)</strong> </a>member countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-conducts-maritime-exercise-with-philippine-navy-7467671/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9426,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Exercise Konkan 2021',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Indo-UK Naval Exercise, &lsquo;Konkan 2021&rsquo;</strong> was recently held <strong>between INS Tabar and HMS Westminster in the English Channel.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The English Channel is located between the <strong>Isle of Great Britain&rsquo;s southern coast</strong> and <strong>France&rsquo;s northern coast and separated from the North Sea</strong> on the north by the <strong>Strait of Dover.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629711046_unnamed%20(1).png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629711046_unnamed (1).png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Bilateral Konkan exercise</strong> is a <strong>naval exercise</strong> conducted between<strong> India and the United Kingdom.</strong></li>
<li>The Konkan series of exercises was <strong>started in 2004.</strong> Since then, the exercise is <strong>hosted in rotation by both the Navies</strong> and has grown in complexity, scale, and intensity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Exercises between India and UK:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-indradhanush" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise &lsquo;Indradhanush&rsquo;</strong></a><strong> (Air Force Exercise)</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-ajeya-warrior-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ajeya Warrior</a> (Joint Military Exercise)</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>INS Tabar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the<strong> third <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/krivak-stealth-frigates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Talwar-class</a> frigate in the Indian Navy,</strong> which was commissioned in 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia.</li>
<li>This warship can handle <strong>air or surface or subsurface missions and defend herself.</strong></li>
<li>The Talwar class of frigates of the Indian Navy <strong>have been built in Russia under an Indo-Russian joint production.</strong> The Talwar class guided missile frigates <strong>are modified Krivak III class frigates from Russia. Other Frigates are:</strong> INS Teg, Tarkash, Trikand, Talwar, Trishul.</li>
<li>In <strong>October 2016,</strong> India and Russia <strong>signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)</strong> for four Krivak or Talwar stealth frigates.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The first two frigates will be built in Yantar Shipyard, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The following two will be built in Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;"></ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 628px; height: 19px; background-color: #000000; text-align: center; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Major Indian Maritime Exercises</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; background-color: #b0acac; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><strong>Name of the Exercise</strong></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; background-color: #b0acac; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><strong>Name of the Country</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SLINEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Sri Lanka</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-bongosagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Bangladesh</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jimex-20-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JIMEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Japan</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Naseem-Al-Bahr</td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Oman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-indra-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indra</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Russia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bilateral-maritime-exercise-za-ir-al-bahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Za&rsquo;ir-Al-Bahr</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Qatar</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-samudra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Samudra Shakti</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Indonesia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-thailand-coordinated-patrol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Thai CORPAT</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Thailand</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">IMCOR</td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Malaysia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-20th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SIMBEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Singapore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">AUSINDEX</td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 314px; height: 19px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000000;">Japan, and the USA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1747741" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9308,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise: India-Saudi Arabia ',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India and Saudi Arabia</strong> started their <strong>first-ever Naval joint exercise</strong> called the <strong>Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision on this Bilateral exercise was taken in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/riyadh-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Riyadh Summit</strong></a> held in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629107713_3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1629107713_3.png" width="400" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi is participating in the exercise. The exercise comprises <strong>several coastal and sea-based exercises</strong> between the two navies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>INS Kochi is the <strong>second ship of Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers</strong>, which was built by the Indian Navy under the code name<strong> Project 15A</strong>.</li>
<li>This ship is termed as a<strong> &lsquo;Network of Networks&rsquo;</strong> since it is equipped with sophisticated digital networks, an array of state-of-art weapons and sensors that can neutralise any maritime threat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To carry out tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill <strong>to enhance interoperability</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It reflects the <strong>growing defense ties between the two countries</strong> in the midst of rapidly changing developments in the Gulf region.</li>
<li>It will <strong>enhance bilateral cooperation</strong> and security in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/a-secure-indian-ocean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian ocean</a></strong> Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 19px; border-style: solid; background-color: #000000; text-align: center;" colspan="2"><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Major Indian Maritime Exercises</strong></span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid; background-color: #d6d6d6;"><strong>Name of the Exercise</strong></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid; background-color: #d6d6d6;"><strong>Name of the Country</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SLINEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Sri Lanka</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-bongosagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bongosagar and IN-BN CORPAT</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Bangladesh</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jimex-20-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JIMEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Japan</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Naseem-Al-Bahr</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Oman</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-indra-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indra</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Russia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bilateral-maritime-exercise-za-ir-al-bahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Za&rsquo;ir-Al-Bahr</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Qatar</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-samudra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Samudra Shakti</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Indonesia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-thailand-coordinated-patrol" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Thai CORPAT</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Thailand</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">IMCOR</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Malaysia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-20th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SIMBEX</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Singapore</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">AUSINDEX</td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19px;">
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;"><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%; height: 19px; border-style: solid;">Japan, and the USA</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-saudi-arabia-begin-maiden-naval-exercise/article35875623.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9235,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Indian Base in Mauritius’ Agalega Islands',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Mauritius has denied a report that it has allowed <strong>India to build a military base on the remote island of Agalega.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier it was reported by a news broadcaster that an <strong>airstrip and two jetties to house an Indian military base on Agalega island is under construction.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1628679638_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1628679638_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="317" height="333" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2015, India signed an agreement with Mauritius for development of Agalega Islands.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provided for <strong>setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity enhancing capabilities</strong> of the Mauritian Defence Forces in safeguarding their interests in the Outer Island.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, since then, <strong>there have been growing reports over the Indian naval and coastguard&rsquo;s interests in setting up transponder systems and surveillance infrastructure,</strong> which has led to some local protests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agelega Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agelega project includes<strong> the construction of a jetty, rebuilding, and extension of the runway, and building an airport terminal</strong> on Agalega Island.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USD 87 million projects are funded by India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The project would add a new airport, port and logistics and communication facilities and potentially any other facilities related to the project.</li>
<li>The Agelega island is located in the <strong>southwestern Indian Ocean,</strong> 1,122 km north of Mauritius.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has a total land area of 27 square miles (70 square km).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strengthen India's Presence:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will strengthen India's presence in the south-west Indian Ocean and <strong>facilitate its power launch aspirations in the region.</strong></li>
<li>India considers the new base <strong>necessary to facilitate both air and surface maritime patrols</strong> in the south-west Indian Ocean and as an intelligence post.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geo-Economic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a <strong>&ldquo;central geographic point&rdquo;</strong> Mauritius holds importance for commerce and connectivity in the Indian Ocean.</li>
<li>As a member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>African Union, Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> and the Indian Ocean Commission, Mauritius is a stepping stone to multiple geographies.</li>
<li>As a founding-member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/climate-change-impacting-small-island-developing-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Small Island Developing States&rsquo;</strong></a> (SIDS) it has been seen as a significant neighbour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protect Foreign Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>95% of India&rsquo;s trade by volume and</strong> 68% of trade by value <strong>comes via the Indian Ocean.</strong></li>
<li>Nearly <strong>80% of India&rsquo;s crude oil requirement is imported by sea via the Indian Ocean.</strong> So presence in the Indian Ocean is of significance for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To counter China&rsquo;s<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-sri-lanka-leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;String of Pearls&rsquo;</strong></a> which can prove to be a threat to our strategic interests, it became extremely necessary for us to have a presence in the larger <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indian-ocean-islands-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security And Growth for All in Region:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project can be seen as a part of India&rsquo;s efforts to contribute to its neighbor&rsquo;s development stories under <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in Region)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>The project can be seen as a way to increase cooperation between India and its neighbors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancing Security infrastructure of Mauritius:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The project will<strong> enhance the capabilities of Mauritius security forces</strong> through upgradation in its infrastructure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Protests from Opposition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mauritius opposition has been raising <strong>concerns regarding transparency in the project.</strong></li>
<li>The Mauritian government has <strong>exempted the project from any Environmental license process (EIA clearances).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protests from local People:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1965, before Mauritian independence, the UK split the Chagos islands from Mauritius, forcibly relocating the inhabitants.. Many Agal&eacute;gans fear they could suffer a similar fate.</li>
<li>All major military powers like <strong>France, China, US, and the UK have naval bases in the Indian Ocean </strong>this is <strong>leading to fears that their peaceful island region will also be militarised.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China Centric Policies:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China's rapidly <strong>growing presence in the northern part of the Indian Ocean</strong> along with the deployment of Chinese submarines and ships in the region is a challenge for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Obsessive Security Policy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An obsessively security-driven policy of India towards its neighbours has not helped in the past.</li>
<li>Certain <strong>common challenges</strong> like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, sustainable development and the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>blue economy</strong></a> should be <strong>reconsidered in India&rsquo;s approach to Mauritius.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In July 2021, Prime Ministers of India and Mauritius jointly <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-supreme-court-building-of-mauritius#:~:text=The%20Prime%20Minister%20of%20India,city%20of%20Port%20Louis%2C%20Mauritius." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inaugurated a Supreme Court building</strong></a> in Maritius.</li>
<li>In February 2021, the Union Cabinet approved signing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cecpa-india-mauritius" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)</strong></a> between India and Mauritius.</li>
<li>India and Mauritius signed a <strong>USD 100 million Defence Line of Credit</strong> agreement</li>
<li>Mauritius would get a Dornier aircraft and an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apache-helicopters-for-indian-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv</strong></a> on lease which would build its maritime security capabilities.</li>
<li>The two sides also discussed the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uk-asked-to-return-chagos-islands-to-mauritius" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Chagos Archipelago</strong></a> dispute, which was an issue of sovereignty and sustainable development before the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2019, <strong>India voted at the UN General Assembly in support of the Mauritian</strong> position on the issue. India was one of the 116 countries that voted demanding that the UK end its &ldquo;colonial administration&rdquo; from the group of islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy#:~:text=India%20has%20decided%20to%20ship,as%20a%20grant%20or%20gift." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>delivered 1,00,000 Covishield vaccines</strong></a> to Mauritius.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Unlike the military bases run by other countries, the <strong>Indian bases are the soft base which means locals can move through any Indian-made project.</strong> So the local governments get more control over their domain, without diluting their sovereignty.</li>
<li>India needs to<strong> project itself as a credible and long-term partner</strong> in a more persuasive manner by allaying the fears of all parties affected.</li>
<li>Companies registered in Mauritius are the largest source of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow-touches-82-bn-in-fy21" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong> </a>into India, making it <strong>crucial for India to upgrade its bilateral tax treaty, adopting the latest international practices</strong> that prevent multinational companies from artificially shifting profits to low tax countries.</li>
<li>As India takes an integrated view of its security cooperation in the south western Indian Ocean, <strong>Mauritius is the natural node for it.</strong> Therefore, it is important to take course-corrections in India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First policy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/no-plan-to-house-indian-military-base-on-agalega-island-mauritius/article35755505.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9211,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Diplomacy And Strong Counter-measures',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/to-take-on-china-rely-on-diplomacy-military-resolve-and-strong-countermeasures-101628518517153.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>To take on China, rely on diplomacy and strong counter-measures</strong></a> which was published in the Hindustan Times on 10/08/2021. It talks about the need for diplomacy as well as strong counter measures in resolving crises across the LAC.</p>
</div>
<p>The agreement for mutual disengagement of troops by China and India at the friction point of Gogra in eastern Ladakh is a step forward for restoring the status quo ante of April 2020 (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Galwan Clash</strong></a>), when Chinese forces made a series of preplanned intrusions across the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=Demarcation%20Line%3A%20The%20Line%20of,UN)%20after%20the%20Kashmir%20War." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Line of Actual Control (LAC)</a></strong>.</p>
<p>Including Gogra, Galwan and Pangong Tso, the two sides have now stepped back at three contested points, while the standoff continues at other strategic locations and warrants speedily resolution. There are lessons to be learnt from the three areas where China and India have disengaged.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1628594256_image%206.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1628594256_image 6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Negotiations: Lesson Learnt</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sustained Diplomacy Yields Dividends:</strong> Due to several rounds of talks, the two Asian giants have avoided an intensified conflict that seemed a possibility after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Galwan clash.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The interaction of two militaries at <strong>LAC</strong> have conveyed in direct terms what each side wants and prefers.</li>
<li>Moreover, the involvement of the US in favour of India vis-&agrave;-vis China also helped lower the heat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Parleys are Necessary But Not Sufficient:</strong> Without a demonstration of military deterrence and resolve, an aggressive and expansive China cannot be sweet-talked into dismantling its bunkers and semi-permanent structures or driving back its tanks and armoured vehicles to pre-April 2020 positions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China has withdrawn from three encroached portions only after witnessing India&rsquo;s willingness to use countervailing force, do mirror deployment or outnumber the Chinese military at some points, and mount counter-offensives across what China claims to be its side of LAC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Offensive Defence:</strong> The concept of &ldquo;offensive defence&rdquo; has guided India&rsquo;s strategic infrastructure-building and force projection at LAC throughout the crisis, and this has compelled China to recalculate the costs and benefits of its expansionism.</li>
<li><strong>Peace Through Strength:</strong> Since diplomatic resolution of the crisis is dependent on military operations and shows strategic determination, India must persist on the path of peace through strength.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This may include activating and operationalising <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> to apply multilateral counterbalancing pressure in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a>; imposing <strong>greater barriers to Chinese goods,</strong> technology and investments; and <strong>reopening the sensitive issues</strong> of the status of Tibet and Taiwan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Suspicious of Each Other&rsquo;s Intentions:</strong> While India and China have long-term suspicions of each other&rsquo;s intentions, goals and international alignments, the LAC crisis deepens. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With approximately 50,000 troops on each side remaining at LAC, the potential for fresh violence cannot be ruled out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contest For Power:</strong> The two neighbours will not stop competing for power and influence in Asia and beyond, but they can manage the disputed border situation from sliding into war.</li>
<li><strong>Deepening India-US relations:</strong> A difficult path lies ahead in India-China relations, especially as the India-United States (US) strategic partnership is maturing and US-China ties are plumbing the depths.</li>
<li><strong>Challenges of Military Proactiveness:</strong> While Indian military proactiveness is an imperative to deal with the crisis, this kind of equilibrium is unstable and risks <strong>unwarranted escalation.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Keep Up the consultation Momentum:</strong> It is imperative for the two sides to cherish the hard-won relaxation, and work together to consolidate the progress, keep up the consultation momentum, further ease the situation, and improve the border management and control mechanisms.</li>
<li>Both nations need to master the four keys of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leading:</strong> It means to reach consensus and guide the direction of the development of bilateral relations under the guidance of leaders from both nations.</li>
<li><strong>Transmitting:</strong> It means to transmit the <strong>leaders&rsquo; consensus to all levels</strong> and translate it into tangible cooperation and outcomes.</li>
<li><strong>Shaping:</strong> It means to go beyond the mode of managing differences, shape bilateral relations actively and accumulate positive momentum.</li>
<li><strong>Integrating:</strong> It means to strengthen <strong>exchanges and cooperation,</strong> promote <strong>convergence</strong> of interests and achieve common development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mutual Development:</strong> As two big emerging economies, China and India need to pursue development alongside each other, move forward in partnership instead of hindrance, and work together for shared progress rather than erecting walls against each other.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India does not have the option of shying away from Chinese policy toward it. Only a combination of bravery and wisdom can succeed in this long-drawn-out crisis.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f7ff;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Without a demonstration of military deterrence and resolve, an aggressive and expansive China cannot be persuaded into dismantling its bunkers and semi-permanent structures across LAC. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 9199,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Indo-US Nuclear-Deal ',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the former <strong>foreign secretary of India</strong>, Vijay Gokhale in his book claimed that the <strong>Left parties in India were influenced by China</strong> in their decision to <strong>oppose the Indo-US nuclear deal.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although with the<strong> Indo-US nuclear agreement</strong>, India got a<strong> special <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsg-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG)</a></strong> waiver, the progress of <strong>Greenfield projects is slow.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Greenfield Projects:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A greenfield project is one which is <strong>not constrained by prior work.</strong></li>
<li>It is constructed on <strong>unused land</strong> where there is no need to remodel or demolish an existing structure. Such projects are often covered by engineers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Nuclear Supplier Group</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons</strong> through the implementation of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.</li>
<li>It was <strong>created following the explosion in 1974</strong> of a nuclear device by a non-nuclear-weapon State <strong>(India)</strong>, which demonstrated that nuclear technology transferred for peaceful purposes could be misused.</li>
<li>The grouping has <strong>48 participating governments</strong> and the NSG Guidelines are implemented by each member in accordance with its national laws and practices. The <strong>NSG takes decisions by consensus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The U.S. long considered India to be the leader of the non-aligned camp (<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non- Aligned Movement</strong></a>) and held that it was <strong>tilting toward the USSR</strong> and, later, toward Russia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India<strong> purchased most of its weapons from Russia</strong>, and it had a <strong>pseudo-socialist economic regime.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>U.S. tilted toward Pakistan</strong> throughout the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> and in the years that followed.</li>
<li>However, following the <strong>rise of China</strong>, the George W.Bush administration<strong> (US) decided to lure India into the West&rsquo;s camp</strong> and draw on it to help contain China.</li>
<li>The <strong>US</strong> therefore <strong>offered India civil nuclear technology and access to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/illegal-sale-of-uranium" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uranium</a></strong>, the fuel it needed for nuclear power reactors.</li>
<li>The Indian government agreed to sign a <strong>123 Agreement (or the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement).</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Indo-US nuclear cooperation agreement</strong> was signed <strong>in 2008</strong>, that gave a fillip to the ties between the two nations, which since then have been on an upswing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-US nuclear deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NSG Waiver:</strong> A major aspect of the <strong>Indo-US nuclear deal</strong> was the <strong>Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)</strong> gave a special waiver to India that enabled it to sign cooperation agreements with a dozen countries.</li>
<li><strong>Separate Programmes:</strong> It <strong>enabled India to separate its civilian</strong> and <strong>military programmes</strong> and placed its civilian nuclear facilities under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)</strong></a> safeguards.</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of Technology</strong>: It <strong>refrains India from transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technologies to states</strong> that do not have them and India should also support international efforts to limit their spread.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of the Deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Deals with Other Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Post waiver, <strong>India signed nuclear cooperation agreements</strong> for peaceful means with the US, France, Russia, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Korea.</li>
<li>Following the pacts, there have been <strong>specific agreements for import of uranium</strong> from France, Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada and Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recognition to India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It gave <strong>India the recognition of being a responsible nuclear weapon state</strong> with strong non-proliferation credentials.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthened Indo-US Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It gave a <strong>fillip to the ties between the two nations</strong>, which since then have been on an upswing.</li>
<li>It also <strong>gave fillip to military cooperation leading to expanded defence trade; increased energy cooperation</strong>, including on renewables technology since 2014.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technological Development:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India developed <strong>Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)</strong>, which are <strong>currently the backbone of the Indian nuclear power generation.</strong></li>
<li>PHWR is a <strong>nuclear power reactor</strong>, commonly using unenriched natural uranium as its fuel. It uses heavy water (Deuterium oxide D2O) as its coolant and moderator.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Uranium Import:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indo-US nuclear deal enabled India to <strong>import Uranium from different countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Liability:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Westinghouse went into <strong>major cost overruns leading</strong> to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/understanding-financial=-crisis-of-2007-08" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>financial crisis 2008-09</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Amidst this, the Westinghouse&rsquo;s new buyers have already <strong>diluted the arrangement in India.</strong></li>
<li>They <strong>will not construct the nuclear power project in India</strong> and will only supply reactors and components because of which it would take nearly another 10 years to construct a reactor in India.</li>
<li>Given this, in case of a Fukushima-type nuclear accident in India, the <strong>liability that U.S. companies would carry is highly uncertain.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's requirements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s own requirements from the India-U.S. civil nuclear deal have <strong>changed considerably.</strong></li>
<li>Also India has also found <strong>much more comfort in its existing agreement with Russia&rsquo;s Atomstroyexport.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Another issue relates to the <strong>cost that India is prepared to pay</strong> for nuclear energy through foreign collaborations.</li>
<li>Indo-French negotiations for six 1,650 MW European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) in Maharashtra&rsquo;s Jaitapur are delayed over the <strong>differences between the Department of Atomic Energy and French electricity utility EDF</strong> which pertains to arriving at the <strong>cost per unit.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Status of Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The US has been discussing the <strong>sale of nuclear reactors to India</strong> since the 2008 pact, two <strong>subsequent agreements were signed only in 2016 and 2019.</strong></li>
<li>A <strong>project proposal</strong> to set up <strong>six reactors in collaboration</strong> with <strong>Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC)</strong> has been announced, but work is yet to begin.</li>
<li>Another major project involving the <strong>French state-owned operator Areva</strong>, which was subsequently taken over by the <strong>French electricity utility EDF is also delayed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has submitted an offer to <strong>Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited</strong> to supply engineering studies and equipment for the construction of six reactors in Jaitapur, Maharashtra .</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite the<strong> historic nuclear deal (2008), civilian nuclear cooperation</strong> has not taken off. In international politics, there are <strong>no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.</strong> In such a scenario India must continue to pursue its foreign policy of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic hedging</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India-US relation remains critical for the shaping of world order in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<strong> In order to realise the full potential of relations, the two governments must now strive to complete the unfinished agreements</strong> and set the course for a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-years-later-very-little-progress-on-n-deal-projects-7440579/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 9057,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Bangladesh Commercial Railway Link Restored',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Bangladesh and India started <strong>regular operation of freight trains through the restored Haldibari-Chilahati rail route after over 50 years,</strong> which will strengthen railway connectivity and bilateral trade between the two countries.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link is one such route that was operational till 1965.</li>
<li>Another rail link, between<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agartala-akhaura-rail-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Agartala-Akhaura</strong></a>, is scheduled to open by the end of 2021.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1627973525_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1627973525_image9.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>After the Partition in 1947, seven rail links were operational</strong> between India and Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) <strong>until 1965.</strong></li>
<li>Presently, there are <strong>Five rail links</strong> between Bangladesh and India that are<strong> operational.</strong></li>
<li>They are Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India)-Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India)-Birol (Bangladesh), Haldibari (India)-Chilahati (Bangladesh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Haldibari-Chilahati route is <strong>expected to enhance the connectivity to Assam and West Bengal from Bangladesh.</strong></li>
<li>It will enhance rail network access to the main ports and dry ports to<strong> support the growth in regional trade</strong> to encourage economic and social development of the region.</li>
<li>Common people and businessmen of both countries will be able to reap the benefit of both goods and passenger traffic, once passenger trains are planned in this route.</li>
<li>Economic activities (including tourist activities) of these South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this new rail link.</li>
<li>The 75-kilometre long track <strong>will also help better integrate the rest of the country with the Siliguri corridor,</strong> also known as the<strong> 'Chicken's Neck.'</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The corridor connects India with the North-eastern states, which has witnessed growing aggressiveness from another neighbouring country of China in recent times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Indo-Bangladesh Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fifty years ago, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bangladesh-liberation-war-1971" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bangladesh Liberation War</strong></a> in 1971 had added the colours of victory for India as it led the charge towards the formation of the new nation of Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Joint exercises:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sampriti-ix" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAMPRITI</strong> </a>(Army).</li>
<li><strong>TABLE TOP</strong> (Air).</li>
<li><strong>IN-BN CORPAT</strong> (Navy).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-bongosagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Bongosagar</strong></a> (Navy).</li>
<li><strong>SAMVEDNA</strong> (Multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and UAE)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Border Management:</strong> India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km. of border, which is the longest land boundary that India shares with any of its neighbours.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bangladesh is India&rsquo;s largest trading partner in the sub-continent</strong> with the total bilateral trade between the two nations <strong>standing at $9.5 billion (2019-20), down compared to the previous fiscal (2018-19),</strong> having crossed $10 billion.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s exports</strong> to Bangladesh account for <strong>more than 85%</strong> of the total bilateral trade.</li>
<li>In December 2020, to further boost the bilateral trade cooperation, an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Bangladesh CEO&rsquo;s Forum</strong> </a>was launched.</li>
<li>Bangladesh has appreciated the Duty-Free and Quota Free access given to Bangladeshi exports to India under <strong>South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)</strong> since 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In March 2021, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharat-bangla-maitri-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maitri Setu&ndash;a 1.9 km bridge</strong></a> built over Feni river joining Sabroom in India and Ramgarh in Bangladesh was inaugurated.</li>
<li>Protocol on<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protocol-on-inland-water-transit-and-trade#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Protocol%20on,transit%20and%20inter%20country%20trade." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Inland Water Transit and Trade</strong> </a>(PIWTT).</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement</strong> is in pipeline.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Partnership on Multilateral forums:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation</a></strong> (SAARC).</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation</strong></a> (BIMSTEC).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> (IORA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Line of Credit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LOC) to Bangladesh in the last 8 years <strong>amounting to $8 billion for development of infrastructure</strong> in sectors including roads, railways, shipping and ports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh is the biggest recipient of<strong> Made-in-India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> vaccine doses,</strong> accounting for <strong>16% of the total supplies.</strong></li>
<li>India also offered collaboration in therapeutics and partnership in vaccine production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging Disputes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh has already raised concerns over roll out of the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Register of Citizens (NRC)</strong> </a>in Assam, an exercise carried out to identify genuine Indian citizens living in Assam and weed out illegal Bangladeshis.</li>
<li>Currently, Bangladesh is an active partner of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</strong></a> that Delhi has not signed up to.</li>
<li>In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a major recipient of Chinese military inventory, including submarines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There should be efforts to resolve pending issues concerning sharing of waters, resolving continental shelf issues in the Bay of Bengal, bringing down border incidents to zero, and managing the media.</li>
<li>Regular exchanges between younger entrepreneurs and civil society based on areas such as culture, music, sports, films, and sharing of best practices in sustainable development, human capital development, gender equitable growth, amongst others, needs to be pursued.</li>
<li>Increasing tourist footfall at select border locations from both sides and facilitating a mechanism of exchange through the creation of a common entertainment zone at the border can help strengthen the camaraderie.</li>
<li>There is a need to jointly work towards a new paradigm of security at the shared borders. A paradigm that enables borders to be not merely thick lines which demarcate national boundaries but act as &ldquo;connector zones&rdquo; for inclusive growth and prosperity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/commercial-services-restored-on-railway-link-between-india-and-bangladesh-7433513/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'US Secretary of State’s Visit to India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, in his <strong>visit to India, the US Secretary of State</strong> mentioned that <strong>actions by India and the US will shape the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The visit <strong>reciprocates</strong> the visit by India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eam-s-visit-to-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>External Affairs Minister (EAM) to the US in May 2021.</strong></a></li>
<li>The US Secretary of State and India&rsquo;s EAM have also had <strong>detailed conversations</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/47th-g7-summit-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UK (at the G7 meeting)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-foreign-ministers-meeting#:~:text=Recently%2C%20Italy%20hosted%20the%20G,in%20Italy%20in%20October%2C%202021." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Italy (at the G20 meeting).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Major Discussions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is<strong> no military solution to the conflict,</strong> and that taking over the country by force would not help the Taliban gain the international recognition or legitimacy it desires, including the lifting of sanctions and travel bans against the Taliban leadership.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India mentioned <strong>Pakistan was an exception to the consensus for a peaceful political settlement.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An<strong> Afghanistan that did not respect the rights of its people,</strong> and an Afghanistan that committed atrocities against its own people<strong> would not be part of the global community.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Afghanistan <strong>has to be inclusive and fully representative of Afghan people.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both share a vision of free, open, secure and prosperous <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific.</strong></a></li>
<li>Highlighted cooperation in the Indo-Pacific as part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-leaders-summit-quad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>QUAD (Quadrilateral Framework)</strong></a> with Japan and Australia, and clarified that QUAD is not a military alliance at all.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid- Vaccination:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Discussed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-first-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad&rsquo;s initiative</strong></a> to provide Indian-made <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccination" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-vaccines</strong></a> in the Indo-Pacific region.</li>
<li>The <strong>US announced a USD 25-million grant for India&rsquo;s vaccine programme,</strong> and promised to strengthen <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-supports-india-in-covid-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vaccine supply chains</strong> </a>to enhance production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/leaders-summit-on-climate#:~:text=About%3A,circumstances%20and%20sustainable%20development%20priorities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership</strong></a> launched in April 2021, the two sides intend to launch a new climate action and finance mobilisation dialogue and relaunch the strategic clean energy partnership.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>US&rsquo; Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Termed the<strong> Indo-US relationship as one of the most important partnerships in the world.</strong></li>
<li>Both share <strong>a commitment to democratic values</strong> which is part of the<strong> bedrock of their relationship</strong> and reflective of<strong> India&rsquo;s pluralistic society and history of harmony.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both believe in<strong> human dignity,</strong> in <strong>equality of opportunity,</strong> the <strong>rule of law, fundamental freedoms,</strong> including freedom of religion and belief.</li>
<li>People deserve to have a voice in their government and be treated with respect no matter who they are.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cited<strong> business cooperation, educational engagement, religious and spiritual ties and ties between millions of families</strong> as some of the <strong>key pillars of the overall relationship.</strong></li>
<li>Referred to the<strong> rising global threats to democracy</strong> and international freedoms and talked about<strong> democratic recession (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-bill-to-put-sanction-on-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human Rights Issues in China</a>),</strong> noting that it is <strong>vital for India and the US to continue to stand together</strong> in support of these ideals.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/inter-faith-marriage-personal-liberty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Inter&shy;religious relations</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/freedom-of-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>media freedom</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farmers' protests</strong></a>, <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/16-11-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>love 'jihad&rsquo;</strong></a> violence and minority rights were part of the discussion that the US Secretary of State had with a group of people, including a representative of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/next-dalai-lama" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dalai Lama.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India-US bilateral ties have<strong> enhanced to a level that enables the two nations to deal collaboratively with larger issues.</strong></li>
<li>Welcomes <strong>US&rsquo; strong commitment to strengthen the India-US strategic partnership</strong> that is anchored in shared democratic values and is a force for global good.</li>
<li>Responded to the US concerns on the issues with a number of points, making it clear that the <strong>quest for a more perfect democracy applied to both the US and India.</strong></li>
<li>India&rsquo;s policies of the last few years had been to right wrongs done historically, and that <strong>while freedoms are important, they should not be equated with the lack of governance&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current State of India-US Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defence:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and US inked<strong> important defence pacts</strong> in the last few years and also <strong>formalised the four nation alliance of QUAD.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The alliance is seen as an important counter to China in the Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar exercise</strong></a> in November 2020 portrayed a high point in Indo-US strategic ties, it was the<strong> first time in 13 years that all four countries of QUAD came together</strong> sending a strong message to China.</li>
<li><strong>India now has access to american</strong> <strong>bases</strong> from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/djibouti-code-of-conduct" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Djibouti in Africa</strong></a> to Guam in the Pacific. It can also access advanced communication technology used in US defence.</li>
<li>India an US have <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>four foundational defence agreements</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).</strong></a></li>
<li>General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).</li>
<li>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The previous US government <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-withdraws-gsp-for-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ended India&rsquo;s special trade status (GSP withdrawal)</strong></a> and also imposed several bans, India also retaliated with bans on 28 US products.</li>
<li>Current<strong> US government has allowed all the bans by the previous government to expire.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Diaspora:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>growing presence of Indian diaspora in all spheres in the US.</strong> For example the current Vice-President (Kamala Harris) of the US has a strong Indian connection.</li>
<li>There are <strong>several Indian origin people holding strong leadership positions in the current US administration.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When the US was reeling under a deadly<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reasons-for-rising-covid-19-infections-second-wave" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid</strong> </a>wave last year, <strong>India rushed important medical supplies and eased export restrictions to help the country.</strong></li>
<li>Initially the US showed hesitancy in returning the favour when India needed it, however the <strong>US quickly changed its stance and rushed supplies to India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a<strong> huge potential to boost bilateral trade between the countries</strong> especially on account of increasing<strong> anti-China sentiment in both the nations.</strong></li>
<li>Thus, the negotiation should <strong>focus on the resolution of various non-tariff barriers</strong> and other market access improvements as early as possible.</li>
<li>In order to counter China in the maritime domain, <strong>India needs to fully engage with the US and other partners in the Indo-pacific region,</strong> in order to preserve the freedom of navigation and the rules-based order.</li>
<li>In international politics, <strong>there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.</strong> In such a scenario India must continue to pursue its foreign policy of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic hedging.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-democracy-is-powered-by-its-freethinking-citizens-blinken/article35583397.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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