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5th India – Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

Why in News Recently, the 5th Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully held through a video...

21 Jan 2021 International Relations
India- Sri Lanka

Why in News Recently, the Government of Srilanka decided to rebuild a demolished memorial at Jaffna University after the High Commissioner of...

19 Jan 2021 International Relations
India-Nepal Joint Commission Meet

Why in News Recently, the 6th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting was held where in Nepal raised the Kalapani boundary dispute with India. The two...

19 Jan 2021 International Relations
47th G7 Summit

Why in News The United Kingdom has invited Indian Prime Minister as a guest to attend the 47th G7 summit that is scheduled to be held in June...

18 Jan 2021 International Relations
Russia Pulls Out Of Open Skies Treaty

Why in News Recently, Russia pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty (OST) citing earlier withdrawal of the USA from the treaty. According to Russia,...

18 Jan 2021 International Relations
Indian Diaspora

This article is based on “The diaspora dilemma” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 10/01/2021. It talks about the Importance...

16 Jan 2021 International Relations
India & Oman

Why in News Recently, a meeting of the India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group (IOSCG) was held with the first high-level official visit from Oman...

16 Jan 2021 International Relations
Kashmir Debate in UK’s Parliament

Why in News Recently, India has expressed its concern over a debate on Kashmir in the Houses of Parliament complex in London. Earlier in october...

16 Jan 2021 International Relations
India’s NSA Visit to Afghanistan

Why in News Recently, the National Security Advisor (NSA) of India visited Afghanistan for talks on strategic issues with the leadership in...

15 Jan 2021 International Relations
India as Counterbalance to China: USA

Why in News Recently, the Trump administration declassified a document which asserted that a strong India, in cooperation with like-minded...

15 Jan 2021 International Relations
SAARC Revival

This article is based on “Reclaiming SAARC from the ashes of 2020” which was published in The Hindu on 13/01/2021. It talks about the...

14 Jan 2021 International Relations
USA Redesignates Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism

Why in News Recently, the USA State Department has designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeatedly providing support for acts of...

14 Jan 2021 International Relations
India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges

Why in News India, for the eighth time, has entered the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)as a non-permanent member recently. It will stay on...

13 Jan 2021 International Relations
Indian Foreign Policy In 2021

This article is based on “Reframing India’s foreign policy priorities” which was published in The Hindu on 12/01/2021. It talks...

12 Jan 2021 International Relations
China’s Rising Influence in South Asia

Why in News China has held its third multilateral dialogue virtually with countries from South Asia to take forward closer cooperation on fighting...

11 Jan 2021 International Relations
Political Crisis in Nepal

This article is based on “What India should, and shouldn’t, do in Nepal” which was published in The Hindustan Times on...

09 Jan 2021 International Relations
Japan Provides Loan to India

Why in News India and Japan signed an agreement for a loan of up to 50 billion yen (about Rs. 3,550 crore) to back India’s economic support...

09 Jan 2021 International Relations
India-Mongolia Relations

Why in News Recently, India and Mongolia have reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors. Key Points India reiterated...

09 Jan 2021 International Relations
Helping Hand to Sri Lanka

Why in News An India-funded free ambulance service is playing a vital role in Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 response. Key...

07 Jan 2021 International Relations
Changing World Order, India & UNSC

This article is based on “India’s UNSC opportunity” which was published in The Indian Express on 05/01/2021. It talks about the...

06 Jan 2021 International Relations

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		'title' => '5th India – Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>5<sup>th</sup> Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD)</strong> between <strong>India and Singapore</strong> was successfully held through a video conferencing.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611231329_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611231329_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="559" height="559" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Agreement Signed :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation</strong> between the two Navies was signed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bilateral Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both the countries conveyed their full support towards the early conclusion of agreements to <strong>facilitate conduct of live firings and to establish reciprocal arrangements for the cross-attendance of military courses.</strong></li>
<li>They welcomed the initiatives to expand bilateral defence cooperation including the implementing agreement on<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tiger-triumph" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)</strong></a> cooperation in August 2020.</li>
<li>The<strong> cyber agencies</strong> of both armed forces have also <strong>stepped up engagements.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries exchanged views on the impact of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> on the defence and security engagements, including the best practices adopted by their Armed Forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Exercises:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both the countries successfully conducted the <strong>27<sup>th</sup> edition of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-20th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)</a></strong> and also participated in the second edition of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trilateral-maritime-exercise-sitmex-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX)</strong></a>, both held in November 2020.</li>
<li>These <strong>exercises enhance interoperability</strong> amongst the navies and<strong> underscore the shared responsibility</strong> of the countries to <strong>work together to keep sea lines of communications open.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India<strong> conveyed gratitude</strong> for the role of the<strong> Singapore Armed Forces,</strong> in supporting foreign workers, many of whom were Indian Nationals, at the peak of pandemic.</li>
<li>India reaffirmed <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</strong></a> centrality in the regional security architecture and pledged India&rsquo;s support to all endeavours of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Singapore&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Singapore complimented India&rsquo;s successes in bringing down the overall numbers of <strong>Covid-19 cases</strong> despite challenges of scale in terms of geography and population.</li>
<li>It also expressed <strong>support for India&rsquo;s upcoming co-chairmanship</strong> of the <strong>ADMM-Plus Experts&rsquo; Working Group on HADR.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Singapore</strong> has been <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/henley-passport-index-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ranked 2<sup>nd</sup></strong></a> in the most powerful passport report<strong> &lsquo;Henley Passport Index 2021&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/singapore-convention-on-mediation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first UN treaty to be named after Singapore</strong></a>, the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (or, <strong>Singapore Convention on Mediation</strong>) recently came into force.</li>
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unesco-list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-of-humanity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hawker Culture in Singapore</strong></a> was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 15<sup>th</sup> session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India-Singapore Relation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defence and Security Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Singapore share <strong>similar concerns</strong> about<strong> the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism</strong> and have found it mutually beneficial to evolve a broad framework of security cooperation.</li>
<li>Singapore participates in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-november-2018#:~:text=IONS%20is%20a%20voluntary%20initiative,of%20regionally%20relevant%20maritime%20issues." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)</strong></a> and multilateral Exercise<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/naval-exercise-milan-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> MILAN</strong></a> hosted by Indian Navy.</li>
<li>Singapore&rsquo;s membership of <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> and India&rsquo;s membership of ADDM+ (ASEAN Defence Ministers&rsquo; Meeting - Plus) <strong>provides a platform for both countries to coordinate positions</strong> on regional issues of mutual concern.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Science &amp; Technology Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)</strong></a> launched Singapore&rsquo;s first indigenously built micro-satellite in 2011, 2 more in 2014 and 6 in 2015.</li>
<li>In June 2018, both the countries signed six Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>, <strong>machine learning, cognitive computing and big data analytics</strong> to improve<strong> healthcare, cybersecurity, automation, mobility, smart energy systems and e-governance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Singapore is<strong> India&rsquo;s 2<sup>nd</sup> largest trade partner</strong> among ASEAN countries.</li>
<li><strong>Total <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</a></strong> from Singapore into India was <strong>USD 73.3 billion</strong> (till June 2018) which was 19% of total FDI inflow.</li>
<li>The <strong>outward Indian FDI to Singapore was USD 62.9 billion</strong> (till August 2018), making Singapore one of the top destinations for Indian investments.</li>
<li>In 2018, the High Commission of India also launched a<strong> startup engagement platform, India-Singapore Entrepreneurship Bridge (InSpreneur).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure and Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> Singapore is directly connected to 18 Indian cities by 8 airlines, there are now <strong>308 weekly services (616 weekly flights) by Indian and Singaporean airlines.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Smart Cities</strong></a>: A consortium of Singapore companies is developing<strong> Amaravati, the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh.</strong> Singapore is also working with Rajasthan in preparing Concept Plans for <strong>townships in Udaipur and Jodhpur;</strong> with Himachal Pradesh for developing an integrated <strong>township of Greater Shimla;</strong> and with Maharashtra for <strong>development of Orange Smart City and master planning of Pune Metropolitan Region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Singapore&rsquo;s large Indian diaspora through a number of cultural societies and Singapore&rsquo;s official support sustains a<strong> high level of cultural activity in Singapore.</strong></li>
<li>They celebrated the 4<sup>th</sup><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Day of Yoga (IDY)</strong></a> through 173 yoga sessions and attended by approx. 8000 people.</li>
<li>Even on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary</strong></a>, celebrations were launched with a projection of Gandhiji&rsquo;s video on the world&rsquo;s largest HD video screen at Suntec Convention Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ethnic Indians constitute about <strong>9.1% or around 3.5 lakhs of the resident population of 3.9 million in Singapore.</strong></li>
<li><strong>ASEAN-India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pravasi-bharatiya-divas#:~:text=Pravasi%20Bharatiya%20Divas%20(PBD)%20is,ko%20Janiye%20Quiz%20are%20organised." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)</a></strong> was held in Singapore on 6-7 January 2018 as part of commemoration of 25 years of <strong>ASEAN-India Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1690391#:~:text=The%205th%20Defence%20Ministers,defence%20partnership%20over%20the%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India- Sri Lanka',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of Srilanka decided to rebuild a demolished memorial at <strong>Jaffna University</strong> after the High Commissioner of India&rsquo;s concerns.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The demolition of a memorial paying tribute to Tamil civilians killed during the civil war between LTTE and the Sri Lankan Army in 2009 has brought attention to unaddressed issues of <strong>minority rights</strong> of Tamilians in Srilanka again in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Srilanka relations</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611051412_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611051412_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Issues of Tamilians in Srilanka</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Denial of Citizenship:</strong> The problem of the Srilankan Tamils began earlier than the 1950s. After independence in 1948 the <strong>Srilankan government felt that the Tamils were not Srilankan</strong> because they had Indian ancestry. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The majority of the Tamils were<strong> denied Srilankan citizenship</strong> due to which most of the Tamils continued to live in poverty in the tea estates of Srilanka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Linguistic Discrimination:</strong> The conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka started in 1956 when <strong>Sinhala was made the official language</strong> by the country's President and large scale discrimination began against the Tamils.</li>
<li><strong>Religious Discrimination:</strong> The discrimination against the Tamil population continued throughout the 1960s as <strong>Buddhism was given the primary place in the state</strong> and the number of Tamils employed by the state and admitted into institutions of higher learning was greatly restricted.</li>
<li><strong>Intensified Movements:</strong> During this period the Tamils responded to their oppression largely through a political and a non-violent protest movement. In the 1970s, however, there was an increased trend towards Tamil separatism and militancy that gave rise to a terrorist organization called LTTE.</li>
<li><strong>Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE):</strong> It was formed in 1976 as the self-styled "national freedom movement of the people of Tamil Eelam" and began a guerilla war on the government and administration. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It undertook numerous terrorist activities in Srilanka especially against the Sinhalese and executed the<strong> assassination of Rajiv Gandhi (the ex Prime Minister of India).</strong></li>
<li>After a long strife, and millions of casualties, the civil war with LTTE ended in 2009. India played an important role in helping Srilankan to uproot terrorism from its homeland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rehabilitation of Refugees:</strong> A lot of Srilankan Tamils who evaded from Srilankan civil war (2009) are seeking refuge in Tamil Nadu. They are not returning in fear of being targeted again. It is a challenge for India to rehabilitate them.</li>
<li><strong>Sentiments of Indian Tamils:</strong> A number of protests and criticism is drawn at the end of Indian Government for overlooking the plight of Srilankan Tamils to maintain good relationship with Srilanka.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic interests vs Tamil question:</strong> Often India has to trade off on the question of Tamilian minority rights over strategic issues to protect its economic interests in its neighborhood and to counter Chinese influence in Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India - Sri Lanka Confidence Building Measures: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Currency Swap Agreements: <a href="/printpdf/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Reserve Bank of India</a></strong> (RBI) had signed an agreement for extending a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-signs-currency-swap-for-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> USD 400 million currency swap</strong></a> facility to Sri Lanka to boost the foreign reserves and ensure financial stability of the country, which is badly hit by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li><strong>High Level Exchanges:</strong> Political relations between India and Sri Lanka have been marked by high-level exchanges of visits at regular intervals.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Support against Terrorism:</strong> During the course of the civil war, India supported the right of the Government of Sri Lanka to act against terrorist forces.</li>
<li><strong>The Indian Housing Project:</strong> It is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship project of developmental assistance to Sri Lanka. Its initial commitment is to build 50,000 houses for those affected by the civil war as well as for the estate workers in the plantation areas.</li>
<li><strong>Addressing Fishermen Issue:</strong> Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the <strong>Palk Straits</strong> and the <strong>Gulf of Mannar</strong>, incidents of straying of fishermen are common. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries have agreed on certain practical arrangements to deal with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fishermen-issue-with-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> issue of bona fide fishermen</strong> </a>of either side crossing the <strong>International Maritime Boundary Line.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Exercises:</strong> India and Sri Lanka conduct joint Military (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-mitra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mitra Shakti</strong></a>) and Naval exercise (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SLINEX</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Participation in Groupings:</strong> Sri Lanka is also a member of regional groupings like <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong> </a>(Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and<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>in which India plays a leading role.</li>
<li><strong>SAGAR:</strong> Srilanka supports India&rsquo;s concern for the security of Indian ocean with its &lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo; policy and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lucknow-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Line of Credit:</strong> India has extended a $400 million line of credit to Sri Lanka to help strengthen its infrastructure and economy. An additional $50 million to help Sri Lanka combat terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-intervened-on-jaffna-varsity-memorial-issue/article33594886.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7498,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Nepal Joint Commission Meet',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>6<sup>th</sup> India-Nepal Joint Commission</strong> meeting was held where in Nepal raised the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalapani boundary dispute</strong> </a>with India. The two sides also <strong>discussed cooperation in a range of areas,</strong> including power, oil and gas, water resources, capacity building and tourism among others.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India distanced itself from discussing the matter at the Joint Commission level as there is a <strong>dedicated Foreign Secretary-level mechanism to discuss boundary disputes.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nepal&rsquo;s requirement for vaccines to fight the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-vaccine-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic was discussed as it has approved<strong> Serum Institute of India&rsquo;s</strong> (SII) <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covishield vaccine.</strong></a></li>
<li>Both the delegations reviewed the development partnership and discussed the benefit of the <strong>Integrated Check Posts (ICP) at Birgunj and Biratnagar</strong> (Nepal). The Posts have helped in seamless movement of people and trade between the two countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Third and Fourth ICP at Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa respectively to be started.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India to build <strong>two cultural heritage projects in Nepal</strong> on the<strong> &lsquo;Pashupatinath Riverfront Development&rsquo;</strong> and the<strong> &lsquo;Bhandarkhal Garden Restoration in Patan Durbar&rsquo;</strong> through grant assistance.</li>
<li>Nepal&rsquo;s Foreign Minister also delivered a speech in<strong> Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Council of World Affairs was established in <strong>1943 as a think tank.</strong> It is devoted exclusively for the <strong>study of international relations and foreign affairs.&nbsp;</strong>The <strong>Vice President of India</strong> is the <strong>ex-officio President of ICWA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Nepal Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy because of the <strong>geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries.</strong></li>
<li>India and Nepal share similar ties in terms of <strong>Hinduism and Buddhism</strong> with Buddha&rsquo;s birthplace Lumbini located in present day Nepal.</li>
<li>The two countries not only share an open border and unhindered movement of people, but they also have <strong>close bonds through marriages and familial ties, popularly known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.</strong></li>
<li>The India-Nepal <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950</strong></a> forms the bedrock of the special relations that exist between India and Nepal.</li>
<li>Importance for India can be studied from two different angles: a) <strong>their strategic importance for India&rsquo;s national security;</strong> and b) <strong>their place in India&rsquo;s role perception in international politics.</strong></li>
<li>Rivers originating in Nepal feed the <strong>perennial river systems</strong> of India in terms of ecology and <strong>hydropower potential.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is Nepal&rsquo;s<strong> largest trade partner</strong> and the<strong> largest source of foreign investments,</strong> besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nepal being a landlocked country, it is surrounded by India from three sides and one side is open towards Tibet which has very<strong> limited vehicular access.</strong></li>
<li>India-Nepal has undertaken various <strong>connectivity programs</strong> to enhance people-to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MOUs have been signed between both the governments for laying electric <strong>rail track linking Kathmandu with Raxaul</strong> in India.</li>
<li>India is looking to develop the<strong> inland waterways</strong> for the movement of cargo, within the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional access to sea for Nepal calling it linking <strong>Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian Ocean).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to Nepalese Army in its modernization through provision of equipment and training.</li>
<li>The <strong>Gorkha Regiments</strong> of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal.</li>
<li>India from 2011, every year undertakes joint military exercise with Nepal known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/surya-kiran-xiv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Surya Kiran.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There have been initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the area of art &amp; culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.</li>
<li>India has signed three <strong>sister-city agreements</strong> for twinning of<strong> Kathmandu-Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Humanitarian Assistance</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nepal lies in a sensitive ecological fragile zone which is prone to earthquakes, floods causing massive damage to both life and money, whereby it remains the biggest recipient of India&rsquo;s humanitarian assistance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Partnership</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Nepal share multiple multilateral forums such as<strong> BBIN</strong> (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Aligned Movement</strong></a>, <strong>and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAARC</a></strong> (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues &amp; Challenges</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Intervention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a landlocked nation, Nepal depended for many years on Indian imports, and India played an active role in Nepal's affairs.</li>
<li>However, in recent years, Nepal has <strong>drifted away from India's influence,</strong> and China has gradually filled the space with investments, aid and loans.</li>
<li>China considers Nepal a key partner in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a> (BRI), and wants to<strong> invest in Nepal's infrastructure</strong> as part of its grand plans to boost global trade.</li>
<li>Rising Nepal and China cooperation can undermine Nepal&rsquo;s distinction of <strong>buffer state</strong> between India and China.</li>
<li>China on the other hand wants to avoid the formation of any <strong>Anti-China stance by the Tibetans living in Nepal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Border Dispute:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>issue erupted in November 2019</strong> </a>when Nepal had released a new political map that claims <strong>Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of Nepal&rsquo;s territory.</strong> The area of <strong>Susta</strong> (West Champaran district, Bihar) can also be noted in the new map.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India should negotiate diplomatically to resolve the boundary dispute with Nepal under the aegis of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-nepal-territorial-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International law on Trans-boundary Water Disputes</strong></a>. In this case, boundary dispute resolution between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-bangladesh-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh should serve as a model</strong></a>.</li>
<li>India should engage more proactively with Nepal in terms of <strong>people to people engagement, bureaucratic engagement as well as political interactions.</strong></li>
<li>Mere <strong>differences shall not turn into disputes</strong> and both the countries should resolve the issues peacefully.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nepal-raises-boundary-issue-with-india-in-joint-commission-meeting/article33582802.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7489,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '47th G7 Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>United Kingdom</strong> has invited Indian Prime Minister as a guest to attend the 47<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-7-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G7 summit</strong> </a>that is scheduled to be held in<strong> June 2021.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Other Guest Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from India, <strong>Australia and South Korea</strong> are also invited to participate in the proceedings of the summit as<strong> &ldquo;guest countries&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UK, India &amp; G7:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UK was the first<strong> P5 member</strong> to support a permanent <strong>UN Security Council seat for India</strong> and the first G7 member to invite India to a <strong>G7 Summit in 2005.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The proposed summit will be the<strong> first in-person G-7 summit in almost two years. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unite leading democracies to help the world <strong>build back better</strong> from the coronavirus and create a<strong> greener, more prosperous future.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Group of Seven (G-7)</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610969562_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610969562_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an intergovernmental organisation that was formed in<strong> 1975.</strong></li>
<li>The bloc <strong>meets annually to discuss issues of common interest like global economic governance, international security and energy policy.</strong></li>
<li>The G-7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during annual summits are non-binding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>G-7 is a bloc of <strong>industrialized democracies i.e. France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, and Canada.</strong></li>
<li>The G7 was known as the &lsquo;G8&rsquo; for several years after the original seven were joined by <strong>Russia in 1997.</strong></li>
<li>The Group returned to being called G7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter&rsquo;s annexation of the <strong>Crimea region of Ukraine</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Summit Participation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Summits are held annually and hosted on a rotation basis by the group's members.</li>
<li>The groundwork for the summit, including matters to be discussed and follow-up meetings, is<strong> done by the &ldquo;sherpas&rdquo;,</strong> who are generally personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors.</li>
<li>The leaders of important international organizations like <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>,<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> IMF</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> <strong>and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> are also invited.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges and Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Policies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Internally the G7 has a number of disagreements, e.g. clash of the USA with other members over taxes on imports and action on climate change.</li>
<li>The organisation has also been <strong>criticised for not reflecting the current state of global politics or economics.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Not Representative:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are no G7 members from Africa, Latin America or the southern hemisphere.</li>
<li>It is also facing a challenge from fast-growing emerging economies, like <strong>India and Brazil are not members of the G7.</strong></li>
<li>However, G-20 was formed in 1999, in response to a felt need to bring more countries on board to address global economic concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and G-7</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Previous Participation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The participation of India at the<strong> 45<sup>th</sup> summit in Biarritz, France,</strong> in <strong>August 2019</strong> is a reflection of deepening strategic partnership and recognition of India as a major economic power.</li>
<li>India was also invited for the 2020 summit <strong>hosted by the USA</strong> which could not take place due to the <strong>pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>Previously India had attended the G-8 summit (it became G-7 from G-8 with the expulsion of Russia in 2014) five times between <strong>2005 and 2009.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Important Platform for Deliberations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s ability to <strong>safeguard its core sovereign concerns</strong> such as trade, Kashmir issue and India&rsquo;s relations with Russia and Iran can be discussed with G7 members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Taking on Global Stage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India raised issues on <strong>climate change</strong> and at meetings which <strong>signaled India&rsquo;s growing willingness to lead on issues</strong> that are points of contention for countries like China and the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of India at G7:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As current president of <strong>Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa</strong> (BRICS) and G20 president in 2023, India will play a<strong> key role driving in multilateral cooperation helping to build back better</strong> around the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/uk-invites-pm-modi-to-g7-summit-in-june/article33596627.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7484,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Russia Pulls Out Of Open Skies Treaty',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Russia pulled out of the <strong>Open Skies Treaty (OST)</strong> citing earlier withdrawal of the USA from the treaty.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to Russia, provisions of the pact that allows unarmed surveillance flights over member countries had been seriously compromised by the withdrawal of the United States.</li>
<li>This move was made after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-skies-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA pulled out of the Open Skies Treaty</strong></a> in November 2020, arguing that Russian violations made it untenable for the United States to remain a party.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is different from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-sky-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Sky Agreements</strong> </a>which are <strong>bilateral agreements</strong> that the two countries negotiate to provide rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services. It expands international passenger and cargo flights. Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates (UAE)</strong> has expressed interest to have an <strong>Open Sky Agreement with India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons for USA Withdrawal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Russia&rsquo;s continuous non compliance:</strong> The USA had for over a decade accused Russia of non-compliance with OST protocols, blaming Moscow of obstructing surveillance flights on its territory, while misusing its own missions for gathering key tactical data.</li>
<li><strong>OST misused to claim Ukrainian region:</strong> The USA also accused Russia of designating an airfield in the annexed Crimean Peninsula as an Open Skies refueling base as an illegal attempt by Russia to cement its claim to the Ukrainian region.</li>
<li><strong>Risk to critical infrastructures:</strong> Russia misused its flights over the USA and Europe to identify critical infrastructure for potential attack in a time of war.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Russia Withdrawal: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>USA limiting OST:</strong> Russia defends its non compliance with the OST to allow flights over Kaliningrad (Russian exclave in Eastern Europe that lies between NATO allies Lithuania and Poland) citing the example of the US imposing similar limits on flights over Alaska.</li>
<li><strong>No assurance from NATO members:</strong> After USA withdrawal from OST, Russia did not get the sought assurance from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</strong></a> allies who continued to remain on the treaty that they would not transfer data collected by their flights over Russia to Washington (USA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For European NATO members:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia&rsquo;s departure could adversely impact Washington&rsquo;s European allies, which rely on OST data to track Russian troop movements in the Baltic region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Departure from Arms control treaties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The failure of the Open Skies Treaty follows the demise of another significant arms control accord, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extending-new-start-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty</strong></a>, after both the US and Russia left it in 2019. This treaty aimed at eliminating their stocks of intermediate-range and shorter-range (or &ldquo;medium-range&rdquo;) land-based missiles which could carry nuclear warheads.</li>
<li>Withdrawal of the USA and Russia from OST has further deepened doubts on extension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-start-treaty#:~:text=Intermediate%2DRange%20Nuclear%20Forces%20Treaty&amp;text=It%20was%20a%20nuclear%20arms,which%20could%20carry%20nuclear%20warheads)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New START treaty</strong></a>, which expires in February, 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Growing mistrust between global powers could make it difficult for India to maintain good mutual relationships with both the countries if the hostility escalates in future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Open Skies Treaty (OST)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was first<strong> proposed by USA in 1955</strong> to deescalate tensions during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a>.</li>
<li>This treaty was eventually signed in 1992 <strong>between NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries</strong> following the demise of the Soviet Union. It finally came into effect in 2002.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Warsaw Pact (1955)</strong> was signed between Russia and her satellite states shortly after West Germany was admitted to NATO.</li>
<li>The Pact was a mutual defense agreement, which the Western countries perceived as a reaction against West Germany's membership of NATO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Building confidence:</strong> The OST aims at building confidence among its 34 signatories countries through mutual openness, thus reducing the chances of accidental war.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Open surveillance:</strong> Under the treaty, a member State can undertake surveillance <strong>on any part of the host nation,</strong> with the latter&rsquo;s consent. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Only <strong>approved imaging equipment</strong> is permitted on the surveillance flights.</li>
<li>Officials from the host state <strong>can also stay on board</strong> throughout the planned journey.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sharing strategic information:</strong> The information gathered, such as on<strong> troop movements, military exercises</strong> and missile deployments, <strong>has to be shared with all member States.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both<strong> US and Russia were signatories</strong> of the treaty.</li>
<li>India is <strong>not a member</strong> of this treaty.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/after-us-russia-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty/article33584683.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7480,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Indian Diaspora',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-diaspora-dilemma-hteditorial-101610294070862.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The diaspora dilemma&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 10/01/2021. It talks about the Importance and issues associated with the Indian Diaspora.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India celebrated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pravasi-bharatiya-divas#:~:text=Pravasi%20Bharatiya%20Divas%20(PBD)%20is,ko%20Janiye%20Quiz%20are%20organised." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>16<sup>th</sup> annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas</strong></a>. It is an occasion to reach out to India&rsquo;s vast diaspora, celebrate their achievements, connect them to their roots, and provide a framework for the diaspora&rsquo;s engagement with India&rsquo;s development story.</p>
<p>The diaspora&rsquo;s ability to spread Indian soft power, lobby for India&rsquo;s national interests, and contribute economically to India&rsquo;s rise is now well-recognized.</p>
<p>However, in order to leverage this <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-diaspora" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diaspora dividend</strong></a>, India needs to conduct diplomacy keeping in mind the sensitivities involved.</p>
<h3>Importance of Indian Diaspora</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enhancing India&rsquo;s Soft Power:</strong> Indian diaspora is one of the richest minorities in many developed countries. Their advantage is evident in &ldquo;diaspora diplomacy&rdquo;, whereby they act as &ldquo;bridge-builders&rdquo; between their home and adopted countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/04-06-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal</strong></a> is a case in point, as ethnic Indians in the United States successfully lobbied for the signing of the Nuclear Deal.</li>
<li>Further, the Indian diaspora is not just a part of India&rsquo;s soft power, but a fully transferable political vote bank as well.</li>
<li>Also, many people of Indian origin hold top political positions in many countries, which enhances India&rsquo;s political clout at multilateral institutions like the United Nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Contribution:</strong> Remittances sent by the Indian diaspora have positive systemic effects on the balance of payments, which help to bridge a wider trade deficit. Also, India is the highest receiver of remittances in the world.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The migration of less-skilled labor (especially to West Asia) has helped in bringing down disguised unemployment in India.</li>
<li>Further, the migrant workers facilitated the flow of tacit information, commercial and business ideas, and technologies into India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Indian Diaspora</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Role of Diaspora in Indian Democracy:</strong> Indian diaspora is a non-homogeneous group and it has different demands from the Indian Government. This also leads to negative campaigning and foreign funding.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is due to this, these demands are in conflict with the policies of the Indian government. This can be seen in the recent demonstration in support of farmers&rsquo; protests.</li>
<li>In the past, many groups of the Indian diaspora demanded nullification of Article 370 in Kashmir, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the National Register of Citizens (NRC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19:</strong> Covid-19 has triggered an anti-globalization wave, whereby many migrant workers had to return to India and now facing restrictions regarding emigration.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has led to economic hardship for both the Indian diaspora and the Indian economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Turmoil In West Asia:</strong> Despite the hype surrounding the peace deal with Israel &amp; the four Gulf countries (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accords</strong></a>), the situation in West Asia remains fluid due to prevailing tensions between Saudi-Arabia &amp; Iran.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The event of any war will lead to a massive return of Indian nationals, curtailing remittances, and making demands on the job market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulatory Cholesterol:</strong> There are many inadequacies of the Indian system for the diaspora to collaborate with India or to invest in the country.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, grievances like red tape, multiple clearances, distrust of government are acting as hindrances in fulfilling opportunities presented by the Indian Diaspora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Transparency in Policy Matters:</strong> Social media tools have made it easy and inexpensive for the Indian Diaspora to stay in touch with family and friends back home, and their link to India has never been stronger.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is time that the Indian government leveraged this strong bond for the greater good of the nation, by following utmost transparency in all policy decisions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Evacuation Policy:</strong> There is a need for a strategic diaspora evacuation policy from conflict zones in a world where crises materialize without warnings and give very little reaction time for governments.</li>
<li><strong>Improving Ease of Doing Business:</strong> Improvement in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ease of doing business</strong></a> will go a long way in enabling investments from the Indian diaspora.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s foreign policy aims to translate partnerships to benefits for key projects like Swachh Bharat, Clean Ganga, Make In India, Digital India, and Skill India, the diaspora has plenty of scope to contribute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The institutionalization of &ldquo;diaspora diplomacy&rdquo; is a distinct indication of the fact that the Indian diaspora community has become considerably more important as a subject of interest for foreign policy and associated government activities.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The diaspora&rsquo;s ability to spread Indian soft power, lobby for India&rsquo;s national interests, and contribute economically to India&rsquo;s rise is now well-recognized. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5V0oFurnJcI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/terror-trail-the-hindu-editorial-on-pakistan-action-against-terrorists/article33570956.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Terror trail: On Pakistan action against terrorists&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on January 14<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7472,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India & Oman',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a meeting of the<strong> India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group</strong> (IOSCG) was held with the first <strong>high-level official visit</strong> from Oman to India since the onset of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610789405_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610789405_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Partnership during Pandemic:</strong> India assured assistance to Oman in its requirement for <strong>Covid-19</strong> vaccines. India had also facilitated<strong> food and medical supplies to Oman</strong> during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously both the countries have expressed satisfaction on the operationalisation of the <strong>Air Bubble arrangement</strong> between the two countries during <strong>covid-19.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air bubbles</strong></a> (travel corridors or travel bubbles) are systems established between <strong>two countries</strong> that perceive each other <strong>to be safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way</strong> without any restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Review:</strong> Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Oman relationship including in political, energy, trade, investment, defence, security, space, mining, Science &amp; Technology, culture and consular fields.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India Oman Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by<strong> geography, history and culture</strong> and enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are attributed to <strong>historical maritime trade linkages.</strong></li>
<li>While people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back <strong>5000 years, diplomatic relations were established in 1955</strong> and the relationship was upgraded to <strong>Strategic partnership in 2008.</strong> Oman has been a key pillar of<strong> India's West Asia Policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Visits at the highest level have been exchanged frequently between India and Oman. Ministerial level visits have taken place regularly.</li>
<li>The Sultanate of Oman is a<strong> strategic partner of India</strong> in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></a> (GCC), <strong>Arab League</strong> and <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) fora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministries of Defence of both countries review their relations annually under the aegis of <strong>Joint Military Cooperation Committee</strong> meeting.</li>
<li>India and Oman conduct <strong>regular biennial bilateral exercises</strong> between all three services. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Army exercise: <strong>Al Najah</strong></li>
<li>Air Force exercise: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ex-eastern-bridge-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eastern Bridge</strong></a></li>
<li>Naval Exercise: <strong>Naseem Al Bahr</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since 2008, Oman has been extending its support to Indian Navy&rsquo;s <strong>anti-piracy missions</strong> and Indian Naval Ships are regularly welcomed by Oman for <strong>Overseas Deployments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic &amp; Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India accords a high priority to expanding its economic and commercial ties with Oman. Institutional mechanisms like<strong> Joint Commission Meeting</strong> (JCM) and<strong> Joint Business Council</strong> (JBC) oversee economic cooperation between India and Oman.</li>
<li>The bilateral trade and investment between India and Oman remain <strong>robust and buoyant.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is among Oman&rsquo;s <strong>top trading partners.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For Oman, India was the<strong> 3<sup>rd</sup> largest</strong> (after UAE and China) source for its imports and <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> largest market</strong> (after UAE and Saudi Arabia) for its non-oil exports in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Major items of India&rsquo;s <strong>exports to Oman</strong> include mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; articles of iron or steel; electrical machinery and equipment, textiles and garments, chemicals, tea, coffee, spices etc</li>
<li>Main items of<strong> India&rsquo;s imports</strong> from Oman include fertilizers; mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Indian financial institutions such as State Bank of India, Public Sector Undertakings such as Air India, Life Insurance Corporation(LIC), have presence in Oman. Indian companies have invested in Oman in sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, textile etc.</li>
<li><strong>India-Oman Joint Investment Fund</strong> (OIJIF), a JV between <strong>State Bank of India and State General Reserve Fund</strong> (SGRF) of Oman, a special purpose vehicle to invest in India, has been operational.</li>
<li><strong>Access to Duqm Port:</strong> Oman has allowed India, including its navy, access to its Duqm port, about 550 km south of the capital Muscat. The Port of Duqm SEZ is earmarked to be the Indian Ocean&rsquo;s largest deep-sea port.</li>
<li>An agreement to <strong>develop Little India, an integrated tourism complex project in Duqm</strong> worth 748 million USD, has been signed between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Oman have close cultural relations. The vibrant Indian expatriate community in Oman regularly hosts<strong> cultural performances and invites celebrity artists and singers from India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community in Oman:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The large, diverse and highly regarded expatriate Indian community in Oman is spread over the<strong> entire spectrum of professions.</strong> Thousands of Indians are working as doctors, engineers,etc.</li>
<li>There are many<strong> Indian schools offering CBSE syllabus</strong> catering to the educational needs of about <strong>45,000</strong> Indian children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India does not have enough energy resources to serve its current or future energy requirements. The rapidly growing energy demand has contributed to the need for <strong>long term energy partnerships with countries like Oman.</strong></li>
<li>Oman&rsquo;s Duqm Port is situated in the <strong>middle of international shipping lanes connecting East with West Asia.</strong></li>
<li>India needs to engage with Oman and <strong>take initiatives to utilise opportunities arising out of the Duqm Port industrial city.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-oman-review-ties-vow-to-step-up-trade-and-investment/article33576897.ece#:~:text=Secretary%20(CPV%26OIA)%20thanked%20the%20Omani,to%20Oman%20during%20the%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7469,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Kashmir Debate in UK’s Parliament',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has expressed its concern over a <strong>debate on Kashmir in the Houses of Parliament complex in London.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier in october 2020 a delegation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/members-of-european-parliament-visit-kashmir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union Members of Parliament (MEPs)</strong></a>, comprising 27 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Italy, Britain, France, Germany, Czech <strong>Republic, and Poland, visited Srinagar,</strong> nearly three months after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>revocation of Article 370</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610781039_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610781039_image2.png" width="450" 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>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A debate was organised by some <strong>Members of Parliament</strong> in <strong>the United Kingdom (UK),</strong> titled <strong>"Political situation in Kashmir".</strong></li>
<li>It raised concerns of <strong>alleged <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">human rights</a> violations</strong> and called on the UK government to seek access to the region for direct reports from Jammu and Kashmir and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pakistan-s-provincial-status-to-gilgit-baltistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)</strong></a> to be presented in the UK Parliament in future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> terminology</strong> used in the debate was problematic, regarding the reference to <strong>'Kashmir''</strong> in the title - there is a need to differentiate between<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uts-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir</strong></a>, which is an integral part of India, and <strong>Pakistan Occupied Kashmir</strong> (when the erstwhile princely state of Kashmir legally acceded to India in October 1947, this part was forcibly and illegally occupied by Pakistan).</li>
<li>The debate ignored current ground reality of<strong> the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir</strong> and, instead chose to reflect false assertions of the kind promoted by a third country (Pakistan), such as unsubstantiated allegations of <strong>'genocide'', 'rampant violence'' and 'torture'.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian High Commission in London sought to highlight that since last year, a smart wi-fi project has enabled <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restoration-of-4g-internet-in-j-k#:~:text=Background%3A,two%20Union%20Territories%20(UTs)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high-speed internet access in the region</strong></a> and that despite threats of terror attacks, challenging weather conditions and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic, landmark <strong>District Development Council (DDC) elections were concluded in December 2020.</strong></li>
<li>India stands ready to engage with Pakistan on all outstanding issues &ndash; including on Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/external-intervention-on-kashmir-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shimla Agreement (1972)</strong> </a>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kargil-vijay-diwas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lahore Declaration (1999)</strong> </a>in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UK Government&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although there were human rights concerns on both sides of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Control (LoC)</strong></a>, the UK will <strong>not play any mediatory role in a bilateral <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-pakistan-scope-of-soft-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India-Pakistan</a> matter.</strong></li>
<li>The government's policy (on Kashmir) remains stable,<strong> it's unchanged.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It continues to believe that India and Pakistan need to find a lasting political resolution to the situation that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people as laid out in the <strong>Simla Agreement (1972).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-deplores-false-assertions-in-uk-parliament-kashmir-debate/article33575979.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7467,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s NSA Visit to Afghanistan',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-vote-on-national-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Security Advisor (NSA)</strong></a> of India visited Afghanistan for talks on strategic issues with the leadership in Kabul.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First official visit since initiation of Intra-afghan talks:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This visit is significant because it was the first visit by any senior Indian official amidst the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/intra-afghan-talks-role-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intra-Afghan Talks.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Intra-Afghan</strong> talks refer to the <strong>negotiation meetings between the Taliban and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/afghanistan-s-power-sharing-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation</a></strong> (representative of Afghan Government) opened in Doha in 2020.</li>
<li>These talks are <strong>facilitated and supervised by the United States,</strong> representatives of the Ghani government and the Taliban aimed at ending the decades-old war and forging a political settlement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues discussed:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exchanged views</strong> on the <strong>Peace Process,</strong> the beginning of <strong>2<sup>nd</sup> round of (Intra-Afghan) talks,</strong> and the <strong>role of India in establishing peace in Afghanistan.</strong></li>
<li>Emphasis to <strong>synchronise efforts to combat terrorism</strong> and maintain peace in Aghanistan which shall become more challenging after the USA troops withdraw after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Doha Peace Pact (2020).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Doha Peace Pact:</strong> In February 2020, the USA and the Tabilan signed an agreement in Doha, (Qatar&rsquo;s capital) which included: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>USA to withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan in 14 months and would also release Taliban prisoners, held captive by the Afghan government.</li>
<li>Assurance by Taliban that they would not allow transnational jihadist organisations such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to use Afganistan as their base and also committed to start direct talks with the Afghan government, which began in September 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Role in establishing Peace in Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By <strong>participating in the intra-Afghan inaugural dialogue</strong> in Doha, India has shown its willingness to engage with all Afghan parties including the Taliban for peace in Kabul.</li>
<li>India conveyed that the peace process must: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled;</li>
<li>Respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan; and</li>
<li>Promote human rights and democracy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has a major stake in the stability of Afghanistan since it has<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-assistance-to-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> invested considerable resources</a> in Afghanistan's development.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610709018_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610709018_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of Stable Afghanistan for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A stable Afghanistan government in power is a <strong>strategic asset vis-&agrave;-vis Pakistan.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>An increased political and military role for the Taliban</strong> and the expansion of its territorial control should be of great concern to India since the Taliban is widely believed to be a prot&eacute;g&eacute; of Islamabad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The country has the <strong>Central Asian Republics</strong> to the North, Pakistan to its East, and through Iran and Pakistan the Indian Ocean deeper south.</li>
<li>Withdrawal of the USA troops could result in the<strong> breeding of the fertile ground for various anti-India terrorist</strong> outfits like <a href="/printpdf/pakistan-on-fatf-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lashkar-e-Taiba</strong></a> or Jaish-e-Mohammed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has reaffirmed its <strong>support to the Doha Agreement (2020) and intra-Afghan peace negotiations</strong> facilitating Afghan peace process and reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan&rsquo;s pursuit of <strong>&ldquo;sustainable peace and reconciliation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>India&rsquo;s vision of a<strong> sovereign, united, stable, plural and democratic Afghanistan</strong> is one that is shared by Afghanistan, cutting across ethnic and provincial lines.</li>
<li><strong>Continuing such active engagement</strong> will enable India to work with like-minded forces in the region to ensure that the vacuum created by the USA withdrawal does not lead to an unravelling of the gains registered during the last two decades.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ajit-doval-goes-to-afghanistan-focus-on-terror-7145469/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7463,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India as Counterbalance to China: USA',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Trump administration declassified a document</strong> which asserted that a <strong>strong India,</strong> in cooperation with like-minded countries, would <strong>act as a counterbalance to China</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/new-indo-pacific-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic Indo-Pacific region.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The document on the<strong> USA strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific</strong> from 2018 outlines objectives, challenges and strategies with regard to China, North Korea, India and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Challenges for USA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maintaining <strong>USA's strategic primacy in the Indo-pacific</strong> and <strong>stopping China</strong> from establishing illiberal spheres of influence.</li>
<li>Ensuring that <strong>North Korea does not threaten the USA.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Advancing the USA economic leadership globally</strong> while pushing fair and reciprocal trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aspects Related to India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is a<strong> preferred partner on security issues</strong> and to cooperate to preserve maritime security and <strong>counter Chinese influence</strong> in South Asia and Southeast Asia. To achieve this,<strong> USA aims to:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Support India&rsquo;s aspiration to be a leading global power,</strong> highlighting its compatibility with the USA, Japanese and Australian vision of the Indo-Pacific.</li>
<li>Work with India<strong> &ldquo;toward domestic economic reform&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Enhance defence cooperation</strong> and interoperability.</li>
<li><strong>Provide greater leadership roles for India</strong> in the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> East Asia Summit</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus#:~:text=The%20ADMM%2DPlus%20is%20a,and%20development%20in%20the%20region." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN Defence Ministers&rsquo; Meeting Plus.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Support <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s Act East policy</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India vis-a-vis China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Help India addressing disputes with China:</strong> USA aims to support India via military, diplomatic and intelligence channels to<strong> help address continental challenges</strong> such as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> border dispute with China</strong></a> and resolution of disputes over rivers, including the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brahmaputra</strong></a> and other rivers facing diversion by China.</li>
<li><strong>Supporting India's reservations against Belt Road Initiative:</strong> USA seeks the transparent infrastructure-debt practices in the countries facing debt due to Chinese financing under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt Road Initiative.</strong> </a></li>
<li><strong>Working with India and Japan:</strong> To help finance projects that enhance regional connectivity between India and countries of the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-USA Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Shared democratic values</strong> and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues.</li>
<li><strong>Broad-based and multi-sectoral relationship</strong> covering trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology and <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cyber security</strong></a> etc.</li>
<li><strong>People to people connection:</strong> Vibrant people-to-people interaction and support across the political spectrum in both countries nurture bilateral relationships between the two countries.</li>
<li>USA has signed <strong>defence agreements</strong> with India to provide <strong>military information and mutual logistics support.</strong> These are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).</li>
<li>The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).</li>
<li>The Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).</li>
<li>The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA): It was the result of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-United States (US) 2+2 talks.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent USA-China Rivalries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Competition for dominating world finances:</strong> To counter the USA-dominated International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization, China has come out with alternative financial institutions like <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asian-infrastructure-investment-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank</strong></a>, and<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> New Development Bank</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Contending influence over international groupings:</strong> In order to contain rising China&rsquo;s assertiveness, the USA under its &lsquo;pivot to Asia policy&rsquo; has launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3#:~:text=Quadrilateral%20Security%20Dialogue%20(Quad)%20is,prosperous%E2%80%9D%20Indo%2DPacific%20region.&amp;text=However%2C%20the%20idea%20couldn't,apparently%20due%20to%20Chinese%20pressure." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad initiative</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo pacific narrative</strong></a>. Most recently, the USA proposed to expand G7 to G-11 without including China in it.</li>
<li><strong>New Cold War:</strong> USA-China confrontation is on multiple fronts including ideological and cultural hegemonic rivalry, trade wars which has often been called the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Cold War</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maintain interest oriented balancing:</strong> India should realise its rising global power and rather than getting enmeshed in USA-China rivalry, <strong>it should prioritize its own interests and growth by maintaining peaceful mutual relationships.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Promote Multilateralism:</strong> India can promote new multilateralism under the aegis of <strong>Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-</strong> which relies on restructuring both the economic order and societal behaviour for equitable sustainable development.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/a-strong-india-would-act-as-counterbalance-to-china-says-declassified-white-house-document/article33565659.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7457,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'SAARC Revival',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reclaiming-saarc-from-the-ashes-of-2020/article33561545.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reclaiming SAARC from the ashes of 2020&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 13/01/2021. It talks about the need for the revival of SAARC.</p>
</div>
<p>The year 2020 marked the sixth year since the leaders of the eight nations that make up the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a> were able to meet.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s problems with Pakistan on terrorism, territorial claims, and its role in blocking SAARC initiatives on connectivity and trade are the main reasons that even after thirty-six years of its formation, SAARC appears to be a defunct body.</p>
<p>However, if India aspires to become a global power, it must keep its neighbourhood peaceful, prosperous and supportive. In this context, reviving SAARC becomes very important.</p>
<h3>Need For Reviving SAARC</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regional Disconnect:</strong> Over the past year, India-Pakistan issues have impacted other meetings of SAARC. This makes it easier for member countries and international agencies, to deal with South Asia as a fragmented group rather than a collective one.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No other regional power is as disconnected from its immediate neighbourhood as India.</li>
<li>This disconnect is a challenge to India&rsquo;s economic and security interests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19:</strong> The impact of Covid-19, is a growing distaste for &lsquo;globalisation&rsquo; and growing preference for nativism, self-dependence and localising supply chains.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While it will be impossible for countries to entirely cut themselves off from the global market, regional initiatives will become the golden mean between globalisation and hyper-nationalism.</li>
<li>Moreover, reviving SAARC is crucial to countering the common challenges brought about by the pandemic.</li>
<li>According to a World Bank report, the South Asian countries are expected to lose nearly about 10.77 million jobs and $52.32 billion in GDP alone from the impact of the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dealing With China:</strong> It is clear that tensions with Pakistan and Nepal amplify the threat perception from China, while other SAARC members (minus Bhutan), all of whom are <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</strong></a> partners of China will be hard placed to help individually.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, in the current pandemic, China is sending medicines, personal protective equipment kits, and promising vaccines to most SAARC countries as part of its<strong> &ldquo;Health Silk Road&rdquo;</strong> initiative.</li>
<li>Therefore, in dealing with China&rsquo;s challenge, both at India&rsquo;s borders and in its neighbourhood, a unified South Asian platform remains India&rsquo;s most potent countermeasure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Engaging With Pakistan:</strong> China&rsquo;s incursions in Ladakh doesn&rsquo;t stop India to attend meetings with the Chinese leadership at the SCO, the Russia-India-China trilateral, the G-20.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, it is misplaced that India applies the same logic, for not engaging with Pakistan. India must understand that engagement with Pakistan is very crucial for the revival of SAARC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of Gujral Doctrine:</strong> India&rsquo;s conduct of foreign relations with immediate neighbours should be guided by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/gujral-doctrine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gujral Doctrine</strong></a>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this present context of Covid-19 pandemic, India can apply Gujral doctrine by pursuing Vaccine diplomacy with SAARC countries, whereby India can supply vaccines either free or at affordable costs and counter future pandemics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All-of South Asia Approach:</strong> South Asian countries need to work as a collective to set common standards and promote a more intra-regional, transnational approach towards health security, food security, and job security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India can follow the European model of regional integration.</li>
<li>Moreover, India can strengthen its position as an education hub for students from its neighbourhood. This will help to form closer political ties and spread its cultural influence and values to the surrounding region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Development:</strong> Being the biggest economy in South Asia, India can carry out infrastructure projects to improve connectivity, including the laying of new pipelines, building electricity networks, upgrading port, rail, and airport infrastructure, and reinvigorating people-to-people exchanges.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India must find its prism to view its South Asian neighbourhood having a shared future and acting as a force-multiplier for India&rsquo;s ambitions on the global stage.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;India must find its prism to view its South Asian neighbourhood having a shared future and acting as a force-multiplier for India&rsquo;s ambitions on the global stage&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss the need for the revival of SAARC.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QX_ethKYaCs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/handling-the-avian-flu-crisis-hteditorial-101610461818610.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Handling the avian flu crisis&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 12<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7454,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'USA Redesignates Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the USA State Department has designated Cuba as a <strong>State Sponsor of Terrorism</strong> for repeatedly providing <strong>support for acts of international terrorism</strong> in granting safe harbour to terrorists.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610620875_image7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610620875_image7.jpg" 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>Provisions for sanctions on countries:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The State Department of the USA can place <strong>four categories</strong> to enlist any country as sanctioned:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Restrictions on foreign assistance by the USA.</li>
<li>A ban on defence exports and sales.</li>
<li>Certain controls over exports of dual use items.</li>
<li>Sanctions can also be placed on countries and persons that engage in certain trade with designated countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Four countries remain on the list: <strong>Syria, Iran, North Korea and Cuba.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cuba was delisted in 2015 and has been blacklisted again.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cuba Designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism:</strong> The USA government had been accusing the Castro regime for: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Illegitimate interference in internal politics Venezuela.</li>
<li>Oppressing the people of Cuba.</li>
<li>Supporting international terrorism.</li>
<li>Subversion of the USA justice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA-Cuba Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The United States and Cuba have had a strained relationship for more than sixty years, rooted in Fidel Castro&rsquo;s overthrow of a USA-backed government in 1959.</li>
<li>Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro took several steps to normalize bilateral relations, including restoring diplomatic ties and expanding travel and trade.</li>
<li>The Trump administration has reversed aspects of the past agreements by reimposing restrictions on tourism and other commerce.</li>
<li><strong>Havana Syndrome:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In late 2016, USA diplomats and other employees stationed in Havana (capital of Cuba) reported feeling ill after hearing strange sounds and experiencing odd physical sensations.</li>
<li>The symptoms included nausea, severe headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, and hearing loss, which have since come to be known as the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/havana-syndrome#:~:text=The%20symptoms%20included%20nausea%2C%20severe,well%20as%20insomnia%20and%20headache." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Havana Syndrome.</a> </strong>The USA had accused Cuba of carrying out &ldquo;attacks&rdquo;, but Cuba denied any knowledge of the illnesses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Historical Reasons for Strained Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cuban Revolution:</strong> The tumultuous USA-Cuba relationship has its roots in the Cold War. In 1959, Fidel Castro and a group of revolutionaries seized power in Havana (city capital of Cuba). They overthrew the USA-backed government of Fulgencio Batista.</li>
<li><strong>Cuban Missile Crisis:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The United States <strong>severed diplomatic ties with</strong> Cuba and began pursuing covert operations to overthrow the Fidel Castro regime in 1961.</li>
<li>The missile crisis arose after<strong> Cuba allowed the Soviet Union to secretly install nuclear missiles</strong> on the island following an attempt by the USA agencies to topple Cuban Government, known as the<strong> Bay of Pigs invasion.</strong></li>
<li>In the end, Soviet Union head Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for a pledge from Kennedy (USA) not to invade Cuba and to remove the USA nuclear missiles from Turkey.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade with Soviet Union:</strong> After the Cuban Revolution, the United States recognized Fidel Castro&rsquo;s government but began imposing economic penalties as the new regime increased its trade with the Soviet Union, nationalized American-owned properties, and hiked taxes on the USA imports.</li>
<li><strong>Embargo by Kennedy Government (1962):</strong> After slashing Cuban sugar imports, the USA instituted a ban on nearly all its exports to Cuba, which President John F. Kennedy expanded into a full economic embargo that included stringent travel restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Supports Lifting Economic Blockade of Cuba:</strong> Recently when the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-opposes-cuba-in-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA opposed Cuba&rsquo;s membership in UNHRC</strong></a> in 2019, India joined the majority of countries from all continents that raised their voices in the UN General Assembly to demand an end to the unjust and long economic blockade of the United States against Cuba.</li>
<li><strong>Criticised the USA Embargo:</strong> In the UN General Assembly, India stressed that the continued existence of this siege by the USA against Cuba contravenes world opinion, undermines multilateralism and the credibility of the United Nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UN General Assembly&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Since 1992, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN General Assembly</strong></a> has approved every year a resolution acknowledging the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reinitiating Bilateral Talks:</strong> Resuming Washington&rsquo;s blockade against Cuba appears to be the most unjust, prolonged system of unilateral sanctions applied against any country. There is an urgent need to improve the relationship between the two countries through bilateral talks.</li>
<li><strong>Respecting the Spirit of Democracy:</strong> As a large population of Cuban immigrants and people with Cuban roots reside in the USA, it is for the sake of democracy and spirit of internationalism that the two countries make efforts towards reconciliation.</li>
<li><strong>For India:</strong> India has good ties with both the countries. If the tension between the two - USA and Cuba escalates, it is important for India to rationally balance the relationships.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-puts-cuba-back-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list-7143094/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7441,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, for the<strong> eighth time,</strong> has entered the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</a></strong>as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc#:~:text=All%20the%20countries%20in%20the,China%20have%20supported%20India's%20candidature." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member</strong> </a>recently. It will stay on the council for two years i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contributions of India at UNSC:</strong> India has served <strong>seven times</strong> in the <strong>UN Security Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1950-51:</strong> India, as President of UNSC, presided over the<strong> adoption of resolutions</strong> calling for cessation of hostilities during the<strong> Korean War and for assistance to the Republic of Korea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1967-68:</strong> India <strong>co-sponsored Resolution 238</strong> extending the mandate of the<strong> UN mission in Cyprus.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1972-73:</strong> India pushed strongly for<strong> admission of Bangladesh into the UN.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1977-78:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for Africa in the UNSC</strong> and<strong> spoke against apartheid</strong> and for <strong>Namibia&rsquo;s independence</strong> in 1978.</li>
<li><strong>1984-85:</strong> India was a <strong>leading voice in UNSC for resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1991-92:</strong> Participated in the<strong> first ever summit-level meeting</strong> of the UNSC and <strong>spoke on its role in maintenance of peace and security.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2011-2012:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for developing world,</strong> peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and Africa. First statement on Syria was during India&rsquo;s Presidency at the UNSC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the 2011-12 term, India chaired the <strong>UNSC 1373 Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, the 1566 Working Group concerning threat to international peace and security by terrorist acts, and Security Council 751/1907 Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier in 1996, India took the initiative to pilot a draft <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong> </a>with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat terrorism.</li>
<li>India worked closely with its partners in the UNSC to ensure the listing of <strong>Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar under the UNSC&rsquo;s 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong> (May 2019) concerning al-Qaeda and ISIS and associated individuals and entities, which was pending since 2009.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges at UNSC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is entering the UNSC at a time when Beijing is asserting itself at the global stage much more vigorously than ever. It heads at least six UN organisations and has challenged the global rules.</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> as well as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India-China border</strong></a> has been visible in all of 2020.</li>
<li>China has tried to raise the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked#:~:text=Issues%20in%20Revoking&amp;text=India%20has%20used%20Article%20370,the%20Indian%20Constitution%20to%20J%26K.&amp;text=It%20will%20also%20clear%20the,and%20settle%20permanently%20in%20J%26K." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>issue of Kashmir</strong> </a>at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid World Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the global economy is in shambles with various countries facing <strong>recession and health emergencies.</strong> To handle all these situations need <strong>careful strategy</strong> to move the world out of this burdening challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing USA and Russia and Unstable West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With the situation deteriorating between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Russia</strong></a> and increasing tensions between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assassination-of-iranian-general-qassem-soleimani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Iran</strong></a>, it will be tough situation to handle for India. India needs to uphold rule based world order with due respect to human rights ensuring the national interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nation Security Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations Charter established<strong> six main organs of the United Nations,</strong> including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Article 23 of the UN Charter concerns the composition of the UNSC.</li>
<li>The UNSC has been given primary responsibility for maintaining <strong>international peace and security to the Security Council,</strong> which may meet whenever peace is threatened.</li>
<li>While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council <strong>has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Permanent and Non-Permanent Members:</strong> The UNSC is composed of <strong>15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Five permanent members:</strong> China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.</li>
<li><strong>Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each year, the General Assembly elects<strong> five non-permanent members</strong> (out of ten in total) for a<strong> two-year term.</strong> The ten non-permanent seats are distributed on<strong> a regional basis.</strong></li>
<li>As stipulated in rule 144 of the rules of procedure, a <strong>retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election</strong>.</li>
<li>In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, the election is <strong>held by secret ballot and there are no nominations</strong>.Under rule 83 of the rules of procedure, the non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected by a two-thirds majority.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five for African and Asian countries.</li>
<li>One for Eastern European countries.</li>
<li>Two for Latin American and Caribbean countries.</li>
<li>Two for Western European and other countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been advocating a permanent seat in UNSC.</li>
<li>India has the following objective criteria, such as <strong>population, territorial size, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a>, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to UN activities </strong>especially to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN peacekeeping operations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-at-un-high-table-7142523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7439,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Indian Foreign Policy In 2021',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reframing-indias-foreign-policy-priorities/article33552868.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Reframing India&rsquo;s foreign policy priorities&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 12/01/2021. It talks about the current challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
</div>
<p>Like any other country, India&rsquo;s foreign policy envisages to widen its sphere of influence, enhance its role across nations, and make its presence felt like an emerging power. The year 2021 presents a bunch of challenges and opportunities in pursuit of fulfilling foreign policy objectives.</p>
<p>For instance, the rise of China and its influence in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood is a cause of worry for India. Moreover, concluding the negotiations for an<strong> EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment</strong> debunks the myth of Chinese isolation after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and further strengthened China&rsquo;s position.</p>
<p>Moreover, India&rsquo;s foreign policy decisions like growing convergence with the US have led to weakening its links with traditional friends like Russia and Iran.</p>
<p>Therefore, in shifting the balance of power in the region, India needs to tackle foreign policy challenges and leverage opportunities carefully.</p>
<h3>Challenges in Front of India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>A Stronger China:</strong> China is the only major country that had a positive growth rate at the end of 2020, and its economy is poised to grow even faster in 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Militarily, China has further strengthened itself and now seeks to dominate the Indo-Pacific Ocean with its announcement of its third aircraft carrier&rsquo;s launch in 2021.</li>
<li>In this context, any breakthrough in Sino-Indian relations is unlikely to occur, and the confrontation between Indian and Chinese armed forces is expected to continue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Growing Russia-China Axis:</strong> Russia is beginning to display more significant interest in its periphery&rsquo;s affairs. Moreover, the sanctions imposed on Russia after Crimea's annexation in 2014 has pushed Russia towards a tighter embrace of China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This seems to signal reduced interest in countries such as India.</li>
<li>Also, India&rsquo;s closeness to the U.S. has weakened its links with traditional friends such as Russia and Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Middle East Equations:</strong> The US-brokered rapprochement between Israel and four Arab countries &mdash; the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan &mdash; reflected the changing landscape in the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, despite the hype surrounding <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accords</strong></a>, the situation remains fluid and has not reduced the risk of a confrontation between Iran and Israel.</li>
<li>Given the region&rsquo;s strategic flux, Iran could well be tempted to use its nuclear capability to enhance its position.</li>
<li>This does pose problems for India since both have relations with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Self-Imposed Isolation of India:</strong> Currently, India remains isolated from two important supranational bodies of which it used to be a founding member, viz., the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India has opted out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rcep-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</strong></a></li>
<li>This self-imposed isolation doesn&rsquo;t synergise with India&rsquo;s aspiration of becoming a global power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakening Ties with Neighbors:</strong> A more worrying concern for Indian foreign policy is weakening ties with the neighbours.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be seen from instances like <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Cheque Book Diplomacy</strong> </a>vis-a-vis Srilanka, strain in relation with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Bangladesh on NRC issue</strong></a> and recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-nepal-border-dispute#:~:text=India%20rejected%20the%20new%20map,boundary%20issues%20through%20diplomatic%20dialogue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>border controversy with Nepal</strong></a> due to the release of the new map.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neighbourhood First:</strong> Through a series of diplomatic efforts, India should make valiant efforts to improve relations with some of its neighbours such as Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka,
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, as the world emerges from the pandemic, India has a lot to gain from what could be <strong>&ldquo;vaccine diplomacy&rdquo;</strong> with neighbours in 2021 &mdash; supplying vaccines either free or at affordable costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>External Aid in Adequate Measure:</strong> The current standoff with China has reinforced JL Nehru&rsquo;s belief in 1963 that India needs <strong>&ldquo;external aid in adequate measure&rdquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India will need continuing support from the US, Japan, Australia, besides European leaders such as France, Germany and the UK.</li>
<li>India should appreciate European entry into Indo-pacific narrative, as already, France and Germany have come up with their Indo-Pacific strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India at UNSC High Table:</strong> As India enters the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council as a non-permanent member</strong> </a>for the eighth time, India should raise all-important global matters like China&rsquo;s aggressiveness&mdash; from Tibet to Taiwan, Iran-Saudi rivalry, refugee crisis between Bangladesh and Myanmar, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should refrain from a limited focus on isolating Pakistan, as it would distract from India&rsquo;s aspirations of being a global leader.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With US:</strong> As the future of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> and the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific strategy</strong></a> relies on the new US administration, India will need to build on its deepening strategic and defence ties with the US and resolve trade and visa issues.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf5;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the light of the changing actualities of the international situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an aspirational player. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-UgHOy0jGw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-diaspora-dilemma-hteditorial-101610294070862.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The diaspora dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on January 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7426,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'China’s Rising Influence in South Asia',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has held its<strong> third multilateral dialogue</strong> virtually with countries from <strong>South Asia</strong> to take forward<strong> closer cooperation on fighting Covid-19</strong> and coordinating their <strong>economic agendas, reflecting a new approach in Beijing&rsquo;s outreach to the region.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610358472_image2.png" 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><strong>Participating countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It brought together every country in the region <strong>barring India, Bhutan and the Maldives,</strong> and was aimed at <strong>&ldquo;anti-epidemic cooperation and poverty reduction cooperation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The recent meeting was attended by <strong>all five countries</strong> that have taken part in these dialogues: <strong>Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
<li>All three dialogues have been attended by <strong>Pakistan and Nepal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engagements through other Platforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously at the July<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quadrilateral-dialogue-china-nepal-pakistan-and-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> quadrilateral dialogue</strong></a> with Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan, China&rsquo;s proposed extending the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec#:~:text=The%20CPEC%20is%20bilateral%20project,Gwadar%20Port%20in%20Balochistan%2C%20Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</strong></a> (CPEC) to Afghanistan, as well as taking forward an<strong> economic corridor plan</strong> with Nepal, called the <strong>Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives by China to Enhance Engagement in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>American Enterprise Institute&rsquo;s China Global Investment Tracker,</strong> China has committed around <strong>100 billion USD</strong> in the economies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is now the<strong> largest overseas investor</strong> in the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Beijing was a part<strong> of the trilateral China-Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign ministers dialogue</strong> which focuses on facilitating Afghan domestic political reconciliation, enhancing regional connectivity, and improving regional common development.</li>
<li>The trilateral discussions also agreed to push <strong>&ldquo;forward under the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Belt and Road Initiative</a> (BRI)&rdquo; and &ldquo;to enhance connectivity by extending the CPEC to Afghanistan&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China and Bangladesh pledged to deepen defense cooperation, especially in the areas of<strong> &ldquo;defense industry and trade, training, equipment and technology.</strong></li>
<li>China is also the <strong>largest arms supplier of the Bangladeshi military, providing 71.8%</strong> of weapons from 2008 to 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhutan </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It<strong> does not have diplomatic relations</strong> with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maldives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s relationship with the Maldives is near-exclusively focused on leveraging BRI to develop Maldives as well as to raise Chinese influence there to counter India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Nepal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chinese President went to Nepal in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This was the<strong> first visit by a Chinese head of state in 23 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The countries have signed agreements to <strong>accelerate Infrastructure building in Nepal and improve connectivity between them.</strong></li>
<li>Both the countries have also announced the launch of a<strong> feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka handed over <strong>Hambantota port</strong> on a 99-year lease to China to repay its loan back to china. <strong>Hambantota is geostrategically located on the Indian Ocean,</strong> potentially bolstering <strong>Beijing&rsquo;s String of Pearls.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Growing cooperation between Pakistan and China.</li>
<li>Increasing nexus between Nepal and China.</li>
<li>Acceptance to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by south asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leadership Roles in South Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It shows increasing chinese presence in south asia and its acceptance by the countries as a torch bearer for the region which India wants for itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over the past decade, China has replaced India as the<strong> major trading partner </strong>of <strong>several South Asian countries.</strong> For instance, the share of India&rsquo;s trade with Maldives was <strong>3.4 times that of China&rsquo;s in 2008.</strong> But by 2018, <strong>China&rsquo;s total trade with Maldives slightly exceeded that of India.</strong></li>
<li>China&rsquo;s trade with <strong>Bangladesh</strong> is <strong>now about twice that of India.</strong> China&rsquo;s trade with Nepal and Sri Lanka <strong>still lags India&rsquo;s trade with those countries but the gap has shrunk.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India does not have the<strong> economic capacity as China.</strong> Thus it should cooperate with China for the development of these countries such that fruits of development collectively reach South Asia.</li>
<li>It should also <strong>strongly condemn the plans for extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.</strong></li>
<li>Further India should invest in these countries where<strong> China falls short</strong> and maintain its good will in South Asia and prevent these nations from slipping off from <strong>India&rsquo;s Influence.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-holds-third-south-asia-multilateral-meet-in-new-push/article33531473.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7419,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Political Crisis in Nepal',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/what-india-should-and-shouldn-t-do-in-nepal/story-UJ0tUcogvwdkaeqKdSWn8I.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;What India should, and shouldn&rsquo;t, do in Nepal&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 08/01/2021. It talks about the recent political crisis in Nepal and what India should do.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, Nepal has drifted into a political crisis following its Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli&rsquo;s decision to dissolve Parliament. The Nepalese PM has stated that this decision was on the backdrop of infighting within the ruling Nepalese Communist Party (NCP).</p>
<p>As India&rsquo;s role in the mediation of earlier political crises in Nepal has led to the development of anti-Indian sentiment in Nepal, India has done right by not meddling into Nepal&rsquo;s internal matters.</p>
<p>However, India is apprehensive that political instability in Nepal will expand space for China to intervene in Nepali politics and shape a government that is favourable to China.</p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China.</p>
<h3>Current Issues in India-Nepal Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revision of 1950 Treaty:</strong> Nepal has asked for a revision of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-downturn-in-indo-nepal-relations#:~:text=Treaty%20of%20Peace%20and%20Friendship%20of%201950,-The%20treaty%20talks&amp;text=It%20also%20establishes%20national%20treatment,no%20differently%20than%20domestic%20goods)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>1950 treaty</strong></a>, and India has accepted this. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the issue remains stuck because Nepal does not clarify how to strike a proper balance between India&rsquo;s security concerns and Nepal&rsquo;s developmental aspirations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Border Issue:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-nepal-territorial-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kalapani border dispute&rsquo;s</strong></a> question has spoiled popular perceptions in Nepal about India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Taking advantage of this, Nepal&rsquo;s current leadership has taken a unilateral decision to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/diplomatic-low-in-indo-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draw new maps which show Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belongs to Nepal.</strong> </a></li>
<li>As India also claims these positions, this border issue has led to the lowest point in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-nepal-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Nepal relations history.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tug of War Between China &amp; India:</strong> Nepal&rsquo;s geo-strategic location (sandwiched between India &amp; China), has created a tug of war between India and China over Nepal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China sees Nepal as a bulwark against the international movement targeting China.</li>
<li>For India, Nepal is essential for the region's security, acting as a buffer state.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Chinese Influence:</strong> Sino-Nepali economic ties began to grow in 2015, but in 2018, China&rsquo;s influence in Nepal started to gather momentum. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Having played an essential role in the NCP&rsquo;s formation, China came to wield enormous influence over the NCP government.</li>
<li>It resulted in China ousting India as Nepal&rsquo;s number one investor.</li>
<li>More importantly, Nepal&rsquo;s foreign policy under the NCP government became strongly pro-China.</li>
<li>Moreover, this influence can be evidenced by the fact that China has now stepped up its self-assumed role as mediator in the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Seeking a friendly regime in the neighbourhood is a recognised norm in the realist world of international relations. India is no exception. Therefore, India should recalibrate its ties with Nepal. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Demarking Red Lines:</strong> India can improve ties with Nepal by picking up pending controversial issues such as the 1950 treaty, the Kalapani border dispute, and trade and investment matters. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, India should categorically state its position, drawing red lines (security concerns emanating from China) that Nepal should not cross.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Measures:</strong> On trade and investment issues, India needs to be more accommodative. Nepal sells less than $1billion worth of products to India while importing nearly $8 billion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even though economies govern trade deficits, India can and must move to remove structural and procedural impediments to the entry of genuine Nepali goods into Indian markets.</li>
<li>Also, India should encourage Indian investments in such industries, including hydropower production, to boost Nepali exports.</li>
<li>Completing big development projects such as the Pancheshwar multipurpose project could also be a breakthrough between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation Between Armies:</strong> When it comes to resolving border disputes between the two countries, understanding the armies is vital. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2015, when India&rsquo;s economic blockade and the political leadership of both countries were at loggerheads, both armies&rsquo; leadership played a vital role in lifting the talks&rsquo; blockade and resumption.</li>
<li>So, robust army diplomacy between the two countries can substantially contribute to improving bilateral ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As no significant development in bilateral relations appears likely during the prevailing uncertainty, India must encourage consolidation of a people-driven polity, and improve its popular profile. This will only help India reclaim its contested strategic space.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>To counter Chinese influence on Nepal, India must pay attention to Nepal&rsquo;s core economic and strategic interests that in the first place pushed Nepal towards China. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6izTchALSHw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/fruits-of-incitement-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-trump-incited-mob-attack-on-us-capitol/article33523021.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Fruits of incitement: On the mob attack on U.S. Capitol&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7415,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Japan Provides Loan to India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan</strong></a> signed an agreement for<strong> a loan of up to 50 billion yen</strong> (about Rs. 3,550 crore)<strong> to back India&rsquo;s economic support programmes</strong> for the poor and vulnerable affected by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610184352_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Loan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a part of Japan&rsquo;s <strong>Official Development Assistance (ODA)</strong> loan. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ODA is defined as <strong>government aid designed to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Loans and credits for military purposes are excluded.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The loan has an <strong>interest rate of 0.65%</strong> per annum and a<strong> repayment period of 15 years,</strong> including a five-year grace period.</li>
<li>The financial support <strong>aims to support the Indian government&rsquo;s programmes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</a> (PMGKY),</strong> which aims to mitigate socio-economic impacts and strengthen socio-economic institutions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This includes <strong>schemes for distributing food grains</strong> to the poor and vulnerable, provision of assistance and <strong>support to construction workers,</strong> and provision of <strong>special insurance for health workers fighting Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is for the <strong>implementation of health and medical policy</strong> by the Government of India, and is expected to lead to the <strong>development of hospitals equipped with ICUs (Intensive Care Units)</strong> and infection prevention and management facilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is also expected to lead to the <strong>enhancement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telemedicine-service-platform-esanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telemedicine</a></strong> using digital technology in numerous villages across India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Previous Support:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan had earlier provided <strong>budget support of 50 billion yen</strong> and <strong>grant assistance worth one billion yen</strong> to support the Indian government&rsquo;s efforts to counter the Covid-19 crisis.</li>
<li>Japanese assistance to India now<strong> totals</strong> approximately<strong> Rs. 5,800 crores.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Japan Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of <strong>bilateral development cooperation since 1958.</strong></li>
<li>In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has strengthened and grown into <strong>strategic partnership.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Japan was the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> largest investor for India in FY2019.</strong></li>
<li>India has been the <strong>largest recipient of Japanese ODA Loan</strong> for the past decades.<strong> Delhi Metro</strong> is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilization of ODA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, Japan continues to cooperate in supporting<strong> strategic connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia</strong> through the synergy between ''Act East'' policy and ''Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.''</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687099#:~:text=The%20Government%20of%20Japan%20has,by%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7412,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Mongolia Relations',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and Mongolia have <strong>reviewed bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons and steel sectors.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610179915_image1.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>India reiterated its commitment to timely completion of the <strong>Mongol Refinery Project,</strong> the country&rsquo;s 1<sup>st</sup> oil refinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is <strong>being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to cut some of Mongolia&rsquo;s fuel import dependence.</strong></li>
<li>The Project came in the backdrop of <strong>Mongolia,</strong> which has <strong>large uranium deposits</strong> signing an<strong> agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009</strong> and <strong>China</strong> unfolding its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is opposed to the BRI,</strong> which seeks to invest about USD 8 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe and Africa, as it says the initiative lures countries into debt traps and does not respect sovereignty or address environmental concerns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>welcomed the keenness of Mongolian companies in supplying coking coal to Indian steel industry.</strong> According to a recent report, India will overtake China as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-largest-importer-of-coking-coal-by-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>largest importer of coking coal by 2025.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India looks forward to substantial partnerships with Mongolian companies in the areas of minerals, coal and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India expressed its willingness to further <strong>share its expertise in the oil and gas sector</strong> including capacity building in accordance with the developmental priorities of Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mongolia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mongolia have interacted<strong> through <a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhism</a></strong> throughout history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a <strong>strategic partnership.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2015,</strong> Mongolia witnessed the <strong>first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India</strong> (a part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s Act East policy</strong></a>).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mongolia has publicly reiterated its <strong>support for India&rsquo;s membership to the permanent seat</strong> of the expanded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC).</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> has played an <strong>important role</strong> in getting <strong>Mongolia membership</strong> to key international forums, including the <strong>United Nations</strong> (UN), despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan. India also championed the <strong>inclusion of Mongolia in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a reciprocal gesture, <strong>Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution</strong> with India and Bhutan for the<strong> recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Forums of which both the countries are members:<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Asia-Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM), <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a> (WTO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>member</strong> whereas <strong>Mongolia</strong> is an <strong>observer state</strong> at the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India - Mongolia <strong>bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019,</strong> down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Joint defence exercises code-named <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nomadic-elephant-14#:~:text=The%2014th%20edition%20of,October%20at%20Bakloh%2C%20Himachal%20Pradesh.&amp;text=The%20joint%20exercise%20will%20enhance,relations%20between%20the%20two%20nations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nomadic Elephant.</strong></a></li>
<li>India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the<strong> Khaan Quest,</strong> hosted by Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation over Environmental Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-snow-leopard-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture (India)</strong> has taken up the project of<strong> reprinting 108 volumes of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mongolian-kanjur-being-reprinted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolian Kanjur</a></strong> under the <strong>National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Solar energy</strong> is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong> </a>and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.</li>
<li><strong>Mongolia&rsquo;s mining sector including copper and Uranium</strong> hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.</li>
<li>In the area of<strong> cooperatives,</strong> India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Mongolia&rsquo;s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts major powers towards it. India should <strong>consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development</strong> that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.</li>
<li>To preserve and <strong>promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture</strong> is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687143" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7399,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Helping Hand to Sri Lanka',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>An India-funded <strong>free ambulance service</strong> is playing a vital role in Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> response.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1610014882_07.png" width="400" 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>India provided a <strong>grant of 7.56 million USD</strong> for the <strong>Suwa Seriya</strong> [vehicle or journey for good health] <strong>service</strong> which was launched in 2016, on a pilot basis. Later, this was extended throughout the country with additional grants from India.</li>
<li><strong>India also helped with Capacity Building:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Training and refresher programmes for <strong>Sri Lankan emergency medical technicians</strong> which further <strong>generated employment</strong> for the local population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s <strong>second largest grant project to Sri Lanka</strong> after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>housing project</strong></a> of more than <strong>60,000 houses</strong>, with a nearly 400 million USD grant.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India Sri Lanka Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical Significance of SriLanka:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka&rsquo;s location in the <strong>Indian Ocean region</strong> has been of strategic geopolitical relevance to several major powers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>string of pearl&rsquo;s strategy</strong></a> is aimed at encircling India to establish dominance in the Indian Ocean.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China is building state of the art gigantic modern ports all along the Indian Ocean and to the south of it, in Gwadar (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh, Kyauk Phru (Myanmar) and <strong>Hambantota (Sri Lanka)</strong>. Thus Sri Lanka is vital for China&rsquo;s <strong>String of Pearls strategy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Sri Lanka has a list of <strong>highly strategic ports</strong> located among <strong>busiest sea lanes of communication.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/printpdf/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Reserve Bank of India</strong></a> (RBI) has signed an agreement for extending a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-signs-currency-swap-for-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 400 million currency swap</strong></a> facility to Sri Lanka to boost the foreign reserves and ensure financial stability of the country, which is badly hit by Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>Political relations between India and Sri Lanka have been marked by <strong>high-level exchanges of visits at regular intervals.</strong></li>
<li>Sri Lanka is a member of regional groupings like <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and <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> in which India plays a leading role.</li>
<li>India and Sri Lanka conduct <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-mitra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>joint Military (Mitra Shakti)</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naval (SLINEX)</strong></a> exercises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka is one of India&rsquo;s <strong>largest trading partners among the SAARC countries.</strong> India in turn is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s <strong>largest trade partner globally</strong>.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s exports to Sri Lanka amounted to 5.3 billion USD in 2015-17 whereas its imports from the country were at 743 million USD.</li>
<li>Trade between the two countries grew particularly rapidly after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-sri-lanka-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement</strong></a> which came into force in March 2000.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo actively promotes awareness of Indian culture by offering classes in <strong>Indian music, dance, Hindi and Yoga</strong>. Every year, cultural troupes from both countries exchange visits.</li>
<li>The <strong>India-Sri Lanka Foundation</strong>, set up in December 1998 as an <strong>intergovernmental initiative</strong>, also aims towards enhancement of scientific, technical, educational and cultural cooperation through civil society exchanges and enhancing contact between the younger generations of the two countries.</li>
<li>The People of Indian Origin (PIOs) comprise <strong>Sindhis, Borahs, Gujaratis, Memons, Parsis, Malayalis and Telugu</strong> speaking persons who have settled down in Sri Lanka (most of them after partition) and are engaged in various business ventures.</li>
<li>In April 2019, India and Sri Lanka also concluded agreement on <strong>countering Drug and Human trafficking.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues and Conflicts</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka also handed over the <strong>strategic port of Hambantota</strong>, which is expected to play a key role in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a><strong>, to China on a 99-year lease.</strong></li>
<li>China has also supplied arms as well as provided huge loans to Sri Lanka for its development.</li>
<li>The two countries have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement which is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s first nuclear partnership with any country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fishermen issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the <strong>Palk Straits</strong> and the <strong>Gulf of Mannar</strong>, incidents of straying of fishermen are common.</li>
<li>Fishermen often <strong>risk their lives</strong> and cross in to Srilankan rather than return empty-handed, but the Sri Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed fishing nets and vessels of those who have crossed the line.</li>
<li>The 4<sup>th</sup> meeting under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-sri-lanka-joint-working-group-on-fisheries#:~:text=India%20and%20Sri%20Lanka%20agreed,solution%20to%20the%20fishermen%20issue." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint Working Group</strong></a> (JWG) on fisheries was held recently between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka as the mechanism to help find a permanent solution to the fishermen issue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/an-indian-gift-helps-sri-lankas-covid-19-fight/article33503867.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:TH</a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Changing World Order, India & UNSC',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-elected-united-nations-security-council-7132965/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;India&rsquo;s UNSC opportunity&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Indian Express on 05/01/2021. It talks about the changing world order and new challenges and how India should leverage its <strong>two-year tenure of Non-Permanent Membership at UNSC.</strong></p>
</div>
<p>Since the end of the Cold War, India has entered the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/22-09-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong></a> for the third time. However, the current world order is very different from India&rsquo;s earlier stints in UNSC viz. 1991-92 and 2011-12.</p>
<p>The challenge emanating from the current world order is whether a peaceful consensus can bring about the redistribution of power between various superpowers.</p>
<p>In this context, India should leverage this two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC, to promote national interests and global peace.</p>
<h3>Changing World Order in the Recent Times</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Cold-War:</strong> With the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991</strong></a>, the world order turned from being bi-polar to unipolar. However, the current world order is without a systemic equilibrium, which is essential to the maintenance of international stability.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is due to the emergence of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Cold War</strong></a> between US &amp; China, which amounts to a struggle for a new distribution of power&mdash;political, economic and military.</li>
<li>Moreover, the differences between the US, China and Russia have become intractable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Retrenchment of US:</strong> The prominent feature of the current world order is the US&rsquo;s retrenchment from global affairs. This can be reflected by the withdrawal of the US the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement#:~:text=Paris%20Agreement%20(also%20known%20as,to%20deal%20with%20climate%20change." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate deal</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>JCPOA</strong></a>, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This retrenchment has led to a severe blow to multilateralism and globalisation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indo-Pacific as a New Sub-System:</strong> The rise of China has been redrawing the balance of power in the South-China Sea. This has led to countries like US, India, Japan, etc., colluding in framing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/europe-in-indo-pacific" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific as a new sub-system in international affairs.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indo-Pacific refers to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans between the east coast of Africa and the American west coast and their several littoral countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declining Role of UN:</strong> The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the UN&rsquo;s main executive body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the veto powers possessed by the UNSC&rsquo;s five permanent members are used as an instrument to shore up their geopolitical interests, regardless of the disastrous consequences for the victims of armed conflict as can be seen in Syria, Iraq, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Current Challenges For Indian Foreign Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aggressive China:</strong> At the end of the Cold War, India ought to strengthen cooperation with China on the multilateral front with a view that it would also help generate the conditions for resolving the boundary dispute and expand the areas of bilateral cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this strategy has been proved counter-effective as China now has assumed an aggressive posture towards India. It can be seen in recent Galwan Valley Clashes.</li>
<li>Moreover, China protects Pakistan from the international pressures that India has sought to mobilise at various fora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Non-Alignment:</strong> To counter China, India has colluded with like-minded countries, forming Quad grouping (US, India, Japan, Australia).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this convergence with the US has tarnished India&rsquo;s image of non-alignment and deteriorated relations with traditional partners like Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward: Leveraging Non-Permanent Membership</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Becoming Part of the Great Game</strong>: The UNSC offers room for sustained diplomatic interaction between the major powers, minimising tensions and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Much like the US and USSR that cooperated on nuclear proliferation issues at the height of the Cold War, the US and China could explore potential common ground even amidst their broad-based confrontation.</li>
<li>In this context, India can carve out a larger role for itself amid renewed great power rivalry.</li>
<li>Further, as India now joins the UNSC amid a continuing military standoff, India can now expose the Chinese aggression in the Ladakh region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNSC Reforms:</strong> Making the UNSC more &ldquo;representative&rdquo; has been one of India&rsquo;s demands since the end of the Cold War.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, India should continue its partnership with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G4 (Brazil, Germany and Japan)</strong> </a>countries to expand the UNSC and become a permanent member.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deepening International Collaboration:</strong> The engagement with peace and security issues at the UNSC will allow India to strengthen its new coalitions such as the Quad.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, India could also use the UNSC tenure to deepen collaboration with its European partners like France and Germany in the security arena.</li>
<li>India must also sustain an intensive dialogue with Russia on all international issues, notwithstanding Russia&rsquo;s worsening problems with the West and closer ties to China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With Global South:</strong> India needs to revitalise its engagement with its traditional partners in the &ldquo;global south&rdquo; by articulating their peace and security concerns in the UNSC. In this context, two sub-groups of the global south should be of particular interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Small Island States:</strong> The numerous small island states worldwide face existential challenges from global warming and rising sea levels.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They also struggle to exercise control over their large maritime estates.</li>
<li>Supporting the sovereignty and survivability of the island states is a crucial political task for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong> Nearly half of UNSC meetings, 60% of its documents, and 70% of its resolutions are about peace and security in Africa.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The continent has three seats in the UNSC (Kenya, Niger and Tunisia) and there is regular consultation between the UNSC and the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU).</li>
<li>The UNSC tenure is a good moment for India to intensify India&rsquo;s engagement on peace and security issues in Africa at bilateral, regional and global levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s foreign policy approach has also shifted from the reactive to the proactive. That, in turn, should make India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposeful and pragmatic.</p>
<p>Purposefulness is about tightly integrating its UNSC engagement with India&rsquo;s broader national goals. Pragmatism demands adapting to the changed conditions at the UNSC and avoiding overly ambitious goals.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In the context of changing world order and new challenges, India&rsquo;s foreign policy should leverage India&rsquo;s new stint at the UNSC more purposefully and pragmatically. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9d7n87-WiNg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/black-and-grey-on-pakistans-actions-against-terrorists/article33496043.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Black and grey: On Pakistan's actions against terrorists&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on January 5<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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