July'22 Jan'23

2.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. INDIA- ISRAEL- UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - USA (I2U2)
Why in news?
Recently, the first Leaders’ Summit of I2U2 (India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and United States) was held virtually.
Key Highlights of Summit
Specifications Detail
Food security • UAE will invest $2 billion to develop a series of integrated food parks across India which would deploy
climate smart technologies to reduce food wastage and spoilage, conserve fresh water.
Renewable • Establishment of a hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat consisting of 300 megawatts (MW) of wind
energy and solar capacity complemented by a battery energy storage system.
• This contributes to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
AIM for • Leaders welcomed India’s interest in joining US, UAE, and Israel in Agriculture Innovation Mission for
Climate Climate initiative (AIM for Climate).
• It aims to help the agriculture industry meet the target set out in the Paris Agreement to limit global
warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
About I2U2
• I2U2 was first mentioned in October 2021, following the Abraham Accords
Abraham Accords between Israel and UAE, to deal with • Abraham Accords is a series of peace agreements
between Israel and several Arab countries, UAE
issues concerning maritime security, infrastructure, and
being the first.
transport in region. o In 2020, it was mediated by USA between UAE,
o It was established as an international forum to discuss Bahrain and Israel.
common areas of mutual interest, strengthen economic • The name “Abraham” refers to the great father of
partnership in trade and investment in respective the faith of the three Abrahamic religions:
regions and beyond. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
o The I2U2, referred to as the ‘West Asian QUAD’. • It’s a symbolic title that promotes unity between
o I2U2 lacks a military angle and focuses on the economy. Arabic and Jewish people by recognizing the shared
• It has identified six areas of cooperation in water, energy, patriarch.
transportation, space, health, and food security.
o It intends to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize infrastructure, low carbon
development pathways for industries, improve public health, and promote development of critical emerging and
green technologies.
Significance of I2U2 for India
• Indian Ocean: It will facilitate greater engagement across western Indian ocean which lies between India, Suez Canal
and South Africa.
o At least 12 percent of world trade passes through the Suez Canal that links the Indian Ocean to the
Mediterranean via the Red Sea.
• Access to market: It will help to enhance bilateral trade, facilitate access to strategic markets in West Asia, starting
with the UAE, and could lead to significant job creation in India,
• Ties with Middle East: It will help India to deepen its ties with the Middle East, which serves India’s energy and
economic interests and has a large diaspora presence. Additionally, it will enhance opportunity to expand ties with
the US beyond Asia.
o India would help Israel to bridge the difference between Israel and Arab countries.
• Strengthen global position: After QUAD, India’s inclusion in I2U2 strengthens its global position. Such developments
align India with other major powers like Russia, Europe, and China to address its national and regional concerns
strategically.
• Security: It would help to minimise threats like maritime piracy, illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons, and
terrorism.
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Issues associated with I2U2
• Lack of clarity: Strategic goals are not clear as many scholars see I2U2 as an organisation created to contain Iran,
which could further disrupt relation between India and Iran.
• Asymmetry among members: The member nations have asymmetric power as USA and Israel are militarily stronger
as compared to India and UAE.
• Cooperation: Countries in the I2U2 group have conflicting positions on how to deal with China, Russia and that may
affect the future of the group and its prospects of success.
o For instance, India abstains from voting on Russia- Ukraine war.
• Security: I2U2 may pose challenge for India i.e. US-sponsored and backed Israel-Arab security deal would complicate
India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ in the Middle East as a state that chooses not to take sides.
• Internal conflict in west Asia: The internal conflicts in the Arab world may lead to the significant partners of India like
Iran splitting from the former into another group.
o Developing situation might lead to the creation of two groups: China, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, while
India, Israel, the USA, and UAE are likely to be on the other side.
Way forward
• Addressing bilateral concerns: Cooperation among the four countries is necessary as there are difficulties in
managing the complexities of the West Asian region.
o Balancing the rival countries diplomatically and strategically to maintain friendly relations can be done through
cooperation among the four countries.
• Cooperation: I2U2 can expand by advancing cooperation in new areas in the future or by pursuing cooperation with
other partners in both the Middle East and South Asia.
• Development: Concentrated efforts to strengthen infrastructure, climate change mitigation, public health, can help
in development of west Asia.
• Maintain peace: I2U2 should aim to address growing concerns like energy, food security and economic growth in the
west Asia region and South Asia along with steps towards maintaining peace in the region.
Related News
India, UAE and France to hold their maiden Trilateral meeting
• Objective of the meet is to explore potential cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region including in Maritime Security,
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Blue Economy, Regional Connectivity, Cooperation in Multilateral Fora,
Energy and Food Security, Startups etc.
• India-UAE-France Trilateral and its Significance
o Boost the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under the trilateral framework, comes amid increasing international concern
over China's increasing military presence in the region.
o Advance strategic autonomy in the Western Indian Ocean Region or Arabian Sea to ensure energy and regional security.
✓ The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India are both countries of the Western Indian Ocean region while France is a
resident power of the region owing to the presence of two of its overseas departments—Mayotte and Reunion—and
its inter services bases in the UAE and Djibouti.
o It is critical for India’s global footprint as well as the success of India’s Act East Policy, Look West Policy, Security and
Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) etc.
o Opportunity to work towards shared goals of ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’.
• Other initiatives for Indo Pacific - BRICS, Quad, India-Japan-Australia, India-Australia-France (that would be revived under the
new government in Australia) and prospective India-Indonesia-Australia.
2.2. CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Why in news?
China and Pakistan have decided to invite interested third country to join the CPEC project and are also planning to expand
CPEC projects to Afghanistan.
About CPEC Project
• CPEC is a 3,000-km long route of infrastructure projects connecting Pakistan’s Gwadar port in Balochistan to China’s
northwestern Xinjiang region.
• CPEC is a part of China’s most ambitious project ‘Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
o The BRI, launched in 2013, aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a
network of land and sea routes.
• It will pave the way for China to access the Middle East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China to access the
Indian Ocean and in return China will support development projects in Pakistan to overcome the latter’s energy
crises and stabilising its faltering economy.
• India has repeatedly registered its protests over CPEC.
India’s objections and apprehensions over CPEC
• Violation of India’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: CPEC is
unilaterally devised by China and passes through parts of the Union
Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are under illegal
occupation of Pakistan.
• Perception regarding China’s motives of strategically encircling
India: Experts believe that the CPEC will evolve China-Pakistan
strategic cooperation into a bilateral military alliance against India.
• Apprehensions about lack of transparency and financial viability:
There is also the apprehension that inability to repay loans will pave
the way for Chinese intrusion in the internal affairs of defaulting
countries particularly in light of recent Sri Lankan crisis.
• Possible security implications: That parts of the Why India’s stance on BRI projects matters to China?
road built within the project can potentially act as • India as an immediate neighbour and an important player in
a transit point for Islamic insurgents such as the the region remains very relevant to Chinese neighbourhood
East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). policy.
• Strengthening BRI’s legitimacy: Despite being unilaterally
India’s overall approach to China’s BRI
proposed, the BRI is/shall be bilaterally/multilaterally
• Active cooperation with its other international pursued. Taking India on board in discussion is much needed
partners to reap the economic benefits of regional for supporting BRI’s legitimacy.
connectivity and yet maintain its strategic • Effective achievement of BRI’s policy objectives: The five
dominance distinct from China. priority areas of BRI namely, policy coordination, facilitating
connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and
o For example, with Asia-Africa Growth Corridor
people-to-people bonds can be better achieved at various
(AAGC), India and Japan offers a benevolent
levels with Indian cooperation.
and rules based alternative to the BRI. • Global Peace: An active Indian engagement would promote
• Countering China’s military rise: India has sustainable relationship which would go a long way in
strengthened its cooperation with US, Japan, promoting international peace and prosperity.
Australia for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue • Indian markets are a fertile ground for Chinese investment:
(Quad) to counter China’s rise in the region. Involving India in the BRI negotiation would help dispel any
• Regional and sub-regional cooperation such as the mistrust that both countries may have against each other
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN), and thereby paving way for increased investment and enhanced
promoting its Neighbourhood First Policy through cooperation in other areas of international importance.
SAGAR initiative and Project Mausam. Through these, India seeks to further its strategic aspirations and respond to
the growing influence of the BRI.
Conclusion
Indian Government is of the firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognized international
norms. They must follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility and must be pursued in a
manner that respects sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of other nations.

2.3. NEWS IN SHORTS
2.3.1. FORMER JAPAN PRIME MINISTER 2.3.2. ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS
(PM) SHINZO ABE ASSASSINATED
• China marked the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's
• Shinzo Abe was Japan's longest-serving PM who return and emphasized Beijing's control over Hong
pushed for more assertive policies to revitalise Japan Kong under One country, two systems (OCTS).
economically and rebuild its role on the global stage. • Background of OCTS
o India finds a special mention in his book Utsukushii o It was originally proposed to unify China and Taiwan
Kuni E (Toward a Beautiful Country). but rejected by Taiwan.
• Major Contributions of Shinzo Abe o The idea resurfaced when China started talks with
Britain and Portugal, who were governing Hong Kong
Economics • Also known as ‘Abenomics’, it was started and Macau, respectively, as colonies.
in 2013 to overcome the over two decades • About OCTS
of deflation through monetary easing, o Under this, China proposed that, Hong Kong, and
fiscal stimulus and structural reforms. Macau, can have different economic and political
Foreign • Under his Arc of Freedom and Prosperity, systems from that of mainland China, while being
Policy the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a part of China.
contemporary political, strategic and o Both regions became Special Administrative
economic reality. Regions of China with their own currencies,
• In 2007, he put forth the idea of economic and legal systems,
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) ✓ However, defence and foreign affairs would
for free flow of people, goods, capital and
be decided by China.
knowledge.
o Also, Hong Kong has freedom of assembly and
Defence • Reinterpreted the Constitution to allow
speech, and some democratic rights, which are not
Japanese troops to fight abroad for the
available in mainland China.
first time since World War II, as well as
✓ These freedoms are protected by the Basic
revoked a ban on exercising the right to
Law, a mini constitution that guides
defend a friendly country under attack.
relationship between Hong Kong and China.
Social • Womenics which pushed companies to ✓ Basic law is valid for 50 years, till 2047 for
increase their hiring of women with the Hong Kong and 2049 for Macau. But it is
help of specially tailored government unclear what will happen after this term.
policies such as preferential government
Hongkong and Macau
contracting to reward companies that
• British had taken control of Hong Kong in 1842 after the
hired women and government-funded First Opium War. In 1898, Britain and China signed
day-care centres. Convention, which allowed the British to take control of
the islands surrounding Hong Kong on lease for 99 years.
• His contributions to India-Japan Relationship • Macau, on the other side, had been ruled by the
o Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Portuguese from 1557.
India-Japan for Peace and Security in the region, • In the 1980s, China initiated talks with both Britain and
o Under Abe, Japan made for a tenth of India’s FDI Portugal for the transfer of two territories.
with support for major projects including the • Hong Kong returned to Chinese control in 1997, and
Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-speed rail corridor. Macau’s sovereignty was transferred in 1999.
o He supported India’s entry into four international
export control regimes (the Nuclear Suppliers 2.3.3. RUSSIA-UKRAINE DEAL TO
Group (NSG); the Australia Group (AG); the Missile RESUME GRAIN EXPORTS
Technology Control Regime (MTCR); and the
• Recently, Russia and Ukraine agreed to resume grain
Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)) with increased
exports from Black Sea ports (Odessa, Chernomorsk
cooperation in defence equipment and
and Yuzhny) as part of a deal negotiated by United
technology.
Nations and Turkiye (new name of Turkey).
o For his contributions, Indian Government gave the
o The deal makes provisions for the safe passage of
prestigious Padma Vibhushan to him in 2021.
ships.

• Significance of deal: • CAATSA is a law that came into effect in the US in 2017,
o Ease global food insecurity: It will enable Ukraine and was meant to punish countries having deep
to export 22 million tonnes of grain and essential engagements with Russia, North Korea, and Iran using
goods such as sunflower oil, stuck in Black Sea economic sanctions.
ports due to Russia's invasion. o However, the application of CAATSA is not limited
o Ease Russia’s export of fertilisers essential for to the S-400, and may include other joint ventures
ensuring future high yields on crops and bring for manufacturing or developing weapons in the
down food prices. future, or any other kinds of major deals with
✓ Russia accounts for 13% of world output of Russia.
fertilisers. o The US has already imposed sanctions on Turkey
• Importance of Russia and Ukraine for global food under CAATSA for purchase of S-400 missile
security: systems from Russia.
o Both countries account for more than a quarter of • S-400 is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-
the world's wheat supplies (Russia- 20%; Ukraine- SAM) system.
8%). o S-400 Triumf has the capability to protect against
o Ukraine is the world’s fourth largest exporter of almost all sorts of aerial attacks, including drones,
corn, accounting for 16% of global exports. missiles, rockets and even fighter jets.
o Ukraine is the world’s largest exporter of
sunflower oil. 2.3.5. 2022 SUPPLY CHAIN MINISTERIAL
FORUM
• India recently adopted US' joint statement of the 2022
Supply Chain Ministerial Forum on cooperation of
global supply chains.
• A partnership of 18 economies, including India, US and
European Union has unveiled a four-point roadmap for
building collective, long-term resilient supply chains
(RSC) to counter risks arising from supply dependencies
and vulnerabilities.
o Roadmap was formulated in the backdrop of
supply chain summit that was held in US, in 2021.
• Statement recognises shocks to global supply chains
from pandemics, wars and conflicts, extreme climate
impacts, and natural disasters.
• Building RSC roadmap is based on global principles of
transparency, diversification, security and
sustainability.
o Currently, the global supply chain is dominated by
China.
o Measures are aimed at reducing the dependence
2.3.4. SANCTIONS WAIVER FOR S-400 of 17 partners on Chinese supply chains against
MISSILE SYSTEM the backdrop of its assertive actions, including on
economic and trade issues.
• The US House of Representatives passed a legislative o India, Japan and Australia have also launched
amendment that exempts India from economic Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) to
sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries counter China’s dominance of supply chain in the
Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for purchasing the S- Indo-Pacific region.
400 missile defence system from Russia in 2018 to help • Significance of RSC
deter aggressors like China. o Risk reduction by allowing visibility into all
o The US sees India as an important ally in its fight operations across the network.
against China. If sanctioned, the Quad collective, o More efficient operations leading to more
of which India is part, could be significantly investment in innovation and growth.
impacted. o Improved productivity.

2.3.6. ASIA ENERGY TRANSITION
INITIATIVE
• Japan plans to provide support to India to drive the
transition to clean energy under this initiative.
• It aims to achieve sustainable growth and carbon
neutrality in Asia through energy transitions.
• It includes a $10 billion in finance for renewable
energy, energy efficiency and liquefied natural gas
(LNG) projects.

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. INDIAN DIASPORA
Why in news?
Recently, a Parliamentary committee released a
comprehensive report on Indian Diaspora.
About Indian Diaspora
• Indian Diaspora is the group of people who
are currently living outside India (temporary
or permanent) and those who can trace their
origin to India.
• It is commonly understood to include Non-
Resident Indians (NRIs), who are citizens of
India and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
including Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs), who
are foreign nationals.
o PIO and OCI card holders have been
merged under one category OCI in 2015.
• India has one of the largest diaspora in the
world with over 31 million including over 13
million NRIs and 18 million PIOs spread across the globe.
• The composition of the Indian diaspora is diverse,
consisting of labourers/workers, traders, political
leaders, professionals as well as students and spread
across the world with major concentration in U.S,
Canada, UK, Australia, Gulf, E.U., South & West Africa
and Girmitiya countries.
o Girmitiya countries are the countries where Indians
were taken as indentured labourers during British
India to work on plantations in British colonies.
o Girmitiya countries includes countries like- Fiji,
Mauritius, Jamaica, South Africa, Guyana,
Suriname etc.
• India with US $ 87 billions of remittances sent by
diaspora is the largest recipient country of the world in
2021 and it is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2022 (World
Bank report).
• India’s engagement with its diaspora is characterized
under the rubric of 4Cs - Care, Connect, Celebrate &
Contribute.
Major lacunae identified by the committee in effective
engagement with Diaspora
• Lack of authentic database: Since registration by the
diaspora is voluntary, the entire diaspora does not
register with the Indian Embassies/Posts abroad and the
data also varies because of the mobility of the diaspora.

• Exclusion of a large population: Low/semi-skilled and blue collar workers may not find place or feel comfortable to
participate in the PBD celebrations as the general profile of participants is seen to be of very high level.
• No clear policy: The policy of the Government evolves based on the feedback which it gets from the diaspora from
time to time. Major challenges faced by Indian Diaspora
• High number of unresolved grievances in the • West Asia specific:
various Embassies, Consulates and offices of the o Low oil prices owing to Shale gas boom, slower global growth
Protector of Emigrants. and fierce competition from skilled labour from the
• No specific scheme exists for the rehabilitation Philippines resulting in job cuts for Indians.
of the workers who lost their jobs including the o Rising conflicts and instability due to the Shia-Sunni conflicts
huge population of Gulf returnees, in the wake and the radical Islamism affecting security of Indians.
o Exploitative Kafala labour system (a sponsorship system
of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
that binds workers through contract to a kafeel (sponsor),
• Insufficient evaluation of programs and who controls their immigration status).
schemes for the welfare of diaspora population. o Nitaqat Law which aims to replace a large section of
• Challenges in crisis situation: For instance, overseas workers with locals in Saudi Arabia.
thousands of Indian students pursuing medical • US, Canada & UK
and other courses in Ukraine and China have o Discriminative practices, Protectionism and Stricter H-1B visa
been left in a quandary as they are neither being norms in US
able to return to these countries and also could o Revision of visa norms in UK post-Brexit.
not re-join their courses physically or complete o Demands for Dual Citizenship
their internship or training in India. • General Economic Issues: violation of contractual terms, adverse
working conditions, wage related issues, medical & insurance
Recommendations of the committee related problems etc.
• Bring out a policy document on
diaspora to serve as a guiding principle Steps taken for enhancing engagement with diaspora population
for deeper and wider engagement with • Merger of The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the
the diaspora community. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in 2015 which led to re-integration
bringing in a more holistic approach towards dealing with the issues of the
• Maintenance of data: Concerted
Indian diaspora.
efforts may be made to collate an • Revamping of organization of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) with much
authentic database of the Indian greater participation of diaspora.
diaspora at Ministry level and use it o Programmes/schemes initiated under it are Know India Programme
appropriately in preparing and (KIP), Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC), Bharat Ko
implementing welfare scheme for Janiye Quiz, Videsh Sampark Series and PIO Parliamentarian
diaspora community. Conference etc.
• Review of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas • Institutional framework for support and welfare of Indian nationals
Events: The participation and abroad includes MADAD portal, e-Migrate, Indian Community Welfare
involvement should be more broad- Fund (ICWF), Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK), Indian Worker
Resource Centres among others.
based accommodating the vulnerable
• Robust system of grievance redressal which includes bringing such issues
sections of the diaspora community
through e-mails, twitter and through Centralised Public Grievance Redress
too. and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal has been maintained.
• Paradiplomacy: Stepping up efforts of • State Outreach Programme under the banner ‘Videsh Sampark’ which is an
coordination and closer interaction in-depth dialogue between MEA and State Governments with the objective
with the State Governments for of seeking cooperation in addressing issues pertaining to welfare and
successful implementation of protection of NRIs living abroad.
programmes and schemes. • Facilitating the diaspora community to contribute or give back to the
• Qualitative and quantitative country through programmes like VAJRA Faculty Scheme, PRABHASS
improvements in the grievance (Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark) and VAIBHAV
(Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik).
redressal system so that all the
• Schemes for Rehabilitation such as SWADES (Skilled Workers Arrival
pending cases are resolved within a
Database for Employment Support), has been launched for citizens
specified timeframe. returning under the Vande Bharat Mission with the aim of creating a
• Cultural Diplomacy: Deepening database of returning citizens based on their skill sets and experience.
engagement through organisation of
cultural events at Missions/Consulates showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of India for cultural
diplomacy and soft power projection abroad.
• Impact assessment of the existing Migration and Mobility Agreements to ensure that the issues of interest of the
migrant workers including their grievances are actually addressed through the said MoUs/ Agreements.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation scheme must be worked in for those workers who lost their jobs due to pandemics or
other disasters.
2.2. INDIAN ANTARCTIC ACT, 2022

Why in news?
Recently, the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 was enacted.
About Indian Antarctic Act, 2022
• This act aims to provide national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated
ecosystems and to give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources and to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
• Key Objectives of the Act
o Prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying of certain activities in Antarctica without a permit;
o Eliminating mining or illegal activities.
o Fulfilling India’s obligations under Antarctic Treaty and related conventions.
o Facilitating India’s interest and pro-active involvement in the management of growing Antarctic tourism and
sustainable development of fisheries resources in Antarctic waters.
o Increasing international visibility, credibility of India in Polar governance leading to international collaboration
and cooperation in scientific and logistics fields.
o Building a well-established legal mechanism for efficient and elective operations of Indian Antarctic Programme.
• Key Provisions of the Act
o Applicability: Provisions applicable to any, Indian or foreign Citizens; entities incorporated, established or
registered under any law in force in India; vessel or aircraft registered in India or involved in any Indian expedition
to Antarctica.
About Antarctic Treaty
o Establishment of a Committee on Antarctic
• This treaty came into force in 1961 after ratification by 12 original
Governance and Environmental Protection members: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan,
to be chaired by the Secretary of the New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, USSR (now Russia) the UK,
Ministry of Earth Sciences. Various and the US.
functions of the Committee include: • Parties: Currently 54 countries have acceded it.
✓ Grant, suspension or cancellation of o India signed the treaty in 1983 and is one of the 29
permits for various activities; Consultative Parties to the treaty.
✓ Monitoring, implementing and • Objectives of the treaty
ensuring compliance of relevant o Demilitarize Antarctica, making it free of nuclear tests and
international laws, emission standards the disposal of radioactive waste.
and rules for protection of Antarctic o Establish it as a zone for peaceful research activities.
o Set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.
environment;
• It covers the area south of 60°S latitude.
✓ Negotiating fees/charges with other
• The Treaty parties have also negotiated three international
parties for activities in Antarctica; agreements which govern activities in Antarctica, collectively
✓ Establishment of waste classification known as the Antarctic Treaty System-
system and waste management plans o Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, 1972
etc. o Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
o Permit system: A permit by the Committee Resources (CCAMLR), 1980 (ratified by India in 1985)
or written authorisation from another party o Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic
to the Protocol (other than India) will be Treaty (Madrid Protocol), 1991 (signed by India in 1998).
required for various activities such as:

✓ Entering and staying in Antarctica,
✓ Mineral resource activities, Prohibited activities under the Act
✓ Introduction of non-native animals and  Nuclear explosion, disposal of radioactive wastes.
plants or microscopic organisms,  Introduction of non-sterile soil.
✓ Removal of biological specimen,  Introduction of specified substances and products.
✓ Entering into Antarctic Specially Protected  Discharge of garbage, plastic, or other substance harmful
to marine environment in Antarctica.
Area or Marine Protected Area,
 Damage, destroy or remove any historic site or monument.
✓ Waste disposal etc.  Possession, sale or offering for sale, trading, transporting,
o Constitution of the Antarctic fund to be applied transferring or sending anything that has been obtained by
towards the welfare of Antarctic research work violating provisions of the act.
and protection of Antarctic environment.
o Stringent penalties for contravention of its
provisions: E.g., Conducting a nuclear explosion in
Antarctica could lead to imprisonment of 20 years etc.
o Designated court to try punishable offences: The
central government may notify one or more Sessions
Courts to be the Designated Court. It can also specify
its territorial jurisdiction to try offences punishable
under the Act.
o Grant of Special permit for commercial fishing in
Antarctica.
o Provision for inspection in India by an officer
designated by the Central Government as an Inspector
and to constitute an inspection team to carry out
inspections in Antarctica.
About Antarctica
• It is world’s 5th largest, southernmost and the driest,
windiest, coldest, and iciest continent.
• It is not a country and has no government and no
indigenous population. Instead, the entire continent
is set aside as a scientific preserve.
• Just 2% of this continent is free of ice, allowing a
small toe-hold for hardy animals and plants.
• It holds 90% of the Earth’s total ice volume and 70%
of its fresh water.
• India and Antarctica
o There was no specific legislation for Antarctica
since India’s Antarctic expeditions began in 1981.
o India is also a member of-
✓ Council of Managers of National Antarctic
Programme (COMNAP): It comprises the
heads of each of the national Antarctic
operating agencies.
✓ Scientific Committee of Antarctica Research
(SCAR): It coordinates Antarctic research
programs and encourages scientific
cooperation.
o India’s Research stations: Maitri at Schirmacher
Hills, Bharati at Larsemann Hills (Dakshin
Gangotri was the first Indian base established in 1984).

o Indian Antarctic program managed by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa: Under it,
India has successfully launched 40 annual scientific expeditions to Antarctica till date.
2.3. SUPPLY OF CRITICAL MINERALS

Why in news?
There is a growing concern over India not finding a place in the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).
About Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)
• It is an ambitious US-led partnership of 11 countries to secure and strengthen supply chains of critical minerals such
as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, and other rare earth minerals.
o Members include US, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Sweden, United
Kingdom, and the European Commission.
• The alliance is aimed at catalysing investment from governments and the private sector to ensure that countries
realise the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments.
• It comes in the backdrop of recorded demand for critical minerals and dominance of China in supply chain of these
minerals particularly the processing stage of production.
o The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and
People’s Republic of China (China) were responsible
for some 70% and 60% of global production of cobalt
and rare earth elements respectively in 2019.
About Critical Minerals and their Significance
• Definition: It refers to mineral resources, both primary
and processed, which are:
o Essential inputs in the functioning of modern
technologies, economies and national sec urity, and
o Faces supply chain disruption risk on account of non-
availability and price volatility.
• Elements included: It includes metallic and non-metallic element such as Antimony, Beryllium, Cobalt, Germanium,
Graphite, Indium, Lithium, Niobium, 17 Rare earths (heavy and light), Rhenium, Tantalum, Silicon, Strontium,
Vanadium, Zirconium etc.
• Significance: They are critical as
their associated impact on the
economy is (relatively) higher than
the other raw materials and they
have limited substitutes.
Why India’s exclusion from MSP is a
concern?
Commonly used in the production of
advanced technologies and low-
emission technologies such as
semiconductors, hybrid cars, wind
turbines, batteries, defence equipment
etc., they are vital in India’s digital
economy transition and achieve-
• Self-reliance (AtmaNirbhar
Bharat) in multiple sectors by
building a domestic manufacturing
capacity in semiconductors, batteries etc.
• Promotion of Energy efficiency through advanced electricity networks, energy efficient lighting and battery storages.
• Faster adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles to cater requirements of e-mobility. E.g. Electric
cars have six times more critical minerals than conventional cars.
• Decarbonization of energy system through clean energy technologies which need a higher amount of critical
minerals. E.g., an offshore wind plant requires
13 times more critical minerals when compared Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL)
• It is a joint venture of 3 Central Public Sector Enterprises namely,
with gas-plant of same size.
National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindustan Copper
Challenges in Critical Minerals Supply Ltd. (HCL) and Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL).
• High Import Dependency of most countries due • It is mandated to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of
to high geographical concentration of critical critical and strategic nature such as lithium, cobalt, nickel,
Copper, Neodymium, other rare earths etc.
minerals extraction and processing.
• Currently, it is engaged with countries like Australia, Argentina,
o E.g. Chinese Dominance across the value Bolivia and Chile to tap critical and strategic minerals.
chain of rare earth minerals.
• Long project development lead times to move mining projects from discovery to first production; leading to a
prolonged period of market tightness and price volatility on deficit.
• Declining ore quality and reduced investments from resource rich countries due to pandemic, increasing the market
tightness with increased environmental impact.
• Higher exposure to political instability and geostrategic risks due to their significance and complex processing value
chain under rising conflicts.
• Increased sustainability and responsible production pressure on mining activities due to mine accidents,
environmental and social performance scrutiny etc.
• India’s Domestic Challenges further limit India’s abilities to tap critical minerals (see image).
Way Forward
Government has set up KhanijBidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) to identify and acquire overseas critical and strategic mineral
assets, and signed bilateral agreements such as Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership for mutual
benefits. Further, it should:
• Set up an intelligence centre on critical minerals to study the future demand and supply, identify potential
weaknesses, evaluate potential impacts, and devise necessary actions.
• Focus on Domestic Exploration through capacity enhancement of Indian Bureau of Mines for better inter-agency
coordination and enhanced exploration of critical minerals.
• Promote expenditure on research and innovation to study their formation, improved mining and mineral processing
technologies, reducing material intensity and finding a substitute material.
o It can help India in mining of critical minerals from Polymetallic Nodules, Seafloor Massive Sulphides or
Polymetallic Sulphides and Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts from Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with rich critical
minerals resources; and
• Enhance supply chain resilience through supply diversification or strategic stockpiling of critical minerals to weather
short-term supply disruptions.
• Scale up recycling to relieve pressure on primary supply and encourage public participation in it by raising public
awareness.
• Strengthen international collaboration for strategic acquisition of overseas mines and signing of agreements to carry
out joint research projects; including increased efforts to join MSP.
2.4. COMMON SECURITY

Why in news?
Recently, Palme International Center, International Peace Bureau (IPB) and International Trade Union Confederation
(ITUC) released a report on Common Security 2022.
What is the concept of Common security?
• Common security is a notion based on the assumption that no nation, community or individual can be secure
without other nations, communities and individuals enjoying the same level of security.
o Any conflict in one part of the world has cascading effects on the people of another.
o The effect can be seen in the Ukraine or Afghanistan conflict on other developing countries, particularly, on the
supply of food grains, fertiliser and
fuel.
• The common concepts of security go
beyond the narrow traditional and
realist approach to security.
o The traditional idea of security was
the protection or defence of states
against external threats or attacks.
o The notion of common security is
about non-violent approaches to
the universal need to be secure.
Risks to common security in the current era
• Challenges to Multilateralism in a
Multipolar World: The validity of the
international rules-based system is
increasingly in crisis, with the rules being
ignored and violated.
o Respect for the core principles of
international humanitarian law is
increasingly under threat, as
witnessed in recent conflicts such as
Iraq, Palestine/Israel, Yemen, Syria,
and Ukraine.
• Militarisation: Massive investments in
faster, more lethal nuclear weapons,
coupled with increasing tensions
between nuclear-armed states and new
technological developments, presents a
severe danger to international security.
o This even triggers a vicious circle –
spending money on arms instead of
people fosters inequality and stokes
fear and division, which requires yet
more military resources.
o The Korean peninsula represents
one area of particular concern,
where nuclear tensions remain high
and there is increasing militarisation.
• Authoritarian Regimes-Shrinking
Democratic Space: The past 15 years
have seen a growing democracy gap, with
a consistent expansion of authoritarian
rule and a decline in major democracies.
o Non-democratic states not only
threaten regional and global peace,
but also fail to provide safety or
security for their own citizens.

• Global Warming and the Climate Crisis: Climate change fosters inequality, increases insecurity, destabilises existing
relationships, fuels forced migration, and intensifies competition for key and scarce resources.
o There is an alarming overlap between ecological degradation and conflict.
o Of the 15 countries facing the worst ecological threats in the world, 11 are currently in conflict.
• Inequality: Nearly half of the world's population survives on less than $5.50 a day.
o Rising income inequality leads to increasingly polarised politics, and the ascendance of populism and nationalism
which may spiral into violence and war.
• Current and Future Pandemics: Underfunded health services and social protection systems, coupled with growing
health inequality, prevented vaccine equity exposed the weakness in recent pandemic preparedness, and prevention
and highlights vulnerabilities for future pandemics.
Ways to achieve common security
• Strengthen global architecture for peace
o Encouraging regional bodies, such as SAARC, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Union to develop frameworks that incorporate the principles of common
security.
o Immediate resumption of strategic stability talks between the USA and Russia and the resumption of strategic
dialogue between the USA and China, with a view to the final elimination of all weapons of mass destruction.
o Integrating climate-related security risks into United Nations conflict-prevention strategies.
• Linking disarmament with development: Finding innovative ways to utilise nuclear equipment and expertise for
peaceful purposes and to support the transition of military personnel to non-military professions – the idea of
“transforming weapons into windfarms”. This entails:
o Reduction in military spending to generate a ‘global peace dividend’ to fund the UN Sustainable Development
Goals, UN peacebuilding, and a just transition to climate friendly jobs.
o Reduce spending on military personnel by creating civil service options as an alternative to military service.
• Revitalised Nuclear Arms Control and Disarmament
o Reinstate arms control treaties, particularly regarding nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, for example
the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
o States that carried out nuclear testing must provide immediate victim assistance and environmental
remediation, particularly to indigenous communities.
• Regulation of New Military Technologies and Outer Space Weapons
o Ban cyber-attacks on nuclear command and control systems, accompanied by a disentanglement of
conventional and nuclear weapon command and control systems.
o Prohibit autonomous weapons systems, to ensure that humans keep control over weapons and armed conflict.
o Strengthen the Outer Space Treaty and establish a new culture of responsible space governance to prevent
further militarisation of the domain.
• Engage and involve civil society: Civil society must act as a watchdog, a motivating force, and a counterweight to
political posturing – with the support of the verification and trust-building measures included in existing and new
treaties.
o NGOs must play an active role in advocacy work and raising awareness – not just on common security, but also
on militarisation, just conversion and beyond.
2.5. NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY(NPT)

Why in news?
Recently, NPT's five-year review meeting took place.
More on news
• NPT completed 50 years in 2020.
• NPT's five-year review was supposed to take place in 2020 but was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About NPT
• The treaty was signed in 1968 and entered
into force in 1970.
• It is described as the “cornerstone of global
nuclear non-proliferation and
disarmament” and it is among the most
widely-adhered-to global treaties.
• The Treaty represents the only binding
commitment in a multilateral treaty to the
goal of disarmament by the nuclear-
weapon States.
• The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states
(NWS) as those that have built and tested a
nuclear explosive device before 1 January
1967; these are the United States, Russia,
the United Kingdom, France, and China.
o Four other states are known or believed
to possess nuclear weapons: India,
Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.
• All countries of the world except South
Sudan and the above four are parties to the NPT.
About IAEA
• NPT Review Conference is held every five years to
• It was founded in 1957 to promote nuclear cooperation and
review the operation of the treaty and consider the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
means to strengthen it. • It is a specialized agency integrated within the United
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nations system but through its own international treaty “The
verifies Non-NWS (NNWS) compliance with Statute of the IAEA”.
commitments under the NPT not to acquire • It has three main roles:
nuclear weapons. o furthering peaceful uses of nuclear energy in science,
o Article III requires NNWS to conclude especially for the critical needs of developing countries;
agreements with the IAEA to safeguard all o promoting nuclear safety and security for nuclear and
nuclear materials in all peaceful nuclear radioactive materials in civilian use;
o verifying in more than 900 civilian facilities that nuclear
activities.
materials are not used in making nuclear weapons.
Achievements of NPT
• Reduction in number of nuclear weapons: From a peak of 70,300 warheads in 1986 to around 14,000 at present,
with the US and Russia accounting for over 12,500.
• Successfully prevented proliferation around the world: Since 1970, only four countries have acquired nuclear
weapons, bringing the total number of nuclear-weapon-states to nine.
• Additional Protocol for detection: The treaty facilitates cooperation on peaceful applications of nuclear technology
under the watch of the IAEA.
o It has helped make the nuclear inspections in the Iran nuclear deal much more effective and in years ahead with
North Korea.
• Creating nuclear weapon free zones: Additionally, the states of many regions of the world have chosen to be part of
nuclear-weapon-free zones in strong demonstration of their commitment to the objective of a world without nuclear
weapons.
Challenges to effective implementation on NPT
• Non-compliance of each nuclear-weapon state with the Treaty: These include-
o Increases in arsenal sizes (Russia, China), or raising the cap on the maximum number of warhead (UK),
o Fuelling a new nuclear arms race by spending billions on nuclear weapons each year, including building new and
more dangerous weapons systems (United States, Russia, China, France, UK).
o Failing to pursue negotiations in good faith to end the nuclear arms race and for nuclear disarmament (United
States, Russia, China, France, UK).
India’s stand on NPT and other key treaties
• Unsettled international security
India continues to attach high priority to and remains committed to universal,
environment: may polarise nations to non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament. Accordingly,
adopt the path of nuclear proliferation • India has not signed or joined the NPT due to the regime’s discrimination
for e.g. in favour of the five original nuclear weapons powers because it divides the
o U.S. withdrawal from the Joint world into nuclear haves and have nots.
Comprehensive Plan of Action • India also opposed Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
(JCPOA); on the grounds that it does not constitute or contribute to the
o U.S.-North Korea negotiations at a development of customary international law; nor does it set any new
halt. standards or norms.
• Loopholes in the treaty: NPT does not o TPNW Prohibits participating in any nuclear weapon related activities.
forbid a non-weapon state from • India also opposes Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to
its discriminatory nature.
possessing nuclear weapons (It forbids
o CTBT bans all nuclear explosion tests on Earth.
the acquisition, but in theory country
• India supports the commencement of negotiations on a comprehensive
with weapons could sign the NPT as a Nuclear Weapons Convention in the Conference on Disarmament, which
non-weapon state and not give up is the world’s single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum working
weapons already made). on the basis of consensus.
o The treaty has no sanctions for • India supports the proposed Fissile material cut off treaty under it that
violators or for withdrawal from would prohibit the production of two main components of nuclear
the treaty. weapons: highly enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium.
• Emergence of new technologies: New
technologies and types of weapons — including Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 2022
offensive cyber, counter-space, and hypersonic report highlights on Nuclear weapons proliferation
weapons — could further destabilize the security • While absolute numbers of nuclear arsenal have
environment. reduced, they are expected to grow over the next decade.
• Breakdown in international diplomacy over the • Russia and the USA together possess over 90% of all nuclear
Ukraine invasion is also enabling other states to weapons.
move away from non-proliferation and • Nine nuclear-armed states—the United States, Russia, the
United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and
disarmament. the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)—
• Formation of Military groupings: The proposal to continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals.
allow Australia, a non-nuclear weapon state, to
acquire nuclear submarines powered by highly enriched uranium (HEU) under the AUKUS arrangement has a
potentially negative impact on non-proliferation efforts and the control of fissile material.
Way Ahead
• More stakes on USA and Russia: They could help themselves by agreeing to extend New START (Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty). It would be useful to engage China in strategic stability discussions as well.
• Adhering to the TPNW: It will make a strong contribution to the NPT's Article VI obligation for states-parties to pursue
nuclear disarmament.
• Encouraging peaceful uses of nuclear energy: All NPT parties must work to ensure continued access to them in a safe
and secure manner, and without increasing the risk of nuclear proliferation.
• More regions in the world (preferably comprising NWS) should enter into an arrangement of establishing Nuclear-
weapon-free zones.

2.6. SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION (SAARC)
Why in news?
Former Prime Minister of Bhutan expressed concerns
about the current status of the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and called for greater
efforts to rejuvenate the organisation.
About SAARC
• SAARC is a regional intergovernmental
organisation established with the signing of the
SAARC Charter in Dhaka in 1985.
• SAARC comprises of eight Member States:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Its secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Objectives: To promote the welfare of the people
of South Asia and to improve their quality of life,
and to accelerate economic growth, territorial
integrity, mutual trust, strengthen collective self-
reliance etc.
• The last SAARC summit was held in 2014 and subsequent summits could not be held after 2016 Summit scheduled
in Pakistan got cancelled in the backdrop of terrorist attacks in Pathankot and Uri.
o SAARC works on the principle of consensus and the summit cannot be held if even one member decides not to
attend.
o In 2016, India along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka declined from participating in
the Islamabad SAARC summit.
Need for revival of SAARC
• Representative of the entire South Asian Region: SAARC, as an organisation, geographically and culturally reflects
the South Asian identity of the countries.

• Dealing with common issues of the region: South Asian countries are closely tied in their socio-political state as they
face similar traditional as well as
emerging issues like terrorism, energy
shortage, hydro-politics, climate
change among many others.
o SAARC can be a platform for
starting dialogue for timely
addressal of these issues.
• Critical for economic integration of
the region: As per world Bank report,
with intra-regional trade at less than
5% of total trade, South Asia is the
least integrated region in the world,
dwarfed by East Asia's 35% and
Europe's 60%.
• Central pillar of India’s
Neighbourhood first policy: For India
to play global role, its regional role is
the key pillar.
• No real alternative: BIMSTEC cannot
replace SAARC for reasons such as lack
of a common identity and history Achievements of SAARC
• South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA): Agreement was signed to
among all BIMSTEC members.
reduce customs duties of all traded goods to zero by the year 2016. It is
o Moreover, BIMSTEC’s focus is on confined to goods, excluding all services like information technology.
the Bay of Bengal region, thus • South Asia Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA): For promoting trade
making it an inappropriate forum amongst the member countries came into effect in 1995.
to engage all South Asian nations. • SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS): SATIS is following the
GATS-plus 'positive list' approach for trade in services liberalization.
Failures and challenges of SAARC
• SAARC university was established in India.
• Strained relation between India and • SAARC Food Bank was established to facilitate as an emergency source for
Pakistan escalated tensions and facing a crisis in shortage or a natural disaster, floods, earthquakes, and
conflicts which severely hampers the such other issues
prospects of SAARC. •
SAARC Arbitration Council at Islamabad to provide a legal forum for the
o For instance, Pakistan’s non- South Asian nations for solving conflicts.
cooperation has stalled some • SAARC Development Fund was recognized by the members in 2010 to
promote the welfare for the people of the South Asian region.
major initiatives like Motor
•
South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) was established in
Vehicles Agreement (MVA) and
Dhaka to develop harmonized standards for the region to facilitate intra-
SAARC satellite project. regional trade and to enhance access to the global market.
o In SAARC Minister’s Meeting 2019,
India and Pakistan’s ministers boycotted each other’s speeches.
• Lack of dispute resolution mechanism: SAARC does not have any arrangement for resolving disputes or mediating
conflicts.
• South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA): Given the presence of sensitive lists, SAFTA is yet to be implemented in
spirit. Lack of transit facilities also prevent trade relations to flourish.
o For instance, although India has road and rail links with Bangladesh and Pakistan, trade is conducted through
transhipment due to lack of transit facilities.
• Failure in reaching a common ground on issues: Despite having similarities, the policies of the states have not shifted
to take advantage of the ideas developed by exchanges.
• Languishing for want of Political Will: With political tensions and clashes nearby, the South Asian countries pose a
query of insecurity and challenge to the creation of South Asian Union at balance with European Union.

• Dealing with Terrorism: Despite adopting and formulating a number of strategies and mechanisms on bilateral/
multilateral levels, the organisation has not been able to evolve a common and comprehensive approach to
counterterrorism.
• Asymmetry between India and other member countries: They perceive India as “Big Brother” and have been
reluctant to implement various agreements under SAARC.
• Lack of resources: SAARC faces a shortage of resources, and countries have been reluctant to increase their
contributions.
• Water Disputes South Asian water problems may become a source of future intra and inter-state conflict unless an
effective and supportive mechanism is developed soon.
Way Forward
• Conduct of SAARC meeting, physical or virtual is quintessential.
• Resolving differences among countries: Setup a mechanism for informal discussions, formal mediation and resolution
mechanisms tailored to the region’s specific needs and problems.
• Economic integration is the key to all the problems: South Asian Region must identify economic and social element
as priority rather than being marred by the security element.
• Redefining the SAARC charter, which includes removal of excessive safeguards, inclusion of ‘SAARC Minus’ concept
and focus on Trade Facilitation, Energy Trade Connectivity, HADR Coordination, Visa Regimes and Cultural Exchanges.
2.7. TRANS-HIMALAYAN MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONNECTIVITY NETWORK

Why in news?
China and Nepal agreed to build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-
Dimensional Connectivity Network.
About The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity
Network
• The Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity
Network (THMCN) also referred as the Trans-Himalayan
network is an economic corridor proposed in 2019
between Nepal and China as a part of China's Belt and Road
Initiative.
• The corridor aims to enhance connectivity in ports, roads,
railways, aviation, and communications.
• The THMCN aims to pave the way for more integration between
China and the rest of South Asia, solidify border controls and aid
in the economic development and integration of China’s TAR.
Concerns for India Existing factors for delay in implementation of the project
• Concerns over financing and transparency: Nepalese
• Himalayan Quad: Many experts observe that China government has three main concerns with China.
is trying to form a Himalayan Quad consisting of four o Nepal prefers grants and soft loans from China instead
Himalayan countries i.e. China, Pakistan, of commercial loans.
Afghanistan and Nepal, which could have a very o Nepal wants the interest rate and repayment time
negative impact on India’s security and strategic should be in line with that of multilateral funding
environment. agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development
o Different from the cooperation between the four Bank.
Himalayan countries, the Quad is a regional o BRI projects should be open for competitive biddings.
• Apprehensions over China’s debt trap diplomacy: Sri
exclusive military-political alliance dominated
Lanka’s financial crisis has become a pretext for Nepali
by a Cold War mentality both in terms of military officials wanting to slow down Chinese financing.
power and international influence. This kind of
small circle will cause regional confrontations and divisions.

o The proposed Himalayan Quad is the culmination of a Chinese policy initiative for a geo-strategic counter against
the encirclement policy of the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
• Impact on relations with Nepal: Landlocked Nepal has traditionally relied on India for trade and transit routes. Now,
China’s infrastructure diplomacy has promised growth and development, while also providing Nepal with alternative
trading routes that ameliorate its reliance on India.
o China’s growing influence in Nepal could be a significant challenge for India to maintain a balance between the
two neighbours.
• Challenging India’s role in South Asia: By helping create multiple access points via roads and ports, China can present
an alternative to South Asian nations and cultivate the means to challenge India’s role as a South Asian power.
• Security concerns: The THMCN infrastructure initiative will pass near Lumbini, which is close to the Indian border,
and has raised concerns from Indian strategists.
• Environmental impacts: Infrastructure projects run through fragile alpine ecosystems, and carving up the land for
roads and tunnels could exacerbate landslides and floods in the upper Himalayan states in India.
o The new roads will also open China’s outreach in the Himalayan region
up access for illegal loggers • China foresees the Himalayas as the next frontier for global resource
and help fuel the trade in management and conservation particularly in:
endangered species, such as o the wake of climate change and global warming and the fact that it serves
parts from tigers, rhinos and as the Asian water tower for 4-5 billion peoples and
elephants, which are highly o the yet unknown mineral deposits in the Himalayan subregion.
prized in China. • China’s outreach in the region has been characterized by comprehensive
security agreements, infrastructure-oriented aid, enhanced focus on trade,
Way ahead for India public-private partnerships, and increased economic and security cooperation
during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Examples witnessing the same include:
• Consolidate relation with Nepal:
o The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through the
India must introduce new contested Himalayan border region of Gilgit-Baltistan—is being built mainly
economic, developmental and by China with the support of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
infrastructure initiatives with o China has invested in Wakhan Corridor Fiber Optic Survey Project to create
Nepal that will not only bring cross-border fiber linkages connecting Afghanistan and China.
tangible benefits to Nepali India’s strategy in Himalayan Region
citizens but also address the • Since independence, India has chosen to keep its Himalayan borders inaccessible
vulnerabilities that will emerge in and poorly connected mainly due to concerns regarding China’s invasion. This
Nepal as the country engages created massive disconnect between its borders and hinterlands, especially on
with China. its Himalayan front.
• India began to formulate its own plans for regional connectivity in the Himalayas
• Address Environmental concern:
in 2013. The Indian Government proposed several “strategic rail projects,”
Himalayan region should come including fourteen railway lines connecting its borders to foster growth in
together to form a “Third Pole outlying regions.
Council” and collectively tackle o For instance, the Himalayan Rail Express aims to connect India’s northern
the environmental concerns territory of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir to the eastern territory of Hawai in
plaguing the mountain range. Arunachal Pradesh.
• Improve connectivity in border Limitation for India
region: Building up its border • India-driven connectivity developments have so far been limited due to
regions as opposed to keeping unsettled boundary issues with Pakistan and Nepal.
them disconnected will help India • A lack of a strategic vision on India’s part led to slow implementation and delays.
facilitate the movement of goods • Tough Himalayan terrain on the Indian side compared to better conditions on
the Tibetan Plateau.
as well as troops from other parts
of the country to this region.
2.8. CHINA-TAIWAN ISSUE

Why in news?
US Speaker’s visit to the island of Taiwan has led to rising tensions over the status of island that China claims as its own
and could further strain US-China relations.
Background of China-Taiwan conflict
• Taiwan (earlier known as Formosa) is an island situated 100 miles from the
coast of south east China separated by the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwan first came under full Chinese control in the 17th Century when the Qing
dynasty began administering it. Then, in 1895, they gave up the island to Japan
after losing the first Sino Japanese war.
• China took the island again in 1945 after Japan lost World War II.
• The communists won after the civil war in China in 1949 and took control in
Beijing. Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalist party - known as the Kuomintang -
fled to Taiwan, where they ruled for the next several decades.
• China points to this history to say that Taiwan was originally a Chinese province.
But the Taiwanese point to the same history to argue that they were never part
of the modern Chinese state that was established under Mao in 1949.
• China exerts considerable diplomatic pressure on other countries not to
recognise Taiwan, or to do anything which implies recognition.
o Currently, only 13 countries (plus the Vatican) recognise Taiwan as a sovereign country.
What is US policy for Taiwan? First Island Chain
• First Island Chain comprises the Kuril Islands, the
• The island of Taiwan is part of the so-called "first island Japanese Archipelago, Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan,
chain", which includes a list of US-friendly territories that northwest Philippines and ending at Borneo.
are crucial to US foreign policy. • This chain is the first line of defence and serves as the
• The US currently sticks to the One-China policy, which maritime boundaries between the East China
recognises only one Chinese government - in Beijing, and Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
with which it has formal diplomatic ties. o In this chain are located the Bashi Channel and
o US has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan the Miyako Strait which are critical chokepoints
and supplies the island with arms and spare parts to for China.
• It is a part of Island Chain Strategy (refer image)
maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities under its
formulated by the US in 1951 to contain the erstwhile
Taiwan Relations Act, 1979.
USSR and China with a string of naval bases in the
• US is by far the largest arms dealer for Taiwan and western Pacific region to restrict sea access to these
follows a ‘strategic ambiguity’ policy meant the US has two countries.
been deliberately unclear about whether or how it would
defend Taiwan in the event of an attack.
What is India’s stand on the Taiwan?
• India has followed the One China policy since 1949, that
accepts Taiwan and Tibet as part of China.
• India does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
But since 1995, both sides have maintained
representative offices in each other’s capitals that
function as de facto embassies.
o As a part of India’s Act East Foreign Policy,
Government facilitates and promotes interactions
with Taiwan.
✓ For instance, the India-Taipei Association
(ITA) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre
(TECC) in New Delhi are examples of the
One-China Policy
exchange.
• It is a policy of acknowledging that there is only one Chinese
• India uses the policy to make a diplomatic point,
government as opposed to separate Chinese states.
i.e., if India believes in “One China” policy, China • Further under this principle, countries also consider
should reciprocate with “One India” policy. territories of Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang to be
o India stopped mentioning the policy in official an inseparable part of mainland China.
statements and joint declarations after 2008
after China started issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens who were residents of Jammu and Kashmir and
Arunachal Pradesh.
o However, its engagement with Taiwan is still restricted.
Related News
• Recently, China marked the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return and emphasised Beijing's control over Hong Kong under
One country, two systems (OCTS).
• About OCTS
o It was originally proposed to unify China and Taiwan, but rejected by Taiwan.
o The idea resurfaced when China started talks with Britain and Portugal, who were governing Hong Kong and Macau,
respectively, as colonies.
o Under this, China proposed that, Hong Kong and Macau, can have different economic and political systems from that of
mainland China, while being part of China.
o Both regions became Special Administrative Regions of China with their own currencies, economic and legal systems,
✓ However, defence and foreign affairs would be decided by China.
o Also, Hong Kong has freedom of assembly and speech, and some democratic rights, which are not available in mainland
China.
✓ These freedoms are protected by the Basic Law, a mini-constitution that guides relationship between Hong Kong and
China.
✓ Basic law is valid for 50 years, till 2047 for Hong Kong and 2049 for Macau. But it is unclear what will happen after
this term.
• About Hongkong and Macau
o British had taken control of Hong Kong in 1842 after the First Opium War. In 1898, Britain and China signed Convention,
which allowed the British to take control of the islands surrounding Hong Kong on lease for 99 years.
o Macau, on the other side, had been ruled by the Portuguese from 1557.
o In the 1980s, China initiated talks with both Britain and Portugal for the transfer of two territories.
o Hong Kong returned to Chinese control in 1997, and Macau’s sovereignty was transferred in 1999.
2.9. ROLE OF NORTHEAST IN REGIONAL TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

Why in news?
The successful trial run for trans-shipment of cargo movement from
Kolkata to the Agartala via Mongla port in Bangladesh took place
recently.
More on news
• The inter-border trans-shipment exercise is a result of a
bilateral agreement signed between the two neighbours in
2018 agreeing to facilitate transhipment and use of Mongla and
Chittagong ports.
• The distance between Kolkata and Agartala by road is 1650
kilometre which would be reduced to only 620 km through the
waterways.
• India has been working strategically to connect its north-
eastern region with the rest of the country through
Bangladesh to reduce both transit cost and time and boost
trade.
• This route will also provide ways to boost India’s regional trade
with other neighbouring countries.
Potential of NER in Regional trade and development
• Strategic location: “Chicken’s neck” or the Siliguri corridor is India’s gateway to the South East and also accounts
for the maximum number of international boundaries that India shares with its neighbours. It also allows India to
counter the emergence of a China-centric order.
• Potent input market catalysts: NER is endowed with social (diversity, cultural richness), physical (potential energy
supply hubs), human (inexpensive, labour)
and natural (minerals, forests) capital.
• Huge agricultural potential: NER has huge
potential in agriculture trade due to its
suitable soil and other agro-climatic
conditions.
• Prerequisite for regional stability:
Connectivity of India’s NER with
neighbouring countries could ensure that
this region emerges as regional hub and
growth centre for economic development
which can reduce regional economic
inequality and ensure prosperity stability.
Challenges in harnessing potential of NER
• Internal and External Security challenges:
The porous borders are frequently used by
the extremists/outfits to escape from the
Indian army. They fuel armed insurgency, India’s other cross border connectivity initiatives
• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Facility: The sea, river,
demand for separate federal states and
land transport system linking Indian ports and Sittwe port in
autonomous units, and ethnic conflicts.
Myanmar and then through riverine transport and by road to
• Supply-chain constraints: Despite the Mizoram (India).
organic cultural ties with Southeast Asia, • The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project: The 1360
economic ties are unable to gain pace due km cross-border transportation network would link Moreh (India) to
to the absence of infrastructure and Mae Sot (Thailand) through Bagan (Myanmar).
investment. • The Mekong India Economic Corridor: The corridor proposes to
• Lack of dispersed regional development: connect Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) with Dawei (Myanmar) via Bangkok
According to NITI Aayog, 95 percent of (Thailand) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and further linking it to
India’s trade with its East and Southeast Chennai (India).
• The Stilwell Road (the Ledo Road and the Burma Road): The WW II
Asian neighbours are in products originating
overland road linking Ledo in Assam (India) to Kunming in Yunnan
from regions other than NER.
(China) through Myanmar.
o At the same time, FDI inflow into the • The Delhi-Hanoi Railway Link: It proposes to link India with Vietnam
NER is extremely low compared to via Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
other states. • The Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo Friendship Road: The 160 km cross-
• Dominance of Cross-border informal trade: border road from Tamu to Kalemyo in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region
Porous borders, supply-chain constraints at and forms part of the India-Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway.
the regional level, delay in customs and • The Rhi-Tiddim Road in Myanmar: The 80 km cross-border road
immigration clearances are the underlying from Rhi to Tiddim in Myanmar’s Chin State.
cause for rising informal trades. • The BCIM Economic Corridor: The cross-border transportation
o Also, the linguistic and cultural network linking China’s Kunming to India’s Kolkata from Myanmar
homogeneity of the people makes it and Bangladesh.
difficult for law-enforcement agencies to track such informal trade.
• Chinese influence: India’s trade and investment in its neighbours is negligible as compared to China’s. For example,
China is the largest trading partner of Bangladesh.
Way ahead to harness potential of NER in regional trade and development
• Strengthening border security: For example, the Israel-developed smart fencing systems and surveillance radar
technology used by the Indian Border Security Force in the volatile Kashmir valley, could be useful in this part of
the country as well.

• Ensuring political stability: Ensure transparent resolution of Naga political conflict and other interstate border
disputes between Assam and other hill states.
• Speed up the connectivity projects: All the cross border multimodal transport systems should be complemented
without any delay.
o Also, it is important that these multimodal corridors are connected to local and rural markets and logistics, so
that the wider benefits trickle down to local communities and businesses.
• Production hub: Industries like agro-processing, horticulture and textiles in which the NER has natural comparative
advantage must be expanded using an employment-led strategy.
o At the same time, possibilities of setting up other industries like rubber goods, pharmaceuticals, petroleum
products, cement, etc. must be explored.
• People’s participation in development: It is essential to have sensitization programmes with the local populace to
understand their fears and qualms of influx that is believed to arise with increasing connectivity, such as the
introduction of railways to reach interior villages, etc.
• Strengthening human resources: Capacity building for officials, entrepreneurs, and traders would help improve the
quality and delivery services in the region.
o State-level trade promotion centres assisted by the apex industry associations might be the right step for building
capacities in the region.
2.10. CHABAHAR PORT

Why in news?
Recently, India observed 'Chabahar Day' where India and
Iran reviewed the progress of Chabahar port and the
INSTC transcontinental trade route.
More about Chabahar Port
• Chabahar Port is located in Sistan and Baluchestan
province in the South-eastern part of Iran, on the
Gulf of Oman.
• It is the only deep-sea port in Iran with direct ocean
access.
• Its geographic proximity to countries such as
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, as well as its status
as a key transit center on the burgeoning
International North-South Transport Corridor(INSTC), gives
it the potential to develop into one of the most
important commercial hubs in the region.
• India, Afghanistan and Iran signed a deal to establish the
International Transport and Transit Corridor (Chabahar
Agreement) in 2016. This involved construction of a rail line
from Chabahar port to Zahedan along the border with
Afghanistan and linking it to the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, as
an alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
o Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan is a 215 km long
highway that was already built in Afghanistan through
assistance provided by India.
Geopolitical significance of the Chabahar port for India:
• Strengthen Indo-Iranian trade, diplomatic, and military ties,
which could balance out growing Sino-Pakistani cooperation.

• Development of Chabahar Port a transit hub under the INSTC to reach out to Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS) countries.
o CIS countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.
• Establishing a sea-based trade route to Western and Central Asia via Chabahar port would allow India to bypass
Pakistan and establish trade networks with the countries in these regions.
o The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran, built by India and since 2018, it has played a key role in connecting
India with Afghanistan.
• Strategic Importance: This port is just 170 km away from Gwadar port operated by China in Pakistan, hence this port
would be of strategic importance to the Indian Navy and defense establishment.
• Humanitarian Operations: Chabahar port could be used as a point from where humanitarian operations could be
coordinated.
• Part of Indo-Pacific Strategy: Chabahar Port is a key element in India's Indo-Pacific strategy that also includes Eurasia's
connection with the Indian Ocean Region.
o Chabahar Port development will supplement the Ashgabat agreement which aims to establish an international
multimodal transport and transit corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf.
Challenges in execution of the Chabahar project
• Iran’s Stand: In 2020, Iran decided to proceed with the rail line construction on its own, citing delays from the Indian
side in beginning and funding the project.
• US sanctions:
o India is hesitant to deal with the construction company which has links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC) and is under the sanctions.
o Although the project has secured a special waiver from the USA, it was difficult to find equipment suppliers and
partners due to worries of being targeted by the USA.
• Iran’s closeness with China: Proposed Comprehensive Plan for Cooperation between Iran and China’ is a 25-year and
USD 400 billion strategic partnership deal.
o The deal will include Chinese involvement in Chabahar’s duty-free zone, an oil refinery nearby and possibly a
larger role in Chabahar port as well.
Way ahead for India
• Keeping timelines and delivery of India’s commitments will be the key.
• India needs to play a balancing act between the USA and Iran and proactively protect its interest in the region.
• Recently, Uzbekistan also shown interest to jointly use the Chabahar port as a transit port. It will be important to
operationalise and jointly use the port with regional countries.
• As an emerging power, a peaceful extended neighbourhood (Iran-Afghanistan) is not only good for trade and energy
security but also plays a vital role in India's aspirations of becoming a superpower.
INSTC
● INSTC is a 7200 km multi-modal transportation network, first
envisaged in 2000 by Russia, India and Iran, to promote
transportation cooperation among the Member States.
o INSTC connects Indian Ocean to Caspian Sea via Persian
Gulf onwards Russia and Northern Europe.
o Currently, it has 13 members including India.
o Recently, INSTC began operation with the first shipment
from Russia to India via Iran.
● INSTC Significance for India
o Reduce carriage cost between India and Russia by 30%
and bring down transit time (almost half compared to
suez canal).

o Will help India to gain smooth access into Central Asia and beyond to Arctic, Nordic and Baltic region and will help to
expand trade and investment links.
o Reduce dependence on current trading partners, especially energy connectivity, through realignment of supply chains.
o It is also being seen as India’s alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
● Other Planned Corridors Connecting India with Russia and Europe
o Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor connecting India-Russia.
o India’s Arabian-Mediterranean (Arab-Med) Corridor connecting India with mainland Europe via Piraeus port of Greece
and Middle East.
2.11. INDIA-EGYPT RELATIONS

Why in news?
Recently, Egypt released a commemorative postage stamp
to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt
and India.
Significance of India-Egypt Relations
• Geostrategic: Egypt is strategically located, making it
a hub for trade routes between Europe, Africa, and
Asia.
• Geopolitical: Egypt hold a role of significant partner
to deepen India’s tie with Arab nations as part of the
renewed Indian focus on West Asia.
o Egypt's strategic location as a front-line neighbour
of Israel means its present policies are of vital
relevance including India.
o Egypt accords great importance to multilateral
forums that comprise developing countries, such
as Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77
considering their contributions to south –south
cooperation.
• Mutual interests in terms of
security: Egypt is a key player in
West Asia and North Africa
where the Islamic State and
other terrorist organisations
have been expanding footprints.
• Energy Security: Egypt is an oil
and gas-exporting middle-
income country while India is oil
and gas-importing low-income
country.
• Potential partners in Solar and
other renewable energy: India is
one of the leading countries in the world in solar energy and Egypt is one of the biggest producers of solar energy in
the region having one of the largest solar parks in the world. Also, Egypt is one of the major countries attracting
investments in green hydrogen energy, where Indian companies are also interested.
• Renewed dependency amid Russia-Ukraine war: The ongoing war has exacerbated Egypt's economic woes by cutting
off wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia. Within this context, India has emerged as an alternative supplier of wheat
to Egypt.
o India recently also exempted Egypt from the wheat export ban imposed amid the brutal heat wave conditions in
the country.
Way ahead
• Increasing economic engagement:
o Exploring sectors with most untapped potential such as Tourism, food security and natural gas, green hydrogen
and green ammonia pharmaceuticals, IT , new age technologies, tourism and so on.
o Expeditiously address all issues impeding bilateral trade; facilitate trade promotion between the two countries;
and identify bilateral focal points to further strengthen bilateral institutional cooperation.
o Indian investment in the proposed Areas of cooperation
Suez Canal Free Trade Zone, could • Political Relations: Both countries were the founding members of Non-
eventually help in boosting Indian Aligned Movement. India-Egypt concluded a Friendship Treaty in 1955
exports to Africa and Europe. and have cooperated closely in multilateral fora.
• Pragmatic approach of dealing with the • Economic Relations: The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has
sensitive regional issues: With its been in operation since 1978 and is based on the Most Favoured
proximity to an Arab world in turmoil, an Nation clause.
o Bilateral trade has expanded rapidly in 2021-22, amounting
intensification of the political and
to 7.26 billion registering a 75% increase compared to FY 2020-21
intelligence contacts between the two
in favour of India.
countries will be mutually beneficial. • Defence Relations: Both countries are working on strengthening their
o With Egypt’s close intelligence collective defence cooperation by expanding military-to-military
exchanges with Israel, the possibility engagements, launching joint exercises such as Dessert Warrior, and
of a three-way interaction between increasing the joint defence industry cooperation.
Egypt, India and Israel would be o India has offered to set up production facilities for the
advantageous to all. manufacturing of light combat aircraft (LCA) as well as helicopters,
• Tapping opportunities in Africa: Indian as Cairo focuses on local production and technology transfer.
exporters can avail of a wide range of • Counter terrorism: National Security Councils of the two governments
opportunities in the African continent by had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. India and Egypt
also have a joint working group on counter-terrorism.
taking Egypt as a hub for Africa and
• Cultural Relations: The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture
benefiting from the Tripartite Free Trade
(MACIC) has been promoting cultural cooperation between the two
Agreement. countries, through regular activities such as Hindi, Urdu and Yoga
o The Tripartite Free Trade Agreement classes; seminars; film shows; exhibitions and participation in local
brought together the markets cultural activities.
common to the Regional Economic • Other areas of cooperation such as in Space, Science, technology and
Communities of Common Market for agricultural research.
Eastern and Southern Africa
(COMESA), the East African Commission (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
• investment opportunities for Indian companies in the field of solar energy: Egypt can become a regional electricity
inter-connection hub by establishing electricity connections with neighbouring countries like Jordan, Sudan etc.
2.12. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.12.1. INDIA-MAURITIUS CECPA • India- Mauritius Relations
o Economic: Bilateral trade rose to USD 786.72
• 1st session of High-Powered Joint Trade Committee million in 2021-22 from USD 690.02 million in
(JTC) under India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic 2019-20. Mauritius was third top source of FDI in
Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) was India (2020-21).
recently held. o Strategic: Mauritius occupies a special place in
o CECPA, which entered into force in 2021, is the first India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All
trade Agreement signed by India with a country in in the Region), proximity to important Sea lines of
Africa. communications.
o It covers Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in o People to people connect: Indian origin people
Services, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) comprise nearly 70% of Mauritius’s population.
measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of o Defence cooperation: including transfer of a
Natural Persons, Telecom, Financial services etc. Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter,
Dhruv
• Challenges for India- Mauritius relations: China’s Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), Indian Ocean
growing presence and influence in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) etc.
region, round-trip of investments in India through o People to people connect: There are an estimated
Mauritius etc. 250,000 people of Indian origin in Thailand.
2.12.3. RULES OF ORIGIN (ROO)

• Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
stated that in case of conflict between Customs
(Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade
Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR) and ROO (under
free-trade agreement (FTA)) provisions, provision of
FTA or its ROO shall prevail.
o FTAs allow imports of most of the items at nil or
concessional basic customs duty rate.
o India has inked FTAs with several countries,
including UAE, Mauritius, Japan, Singapore etc.
• CAROTAR are aimed at plugging duty evasion through
routing exports to India under FTAs.
o Under CAROTAR rules, importers need to furnish
proof of 35% value addition in goods from country
of origin to claim duty concession under FTAs.
o A list of minimum information which importer is
required to possess is also provided.
• About ROO
2.12.2. 75 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES o ROO are the criteria prescribed to determine
BETWEEN INDIA AND THAILAND national origin of an imported product in a
country.
• Since 1947, India has enjoyed dynamic bilateral
o Under this, a country that has inked an FTA with
relations with Thailand.
India cannot dump goods from some third country
o In recent time, India’s ‘Act East’ policy has been
complemented by Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy in in Indian market by just putting a label on it.
bringing the two countries closer
o It has to undertake a prescribed value addition in
that product to export to India.
• India-Thailand Relations
o Economic: Bilateral trade reached an all-time high 2.12.4. NEW STRATEGIC ARMS
of around USD 15 billion in 2021-22.
REDUCTION TREATY (NEW START)
o Defence Cooperation: MoU on Defence
Cooperation (2012), Indo-Thai CORPAT, Exercise
TREATY
Maitree, since 2015, India is participating in Ex- • Russia halted US inspections of nuclear arsenal under
Cobra Gold, largest Asia Pacific Military exercise New START treaty.
etc. • New START is an agreement (entered into force in
o Bilateral institutional mechanisms: Joint 2011) for nuclear arms reduction between US and
Commission Meeting, Foreign Office Russia, and establishes a limit on deployed strategic
Consultations, Joint Task Force etc. warheads.
o Connectivity: through initiatives such as India- • New START caps to 1,550 the number of nuclear
Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, Asian warheads that can be deployed by US and Russia.
Highway Network (under UNESCAP), BIMSTEC
Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS) 2.12.5. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
under BIMSTEC framework. ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING,
o Cultural: Buddhism is a common thread and CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING
millions of Thai Buddhists visit Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, FOR SEAFARERS (STCW), 1978
Sarnath, and Kushinagar.
o Regional cooperation: Both sides cooperate • India, Iran have signed MoU for smooth movement of
closely in ASEAN, East Asia Summit, BIMSTEC, seafarers between both countries as per STCW
provision.
• STCW Convention is a multilateral convention to Organization (IMO), established in 1948 (HQ:
establish basic requirements on training, certification Geneva) as a specialized UN agency.
and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international
level. 2.12.6. ERRATA
o It was adopted in 1978 and it entered into force in • Due to a typological error in Places in News of June
1984.
o India notified it in 1984; effective from 1985. 2022, an entry related to Gustavo Petro, President of
o Compliance and implementation to convention is Columbia, was mistakenly marked under Cambodia.
looked after by International Maritime

2.1. INDIA-SAUDI ARABIA
Why in news?
Minister of External Affairs recently had his first visit to Saudi
Arabia.
Highlights of the visit
• India initiated talks with Saudi Arabia for Rupee-Riyal
trade.
• Both countries agreed to cooperate in joint projects
such as a west coast refinery, LNG infrastructure, and
strategic petroleum storage facilities.
• MoU on Mechanism of Consultations between India
and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was signed for
institutionalisation of annual dialogue between India
and the GCC.
Significance of India-Saudi Arabia Relations
• Geostrategic ally: Saudi Arabia’s strategic location in
West Asia and the political and economic power that it
leverages alongside global oil reserves makes it crucial
to India’s foreign policy priorities in the region.
• Major trade and investment partner: Saudi
Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading
partner with bilateral trade valuing at
$42.86 billion in FY 22.
o Saudi Investments from companies
like ARAMCO and others amounting to
US$3.13 billion are important for India.
• Securing India’s Energy Needs: Saudi
Arabia is a key supplier of hydrocarbons to
India, supplying 18% and 30% of India’s
crude oil and LPG requirements
respectively.
o Given India’s growing energy
demands, and US sanctions over
India’s traditional oil suppliers like
Iran, having alternative suppliers is
crucial for India.
• Home to India’s overseas community:
There are over 2.8 million Indian
expatriates gainfully employed in the
Kingdom who send valuable foreign
exchange remittances.
• Collaboration in tough times: Throughout the COVID pandemic, both nations have been sharing national experiences
and supporting each other to ensure continued flow of food, medicines and other essential items.
• Cultural convergence: Saudi Arabia is home to the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah where thousands of Indians visit
for the annual hajj and umrah pilgrimages.

• Shared interests at multilateral cooperations: Both countries discuss regional and international issues of mutual
interest including their cooperation at platforms like UN, G20 and GCC.
• Cooperation in dealing with terrorism: The Saudi government has regularly helped India to apprehend key terror
suspects. In 2012, Saudi Arabia helped India arrest 2008 Mumbai attacks suspect.
• Increasing Convergence in
Recent developments in relationship
Defence and Security:
• Defence and Security:
Growing self-sufficiency
o First-ever bilateral naval exercise “AL MOHED AL HINDI” was held in 2021.
through indigenisation has o Both countries aim to establish a ‘Comprehensive Security Dialogue’ at the level of
prompted both sides to National Security Advisors and set up a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
have closer security and • Culture:
defence related contacts, o On International Yoga Day 2021, an MoU on Yoga Cooperation was signed for the
such as sharing of establishment of formal Yoga standards and courses. (first time by any country in
information, military the Gulf region)
exercises and military o The Haj Quota was increased by 24,975 in 2019, enabling 2, 00,000 Indians to
training, etc. perform Hajj in 2019.
• Diaspora: Integration of India’s e-Migrate system with the Kingdom’s e-Thawtheeq
Challenges in the relationship system to streamline the migration process for workers.
• Regional Instability: The complex and
multidimensional politics of the Middle East Significance of India for Saudi Arabia
• India is a major exporter of labour to Saudi Arabia which
region involving the Saudi Arabia-Iran rivalry,
contributes to the development of Saudi Arabia.
US-Iran hostility and the Palestine issue make it • India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner and Indian
difficult for India to balance relations for ex- businesses are vital for joint ventures and large scale investments.
with Iran. • India is a viable destination for medical tourism, education and
• Inordinate Delays in Saudi Investments in tourism.
India: Aramco’s plans to purchase a 20-percent • Saudi Arabia’s quest towards modernisation path and domestic
stake in Reliance Industries was called off and policy under ‘Vision 2030’ has made India a potential partner due
its involvement in the Ratnagiri integrated to its market potential, demographic structure, infrastructure,
refinery and petrochemicals complex project defence capabilities, soft power capabilities etc.
was stalled. • Also, India’s development programmes such as Skill India, Digital
India, Smart Cities, and Infrastructure development are potential
• Diaspora Issues: Directives issued by Saudi
initiatives to learn for Saudi Arabia.
government for promoting ‘Saudization’ policy
to provide more jobs to its citizens is likely to affect Indian expatriates.
o Also, the ‘family tax’ has further caused added financial burden as it requires an employed expatriate to pay a
fee of 100 riyals (Rs 1,700 approx) per dependent each month.
• Issues related to crude oil: OPEC countries where Saudi Arabia is a de facto leader charge Asian Premium (extra
charge) from Asian countries when selling oil in comparison to western countries.
• Influence of Pakistan: Pakistan
maintains close military ties with
Saudi Arabia, providing extensive
support, arms and training for the
Saudi armed forces.
Way ahead for strengthening the
relations
• Enhancing Cultural engagement:
Cultural exchanges and interaction
should continue to be the focus
area of strengthening the bilateral
relations.
• Balancing trade relations: India
should focus more
upon promoting exports in various sectors to maintain the trade balance with the kingdom while building healthy
trade relations.
• Addressing diaspora disputes: Saudi Arabia may revisit the existing policies that are likely to impact the Indian
Diaspora.
• Collaboration in climate change mitigation: Both countries can synergise their efforts by increasing cooperation in
the fields of renewable energy and clean energy technologies.
o As India, Saudi Arabia is also willingness to play a leading role through the Saudi Green Initiative and the
Middle East Green Initiative.
• Exploring other areas of cooperation such as:
o Health, information technology, space science and other frontier technologies.
o Enhancing maritime security, technical cooperation on cyber space; promote reformed multilateralism, global
governance etc.
• Ensuring regional peace and stability: The alignment of Saudi Arabia and India under the Indo-Abrahamic framework
is critical to the development of a West Asian system that ensures long-term peace and stability.
Conclusion
India-Saudi strategic collaboration holds the promise of shared growth, prosperity, stability, security and development at
a time when the world is at crossroads.
2.2. INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

Why in News?
On Bangladeshi PM’s recent visit, India and Bangladesh announced several initiatives to further cooperation between
two nations.
Key decisions/initiatives announced
Comprehensive • Both sides will soon commence negotiations on a CEPA.
Economic Partnership o CEPA is a bilateral agreement that covers trade in goods and services, investment, competition
Agreement (CEPA) and intellectual property rights (IPRs).
Water sharing • Signed MoU on sharing of waters of Kushiyara river, first such pact since signing of Ganga water
treaty in 1996.
o Pact will benefit people residing in southern Assam and Sylhet division of Bangladesh.
o Kushiyara forms on India-Bangladesh border as a branch of Barak River, when Barak separates
into Kushiyara and Surma.
Connectivity projects • Inauguration of Rupsha bridge, a key part of Khulna-Mongla Port rail project.
• Khulna Darshana railway link project upgrading existing infrastructure from Gede-Darshana (India)
to Khulna (Bangladesh).
• Parbatipur -Kaunia railway line will connect to existing border rail at Birol (Bangladesh)-Radhikapur
(West Bengal).
Others • Maitree power plant at Rampal, Khulna unveiled. It is being set-up as Indian Development
Assistance under Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS).
o Under CFS, Government of India has been supporting Indian Entities bidding for strategically
important infrastructure projects abroad.
Significance of India-Bangladesh relationship
• Economic and commercial: Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia and fourth largest destination
for Indian exports with bilateral trade rising from $2.4 billion in 2009 to $10.8 billion in 2020-21.
o India is Bangladesh’s second biggest trade partner.
o Bangladesh is the biggest development partner of India today. India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LOC) to
Bangladesh in the last 8 years amounting to US$ 8 billion.
• Geopolitical significance: Bangladesh is a natural pillar of Act East policy. It can act as a ‘bridge’ to economic and
political linkages with South East Asia and beyond.

o Bangladesh’s geo-strategic location in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) provides the country with a significant strategic
maritime vantage point.
Recent initiatives for improving connectivity
• Connectivity: Seamless transport connectivity
• Second addendum to the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and
between India and Bangladesh has the potential Trade (PIWTT) was signed in May 2020 for including two new
to increase national income by as much as 17 India-Bangladesh Protocol Routes (Sonamura-Daudkandi on river
percent in Bangladesh and 8 percent in India, Gomti and extension of Dhulia to Godagiri up to Aricha on river
says a World Bank report. Padma), five new ports of call and two extended ports of call.
o Transit agreement with Bangladesh will spur • Successful trial run of transshipment of Indian goods from
socio-economic development and Kolkata to Agartala via Chattogram.
integration of North-East India. • Restored railway link between Chilahati (Bangladesh) and
✓ North eastern states are land-locked & Haldibari (India).
have shorter route to sea through • Dhaka-Siliguri-Gangtok-Dhaka and Dhaka-Siliguri-Darjeeling-
Bangladesh. Dhaka bus service to enhance people to people contacts.
• Feni Bridge (Maitree Setu) connecting LCS Subroom (Tripura) and
• Security: India sees Bangladesh as the closest
LCS Ramgarh (Bangladesh) has been jointly inaugurated.
partner in ensuring security in its
geographically disadvantaged
northeast states.
o Bangladesh has taken significant
steps in dealing with major Indian
insurgent organizations and
maintained close cooperation with
India in terms of intelligence
sharing and security matters.
• Balancing China: Chinese inroads into
the neighbourhood have been a cause
of worry for India. A neutral Bangladesh
would ensure containment of an
assertive China in this region, and help
in countering it's string of pearls policy.
Challenges in relations
• Trade barriers: Cost of trading remains
very high, mostly associated with
o lack of appropriate trade
facilitation as well as logistical
difficulties and
o the consequent high lead time that
discourages traders.
• China factor: China’s growing
engagement with Bangladesh might
challenge India’s position in the region
and hampers its strategic ambition.
• River disputes: India shares 54 trans-boundary rivers with Bangladesh.
o Some of the major disputes include: Teesta River water sharing issue, Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Power Project on
the Barak River, Ganga river dispute etc.
• Border management: Indo-Bangladesh border is of porous nature with causes challenges like illegal migration,
smuggling, trans-border movement of insurgents, which are serious threats to the security of the country.
• Rising Radicalization: Radicalization in Bangladesh is on a rise, and the influence of the radicals is believed to have
increased in the country’s politics.
• Spill over of India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC): Radical groups in
Bangladesh are using these developments to fuel both anti-India sentiments in the country.
• Illegal migrants issue: According to a government reply in Parliament, there are about 20 million illegal immigrants
from Bangladesh in India. However, Bangladesh consistently claimed that no illegal Bangladeshi is present in India.
o Also, the situation is further complicated by influx of Rohingya refugees, originally from Myanmar, into India
through Bangladesh.
• Joint Production of Defence Equipment: Our defence cooperation has not progressed, though India offered USD 500
mn line of credit.
Way forward
• A fine balance: India and Bangladesh have more or less agreed on most issues and this stability must be maintained.
o Important issues like the Teesta river issue and the Rohingya issue needs to be dealt with carefully by India and
India must make sure it doesn’t offend Bangladesh on these issues.
• Include Bangladesh in Quad: India should explore the possibility of including Bangladesh in Quad plus to contain
China’s rising belligerence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Encouraging people-to-people interactions: Regular exchanges between younger entrepreneurs and civil society
based on areas such as culture, music, sports, films needs to be pursued to counter propaganda and misinformation.
• Climate change: Climate change could be used as a strategic area for further cementing a genuine and substantive
collaboration.
o There is a need for strengthened cooperation to curb pollution of different types and to protect marine resources,
coral reefs, and biodiversity in the Bay of Bengal.
• Trade and Investment: Explore potential areas of investments, like Textiles, Jute products, Leather & Footwear, APIs
for Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment, Digital Health & Education Services, Agribusiness, Electronics, Renewable
Energy, etc.
2.3. SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO)

Why in news?
22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) took place in Samarkand,
Uzbekistan.
Key highlights of the meeting
• Samarkand declaration
was adopted.
• SCO Presidency was
handed over to India and
India will host the SCO
2023 summit.
• Varanasi, was declared
as the SCO Tourism and
Cultural Capital for 2022-
2023 to promote the rich
heritage and the tourism
potential of SCO member
states.
• Iran was accepted as a
permanent member of
the SCO.
• India’s take in the Summit:
o Food Security: India emphasised the initiative to promote millets and address issues related to food security.
o Traditional Medicine: India to take initiative for new SCO working group on traditional medicines.

Relevance of SCO for India
• Push effective action in combating cross border security issues: The SCO provides India with an opportunity to
initiate multilateral and regional initiatives on counter-terrorism and deal with the illicit drug trade.
o Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent body of the SCO and is intended to facilitate coordination
and interaction between the SCO member states in the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism.
• Cross border connectivity: SCO is a potential
India’s contributions in SCO
platform to advance India’s Connect Central Since joining SCO as a full member in 2017, India has been making
Asia policy and formulate an appropriate positive contributions to the SCO processes, deliberations and its
Eurasian strategy. outcomes. This includes-
o India can push for the Chabahar port • Holding a virtual exhibition of shared Buddhist heritage in SCO
project and International North-South member states.
Transport Corridor (INSTC). • Translation of 10 books of regional Indian literature into the official
• Leveraging other bilateral relations: India can languages of the SCO.
also leverage its time-tested bilateral • Hosting the first SCO Start up Forum, the first SCO MSME forum
relations with Russia, Iran, and the Central and the first SCO Young Scientist Conclave in virtual format.
Asian Republics (CARs) to enhance its role • India after assuming the chairmanship of the executive council of
RATS, has been focusing on promoting practical cooperation in
within the forum.
combating the problem of terrorism in our region.

o It also provides a platform to manage relations with China.
• Stabilising Afghanistan: SCO member States expressed their support for Afghanistan as an independent State, free
of terrorism, war and drugs which will benefit India.
• Increase India’s share in regional trade: Central Asian Region is rich in iron-ore, coal, oil, gas, uranium etc. Frequent
meeting of leaders and the India-Central Asia Business Council under the SCO would give fillip to the economic
cooperation.
• Energy Cooperation: SCO can unblock India’s access to Eurasia and provide a fillip to projects like Turkmenistan-
Afghanistan-Pakistan-India(TAPI) pipeline.
Challenges for India in the SCO
• Dominant position of China: Barring India, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China has been endorsed by all the
members.
o China’s belligerent approach and border disputes with India further complicate India’s position in the SCO.
• India-Pakistan Rivalry and the growing China-Pakistan relations: China is Pakistan’s ‘all weather friend’ and supports
Pakistan to maintain the balance of power in South Asia.
• Growing strategic proximity between Russia and China: Amid Ukraine conflict, Russia may continue to seek a closer
partnership with China in the face of increasing hostilities between Russia and the West.
• Weak decision making: The rich diversity in members’ history, backgrounds, language, national interests and forms
of government, wealth and culture make the SCO decision making process challenging.
o SCO has not taken any visible counterterrorism measures against threats emanating from Af-Pak region.
• Differences over definition of terrorism: India’s definition of terrorism is different to the definition of SCO under
RATS.
o For SCO, terrorism coincides with regime destabilisation; whereas for India it is related to state sponsored cross
border terrorism.
• Security concerns: The emergence of Taliban forces in Afghanistan, rise in the activities of extreme fundamentalist
religious groups, growing influence of terrorist organizations like ISIS, Al-Qaeda Lashkar-e-Taiba are the major and
common concerns among SCO member countries.
• Lack of a unified approach for dealing with Taliban: The trust deficits and divergences within the SCO has resulted in
most member countries using bilateral channels to establish ties with the Taliban for geostrategic, geoeconomic and
individual security guarantees . SCO vs QUAD: Is India at crossroads?
Way ahead for India India being a member of both organisations with apparently
conflicting stance, is often seen as India attempting to put its foot
• Maintaining strategic autonomy: India should retain in two boats.
its independent voice against dominance of other • While prima facie, SCO seen as counter-NATO organisation
members in the grouping. and Quad is seen as a coalition to counter China.
o This is also reflected in India being a part of o The purpose of the two organisations is majorly
QUAD and SCO at the same time. securing regional peace and stability.
• Revitalise connectivity projects: The opening of • If going by the real purpose, SCO deals with India’s
Chabahar port and entry into Ashgabat Continental neighbourhood to ensure peace, security, and
stability in the region.
agreement should be utilized for a stronger
o Quad deals with India’s Maritime neighbourhood
presence in Eurasia. working towards ensuring a free and open and
• Improving relations with China and Pakistan: It will prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
promote economic cooperation, trade, energy and • India being a member of both organisations is a reflection of
regional connectivity. India’s strategy of multi alignment or strategic autonomy in
• Play a constructive role in CAR: India could play a the emerging multipolar world order.
role in de-radicalisation of youths in Central Asia and o This entails putting India’s national interests on priority
leverage its soft power. while engaging with multiple global players.
• Coherent policy for Taliban: SCO countries must revisit their divergent policies and goals and come together
through a joint mechanism to deal with the Taliban.
• Multilateral cooperation: The SCO should hold more anti-terrorism drills and also cooperate with the Financial
Action Task Force to choke the finances of terror outfits.
2.4. EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM (EEF)
Why in news?
Prime Minister virtually attended the
seventh Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
hosted by Russia in Vladivostok.
More about news
• This year marks the 30th anniversary of
the establishment of the Consulate of
India in Vladivostok.
• PM reiterated the need to end the
conflict in Ukraine, through dialogue
and diplomacy and highlighted that
India is keen to strengthen its
partnership with Russia on Arctic
issues.
About Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
• The EEF was established in 2015 to
encourage foreign investments in the
Russia’s Far East (RFE) region.
• EEF displays the economic potential,
suitable business conditions and
investment opportunities in the region.
• As of 2022, almost 2,729 investment
projects are being planned in the
region.
• The agreements focus on infrastructure, transportation projects, mineral excavations, construction, industry and
agriculture.
• The forum aimed at connecting the Far East with the Asia Pacific region.
• About Russia’s Far East (RFE) Region:
o Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) is the easternmost part of Russia and borders the Pacific and the Arctic
ocean, and five countries (China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States and the North Korea).
o The region encompasses 1/3rd of Russia’s
Major actors and their interests in the RFE region
territory and is rich with natural • China: It is the biggest investor in the region (account for 90% of the
resources such as fish, oil, natural gas, total investments).
wood, diamonds, coal and other minerals. o It is promoting the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and the
o The Russian government has strategically Polar Sea Route in the RFE.
developed the region with the aim of o It is also looking to develop its Heilongjiang province which
connecting Russia to the Asian trading connects with the RFE.
routes. o Collaborating with Russia on connecting the cities of
Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, supplying natural gas, and a rail
India’s opportunities and Interest in RFE bridge connecting the cities of Nizhneleninskoye and Tongjiang.
• To boost the strategic partnership between • South Korea: It has invested in shipbuilding projects, manufacturing
of electrical equipment, gas-liquefying plants, etc.
India and Russia by strengthening
• Japan: Japan seeks to depend on Russian oil and gas resources after
cooperation in trade, economics and
the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima. It also sees RFE as market for its
investment. agro-technologies.
o India's 'Act Far-East' policy has become a
key pillar of the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' of India and Russia.

• Complementing India’s Indo-Pacific Vision: Act far east policy also helps India to take a more considered stand
regarding the South China Sea since the proposed maritime route with Russia goes through it.
• Employment and investment opportunities for Indians: Indian professionals like engineers and teachers can help in
the region’s development.
• Resource Rich Region: The region has an abundance of energy and land suitable for agriculture, two resources that
India will need in to sustain economic growth.
Initiatives by India in RFE region
o It also offers India an alternative source of energy • NITI Aayog and Ministry for Development of the
supplies with the fluctuating situation in the Middle Russian Far East and Arctic are working on a plan to
East. develop the Arctic and Russia’s Far East between
• Connectivity: The plans to connect the port of Chennai with 2020 and 2025.
Vladivostok, the largest city in the Russian Far East, would • India offered a $1 billion line of credit to develop
provide both India and Russia an alternative sea-route with infrastructure in the region.
respect to the Suez Canal. • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation purchased stakes
• Geopolitical interests: Involvement in RFE will help India to in the Sakhalin-1 project in the region.
counterbalance China's influence in Russia and in the Indo- • India, Japan and Russia concluded their first Track
II negotiations about joint Far East projects.
pacific region.
Way ahead for India
• Harness the soft power potential to gain leverage in the Far East and enhance its engagement.
• Labour migration: The implementation an initiative of temporary placement of skilled manpower from India to the
Far East (highlighted in the EEF 2019 joint statement) is a crucial step in strengthening India’s engagement in the FAR.
• Explore the possibility of Related news
investing in infrastructural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
projects like Chahbahar port • Recently, India has not yet agreed to the commitments of the trade pillar of the
project in the Far East to gain 14-member IPEF.
leverage in commercial benefits. o The framework is structured around 4 pillars relating to trade, supply chains,
• Examining prospects in other clean economy, and fair economy.
areas: Timber, tourism, o India has agreed to the remaining 3 pillars (supply chains, clean economy,
and fair economy).
healthcare and
• IPEF seeks to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries
pharmaceuticals hold potential
with the objective of enhancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic
for future cooperation. growth, fairness and competitiveness in the region.
• Balancing in the Indo-pacific: • 14 members of the IPEF: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea,
Russian opposition to the Indo- Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the US.
Pacific and the Quad as a • The U.S.-led IPEF and the EEF are incomparable based on its geographic coverage
containment strategy needs to and the partnership with the host-countries.
be dispelled through more o India has vested interests in both the forums and has worked towards
significant Russian involvement balancing its involvement.
in the Indian Ocean Region o India perceives the US-led IPEF as a vital platform to strengthen its presence
through India’s Security and in the Indo-Pacific region.
o IPEF presents an ideal opportunity for India to act in the region, without being
Growth for All in the Region
part of the China-led RCEP.
(SAGAR) initiative.
2.5. REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN INDO -

PACIFIC
Why in news?
Recently, Quad countries signed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Agreement.
More about news
• This partnership was announced by Quad Leaders in Tokyo in May 2022, as part of a shared vision for a free, open,
inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
• The Partnership has been designed to
o respond to the vulnerabilities of the Indo-Pacific region.
o serve as a dedicated framework to coordinate their disaster response
operations in the region.
o augment their capacity and capability, interoperability and operational
synergy to undertake HADR operations.
o promote inclusion by ensuring that vulnerable sections of society are
agents and beneficiaries of humanitarian action.
Vulnerabilities of the Indo-Pacific Region
• The Indo-Pacific region is highly disaster prone accounting for more than
three-quarters of the global number of tsunamis, earthquakes, floods,
landslides, cyclones etc.
o People in Asia and the Pacific were displaced more than 225 million
times due to disasters triggered by natural hazards from 2010 to 2021.
• The region faces a wide array of challenges such as higher
Other supporting initiatives by QUAD countries
temperatures, abnormal fluctuations in rainfall, home to small • NASA-SERVIR by US to provide satellite and
island states and developing littoral countries etc geospatial information to developing countries.
Significance of regional cooperation in disaster risk management • Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation
Information Platform (AP-Plat) by Japan.
• Critical for reducing the risk: Sharing of data and forecasts on • Climate and Oceans Support Program in the
severe weather, monsoons, floods, and tropical cyclones is Pacific (COSPPac) by Australia.
critical to make risk-informed decisions for disaster risk
reduction, which helps save lives, reduce property losses, and minimize economic impact.
• For better response post disaster: Through the coordination and sharing of information, expertise, and resources,
countries can help one another during the critical 48 hours following a disaster.
• Crucial for support in recovery phase: Partnerships and networks in the region can share approaches, tools,
technologies, and good practices that can lead to more viable development outcomes.
• Betterment of diplomatic ties: In addition to the direct benefits, cooperating HADR operations and response plans
can build confidence and improve diplomatic ties in the region.
• Emerging need: As climate change is a cross-border issue, making regional cooperation even more important in the
present time to better deal with natural hazards.
Challenges in effective cooperation in the region

• Sovereignty issues: Competitive and complex geopolitical realities leads to an aversion to data sharing brought about
by concerns of sovereignty.

• Capacity constraints: A lack of resources and training continues to be a challenge in implementing policies to achieve
the goals.
o Consequently, disaster management remains focused only on preparedness and emergency response.
• Pre-dominance of armed forces: Disaster preparedness and emergency response in South Asia are dominated by the
national armed forces as they possess capabilities not available to other agencies.
o This hinders regional cooperation, as each country is wary of inviting neighboring armed forces into their
territory.
• Developmental priorities restrict needed investment: Investing resources in strengthening the existing disaster
management frameworks and agencies, limits the resources available for socioeconomic development of south Asian
nations.
• Presence of China: China has been scaling up its presence in the Indo-Pacific with implications for both disaster
response and maritime security.
o The extent of China’s role and willingness to provide disaster relief—or countries’ receptiveness to it—is not yet
known.
India’s presence for regional cooperation for disaster management

• Global initiatives
o Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 outlines seven clear targets and four priorities for
action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks.
o Disaster Risk Management under IORA, to facilitate and enhance regional cooperation on preparedness and
response strategies to fragile and unpredictable situations.
o Asia Pacific Disaster Resilience Network (APDRN) has been established by ESCAP.
• India’s leadership role
o Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): To conduct country-specific and global activities and serve
as a platform for generating and exchanging knowledge to facilitate and encourage investment in disaster-
resilient infrastructure systems.
o India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework and is committed to achieve the priorities and the objectives
through systematic and institutional efforts.
o India is taking a leading role in strengthening regional cooperation among South Asian countries for reducing
disasters. For example- SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters, BIMSTEC identifies
“environment and disaster management” as a priority sector of cooperation.
o India has partnership with various International Agencies in the field of Disaster Management such as United
Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), The World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR),
Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) among others.
o India had signed bilateral/ multilateral agreements with the several countries like Switzerland, Russia, Japan and
Tajkistan for cooperation in the field of disaster management through exchange of ideas and expertise.

Way Forward
• Building Trust: Countries must balance
the challenges of both current
perceptions and historical precedents,
and the tradeoffs that they can lead to
diminished trust.
• Sharing of critical data: Establishing a
cooperative means of sharing critical
data meteorological data, vehicle
geolocations or cell phone data before
disasters.
• Integrating technology: Technology can
help automate the process of managing
the various disciplines, such as quick
processing of large amounts of data and
the establishment of a
centralized/accessible database.
• Enhancing climate resilience:
Preparedness strategies, with long-term
recovery plans considering climate
security and sustainability against future
risks such as sea-level rise, marine
heatwaves, and increased flux between
floods and droughts need to be created.
o Nature-based solutions are needed
to promote resilient systems and
infrastructure in a response to
climate change.
• Incorporating pandemic learnings: Increasing input from health experts and combine their consultations with
disaster experts to improve the effectiveness of disaster recovery.
• Realising potential role of private citizens and local groups: This can be facilitated by creating coordination and
response frameworks that will allow ad hoc groups and volunteers to interface with the formal organizations and
agencies.
o An example of such a training program is the Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) program implemented
across various communities in the United States.
Conclusion
The engagement of multiple stakeholders at the regional level to effectively manage natural disasters would not only help
in devising a functional system of collective disaster management; in the long run, presents great opportunities for
achieving sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.
2.6. MULTILATERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Why in news?
India’s Union Finance Minister highlighted that multilateral financial institutions need to recalibrate their functioning to
remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
About Multilateral Financial Institutions (MFIs)
• Multilateral Financial Institutions also known as International Financial Institutions (IFIs) are financial institutions
established by two or more countries to encourage international cooperation in managing the worldwide financial
system.
• Most prominent IFIs were set up after
the second world war and were
established to aid the reconstruction
of Europe.
• Eminent International Financial
institutions include Bretton Woods
institutions such as IMF and WTO and
Multilateral and Regional
Development Banks such as World
Bank, Asian Development Bank, New
Development Bank etc.
Relevance of IFIs for developing
countries like India
• Financing of Development Projects:
IFIs help developing countries to fund
capital intensive activities like
infrastructure, energy, education, and
environmental sustainability.
o India is the largest borrower from
AIIB.
• Source of Technical Assistance: IFIs
provide technical and advisory
assistance to their borrowers and
conduct extensive research on
development issues.
o IMF policy-based loans helped Indian economy to move from the License-Quota-Permit (LQP) regime to
Liberalisation-Privatisation-Globalisation (LPG)
• Overcome disadvantages suffered due to low credit ratings: IFIs borrow funds from international capital markets to
lend it to developing countries.
• Responding to challenges: IFIs provide support to developing countries in coordinating responses to regional and
global challenges.
o For instance, IFIs approved billions of dollars for COVID-19- related support especially among the low- and middle-
income countries.
• Support to Investors: IFIs help the investors and business leaders in expansion through new, fast-growing markets.
Concerns related to Multilateral Financial Institutions
• Skewed nature: Ownership structure and policy making powers of IFIs are skewed in favour of the Developed
Countries due to which their advice is perceived as partial and biased.
• Imposition of Conditionality: Some funding agencies have special terms for financing or sourcing of equipment, which
infringes sovereignty and are detrimental to interests of domestic industries.
• Inefficiency in meeting expanded mandates due to a bureaucratic organisational structure, undercapitalisation, and
underperformance in the case of the WBG.
• For instance, funds under climate financing mandate as promised by developed nations are yet to flow.
• Non representative of present realities: There is a long-pending issue of under-representation of the Emerging
Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) and the dynamic economies in the IMF’s quota shareholding.
• Lack of Transparency and Accountability: IFIs are mainly driven by self-regulatory frameworks with no external
oversight.
• Nonperforming Dispute Settlement mechanisms: The biggest structural challenge facing the WTO today is the
atrophy of the Appellate Body (AB) of the WTO dispute settlement system, due to the United States blocking
consensus on appointments to the AB
• Growing political influence of China over major multilateral development bank (MDB): Recently, World Bank’s Doing
Business’ report was discontinued due to allegations of data irregularities, which helped manipulate China’s rankings
in the publication.
Way Forward to retain relevance of IFIs
• Phasing out of direct and indirect conditionalities with no one-size fit all approach from by World Bank and IMF.
• Introduce changes in internal administrative laws and subject themselves to external oversight for better
transparency and accountability.
• Governance Reforms: Institutions need to increase representation of developing nations for a greater diversity of
perspective and a more balanced approach.
• Strengthening of new financial institutions like New Development Bank to diversify options and promote South-
South cooperation.
• Post COVID recovery: IFIs should focus on development of local markets, building self-reliance for developing
countries, resulting in a resilient and sustainable recovery from pandemic.
Conclusion
The current health and economic crisis have put unprecedented pressure on the IFIs. Prioritized action supported by
mature political leadership at the IFIs is the need of the hour.
2.7. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.7.1. INDO-PACIFIC TRILATERAL
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FUND
• Key development in India-France for Indo-Pacific region:
o Both countries expressed their interest in resuming
cooperation under the India-France-Australia
Trilateral mechanism.
o As part of their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, both
countries agreed to work towards the establishment
of an Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development
Cooperation Fund
✓ This fund aims to support India-based
innovators and start-ups in taking their
innovations to third countries, particularly in the
Indo-Pacific region.
✓ It will also explore opportunities to undertake
development projects under the framework of
the International Solar Alliance and its STAR-C
project.
o Expansion of bilateral relations to new areas like the
Blue Economy and Ocean Governance.
2.7.2. FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY FUND
• Significance of Indo- Pacific for India and France (FIF)
o Trade and Economy accounts for 62% of world GDP • A new FIF for pandemic prevention, preparedness,
and contributes to 46% of world merchandise.
and response (PPR) has been established
o Enhance Trade and Investment Cooperation by
internationally, with financial commitments from
encouraging greater flow of goods, services,
multiple countries including India.
technology between India and other countries.
o Promote sustainable development through • Hosted by World Bank and with technical support from
development of blue economy. WHO, FIF will:
o 93% of France exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is o Provide long-term financing to strengthen PPR
located in Indian and Pacific Oceans. capabilities in low- and middle-income countries
o Address critical gaps at national, regional, and
global levels.

• FIF will help in strengthening PPR capacity in areas
such as zoonotic disease surveillance, laboratories,
emergency communication, critical health workforce
capacities etc.
2.7.3. DEMISE OF FORMER SOVIET

PRESIDENT MIKHAIL GORBACHEV
• Mikhail Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union
from 1985 until its collapsed in 1991.
• He was a young and dynamic soviet leader who wanted
to reform the communist regime along the lines of
democratic principles by giving freedom to citizens.
• His achievements include
o Policy of glasnost, or openness or freedom of
speech, allowing people to criticise the
government in a way which had been previously
curtailed.
o Program of economic reform called Perestroika or
Restructuring which was necessary as the Soviet 2.7.4. WAR CRIMES
economy was suffering from both hidden inflation
• According to the Rome Statute of the International
and supply shortages.
Criminal Court (ICC), war crimes refers to serious
o Seen as an architect of reform who created the
violations of humanitarian laws during a domestic
conditions for the end of the Cold War in 1991 - a
conflict or a war between two states.
time of deep tensions between the Soviet Union
o Genocide and crimes against humanity can
and Western nations.
happen in peacetime or during the unilateral
o Cultural freedoms were granted to the press and
aggression of a military towards a group of
the artistic community during his time.
unarmed people.
o Nuclear disarmament agreement with the then
• This definition is derived from the 1949 Geneva
United States President Ronald Reagan which won
Conventions (regulates the conduct of armed conflict
him the Nobel Peace Prize. The agreement
and seeks to limit its effects).
eliminated for the first time an entire class of
• It is based on the idea that individuals can be held
nuclear weapons.
liable for the actions of a state or its military.

2.1. INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT)
Why in news?
The World Bank has appointed a Neutral Expert (NE)
and a Chairman of the Court of Arbitration (CoA)
regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric
power plants.
More on the news
• The appointments were made under the Indus
Water Treaty (IWT) to resolve the disputes
between India and Pakistan over India’s run-of-
the-river hydroelectric projects.
o Kishanganga Hydroelectricity Project (KHEP)
located on Kishanganga or Neelam, a tributary
of Jhelum, was inaugurated in 2018.
o Ratle Hydroelectric Plant (RHEP) is being
constructed on the Chenab Rivers.
o The World Bank is not financing either project.
• Earlier, Pakistan had asked the World Bank to
facilitate the establishment of a Court of
Arbitration to consider its concerns about the
designs of the two hydroelectric power projects.
o While India had asked for the appointment of an NE to consider similar concerns over the two projects.
About the IWT, 1960
• Since both countries were dependent on water from the Indus river basin for their irrigation, equitable distribution
and infrastructure was needed.
o In 1951, the World Bank offered to mediate the water-sharing dispute.
o Finally in 1960, an agreement was reached between the two countries, leading to the signing of the IWT.
• The IWT delimits the rights and obligations
of India and Pakistan for the use of waters
on the Indus Rivers.
• India, Pakistan and World Bank are the
signatories of the treaty. Though Indus
originates from Tibet, China has been kept
out of the Treaty.
o World Bank is the third-party guarantor.
• Sharing of water
o Eastern rivers: India was allocated to
India for unrestricted use.
o Western rivers: Water of Indus, Jhelum,
and Chenab was allocated largely to
Pakistan.
✓ India is permitted for certain
agricultural uses, to build ‘run of
the river’ hydropower projects with
limited storage (up to 3.6 million acre feet or MAF of water) as per criteria specified in the treaty.
✓ Pakistan raises objections over such projects built by India, if they do not comply with the specifications.
• Pakistan generally objects to Indian projects for utlisation of water from western rivers.
• Example: Salal dam project, Baglihar Hydropower project, Shahpurkandi dam, Ujh Multipurpose project and Ravi-
Beas Link
• Permanent Indus Commission (PIC): Commissioners are appointed by both the countries for cooperation and
information exchange regarding their use of the rivers.
o The PIC is required to meet at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan.
• The treaty provides a 3 tier dispute resolution mechanism of which PIC is the first stage (refer to the infographics).
• IWT does not have a unilateral exit provision, and is supposed to remain in force unless both the countries ratify
another mutually agreed pact.
• Seen as one of the most successful international treaties as it has survived frequent tensions, including conflict and
wars.
Issues with the IWT
• Dissatisfaction over water apportionment: Since 80% water is allocated to Pakistan, the treaty is seen as an unfair
settlement by India.
• Ambiguous and room for conflict: The treaty is extensively technical and the western rivers flow through the
conflicted region of Jammu and Kashmir that paves the way for conflict.
o For example, Frequent objections by Pakistan has led to delaying of Indian projects for decades.
• Lack of mutual trust: The structure does not encourage interactions between riparian which is essential for trust
building.
o Pakistan maintains high troop levels around the canals on the eastern front, fearing that India will try to take
control of the western rivers.
• Suboptimal data sharing: The data sharing of the flow is frequently unfulfilled due to diplomatic tensions.
o Also, the quality of shared data is questioned many times and there is no mechanism for the research community
to get access to it.
• Limited role of the Guarantor: For example, in the current disputes of KHEP and RHEP the World Bank had to appoint
the Neutral Expert and chairman of CoA
Related information
simultaneously. Important international principles for water-sharing
o Such concurrent appointments may pose practical • The Harmon doctrine: It postulates that every state is
and legal risks. sovereign in its water resources and has right to do
o However, the World Bank lacks the power to whatever it likes within its territorial jurisdiction.
decide which one should take the precedence. • Campione Rules: It outline the need to include the water
• Lack of adequate environmental safeguards: Indus of an aquifer (that is, underground water or fossil water)
Basin is one of the world’s most over-stressed aquifers, while determining reasonable equitable share.
but the treaty lacks guidelines to address issues related • Helsinki rules, 1996: It established the principle of
to climate change. “reasonable and equitable utilization” of the waters of an
international drainage basin among the riparian states as
o Also, the IWT does not provide mechanisms and
the basic principle of international water law.
provisions to deal with groundwater in the Indus
• Berlin Rules 2004: It provides that basin states should
Basin. manage the water of an international drainage basin
Reforms needed to make IWT more effective having due regard for the obligation not to cause
significant harm to other basin states.
• Ratification of the UN Water Convention: The
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention)
is an international legal instrument to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating
cooperation.
o Initially negotiated as a regional instrument for Europe, it was opened up for accession to all UN Member States
in 2016.
• Global forum on transboundary rivers: A structurally sound forum for solving water conflicts can assist in
comprehensive policy-making to ensure the sustainability of transboundary water resources.
• Promoting open data policy: There is a need to give free data access to international supervisory bodies and other
stakeholders for promoting transparency and applied scientific research.
o This can ease the tension among the
riparian and divert leaders to evenly
focus on the crisis.
• Optimisation of the treaty: Since
unilateral exit is not possible, India should
ensure full utilisation of all accessible
water of the rivers. For example,
o Repair canal systems in Punjab and
Rajasthan to increase their water
carrying capacity.
o Expedite new projects like the one on
the Ujh, as well as the Shahpurkandi
on the Ravi.
• Renegotiate the treaty: Both the
countries should undertake joint research
on the rivers to study the impact of
climate change for ‘future cooperation’
(underlined in Article VII of the IWT).
2.2. INDIA-AFRICA DEFENCE RELATIONS

Why in News?
India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) was held
recently on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
About India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD)
• IADD was institutionalised (in 2020) to be held
biennially during successive DefExpos.
• Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an
outcome document of IADD 2022.
o It proposes to enhance cooperation in the
field of training in all
areas of mutual
interest by
empowerment and
capability building of
African defence
forces, participation
in exercises and
humanitarian
assistance during
natural disasters etc.
o India offered
fellowship for
experts from African
countries through
Manohar Parrikar
Institute for Defence
Studies and Analysis.

Importance of India-Africa Defence Relations
• Geopolitical: A constructive defence and security engagement with African countries would provide excellent
opportunities to enhance India's influence in this increasingly important region.
• To Secure African States Interest: India’s Growing presence in the region will help African nations to remain neutral
in the intensifying great power rivalries.
o The great power rivalry between the West on the one hand and Russia and China on the other has emerged as a
key feature of Africa's strategic landscape.
• Maritime Security: There is a shared concern over the numerous maritime security challenges, especially in Indian
Ocean region (IOR), such as piracy, maritime terrorism, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug
trafficking and human trafficking.
• Securing Sea-lanes of communications (SLOCs): It helps to secure vital maritime chokepoints at the entrances to the
Indian Ocean like Bab-el Mandeb, the Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz and the Mozambique Channel.
• Fight against terrorism: Many African countries and India have been victims of terrorism and radical extremism (from
Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, Jaish e-Mohammad, al-Qaeda etc.) causing threat to greater economic development and
social stability.
• Counter Chinese influence: China
has made massive inroads in
advancing its strategic and economic
interests in the IOR, particularly by
gaining access to strategic ports and
military bases.
• Boosting Defence exports: Defence
exports grew by 334% in the last five
years; India now exporting to over 75
countries and African countries can
be a potential market for India’s
public and private sector
organisations.
• Support to peacekeeping missions: A strong defence partnership could help peacekeeping forces to grasp the
changes that are underway in the nature and role of contemporary peacekeeping operations.
Challenges in India-Africa Defence Relations Initiatives taken
• Rising China’s presence: China's military-to- • Africa-India Field Training Exercise 2019 (AFINDEX-19) to
military activities in Africa, including Defence strengthen defence preparedness and security.
Attaché presence, naval ship visits, arms sales • India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave (IADMC) in 2020 that led
to the adoption of the Lucknow Declaration, which pertains
etc to support military cooperation will pose a
specifically to defence, military, and security cooperation.
challenge to India’s ambitions. o IADMC provides a concrete platform for Indian and African
• Low capital allocation: While the Indian Navy is leaders to conduct sustained discussions at the topmost level.
now more networked and technology-enabled • African countries are among the foremost beneficiaries of Indian
than it was in the past, it still continues to face Navy ‘s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
budgetary constraints which may negatively operations, non-combatant evacuations and search and rescue
impact future planning and development. operations.
• Interstate and Intra-state conflicts in Africa: • India has participated in several UN peacekeeping missions
Despite efforts by various stakeholders to implemented on the African continent including in the Democratic
establish a peaceful Africa, armed conflicts Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Somalia, Angola, Rwanda,
Sierra Leone, Liberia etc.
continue making it difficult to have a defence
• Bilateral Institutional mechanisms like the Joint Defence
partnership with relevant stakeholders. Cooperation Committees and MoUs /Agreements for defence
• Gap between promises and delivery: Most IOR collaboration have been put in place with key countries.
littorals lack capacity and therefore look
towards India to ensure security of their declared maritime zones. However, India has a poor track record in
converting capital into deliverables or influence.
• Maritime crimes threat: High incidence of piracy off the East African coast in Gulf of Aden and in the Niger Delta
Region and Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, has brought the issue of African maritime security to the world’s attention.
• Identifying areas of mutual benefit: As new and emerging threats (such as cross-border terrorism, transnational
organised crime, illegal immigration etc.) makes it difficult to identify mutual priorities.
• Lack of synchronisation between Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs impacts India’s engagement in
the region as the resource pool is limited.
• Growing influence of violent non-state actors, the impact of extremist ideologies and the threat posed to the
multilateral system by rising populism and nationalism.
Way Forward
• Develop a Pan-African approach: It should be in accordance with African needs and priorities.
• Enhance bilateral engagement: Enhance levels of military-to-military engagement with leading countries like South
Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana and Kenya through institutionalized defence cooperation mechanism including staff
talks, as part of strategic level framework.
• Prioritise security cooperation with Africa: Security cooperation remains an under- exploited area of the India-Africa
strategic partnership.
o It is not viewed as a primary driver of the partnership, especially when considered in relation to trade,
investment and development.
• Timely delivery of projects and requirements.
• Explore new areas of cooperation: There is a need to explore new areas of convergence for defence engagements,
including capacity-building, training, cybersecurity, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
• Increase visibility of Indian defence firms in African markets: Apart from regular interactions at DefExpo and Aero
India, Indian defence firms’ visibility in African markets needs to increase substantially.
o India should conduct multilateral defence cooperation events involving select Africa nations, India and US
AFRICOM components.
2.3. UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION

Why in news?
India has presented reforms to address security and
operational challenges faced by United Nations peacekeeping
missions around the world.
About UN Peacekeeping mission
• The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in
1948, when it deployed military observers to West Asia
to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and
its Arab neighbours.
• It aims to build sustainable security and peace in
countries affected by conflict.
• Mandates:
o Maintain peace and security:
✓ Protect civilians and promote human rights
✓ Assist in the disarmament, demobilization and
reintegration of former combatants
o Facilitate political processes:
✓ Support constitutional processes and the organization of elections,
✓ Assist in restoring the rule of law and extending legitimate state authority.
• The decision to send a peacekeeping mission to a country is made by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
• UN member states contribute military and police personnel under UN command, for which they are paid from UN
funds.
o Other interested states may send their own
separate armed forces to support the UN
mission objectives but are not under UN
command.
• Till now there is 71 peacekeeping operations since
1948 and 12 current peacekeeping operation going
on.
Relevance of the mission
• Absence of alternatives: There is no other
organisation with as much recognition and
membership which has stood the test of time.
• Higher cost benefits ratio: The mission costs only
0.4% of world military expenditure, bulk of the
peacekeeping missions are in areas, where there are
bright chances of conflict arising again.
• Rise in threats: Today a large number of countries
are facing asymmetric threats but do not have
adequate resources to fight the same.
Related information
Action for peace (A4P)
• Action for peace (A4P) was declared in 2018 as a set of mutually-agreed principles and commitments to create peacekeeping
operations fit for the future.
• It is centred on eight priority commitment areas.
• A4P+ is the implementing strategy (with 7 priorities) for A4P for 2021-23
India in Peacekeeping missions

• Currently, India is the 2nd highest amongst troop-contributing countries.
• India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping began with its participation in the UN operation in Korea in the 1950s.
• India also served as Chair of the three international commissions for supervision and control for Vietnam, Cambodia,
and Laos established by the 1954 Geneva Accords on Indochina.
• In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to the Mission.
• India was also the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse set up in 2016.
• So far India has provided more than 2.5 lakh troops and personnel for the
missions.
• Time and again India has also pitched for reforms for the mission to
overcome to enhance its relevance in the current circumstances.
Challenges faced by UN peacekeeping missions
• Organisational challenges
o Non-inclusive: Troop and police contributing developing countries do
not have a role in the decision-making process.
o Financing: UN peacekeeping missions are facing cash-flow problems
and financial strains due to the late payment and withholding of
assessed contributions.
o Inadequate power with UN secretariat: UN secretariate cannot take
actions against peacekeepers for not protecting civilians from violence
or allegations of sexual abuse and rape.
✓ Military forces deployed on UN missions are
accountable to their own national
commanders and governments.
✓ While the UN can investigate these allegations,
peacekeeper accountability is up to the
country that sends the troops.
o Redundant missions: Redundant missions are a
drain on UN’s depleting resources and minimise
the efficiency in other critical peacekeeping
operations.
✓ For example, the UN Military Observer Group
in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was
established in 1949 to supervise the ceasefire
between India and Pakistan.
✓ However, it has “outlived its relevance” after
the Shimla Agreement of 1972 and the
establishment of the Line of Control.
• Operational challenges
o Waning international support: The failures of Missions in the 1990’s most visibly in Somalia and Rwanda, led to a
reduction in the number of missions and a loss of confidence.
o Rise of regional organisation: Many times the regional organisations like Organisation of African Unity (OAU)
have brokered peace, and the UN has carried out only monitoring roles.
o Safety issues: Safety of peacekeepers are compromised due to rising incidents of:
✓ organized crime,
✓ breakdowns in law and order, and
✓ attacks by extremists.
Reforms proposed by India for the UN peacekeeping mission
• Decision making: Troop and police-contributing countries should have a role in the decision-making process.
• Clear and realistic mandates: Peacekeeping missions should be given “clear and realistic mandates” that are matched
with adequate resources.
o The UNSC needs to avoid terminologies and formulations while crafting mission mandates that may generate
false hopes and expectations.
• Prudent deployment: Peacekeeping missions should be “deployed prudently, with full recognition of their limitations.
• Assessing the mission: The performance of all mission components, military and civilians, and its leadership should
be considered while evaluating a mission.

• Regional approach: Support regional and sub-regional organisations in:
o Mediation
o Monitoring of ceasefires
o Assistance in implementing peace accords, and
o Post-conflict rebuilding
• Exit strategy: Peacekeeping missions should factor in an “exit strategy from their very inception”.
• Cooperation with host: Establishing trust and smooth coordination between a peacekeeping mission’s leadership and
the host state is essential.
• Safety of peacekeepers: All-out efforts to bring the perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice.
• Security of civilians: A host government has the primary responsibility to protect civilians from non-state groups
across its territory.
• Technology: Introduce advanced technology in peacekeeping missions to overcome security challenges.
Conclusion
International peacekeeping may be regarded as one among the many global public goods. Thus, it is desirable to have a
robust regime to govern the issue. Indian interventions are an effort in the direction.
2.4. FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF)

Why in news?
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced the removal of Pakistan from its “Grey List.”
More on news
• Pakistan has been placed in and removed from “Grey List” in the past too. It was placed in the “Grey List” for the
third time in June, 2018 and remained there till October, 2022.
o As a result of FATF scrutiny, Pakistan has been forced to take some action against well-known terrorists, including
those involved in attacks against the entire international community in Mumbai on 26/11.
• India highlighted in global interest that Pakistan must continue to take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustained
action against terrorism and terrorist financing emanating from territories under its control.
About Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
• FATF is the global money laundering (ML)
and terrorist financing (TF) watchdog. The
inter-governmental body sets international
standards that aim to prevent these illegal
activities.
• Origin: It was established in 1989, by a Group
of Seven (G-7) Summit held in Paris.
o The summit set up the FATF to develop
and promote policies, globally, to help
eliminate threat posed by money
laundering (ML).
o In 2001, the FATF took over responsibility
for the development of standards in the
fight against terrorist financing.
• Membership: FATF currently comprises 37
member jurisdictions and 2 regional
organisations (Gulf Co-operation Council and
European Commission).
o India became a member of the FATF in
2010.

• FATF recommendations: FATF Recommendations are the international standards set by the FATF to combat money
laundering, terrorist financing, and more recently, the financing of proliferation (PF).
o PF is the transfer and export of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, their means of delivery and related
materials.
o It has issued 40 recommendations to fight money laundering and 9 special recommendations to fight terrorist
financing (Refer infographic).
o In 2005 United Nations Security Council urged all Member States to implement the comprehensive, international
standards embodied in the FATF recommendations.
• FATF Style Regional Bodies: There are eight regional bodies similar to FATF like Asia/Pacific Group on Money
Laundering (APG),
Eurasian Group (EAG),
Caribbean Financial
Action Task Force
(CFATF) and so on.
• Monitoring
compliance: FATF
monitors compliance
with these
recommendations
through a two-
pronged strategy:
o Firstly, member
countries
complete annual
self-assessment
style questionnaire
and
o Secondly, the FATF
regularly conducts on-site Mutual Evaluation Report examinations on individual jurisdictions, assessing the
effectiveness of their national policies.
• FATF’s ‘Black’ and ‘Grey’ lists- These terms do not exist in official FATF terminology but are colloquial phrases used
to describe two lists of countries maintained by the body.
Shortcomings of FATF
• Weakness in Listing Regime: As far as severity of consequences is concerned, black list is a quantum jump over the
grey list. The structural weakness in FATF is reflected in the somewhat simplistic categorisation structure of different
jurisdictions into grey and black.
o This straightjacketed view may not permit a flexible and graduated response.
• Lack of effectiveness: FATF relied upon assurances without actually considering the actual performance.
o For instance, in 2015 Pakistan got out of the grey list by adopting some legal measures in form but saving its
“strategic assets” in content (sanctioned under UNSCR 1267).
• Seen as an instrument of power politics: FATF makes decisions by consensus, and no formal rules exist as to how
many members must object to scuttle a proposal or spare a country from inclusion in grey list.
• Others
o Concerns have also been raised over the group’s informal method of selecting its presidents.
o There are no international agreements as to what constitutes terrorism and terrorist financing which permits
the existence of havens for terrorist networks.
o Countries fail to enhance mutual legal assistance, information sharing and cooperation with national sectors
and those across borders.
o Implementation issues at the country or private sector level, which leads to the misapplication of the FATF
Standards.
Road Ahead
• Categorisation within grey list: While moving between the grey and black lists, there may be a scope for darker
shades of grey.
o There may be those jurisdictions in the grey list that have the will to implement the FATF recommendations but
may lack the necessary technical or administrative capacity.
o At the other extreme, jurisdictions may have the capacity but would be unwilling in intent.
o After categorising, a graduated response may be designed in consultation with different constituents like credit
rating agencies, banks, IMF and WB, etc.
o This approach may provide more flexibility in tackling jurisdictions.
• Making FATF more representative: This can be done by formalizing the appointment at various positions and staff
within the secretariat through a transparent and an open competitive system.
o Further, steps should be taken to ensure job security and independence of the secretariat.
• Inclusion of new risks: FATF should continuously strengthen its standards to address new risks, such as the
regulation of virtual assets, which have spread as cryptocurrencies gain popularity.
• Policy advice and technical assistance: FATF should provide substantial technical assistance to member countries
on strengthening their legal, regulatory, institutional and financial supervisory frameworks.
o Such assistance should be outcome of research/analysis of best international practices.
o Close cooperation and coordination with other key international organizations, including IMF, World Bank,
United Nations, and FATF-style regional bodies can help FATF to meet its objectives.
2.5. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZATION (INTERPOL)

Why in news?
INTERPOL has launched the first ever police
metaverse specifically designed for law enforcement
agencies worldwide during its 90th General Assembly
in New Delhi.
More on news
• Metaverse refers to real-time 3D virtual spaces,
where users can meet, create, socialise, work, buy
goods and services and attend events with other
people who are not in same physical space.
• INTERPOL metaverse allows registered users to
take virtual tour of its general secretariat
headquarters in France’s Lyon, interact with
other officers via their avatars, and take training courses in forensic investigation and other policing skills.
o This metaverse, provided through the Interpol Secure Cloud, assures neutrality.
o It can be accessed by all 195 member countries and offers benefits like remote work, networking, collecting and
preserving evidence from crime scenes, and delivering training.
About INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in India
• NCB in New Delhi is the sole authorized agency in India for
• It is an inter-governmental organisation comprising contacts with the police agencies of the other countries.
195 member countries, which helps police forces in all • The NCB acts as a branch of the Central Bureau of
these countries to better coordinate their actions. Investigation.
o It enables member countries to share and access • It is under the control of a Deputy Director and two
data on crimes and criminals and offers a range of assistant directors.
technical and operational support.
o General secretariat coordinates organization’s day-to-day activities.
o It is run by a secretary general with its headquarters in Lyon, France, with a global complex for innovation in
Singapore, and several satellite offices in different regions.
• It has a National Central Bureau (NCB) in
each member country, which is the
central point of contact for both the
general secretariat and other NCBs
around the world.
o Each NCB is run by police officials of
that country, and usually sits in the
government ministry responsible for
policing. (Ministry of Home Affairs in
India)
Issues associated with Interpol
• Extradition: Interpol possesses no
influence over its member states and
extradition is possible only through
bilateral agreements concluded between
member states.
o In addition, ideological issues like
political asylum and hospitality for
refugees render the extradition task
more difficult.
• Politically- Motivated Arrests: As per
United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees UNHRC, Interpol’s role in the arrest of
some refugees in 2008 were politically
motivated.
o For example, arrest of Belarusian politician,
Ukrainian politician etc.
• Interpol’s Constitution: Under Article 2, member
states are not in any way obliged to comply with
the demands of General Secretariat, acting as a
hurdle to multinational police cooperation.
• National Sovereignty: Member states are
completely free to pursue their individual
interests while adhering to their laws. This
hinders Interpol in carrying out its responsibilities
effectively in global system.
• Corruption: In 2015, Interpol was Achievements of Interpol
• ID-ART: It is a mobile app, launched by Interpol, to identify stolen cultural
criticised for its multimillion-dollar
property, reduce smuggling, and recover stolen works and artefacts.
corruption deals with private sector o For instance, Police in Romania were able to recover 13th-century
organizations like Federation of Gothic cross that had been stolen.
International Football Association etc. • Securing borders: Checks were made against Interpol’s databases to identify
Way forward people wanted for terrorism, murder, drug trafficking, financial crimes etc.
• Training: Police, immigration authorities were provided specialized Interpol
• Possess Powers: Global organizations training on forensic identification techniques and data sharing mechanisms
should possess the power to make before carrying out tactical operations in the field.
their members obey their decisions • Human Trafficking: Operations highlighting the importance of carrying out
and ensure smooth execution of its targeted, coordinated enforcement actions against criminals engaged in
decisions. human trafficking, migrant smuggling etc.
• Securing Cyberspace: Multisector partnerships to monitor emerging trends,
police the web, and raise public awareness of online risks to build a secure
cyberspace.
• Amending Constitution: Interpol should amend its Constitution to enable it to adopt an assertive position as a supra-
national police force.
• Police reforms: Interpol should sensitize its member states on white collar crimes, standardize investigation
procedures, provide model legislations on money laundering, among others.
• Red Notice: Interpol should delete RNs for those who were granted refugee status as per 1951 Refugee Convention
issued by their states of origin and establish an independent body to review RNs regularly.
• Refugee rights: Interpol should establish mechanism to protect rights of people with international refugee status
by enlisting asylum and extradition experts, as well as strengthen cooperation with NGOs and UN.
2.6. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.6.1. NORD STREAM
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) termed the leakage of methane gas due to rupture of Nord Stream
natural gas pipeline system as the biggest single release.
• Nord Stream is the primary network through which gas reaches Germany from Russia through the Baltic Sea.
o Nord Stream 1 is a 1,224 km running from Vyborg in Russia to Lubmin in Germany.
o Nord Stream 2 is 1200-km pipeline Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany.
• Significance of Nord Stream Pipeline
o Economical and Environment-friendly: The
1,224 km, $11-billion underwater link is the
shortest, most economical and environment-
friendly route to double Russia’s gas export to
Germany.
o Energy security to Europe: It ensure a highly
reliable supply of Russian gas to Europe.
✓ NS2 is particularly important as Europe
sees a decline in domestic gas production
and an increasing demand for imported
gas.
o Offers stability in region: The pipeline offers
stability to the strategically important energy
trade because Russia’s dependence on the
European Union and vice-versa are increased.
• Methane greenhouse gas is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide during the 20 years after it is released into the
atmosphere.
o It is responsible for more than a quarter of the current global warming.

2.1. ASEAN
Why in news? About ASEAN
Recently, 19th India- ASEAN summit was held in • Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established
Cambodia. in 1967 with signing of ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok
Declaration) by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and
More about news Thailand.
• Objective - It aims to accelerate economic growth, social
• 2022 is being celebrated as ASEAN-India progress and cultural development through joint endeavours
Friendship Year as the summit also marked 30th among Southeast Asian Nations.
anniversary of India-ASEAN dialogue. • The ASEAN Summit – It is the highest policy-making body in
• Key highlights of the summit ASEAN comprising the Head of States or Government of ASEAN
o Both sides elevated ties from strategic to Member States.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) • If ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest
to focus on specific areas including Maritime economy in the world. It is projected to rank as the fourth-
security, projects in Indo-Pacific, largest economy by 2050.
Cybersecurity and inter-operability of digital
financial systems etc.
✓ CSP will enable cooperation in areas like
energy, health, investments in Make in
India, technology, climate change, etc.
✓ This was done via adoption of the Joint
Statement on ASEAN-India
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
o India announced an additional outlay of $5
million for ASEAN-India Science and
Technology Fund.
✓ The Fund, established in 2008, facilitates
support to R&D projects and associated
project development activities.
o Expedite review of ASEAN-India Trade in
Goods Agreement (AITGA) to make it more
user friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for
businesses as well as support for sustainable
and inclusive growth.
Significance of India-ASEAN relations
• ASEAN’s centrality in India’s foreign policy- a
cohesive, responsive and prosperous ASEAN is central to India's Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific Vision and contributes
to Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
o Bilaterally, India has signed ‘strategic partnerships’ with four ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Singapore and Vietnam.
• Connectivity and development of Northeast- ASEAN-India connectivity is a priority for India as also the ASEAN
countries.
o In 2013, India became the third dialogue partner of ASEAN to initiate an ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating
Committee-India Meeting.
o Connectivity through India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project etc have
led to greater connectivity with North East and ensured progress and development in the region.
• Maritime engagement – Objective is to mutually address geopolitical tensions in South and East China Seas, enhance
military cooperation through exercises such as CORPAT, SIMBEX etc.
o It also seeks to tackle non-traditional
India-ASEAN Quick Facts
threats in the region such as piracy and • Political: India began formal engagement with ASEAN in 1992 as a
drug trafficking etc. “Sectoral Dialogue Partner” and forged a strategic partnership in
o It also helps to bypass choke points such 2012.
as the Malacca strait in the Indian ocean • Economic –The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA)
region (IOR carries 90% of India's trade was signed in 2009 and the one on ASEAN-India Trade-in-Services
and its energy sources.) and Investments in 2015.
• Security - India and ASEAN aim to establish a • Tourism and people to people contact - India is the first Dialogue
rules-based security architecture for peaceful Partner to sign an MoU on Strengthening Tourism Cooperation
development in the region, in contrast to with ASEAN.
China’s aggressive policies. • At the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in
2018, they adopted Delhi Declaration which charts out the future
o Also, partnership between ASEAN and
direction of ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership.
India helps in countering Terrorism,
Violent Extremism and Transnational Crimes, including through implementation of ASEAN Plan of Action in
Combating Transnational Crime (2016-2025).
• Economic – India is one of ASEAN’s top trading and investment partners. Also, Indian businesses consider ASEAN as
a conducive destination for trade.
o For instance, by 2025, the pharmaceuticals market in ASEAN countries would be almost $34 billion, posing a
lucrative opportunity for India.
• Supply chain integration post covid 19 pandemic – Both countries are being responsive to the new supply chains
emerging in the region – such as Australia–Japan–India, and India–Myanmar–Thailand – as these will enhanced trade
facilitation.
• Cultural connections -
Hinduism and Buddhism
came to Southeast Asia
from India. The Indian
languages, Sanskrit and Pali,
have influenced several of
the region’s scripts.
o The national carrier of
Indonesia is called
Garuda, a legendary
bird found in Hindu,
Buddhist and Jain
mythology.
Way forward
• Convergence - India and
ASEAN differ in terms of
perspectives, intentions or
actions on several bilateral,
regional and international
issues.
o It is important for
ASEAN and India to
continue engaging each
other to avoid any
misunderstanding on
these matters, or better
still, to address them in
a mutually beneficial manner.

• Building Resilient supply chains - Current engagement in value chains between ASEAN and India is not substantial.
ASEAN and India can leverage the emerging scenario and support each other to build new and resilient supply chains.
o However, to explore this opportunity, ASEAN and India must upgrade the skilling, improve logistics services and
strengthen the transportation infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively – ASEAN possesses one of the fastest grown digital economy regions in the world. India too has
a vast and burgeoning start-up sector with a digitally proficient human capital base.
o For example, India’s Aadhaar system can facilitate digital connections among the citizens of India. ASEAN wants
to do the same with its citizens.
o India also needs to needs to support community building, assist individual countries in ASEAN, particularly the
CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam).
• Build goodwill - Lastly, both India and ASEAN are confronted with human security issues on account of cross-border
crises such as the Rohingya situation, extremism and the frequency of regional natural disasters.
o This is an area of cooperation which can help to build goodwill and deepen existing relations between the
governments and the people on both sides.
2.2. GEOPOLITICS OF FOOD SECURITY

Why in news?
Recently, Russia resumed participation in Black Sea
Grain deal.
More on news
• The Black Sea Grain deal was brokered by the
United Nations (UN) and Turkey (also called
Türkiye) in July between Russia and Ukraine.
• The deal endeavors to tackle escalating food prices
emanating from supply chain disruptions due to
effective blockage of Black Sea.
• Deal was to provide for a safe maritime
humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports
(particularly for food grains) from three of its key
ports, namely, Chornomorsk, Odesa and
Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.
o Ukraine is among the largest exporters of
wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and
sunflower oil, globally.
o Its access to the deep-sea ports in the Black Sea
enables it to directly approach Russia and
Europe along with grain importers from the
Middle East and North Africa.
• The central idea was to calm markets by ensuring
an adequate supply of grains, thereby limiting food
price inflation.
o The initiative has also been credited for having
made a “huge difference” to the global cost of
living crisis.
• The deal was for a period of 120 days with an option to extend or terminate it in November 2022.
o Recently, the deal was extended for 120 days.
• Many experts observe that any further suspension of the deal may re-introduce the price pressures on grain prices.
o It has also pointed that food security goes beyond developmental or humanitarian issues and could be threatened
by geopolitics despite surplus production of food at global level.
About Food security
• According to Food and
Agriculture
Organisation of the UN
food security refers to
‘a situation that exists
when all people, at all
times, have physical,
social and economic
access to sufficient,
safe and nutritious
food that meets their
dietary needs and food preferences for an
active and healthy life’.
o The definition is focused on
undernourishment (hunger), nutritional
aspects are not explicitly covered.
• Sustainable Development Goal or SDG 2 aims
to create a world free of hunger by 2030. But
the number of undernourished people has
actually increased to reach 690 million in 2019
since 2014. If this trajectory continues, the
number of undernourished people will have
increased to 840 million by 2030.
• Such food insecurity represents, in particular,
a political failure as global food production
has long surpassed the level necessarily to
keep all people fed.
o The global food crises have also served to
entrench the idea of food as an object of
strategic national importance.
Impact of Geopolitics on Food Security
The ‘return of geopolitics’ in recent years,
encompassing weakening multilateral
frameworks, unilateralist tendencies and great
power competition, puts the achievement of SDG
2 into even greater peril. Geopolitics has a more
prominent impact across a range of areas that
directly affect food security as given in the following table.
Factors Threats to food security
Compulsion to • Strategic nodes or chokepoints of the global food system remains vulnerable to politically motivated
Trade restrictions.
• Economic unilateralism and protectionism and trade war have accelerated, with trade interdependence
increasingly treated as a liability. For example, global food crisis of 2007–2008 happened due to attempt to
insulate domestic market from international volatility.
• Geopolitical frictions also make reform to multilateral institutions like WTO difficult. For, example the failure
of the WTO’s Doha Development Round of trade talks
Armed • Disrupts agricultural production, trade, transport and access and humanitarian aid.
conflict • Starvation of local populations could be used as a tactic of war as happened in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan,
Syria and Yemen.

• Armed conflicts and concomitant social unrest could lead to geopolitical repercussions. Example, Arab
Spring of 2010–11.
• Peacebuilding gets hampered due to geopolitical rivalry at international platforms like UNSC which creates
a vicious circle for food insecurity.
Competition • Green grabbing: It refers to trade-offs between environmental sustainability and food security that happens
for natural due to production of biofuels.
resources • Resource grabbing: China is the largest supplier of phosphorus despite having only 5% of the reserves
rendering importing countries like India vulnerable to supply shock during adverse geopolitical events.
Climate • Food insecurity is currently concentrated in developing countries in low latitudes which are more vulnerable
change to climate change. Thus, climate change may exacerbate and widen inequality on an international scale.
Way ahead
• Insulating food forum from geopolitics: Dedicated forums for multi-stakeholder dialogue, coordination and
cooperation on world hunger need to be protected from the spill over of geopolitics.
• Shifting models of global governance: Diversify the governance system by including non-state and market-based
organizations, to establish new interest coalitions and partnerships that can potentially bypass interstate rivalries
and zero-sum logic.
• Maintaining open trade: Allow food to flow from surplus areas to those in need by urgently phasing out export bans
imposed by major food producers.
o Increasing trade financing and reinforcing supply chains is vital to addressing the food price shock due to
geopolitics challenges like wars.
• Intensify efforts to recycle nutrients: food system has a significant surplus of nutrients that aren't being utilized.
o Step towards regenerative agriculture and nature-positive solutions needs to be taken for reducing dependency
on a few countries.
• Increase productivity in developing countries: This will bridge the geographical yield gap and strengthen their
resilience against any global shock to food supply.
• Climate resilience: Investing in climate-resilient agriculture with a focus on low-cost, high-impact measures, such as:
o Investing in new crop varieties
o Improving water management
o Information dissemination
2.3. INDIAN DIASPORA IN UK

Why in news? Dadabhai Naoroji
2022 marks the 130th anniversary of the Dadabhai Naoroji, of Bombay Parsee origin, was the first Indian to be elected to
election of Dadabhai Naoroji to the Parliament in Britain.
House of Commons (first person of Key contribution
• Dadabhai Naoroji was among the key proponents of the ‘ Drain Theory’,
Indian origin to be elected to the House
disseminating it in his 1901 book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India’.
of Commons).
• He was the founder-editor of the journal RAST GOFTAR in Bombay in 1851.
Indian Diaspora in the UK: Status, • He was Congress president thrice, in 1886, 1893, and 1906.
contribution and challenges • Naoroji helped found The London Indian Society and The East India
Association
• Population percentage: According • Naoroji played a pivotal role in mentoring future moderate INC leaders, like
to the 2011 census of England and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Gandhi.
Wales, Indian origin people account • Naoroji spoke for the underdog, for women, for the elderly, for Irish Home
for 2.5 per cent of UK’s overall Rule, and for the abolition of the House of Lords in Britain.
population.
• Economic status: Indians make up one of the most prosperous and dynamic ethnic minority communities in the UK.
• Active political participation: The Indian community in Britain has made its presence felt in the Political area.
o There are 15 Indian-origin members in the House of Commons and over 25 peers in the House of Lords, which
compares favourably to the Indian-origin population percentage.

Significance of Indian diaspora for India
• Remittance: Indian diaspora brings in large scale
remittances, one of the highest in the world.
o They also help in the transfer of knowledge,
resources, and expertise and also bridge the
market for development.
• Managing natural calamities: The Indian community
has formed a number of social, cultural, and political
organizations in the UK. In times of national crisis, and
natural calamities in India, community organizations raise generous contributions for relief.
o With ongoing programmes to support people in need, charities like Akshaya Patra, British Asian Trust and Pratham
UK point the way.
• Agents of
change: Diaspora acts as
agents of change by
facilitating and enhancing
investment, accelerating
industrial development,
and boosting international
trade and tourism.
• Creating pro-India
political contexts: Indian diaspora have strong affinity and links with India and its community. They have lent
significant support to form pro-India lobby groups in three major political parties in the UK.
o Indian Prime Minister has been invited to the G7 summit in 2021.
• Soft power: They spread the Indian Culture and traditions abroad benefitting India in general. For example Yoga,
Ayurveda, Indian Cuisine etc.
o 2017 was celebrated as the India-UK year of Culture to mark the 70th anniversary of Indian independence.
o There has been a gradual mainstreaming of Indian culture and absorption of Indian cuisine, cinema, languages,
religion, philosophy, performing arts, etc.
Government Initiatives to connect with the Diaspora
• Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas: It is an initiative started by the Government in 2003 to mark the contribution of the Indian community
overseas in the development of India.
• The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has been merged with the Ministry of External Affairs to encourage and provide
streamlined support to Indians overseas.
• Know India Programme: It is a three-week orientation program for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promoting
awareness of different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields.
• Social security agreements with foreign countries for the protection of the Indian communities abroad.
Way forward to support and connect with the Diaspora
• Strengthening the bilateral relationship: Improved India-UK relationship will pave the way for improved people-to-
people ties and better multi-faceted engagement.
o For instance, improved bilateral relationship will help navigate the Visa problems and bring more opportunities
for Indian students as well as workers.
• Addressing problems of blue collars working overseas:
o Negotiating a standard Labour Export agreement with the host countries.
o Monitoring and supervision of our overseas workers by our missions.
o Compulsory insurance scheme covering the risk faced by our overseas workers.
o Cooperation between the Centre and state government to effectively handle local problems faced by NRI.
• Connecting at economic level with the diaspora:
o Diasporic professionals working in senior positions in the manufacturing industry can help promote India as an
important destination for outsourcing.
o The government could consider issuing special infrastructure bonds for attracting NRI/PIO investments from the
‘Diaspora Philanthropists’.
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) can deepen relations with Diaspora by expanding the scope and
activities of the cultural centres.
• Establishing “Pravasi Bharatiya Bhavan”: It can provide a venue for commemorating the history and achievements
of the diaspora and act as a focal point for promoting stronger links between India and the diaspora.
2.4. SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC)

Why in news?
Recently, the CII-Exim Bank
Regional Conclave on India-
Southern Africa Growth
Partnership was held.
More on news
• The Conclave serves as a
platform for dialogues
between India Southern
African Development
Community (SADC).
• The current conclave was
aimed at enhancing the
collaboration for realising
the vision of USD 150
billion investment and
USD 200 billion trade
between India and Africa
by 2030.
• At the conclave the Exim
bank in a report titled
'Reinvigorating India's
Engagements with
Southern Africa’ provided
strategies to enhance
engagement with the
SADC.
Need for enhancing India’s
Engagements with SADC
• Sourcing critical minerals:
Southern Africa region is richly endowed in lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth minerals.
o All of these are essential for building the global green economy of the future and they also comprise new market
opportunities for net-zero transitions.
• Preventing China’s Monopoly: The world’s Rare Earth Elements (REE) market is largely controlled by China. With their
rising demand, the risk of China forming a monopoly on the industry has also increased.
o Africa is one of the regions targeted as an alternative source of REE commodities.
• Maritime security: Due to large coastlines SADC is an important stakeholder in ensuring a safe and secure maritime
environment, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• South South Cooperation: With the increasing diversification of India’s global trade towards other developing
countries, SADC has emerged as important trading partner for India.

• Investment Opportunities for India: SADC countries offer opportunities in the economic sector, including transport,
energy, and ICT, healthcare, and education.
• Economic Sustainability for the region: Scaling up private sector investment would also ensure better debt
sustainability and management, innovation and efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of their economies.
Challenges in enhancing India’s Engagements with SADC
• Poor Governance System: Corruption, mismanagement, violence, insufficient infrastructure, poor government service
delivery to impoverished communities and political instability may enhance the risk for businesses.
o These factors have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The China Challenge: China’s strategic approach, consistency, deeper pocket, technological capacity and vast
resources give her a formidable edge in Africa as compared to India.
• Lacks a clear strategy for cooperation: Indian development aids have not been designed to achieve a larger
development goal such as food and health security, education for all or clean energy.
o Also, there is a lack of effective synchronisation between different development instruments which renders
impact of India’s development cooperation less effective.
• Diversity: There are multiple cultures and a number of
different languages spoken in South Africa, which means
adopting a bespoke approach to different regions is crucial.
• Skilled labour: Due to the poor state of the public education
system, skilled labor can be difficult to find in many technical
and professional segments.
• Limits on Foreign Control: For example, in South Africa the
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2013 (B-
BBEE) requires levels of company ownership and participation
by black South Africans to obtain bidding preferences on
government tenders and contracts.
Strategies proposed by the EXIM Bank to Enhance India’s Engagements with SADC
• Strategic Alliance for Critical Minerals: India could set up joint exploration activities, establish strategic investment
funds or import credit lines for securing critical mineral assets like cobalt and lithium .
• Developing Manufacturing Value Chains: The SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap aims to increase the
manufactured exports to at least 50% of total
exports by 2030 (at present less than 20%). Initiatives for cooperation with African countries
o Indian companies could provide foreign • Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme:
It provide technical assistance through human resource
capital and technical know-how to catalyze
development.
the development of manufacturing value • SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region): It is the
chain. basis for the robust maritime partnership between India and
• Increasing Circularity in Africa’s Mining Sector: Africa.
Indian companies investing in African mines • Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC): It was launched by India in
could contribute to the environment by: partnership with Japan to enhance growth and connectivity
o Using water saving technologies. between Asia and Africa.
o Providing renewable energy solutions. • India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD): It was held in 2022 on the
o Repurposing waste rock. side-line of Defexpo, for enhancing defence cooperation.
o Rehabilitate mines. • Initiatives by EXIM Bank: It has extended its own commercial
o Recycling and reusing vehicle parts, Lines of Credits to various regional financial institutions and
parastatal entities in Africa.
construction materials, etc.
• Humanitarian aid: India has aided African countries by providing
• Access to Trade Finance in Southern Africa: For provided food, essential medicines and vaccines to African
this, DFIs could develop financial instruments like countries amid crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
risk participation and transaction guarantee • Guiding principles: In 2018, Prime Minister outlined the ‘Ten
agreements to support non-traditional Guiding Principles for India-Africa Engagement’ often regarded
confirming banks from emerging markets. as India’s vision statement.

o According to the AfDB, the trade finance gap in Africa was US$ 81.8 billion in 2019 and has averaged US$ 91 billion
over the past decade.
• Maritime and Defence Cooperation: India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years and could fulfil
Africa’s maritime, aerospace and defence requirements.
o According to the SIPRI International, India was the 23rd largest defence exporter during the period 2017 to 2021.
Conclusion
India must chart out a roadmap for its development cooperation programme in Africa that outlines a long-term
strategy. Doing so will become even more important for India in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic given the
harsh economic impacts and the resultant inability to keep increasing its development cooperation budget without any
tangible outcomes.
2.5. INDIA-UN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP FUND

Why in news?
Recently India-UN Development Partnership Fund
celebrated 5 Years of South-South Collaboration.
About UNDF
• It is a dedicated facility established in 2017
within the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
o The Government of India has committed
$150 million over 10 years to the India-UN
Fund.
• It is managed by the United Nations Office for
South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and
implemented in collaboration with the United
Nations system.
o The UNOSSC hosted by UNDP since 1974,
was established by the UN General
Assembly.
o Its mandate is to advocate for and
coordinate South-South and triangular
cooperation on a global and UN system-
wide basis.
• It supports Southern-owned and led, demand-
driven, and transformational sustainable
development projects across the developing
world.
o It focuses on least developed countries and
small island developing states.
• It is a notable example of South-South
cooperation with the system.
About South-South Cooperation.
• South-South cooperation refers to the technical
cooperation among developing countries in the
Global South.
o Operationally, it is a process whereby two or
more developing countries pursue their individual and/or shared national capacity development objectives.

• It derives from the adoption of the Buenos Other types of cooperation
Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and • North-South cooperation, which is the most traditional type of
Implementing Technical Cooperation cooperation, occurs when a developed country supports economically
among Developing Countries (BAPA) by or with another kind of resources a less favored one, for example, with
138 UN Member States in Argentina. financial aid during a natural disaster or a humanitarian crisis.
o The plan established a scheme of o The division of “North” and “South” is used to refer to the social,
collaboration among least developed economic and political differences that exist between developed
countries, mostly located in the south countries (North) and developing countries (South).
• Triangular cooperation, involves three actors, two from the South and
of the planet.
one from the North.
o It also established for the first time a o The latter, which can also be an international organization,
framework for this type of provides the financial resources so that the countries of the South
cooperation. can exchange technical assistance on a specific topic.
o The basic principles for co-operation
are: respect for sovereignty, non-interference in
internal affairs and equality of rights, among others.
Conclusion
• Focus on specific activities with multiplier and catalytic
effects – Such as placing internet in the service of South-
South cooperation.
• Institutionalism - Promoting interaction between South-
South mechanisms. For this, representatives of
mechanisms with a global scope, such as G77 chapters,
NAM coordinating bureau, G15, OPEC, etc. should come
together with their learning and experiences, and lead to
common activities.
• Report on the state of South-South cooperation - a regular
report on the state of South-South cooperation needs to be
prepared, as an essential and necessary tool for policy-
making and action in this domain.
2.6. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.6.1. FRIEND-SHORING • Significance of Friend-shoring
o Will prevent nations (like China and Russia) from
• Citing deepening economic integration, US Treasury unfairly leveraging their market position in key
Secretary pitched for friend-shoring for India. raw materials, technologies or products to disrupt
• Friend-shoring is pitched (by US) as a means to insulate global economy.
global supply chains from external disruption or o Diversifying global supply chains that will also help
economic coercion. businesses become more resilient to external
o Over the past few years, world has experienced shocks like wars, famine, political changes or next
series of trade disruptions -- US-China trade war, pandemic.
COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. • Concerns related to Friend-shoring
• Idea is for a group of countries with shared values to o Considered part of a deglobalisation process,
deploy policies encouraging companies to spread which could see further supply shocks and higher
manufacturing within that group. prices in short term and lower growth in long run.
o Sectors under importance are semiconductor o Poor countries needing global trade might be
industry, green energy, telecommunications and excluded from this.
mineral industries.

• It was organized by China International Development
Cooperation Agency which is Beijing’s new
development aid agency.
2.6.3. INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL

DIALOGUE (IPRD) 2022 (4 EDITION)
T H
• IPRD is an apex level international annual conference

of Indian Navy. It manifests Navy’s engagement at the
strategic-level.
• IPRD seeks to foster exchange of ideas and promote
deliberations on regionally relevant maritime issues.
• It is a Track 1.5 event having a balanced representation
from government and non-government agencies and
institutions.
2.6.4. CURRENCY MONITORING LIST

• United States’ Department of Treasury has removed
India from its Currency Monitoring List.
2.6.2. CHINA-INDIAN OCEAN REGION • This is a label given by US government to countries it
FORUM feels are engaging in “unfair currency practices” by
deliberately devaluing their currency against dollar.
• China convened a first “China-Indian Ocean Region
• An economy meeting two of three criteria is placed on
Forum” bringing together 19 countries from the region,
the Monitoring List:
and all of India’s neighbors, except India.
o A significant bilateral trade surplus with US.
o It proposed to establish a marine disaster
o A material current account surplus equivalent to
prevention and mitigation cooperation
at least 2 percent of GDP over a 12-month period.
mechanism between China and countries in Indian
o Persistent, one-sided intervention (Occurs when
Ocean region.
net purchases of foreign currency are conducted
repeatedly).

2.1. UNITED NATIONS AND INDIA’S NORMS
Why in news? About UNSC
India has proposed reforms in United Nations via • It is United Nations’ principal crisis-management body,
NORMS (New Orientation for Reformed Multilateral empowered to impose binding obligations on 193 UN
member states to maintain international peace and security.
system) to determine a global order that best reflects
• Membership (15 Members):
contemporary realities.
o Five permanent members (Collectively P5) with veto
More about news power: China, France, Russia, UK and USA.
o Ten non-permanent members elected by United Nations
• Multilateralism is an institutionalized collective General Assembly by a two-thirds majority They serve
action by an inclusively determined set of two-year, non-consecutive terms, are not afforded veto
independent states. power.
o Truly multilateral organizations are open to all • Council’s presidency: Held by each of members in turn for
states meeting specified criteria. one month, following English alphabetical order of Member
o The rules of multilateral organizations are States names.
publicly known and persist over a substantial • Tools for conflict management: UN Charter authorizes
period of time. council to call on parties to seek solutions via negotiation,
arbitration, or other peaceful means. Failing that, it also
• NORMS envisages reform in all three pillars of the
empowers Council to take more assertive actions, such as
current multilateral architecture (peace and
imposing sanctions or authorizing use of force.
security, development, and human rights), with the o Peacekeeping missions are most visible face of United
UN at its centre. Nations’ conflict-management work.
• It calls for a representative multilateral structure
which is needed to address emerging challenges such as terrorism, radicalism, pandemics, threats from new and
emerging technologies and so on.
• India proposed the idea while presiding on the UN Security Council open debate on 'Maintenance of International
Peace and Security’.
o It had taken over presidency of UNSC for December 2022 (final month of its two-year term as a non-permanent
member in council).
Need for UN reforms
• Lack of inclusivity and
representation: Basic
structure of UNSC has
remained almost unchanged
since its foundation more than
75 years ago (Refer graph).
o With profound changes in
realities of global
community, Security
Council is being
questioned in terms of its
legitimacy, effectiveness,
and representativeness.
o No African or Latin
American country has been given representation, while Europe enjoys ‘over-representation’ among P5.
o More than 50 UN member states have not yet served on council.
• Lacunae in enforcement mechanisms: A recurring criticism of the UN is its inability to effectively enforce mandates.
o UN is only as effective as member states allow and members go to great lengths to ensure national sovereignty.
Thus, it has become hostage to geopolitical competition and ideological struggles.
o U.N.’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been anaemic. General Assembly passed nonbinding
recommendations. Other organizations also condemned Russia’s actions, but punitive measures have been
largely absent.
• Changes in role: Issues that UN and UNSC deals with have diversified over past 75 years including: peacebuilding,
conflict prevention, non-proliferation, counterterrorism and protection of civilians.
o Does not represent contemporary realities: UN is considered a reflection of power hierarchy of world after
Second World War. World has seen many changes since then. There is a rise of number of major economic and
military powers like India, Brazil, Japan etc.
o UN needs a Council which can come up with effective resolutions and implement its decisions in a timely and
efficient manner.
• Misuse of veto powers:
Misuse of veto power is
criticized for stalling
governing capacity of
UNSC.
o P5 have been accused
of misusing their veto
to suit their national
agendas at detriment
of global security.
o For e.g., Russia vetoed
resolutions on Ukraine,
China has deployed it
against India to
‘safeguard’ Pakistan
based terrorists etc.
Hurdles in reforms
• Require huge support: For
amendments to enter into
force, they need to have a
two-thirds vote of support
in UN General Assembly
and two-thirds of
assembly’s member states,
including P-5 ratified them.
• Lack of consensus: Though
there is consensus that
council should be
expanded, substantial
disagreements remain
regarding the particulars.
o UN Charter has failed
to provide criteria to
become a permanent member of UN Security Council.
• Lack of support from P5: In past, the U.S. voiced concern that enlargement could further weaken effectiveness of
Council.
o This problem will grow if new permanent members also are granted veto power.
o Proposals to eliminate or limit veto through charter amendment will be received sceptically by current P5.

Way Forward
• Expansion of UN: The secretary-general’s recommendation to focus reforms on three pillars—the UN development
system, peace and security, and management—should be seen as a serious contribution to a process of change.
o The Security Council, including its permanent membership, should be enlarged to grant broader regional
representation.
• Conduct of Business: Procedural changes could enhance such a limited reform, like the recent General Assembly
resolution requiring a formal meeting after a permanent member casts a veto to debate the matter.
• Focus on Core Issues- Three primary threats endanger the existence of humanity: climate change, infectious disease,
and nuclear weapons.
o A permanent coordinating platform should be set up to integrate the UN response across agencies, funds, and
related organizations, and to act quickly, comprehensively, and efficiently in various fields.
• Digital Co-operation- Data is now a major economic asset, but its use and consequences go well beyond commercial
issues to matters such as the quality of society and political systems.
o A UN-led process in this regard would establish a much needed framework for data collaboration platforms to
power a post-COVID-19 recovery and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
2.2. G20 BALI DECLARATION

Why in News?
The 17th G20 summit concluded recently with the adoption of Bali declaration.
More on News Need for reforms in other multilateral institutions
• The motto for this G-20 summit was • West Dominated: Multilateral Institutions are dominated by West
Recover Together, Recover Stronger. where European and American interests have prevailed. For eg,
Institutions like International Monetary Fund condition loans on
• Also, India took over the presidency of G20
features like trade liberalization, private enterprise, and an overall
from Indonesia.
reduction in public spending.
Key Highlights of the Bali Declaration-2022 • Procedural issues: Procedural issues with multilateralism concern the
way that decisions are made and implemented. For instance,
• The Group highlighted its differences in the established multilateral organizations arguably do not meet standards
on-going war in Ukraine and asked for of accountability and transparency that are considered legitimate.
Russia’s complete withdrawal from the o A recent example is ambiguity and lack of transparency in World
territories of Ukraine. Health Organization’s investigation on origins of the COVID-19.
• Group also reassured its Commitment to • Backlash against globalization: Signs of crisis of globalization can be
secure Global Food security. seen in recent events like BREXIT, trade wars among nations,
o The Group welcomed the Black Sea recurrence of deadlocks in Doha Round, paralysis of dispute
Grain initiative brokered by Turkey settlement body of WTO due to blocked appointments/re-
appointments of judges in its Appellate Body.
and UN.
• Funding gap: Despite growing share of official development
✓ It is an MoU signed between assistance channeled through multilateral organizations, their
Russia and UN Secretariat to allow resources fall short.
export from Russia and Ukraine on
food products and fertilizers, to ease the tension in the region.
• The Group has welcomed the provision of additional financial resources, to assist in financing critical gaps in
implementing International Health Regulations (2005)
o It also applauded the establishment of a new Financial Intermediary Fund for Pandemic PPR (the ‘Pandemic
Fund’) hosted by the World Bank.

Significance of G20 in current Geopolitical situation India’s G -20 Presidency
• Authority on major international economic issues • The theme of India’s Presidency - “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
- The G20 plays an important role in shaping and or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”
• The theme affirms the value of all life on the planet Earth and
strengthening global architecture and governance
also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), both at the
on international economic issues.
level of individual lifestyles as well as national development.
o It was particularly useful in steering the global • India has created a new working group on disaster risk
economy after the global financing crisis and reduction to encourage collective work by the G20.
banking collapse of 2008. • India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32
o G20 has spearheaded reforms for different work streams.
international financial institutions such as
reforms to the international tax system, through the G20/OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project.
• Egalitarian grouping – it is an acceptable medium between the more elitist G-7, and the 38-member Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
o Over the past two decades, global economic balance has shifted, and G-20 has been seen as a more
representative and egalitarian grouping of global leadership.
• Focus on low-income countries- It is a platform where leaders’ commit to working with developing countries,
particularly low-income countries by providing policy coherence, analysis and practical tools to support growth and
development.
o It recognizes that development and global economic issues cannot be tackled separately.
• Fulfilment of SDGs - achievements include measures to drive sustainable growth and enhance global stability; co-
operation on tax transparency, lowering cost of remittances and increased female participation etc.
Challenges for G20
• Internal Governance Challenge – Though the group was intended to be more inclusive than G7, there is no formal
membership criteria established still.
o The membership is based on a country’s systemic importance to global financial markets and its contribution
to GDP and trade only.
o There is no inclusive membership for the least developed countries.
• No Code of Conduct established – There is a lack of a code of conduct for members and clear, enforceable rules that
enable action against members if they breach any rules.
o The Group could have had a better say in the on-going Russia-Ukraine war, if such codes were established.
• Multilateral commitments on aid and trade are faltering - This is because the role of the United Nations and the
World Trade Organization in securing cooperation between donor and recipient country groups is losing centrality.
o There are now three socio-economic systems — the G7, China-Russia, and India and the others — and they will
jointly set the global agenda.
• Geopolitical tensions - Geopolitical tensions, spurred by strategic competition between China and the United States,
have increasingly threatened cooperation within the group.
• Countries are turning to international lenders for bailouts - The G20 introduced a common framework for debt
treatment ahead of its 2020 summit, but only three countries—Chad, Ethiopia, and Zambia—have requested debt
relief under the framework.
o Others have gone towards organisations like IMF.
• Friction regarding climate change - China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia reportedly blocked an agreement on phasing
out coal use and fossil fuel subsidies at a July 2021 meeting of environment ministers.
o Also, following the invasion of Ukraine, Germany and other G20 countries have reneged on previous promises to
stop financing fossil fuel projects overseas.
Way forward
• Revised theoretical framework of macro and microeconomics – G20 members need to incorporate lessons from the
recent crisis to advocate policy actions based on economic theory that needs revision.
• Avoiding Internal Fracturing - Collective action and problem solving should be encouraged that transcends
traditionally like-minded groups of countries.
• Improving Outreach - The G20 must promote equitable international economic arrangements that provide a larger
voice and role for the major economies of the global South.
o The G20 must also reach out to non-member states and non-state actors and give voice and consideration to their
concerns.
• Establishing a code of Conduct for the members- by having an established code of conduct the Group can have a
better say on controlling the acts of aggressive members like China and Russia.
2.3. BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE FOR MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL AND

ECONOMIC COOPERATION (BIMSTEC)
Why in News?
Experts have suggested that there
is a need to look for better
Regional Forum for the South
Asian region.
More about the News:
• The other existing regional
forum SAARC is defunct since
2014.
• Experts believe that with the
current Geopolitical situation,
there is a need to find an
alternative to SAARC.
• For this BIMSTEC is seen as
the right choice for India.
How BIMSTEC is better than
SAARC
• Inclusivity: BIMSTEC is more
inclusive in nature; Article 6
of the recently signed
BIMSTEC Charter refers to the
‘Admission of new members’
to the group, which can be
used for including members
like Maldives.
o SAARC has no such
provisions.
• Approach: BIMSTEC is more
homogenous in approach,
the members are focused on
the betterment in economic
and technical spheres and
there are no obstructionist
players like Pakistan in the
grouping as in SAARC.
• Policy Focus: BIMSTEC is in
the right direction to aid our
Act east goals, with initiatives like transport connectivity, trade agreements the forum acts as a gateway for
India to reach the ASEAN countries.
o Whereas India’s connectivity to the Central Asia Significance of BIMSTEC for India
is still a distant dream due to the obstructions • Connecting link: The grouping acts as a connecting link for
from Pakistan, which has always vetoed such achieving two prominent foreign policies of India namely,
connectivity moves through SAARC. Neighbourhood first policy and the Act East policy.
• Balance of Power: BIMSTEC has two regional • Bridge to the North East: The landlocked north east region
powers, India and Thailand act as the two influential can be developed better with cooperation from member
powers in the group and the smaller member countries of the forum like Bangladesh and Myanmar.
o Several connectivity projects like Kaladan Multimodal
countries have reduced fear of dominance from one
Transit Transport Project can fasten the pace of
particular country.
Northeast’s development.
o Whereas the smaller countries of SAARC are o It can also reduce its internal strife’s in North East , as
marred by the fear of dominance of India. the extremist groups of North East use the
• Trade and development: Trade among the BIMSTEC neighbouring countries as their hideouts.
member countries reached six percent in just a • Booster to Blue Economy goals: The Bay of Bengal region
decade, while in SAARC, despite an FTA, it has can be made a secure piracy free zone, with active
remained around five percent since its inception. participation from the members of the forum.
o Compared to SAARC, BIMSTEC has greater trade • Countering the Chinese influence: Except for India and
potential for India and its ambitions. Bhutan, all other BIMSTEC nations are part of China-led
Belt and Road initiative (BRI).
• Existing Relations: BIMSTEC member’s relationship
o India can positively influence the member countries to
is cordial, members maintain reasonably friendly
help establish a similar initiative for Indian products to
relations and people to people ties is also improving. reach Far East.
o Whereas SAARC Member countries suffer for
mistrust and suspicion over one another,
Challenges pertaining to BIMSTEC:
which is not favourable condition for • Prolonged delay in achieving a Free Trade Agreement (FTA): It has
betterment. been years since the framework agreement for FTA was signed and
Way Forward only 2 out of the essential 7 agreements have reached the final stage.
• Physical infrastructure: The BIMSTEC region’s another drawback is
• Enhancing connections and connectivity: This poor road and rail connectivity, insufficient last-mile links and
can be done by encouraging people to people cumbersome customs and clearance procedures hampers trade and
contacts and simultaneously accelerating people-to-people interactions.
work on the already started multilateral • Different aspirations of the members: The member countries are
connectivity projects. conducting negotiations with different goals in mind.
• Strengthening People-to-people ties through o For instance, Myanmar is marred with its internal political crisis
and the Rohingya refugee crisis, Bhutan is protective about the
cultural ties: The regional integration can be
conservation of its environment and against developmental
achieved by usage of common cultural traits projects and Srilanka is in turmoil of both economic and political
like Buddhism and usage of soft power crisis.
diplomacy. • No Consensus on BIMSTEC Development Fund: The technical team
• Special Visa agreements between the formed to finalise the modalities of the BIMSTEC Development Fund
member countries: Special Visa for the region is yet to achieve any consensus.
on the lines of Schengen Visa of the Europe, • Untapped Business-to-Business collaborations: Currently, the
which enables better tourism business-to- group’s initiatives are mostly led by the officials and experts. This
business interactions. needs to be expanded to the business bodies as well.
• Concluding on the Free trade Agreement: FTA will lead to better trade interactions between the countries and
will take the groupings interactions to next level.
• Create a Dispute Resolution Mechanism: providing an efficient dispute redressal mechanism will enhance the
confidence of business houses in cross boundary investments, thereby integrating the region better.
2.4. INDIA-USA-CHINA TRIANGLE

Why in News?
The 18th edition of ‘Yudh Abhyas’, the annual India-U.S. military exercise concluded recently in Uttarakhand.

More on news 1993 and 1996 India- China agreements:
• Since the exercise was conducted at just In 1993 agreement, both sides agreed to
• Strictly respect and observe the line of actual control between the
100kms away from the Line of Actual
two sides.
Control (LAC), the Chinese government
• To keep the military forces in the areas along the line of actual control
raised its contention. to a minimum level.
• China has claimed that India has violated • Not to undertake military exercises in mutually identified zones.
the 1993 and 1996 agreements on LAC and • Each side shall give the other prior notification of military exercises
also advised the US not to interfere in India- of specified levels near the line of actual control.
China relations. In 1996 agreement, they agreed that
• Experts point that the relations between • Neither side shall use its military capability against the other side.
these three super-states are very • No armed forces deployed by either side in the border areas along the
important for the coming world. line of actual control.
Triangle relationship and India-US-China

• In a triangle set-up, the way Country “A” deals with Country “B” will affect Country C’s behaviour indirectly or
directly due to the established model of interaction among the three parties.
• The preconditions for a triangular relationship are that each player recognize the strategic salience of the three
principals, and the relationship between any two will be affected by each player's relationship to the third.
o With the current dynamics of India-US-China triangle, it is still in its evolving stage as both divergences and
convergences exit amidst their relations.
• A triangle relationship will not exist among three parties when two parties are friends or allies with the third being
their common enemy.
Areas of divergence in India-USA-China triangle
• The conflicting foreign policies: China sees India’s Tibet policy and USA’s Taiwan policy as hindrance to its sovereign
territorial claims.
o Similarly, India is irked by China’s close alliance with Pakistan through its military and economic ties, USA see’s
China as an immediate threat to its Superpower status.
• India’s apparent closeness to USA: China sees India’s closeness to USA as an issue. For instance:
o United States designated India as a Major Defence Partner and provided India with Strategic Trade
Authorization tier 1 status.
o The two countries have already signed four defence cooperation agreements between them namely
✓ General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).
✓ Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).
✓ Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA).
✓ Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
• Challenging Hegemony: China wants to exert its influence over the Indo Pacific region by displacing the position of
India in the region and has plans to encircle India through its “String of Pearls”.
o It also has meticulous plans to displace the position of USA in world order.
o India-US engagement in the QUAD group is also an irritant to China.
o China has been aggressive in the region. For instance, issues with Southeast Asian nations with respect to South
China Sea.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Since its inception in 2013 the examples highlight that China has used it as a debt
trap and cripple the other country’s economy for its own benefits.
• The Power Struggle: China considers India as its ‘Asian Rival’ which possesses the inherent capacity to halt its
hegemonistic ambitions in Asia.
o Similarly, it sees USA as its ‘Global Rival’, whereas both India and USA see China in the prism of an aggressor who
intrudes into their sovereignty.
• China’s stance in multilateral forums: China’s stance with respect to keeping India away from important multilateral
forums like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the UN Security Council (UNSC) is evidently visible.
o Whereas USA is trying to include India as a member in the same forums to balance China.
• China using Trade as its weapon: China tries to maintain its
upper hand with respect to trade imbalances, with both USA
and India.
o China is the source of around 16% of our overall imports
and USA is also dependent on China as it acts as its major
manufacturing hub.
o It has also implied many non-tariff barriers on goods from
India which resulted in stringent rules on product
certification and labelling standards; delays in customs
clearances, thereby maintaining its upper hand in balance
of trade.
Areas of Convergence in India-USA-China triangle
• Trade and Commerce: China is one of the biggest trading
partners for both India and USA.
o India-China trade relations are considered the
cornerstone of their bilateral relations.
o On the other hand, both India and USA are important to
China as no other countries can procure such high
volumes from its factories.
• Investment needs: India needs huge investment to develop
its infrastructure and economy for which China has a deep
pocket.
• Stability in peace: Except for the two episodes of Indo-China war in 1962 and 67, both the countries have tried to
maintain the peace in the region by de-escalation of minor clashes in the border lines.
o Similarly, China and USA have not been at direct military conflict with each other.
• Tackling Environmental Challenges: The three countries together contribute to a large proportion of the Greenhouse
gas emissions, and they are also strongly committed to reduce their emissions gradually and aid to reach the Paris
climate targets.
• Building ties: The informal summit between India and China’s Premier’s in Wuhan (2018) and Mamallapuram (2019)
and the continued interactions between the three countries on global forums like G20, UN has helped to converge
their differences.
o India-China also converge in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation and BRICS.
Conclusion
India should continue to exercise its strategic autonomy in the triangle. For India, over reliance on USA’s aid is not an
advisable option, as USA has proved for itself that it is not an all-weather friend of India. Whereas a cordial relationship
with China is also important as it is our geographical neighbor, but curtailing it’s aggressions in our borders and other
spheres also needs to be given an upper hand.
Smart Power
2.5. SOFT POWER • According to Ministry of External Affairs, Smart power is the
most representative of India’s current interaction with the
Why in news? world. It is a judicious blend of soft power with other
dimensions of hard power.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs • Here, emphasis is on building capacities to be able to choose
submitted its report on ‘India’s Soft Power and Cultural right forms of power to employ in relations to a particular
Diplomacy: Prospects and Limitations”. context.
About Soft power
• According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Soft power is ability to influence others through appeal and attraction,
using non-coercive means.
o It rests on ability to shape the preferences of others.

o It is different from hard power that relies on
tangible power resources such as armed forces
or economic means.
• The report has highlighted that despite India’s rich
history and unrivalled cultural diversity, country
remains hampered by the lack of a comprehensive
soft power strategy.
How soft power is different from hard power?
• While hard power relies on State’s military and
economic resources, soft power works on
persuasion, aiming at furthering a country’s
‘attractiveness’.
• Hard power tends to result in an immediate but
short-duration outcome, whereas soft power has
tendency to cause long-term change.
• Hard power forces one to act in a way different to
one’s usual behaviour i.e. involuntarily.
o On the contrary, soft power changes one’s
attitude to end that one acts voluntarily in a way
different to one’s usual behaviour.
Issues with India’s soft power diplomacy
• Issues highlighted by MEA: Ministry of External
Affairs had highlighted following key issues
inhibiting effective conduct of soft power and
cultural diplomacy.
o Lack of timely and adequate budget allocation.
o Need for greater coordination and consultation
among multiple institutions, both in the
government and private sector.
✓ Currently, there is duplication of efforts and
resources due to overlapping mandates of
several ministries and agencies.
o Shortage of skilled, motivated manpower in the
Headquarters as well as in Indian Missions/Posts
abroad who have the requisite enthusiasm and
interest in cultural work.
o Lack of clarity about the mandate of ICCR and
the scope of “culture”.
o Absence of a national policy on projection of
cultural soft strengths overseas which results in
ad hoc, unsustainable measures.
• Impact of domestic issues: Reports in the international media of pollution in urban areas, child labor and violence
against women, trafficking have detracted visitors.
• Sub-Par performance in religious tourism: Though India is currently home to seven of the eight most significant
Buddhist sites in world, it receives less than one percent of global Buddhist tourism. South East Asian nations
such as Thailand and Indonesia are the prime recipients of such tourism.
Measures to strengthen India’s soft power
• Recommendations made by Parliamentary panel on external affairs: Key recommendations include
o A formal study of international best practices of soft power projections should be done on a priority basis and
learnings from such a study must be factored in while formulating India’s strategy.
o Asked the government to develop objective metrics for
evaluating soft power outcomes through a ‘Soft Power
Matrix’.
o Need for greater synergy among MEA and other ministries,
departments and agencies involved in India's soft power
projections and cultural diplomacy.
o MEA was also urged to increase the number of tourism
offices abroad and adopt a country-specific approach for
promotional activities.
o Government should come out with a public relations
strategy to project India's soft power and cultural
diplomacy.
o To proactively interact with Indian diaspora, hold
designated events to solicit their feedback and
suggestions for better regular engagement with host
country.
• Promote tourism: A multi-pronged approach focusing on product enhancement, bettering connectivity, and creative
promotion and marketing of products could help achieve an effective strategy for inbound tourism.
Comparison between India and China in soft power diplomacy
According to Brand Finance’s Global soft power index 2022, while China is ranked at 4th position, India is far behind at 29th position.
Areas where India lacks behind China
• Lack of monetary resources: China is estimated to spend about US$ 10 billion a year just on its Confucius Institutes and soft
power promotion whereas ICCR and other agencies put together spend around 300-400 crores.
o Most of India’s expenditure goes in establishment and administration.
• Culture promotion through state: Indian cultural centres are far few in number and Indian culture has seen popularity
naturally and through Indian immigrants rather than through a mixture of immigration and government effort.
• Though in recent time, state has started playing proactive role in popularizing culture.
Advantages of India over China
• Consistently using soft power since long time: Since independence, India has shown more inclination towards soft power,
unlike China.
o In China, concept rapidly rose to popularity in the mid-2000s and now acts as an integral part of its foreign policy.
• Benign development partner: Further, unlike China, India’s development Programme is free from accusations of trampling
sovereignty or integrity of its partners or strangulating them financially with unbearable debt trap.
• Democratic credentials: India’s democratic values and openness makes it a more trustworthy and dependable partner.
o Whereas China has been criticized due to excessive control of Chinese authorities, their censorship and clamping down
on freedom of speech and expression.
2.6. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.6.1. UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON o India was elected to CSW for four years from 2021
STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW) to 2025.
• UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted a 2.6.2. INDIA AUSTRALIA ECONOMIC AND
resolution to remove Iran from CSW. COOPERATION TRADE AGREEMENT
• About UN-CSW (ECTA)
o It is the principal global intergovernmental body
• India Australia Economic and Cooperation Trade
exclusively dedicated to promotion of gender
Agreement (ECTA) recently came into force.
equality and empowerment of women.
• ECTA provides an institutional mechanism to
o It was established by ECOSOC in 1946.
encourage and improve trade between two countries
o Plays a leading role in implementation of the
and covers almost all tariff lines dealt by India and
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Australia.
o Consists of one representative from each of 45
o After India-UAE Comprehensive Economic
Member States elected by ECOSOC on the basis of
Partnership Agreement, ECTA will be the second
equitable geographical distribution
trade agreement for India that will be o Communications Compatibility and Security
operationalized this year. Agreement (COMCASA), 2018 for interoperability
between two militaries and sale of high-end
technology to India.
o Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement
(BECA), 2020 to share high-end military
technology, logistics and geospatial maps.
2.6.4. SAARC CURRENCY SWAP

FRAMEWORK
• Key features of ECTA • RBI has signed a Currency Swap Agreement (CSA) with
o India will benefit from preferential market access Maldives Monetary Authority under SAARC Currency
provided by Australia on 100% of its tariff lines, Swap Framework.
including all labor-intensive sectors of export o CSA between the two countries is an agreement or
interest to India, such as Gems and Jewellery, contract to exchange currencies with
Textiles, leather, footwear etc. predetermined terms and conditions.
o Australia has offered wide ranging commitments • SAARC Currency Swap Facility came into operation in
in several services sub-sectors like IT, ITES, Health, 2012 with to provide a backstop line of funding for
Education. short term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or
o A separate Annex on Pharmaceutical products balance of payment crises till longer term
which will enable fast-track approval for patented, arrangements are made.
generic and biosimilar medicines. o The drawals can be made in US Dollar, Euro or
o Covers areas like Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Indian Rupee.
Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute
Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons etc. 2.6.5. LUSOPHONE COUNTRIES
• India is hosting the International Lusophone Festival in
2.6.3. US' NDAA
Goa.
• US$ 858 billion National Defense Authorization Act o It seeks to further India’s connection with the
(NDDA) was passed by Senate and House of Lusophone world.
Representatives. o The Portuguese rule over Velha Goa (or Old Goa)
• It focuses on most vital national security priorities for started in 1510 and lasted till 1961.
USA, including strategic competition with China and • Lusophone World (Portuguese-speaking countries)
Russia; disruptive technologies etc. o It is spread in nine countries across four
o To strengthen US engagement in Indo-Pacific continents.
region, it stresses on engaging India to expand o Portuguese is the most spoken language in the
cooperation on emerging technology, readiness Southern Hemisphere (see image).
and logistics. o In 1996, Community of Portuguese Language
o This includes areas such as unmanned aerial Countries (CPLP), also known as Lusophone
vehicles, defensive cyber capabilities, cold Commonwealth was formed.
weather capabilities etc. ✓ CPLP is a multilateral forum with 9 member
• India- US Defence Cooperation states and 32 associate observers (India is
o In 2016, US designated India as ‘Major Defence associate observer).
Partner,’ (status unique to India). ✓ Members are Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde,
o India was accorded ‘Strategic Trade Authorization Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and São
Tier 1 status’ in 2018 for high-technology product Tomé and Príncipe; while Timor Leste and
sales particularly in civil space and defence Equatorial Guinea.
sectors. • India Lusophone relations
• India-US Defence Agreements o In 2014, Goa organized the 3rd Lusofonia Games
o General Security of Military Information involving athletes from Lusophone World.
Agreement (GSOMIA), 2002 on military o Six-fold rise in India’s trade with CPLP countries in
information exchange. the last decade.
o Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement o India offers training to all CPLP member states,
(LEMOA), 2016 to use each other’s military base. except Portugal, under the Indian Technical and
Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC) and 2.6.6. PARIS CLUB
India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework.
o Future Scope: Cooperation in strategic areas (Blue • It is an informal group of official creditors whose role
Economy, Renewable Energy, Defence etc.); field is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the
of startups and cutting-edge technologies payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries.
(nanotechnology, biotechnology etc.). • The origin of the Paris Club dates back to 1956.
• It is a group of 22 permanent members, including
Australia, UK, USA, Japan etc.
o India is not a member. It acts as an ad-hoc
participant.

2.1. INDIA AND GLOBAL SOUTH
Why in news? Initiatives launched in the Summit
• Arogya Maitri (Wellness Friendship): India will provide
A special virtual summit, the Voice of Global South
essential medical supplies to any developing country
summit was hosted by India. affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crisis.
More on News • Global South Center of Excellence: It will undertake
research on development solutions or best-practices of any
• India’s Presidency of G-20 provides it opportunity to of Global South countries, which can be scaled and
share the ideas and aspiration of the countries implemented in other members of the Global South.
which are not represented in the G-20. • Global South Science and Technology Initiative: India will
o The Agenda of G20 Presidency will be shaped in share its expertise with other developing nations.
consultation with not just G20 partners but also • Global South Young Diplomats Forum: It will connect
with the Global South. youthful officers of foreign ministries.
o It reflected the India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva • Global South Scholarships: It will provide scholarship to
Kutumbakam. students of developing countries to pursue higher
education in India.
• More than 120 nations participated in it.
• The Summit called for a global
agenda of 'Respond, Recognize,
Respect, and Reform' to re-
energise the world.
Challenges in Engaging with Global
South
• Uniting the Global South:
Representing the presumed
collective interests of the Global
is difficult due to the deep
economic differentiation and
sharp political divisions among
the developing nations. Initiatives to Engage with Global South
o It is not a coherent group and does Global
not have a single shared agenda. • Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): It is a group of mainly third world
• Domestic Issues: India is itself facing countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions of the world.
many developmental challenges It was formally established in 1961. Socio-economic development,
despite having impressive aggregate restructuring of the international economic system, international
GDP and growing economic, industrial, cooperation on an equal footing etc. were main objectives of this group.
and technological capabilities. Rising • Group of 77 (G-77): It was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven
developing countries. It provides the means for the countries of the South
population is putting immense
to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance
pressure on resources.
their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues
• Past Experiences: Groups like Non- within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation
Aligned Movement (NAM), G-77 etc. for development.
are not much effective in raising the India
voice of developing countries. • Vaccine Maitri Programme: In order to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, India
• Western Hegemony in Finance: India is supplied vaccine through its Vaccine Maitri Programme.
not much financially strong to fulfil the • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India offers HADR
developmental need of the developing support to other developing countries.
countries. • Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (1964): It offers
financial as well as technological assistance to various mutually agreed
projects of development to poor developing countries.
o Western countries like USA, France etc. take leverage of their financial resources.
• Non-inclusion: Countries like China, Pakistan etc. were not invited to Voice of Global South summit, hence, showing
rift in Global South.
Enhancing Engagement with Global South

• Cooperation: Summits should be organised on regular time period to enhance cooperation with the Global South.
• Mutual Trust: Cultural exchange programmes and confidence building measures will help in enhancing mutual trust.
• Developments Projects: With the help of like-minded country India can implement developments projects in other
global south countries.
• Promoting Interest: The interest of the global south countries needs to be given priority by India in forums like G-20
etc.
Conclusion
The goal of India in 2023 is to represent the Global South declaring “your voice is India’s voice. Your priorities are India’s
priorities”. In order to emerge as a Vishwa Guru (Global Leader) it is important for India to promote the interest of the
other developing countries. Close cooperation with Global South will help India in shaping the new global order.
Key terms related to Global South
• North-South Debate is a cold war between developed North and developing and underdeveloped South. They have different
perspective on issues such as energy, climate change etc.
o At the international forums such as UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the debate
between North and South can be witnessed.
o Similarly in World Trade Organisation (WTO) the North South debate can be witnessed over the issue of the subsidies, etc.
• South-South Cooperation: South-South Cooperation is a broad framework for collaboration and exchange among countries
of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical domains.
o The Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries
(BAPA) was adopted by 138 UN Member States in Argentina, in, 1978.
• Triangular cooperation: It involves Southern-driven partnerships between two or more developing countries supported by a
developed country(ies)/or multilateral organization(s) to implement development cooperation programmes and projects.
o India can play significant in linking North and South.
Related News
Bhopal Declaration
• It was released after Think20 (T20) meeting, official engagement group of G20 bringing together leading think tanks and
research centers worldwide.
• Key highlights of Bhopal Declaration
o Appeal to all stakeholders to focus more on inclusive development care for welfare of every section of society in
comparison to GDP.
o Encourage model of development led by women.
o Bridge the gap between North and South
o Promoting traditional medicine systems like AYUSH
2.2. INDIA-EGYPT
Why in News?
Recently, Egyptian President was on a visit to India from 24 to 26
January 2023 as he was ‘chief guest’ for the 74th Republic Day
celebrations held in New Delhi.
Recent development in relation
• India and Egypt agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to
“Strategic Partnership” covering political, security, defence,
energy and economic aspects.
• Commemorative Postal Stamps to mark 75 years of
establishment of India-Egypt relations were also exchanged
between the two sides.
• As the President of G20, India has invited Egypt as a guest
country for the summit to be held in 2023.
Significance of Egypt for India
• Geopolitical: Egypt is a significant actor in West Asia and an
influential voice in the Arab world.
o Egypt holds a role of significant partner to deepen
India’s tie with Arab nations as part of the renewed
Indian focus on West Asia.
o Egypt accords great importance to multilateral forums that comprise developing countries, such as Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) and the G77 considering their contributions to south –south cooperation.
• Geostrategic: Egypt is strategically located, making it a hub for trade routes between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
o Egypt connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea through the Suez Canal as it is critical for India as part of
International trade systems.
o Approximately 12 per cent of global trade traverses through the Suez Canal.
• Economic: Bilateral trade registered a significant growth of 75 percent in 2021-22 to reach a figure of $7.26 billion
from around $4 billion.
o Egypt, one of the largest importers of wheat from Russia and Ukraine, had procured wheat from India after
conflict broke out between the two countries.

• Energy Security: Egypt is a significant player in the
energy sector, and India is a major importer of oil
and gas. India has been working closely with
Egypt to secure its energy needs, and both
countries have signed several agreements in this
regard.
• Boost Defence Industries: Egypt is interested in
procuring defence equipment from India, which
includes LCA Tejas, missiles like Akash, DRDO’s
Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, and radars.
• Terrorism: The two countries have been sharing
intelligence and conducting joint operations to
tackle terrorism.
Challenges in development of India-Egypt Relation
• Economic crisis: Egypt is facing economic crisis
and battling a spike in inflation, which make
investment in the country less lucrative.
o Egypt has also approached the IMF for the
fourth time in six years for a bailout.
• Presence of China: China sees the Suez Canal as a
vital part of its Belt and Road and Maritime Silk
Road projects and have investment.
o China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently
at $15 billion, double that of India’s $7.26
billion in 2021-22
• Human Right Violation: For example in 2013,
Egypt committed the Rabaa massacre, in which
security forces killed over 800 peaceful protesters
and India is stanch supporter of Human Rights in
the World.
• Political dynamics: Changing Political dynamics of
the Gulf region such as Abraham Accord, New
Quad and India balancing out approach might
have impact on it.
Suggestions to improve relations
• Use of NAM: India and Egypt can leverage the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to find common
ground and reform international organizations
such as the UNSC and the World Bank.
• Collaboration with like-minded countries: India
can collaborate with like-minded countries,
including Japan, to reduce the dominance of
China and explore the Asia-Africa Growth
Corridor (AAGC) model.
• Utilizing India-Africa Forum: India can utilize the India-Africa Forum to strengthen multilateral relations with Egypt.
• People-to-people contact: The two countries can foster closer ties through initiatives such as education, tourism,
culture, and academic exchanges.

2.3. INDIA-EURASIA
Why in news?
Recently, several countries including Japan,
South Korea, Australia etc. have taken
initiatives suggesting a growing focus over
better relationship between European and
Asian countries.
About Eurasia
• Eurasia refers to the largest continental
area on Earth, comprising 93 countries of
Europe, Middle East and Asia and is
home to over 5 billion people.
• Eurasia region is geographically
represented by Eurasian tectonic Plate,
one of several large plates that cover our
planet.
o However, there is a lack of an agreed
international understanding of what
constitutes the region.
• Resources: Eurasia is one of the most
natural resource-rich regions in the
world:
o 31 percent of its proven natural gas
reserves,
o 17 percent of oil reserves,
o 23 percent of iron ore,
o 14 percent of gold, and
o 7 percent of copper.
Significance of Eurasia in present world order
• China’s assertiveness: China with projects
like BRI is striving for a great power status and
thus has increased engagement within
Eurasia.
• Changing Geostrategic Alignments: China-
Russia relationship has been cemented by the
growing animosity between China and USA
as witnessed in defense exercise “Maritime
Cooperation” in 2022.
o For example, China and Russia signed
declaration on “Great Eurasian
Partnership” in 2015 aimed at
synchronizing BRI and Eurasian
Economic Union (EEU).
• Regional alliances: Russia and Iran have deepened diplomatic and economic relations due to sanctions imposed on
them due to nuclear program and Ukraine war respectively.
o A potential China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey regional security arrangement is taking shape aimed to
counter the Quad’s growing influence.

• Countermeasure to Indo-Pacific Region: Japan, Australia along
with USA is confining them to the Indo- Pacific region. China and
Russia as a countermeasure are developing Eurasia as a power
block.
What are the challenges for India in Eurasian Region?
• Delayed projects: Most of the INSTC projects (except for
Azerbaijan and KTI i.e., Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran
Railway Corridor), Chabahar Port, and Ashgabat Agreement
transport corridor have not received financing from the major
global financial institutions such as the World Bank, European
Investment Bank etc.
• Rise of China amidst sanctions: China’s increasing footprint
through BRI initiative and bilateral ties between Russia-China
especially after sanctions imposed on Russia due to Ukraine war
pose a challenge for India.
o The west sanctions on Iran and Russia have paved way for
China to become dominant in the
Significance of Eurasia for India
region as well as slowed down the
• Alternate to BRI: INSTC (International North– South Transport Corridor)
pace of Indian investment in along with the Ashgabat Agreement (to enhance connectivity within the
Chabahar port. Eurasian region) in the long run and can act as a counter to opaque BRI.
o India also stopped oil imports from • Economic: India is working towards joining the EEU to further its
Iran. 2018-19 budgetary allocation for contacts with Eurasia. This will give access to Indian goods to entire
Chabahar was also reduced to zero in geographic space through a single tariff, boosting exports and overall
the revised allocation. economic growth.
• Regional turmoil: Since the beginning of • Social: Central Asian e-network by India is an attempt to leverage its
Eurozone crisis in 2009, EU has prowess in IT sector by linking India's top hospitals and educational
experienced a series of challenges like institutions with hubs in the region.
o It will bridge digital divide and bolster their capacity in areas of
influx of refugees, BREXIT, Covid
health and education.
pandemic, and the Russian invasion of • Alternate to Suez Canal: Euro-Asian inland transport links provides an
Ukraine. alternate to the congested Suez Canal to boost the resilience of the
• Diplomatic challenge: Balancing west inter-continental trade flows.
(USA and NATO) and east (Russia) has
posed a significant diplomatic challenge for India. With Eurasia’s rising geo-political stature, this challenge might
further get difficult for India.
Way forward for India
• Free Trade Agreements (FTA): India must prioritize investments in Eurasia and expedite FTAs. The swift completion
of the long-awaited FTA between India and the EEU is in India’s best interest, given the region’s human and economic
capital.
• Engaging NATO and EU: India’s Eurasian policy must involve greater engagement with both the European Union (EU)
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Regional Platforms: India should strive towards regular engagement with Russia and China by utilizing platforms of
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), and RIC (Russia, India
and China) to ensure wider cooperation on continental Eurasian security.
• Improve connectivity: Fast track projects like INSTC to ensure connectivity and further boost ties with the Eurasian
region. India should seek to join Russia’s “Greater Eurasian” corridor and the Northeast Passage to connect to the Far
East and even Japan.
• Collaboration with Iran and Arabia: Iran’s location makes it critical for the future of Afghanistan and Central Asia and
the religious influence of Arabia is consequential in the region. India’s partnerships with these countries are also
critical in overcoming Turkey’s alliance with Pakistan.
2.4. INDIA-CHINA TRADE RELATIONS
Why in News?
India’s trade deficit with China has crossed the $100
billion mark for the first time ever in the history of
India-China bilateral trade relations.
Overview of Trade Relation Between Both Countries
• The Trade and Economic Relationship between
both the countries reached to a record level of
$135.98 billion in the year 2022, with India’s
imports accounting for $118.5 billion.
• China is one of the largest trading partners of India, its position generally
remains at 1 or 2.
o On the other hand, United States is the largest trading partner of China.
Reasons for Rising Trade Deficit
• Growing Imports: Imports from China have increased in the recent years. For
many finished and intermediate goods like electrical machinery, India is
heavily depended over China.
• Low Value Export: India’s export to China mainly includes primary goods such
as iron ore etc. which have very less monetary value in terms of finished
product of China.
o Also, India has narrow basket of commodities for export.
• Market Access: China imposes tax barrier and non-tax barrier for high
potential export sector of India such as pharmaceuticals, IT/IteS, etc.
o There are lot of informal restrictions such as customs procedures,
standards, certification and regulatory practices, and quantitative
restrictions.
• Dumping of Products: China has used the policy of dumping goods in Indian
market at low cost so that it can capture market of different products.
• Exchange Rate Policy of China: It revalued the renminbi in relation to the US$,
which makes export expensive for India.
• Price Competitiveness: Chinese product are cheaper in comparison to Indian
products; thus, they have huge demands in Indian markets.
Initiative Taken by India to Check Trade Deficit:
Reducing Imports:
• Protective Measures: Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are being
imposed on Chinese products which violate the trade rule.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Under this initiative, government is promoting
domestic products. For instance, manufacture of active pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs) is promoted in India.
o Also, India’s decision to not join the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership is another example.
• Global Supply Chain Management: With the help of like-minded country
like Japan, Australia etc. India is working to improve the global supply
chain.
• Products Ban: India has banned certain products such as several Chinese
applications, power equipment’s etc.
Enhance Exports:
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) (2020): Under it,
the government provides incentives to Indian
companies based on the sales of their products.
• Make in India (2014): Its objective is to make India
a hub of manufacturing in world.
• Promotion of Specific Sector: In 2020, the Ministry
of Commerce and Industry identified 12 sectors -
to make India a global supplier and cut import bills.
Way Forward
• Self-Reliant: The policy needs to be formulated to
promote self-reliance in the sphere of electrical,
API’s etc. sphere. More emphasis should be given
on initiatives like ‘vocal for local’.
• Market Access: By using diplomatic channel and soft power, more access to high value export could be provided.
• Import Substitution: India can Investments from China
effectively substitute Chinese import by • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Interest (FPI)
domestic products. from China have raised rapidly in recent years. Inflow is more in the form
• Competitiveness of Indian Products: If of FPI, which is a major cause of concern.
we enhance the cost-effectiveness of • The investment is mainly focused on technology start-up segment.
Indian Products then demand of Chinese • In 2020. FDI policy of India was revised to curb opportunistic takeovers
product can be checked. or acquisitions of Indian companies.
• The amended policy states that an entity of a country, which shares a
Conclusion land border with India or where the beneficial owner of investment into
India should formulate strategic policy to India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only
under the Government route.
reduce the trade deficit. Also, it should raise
its concerns with the China about the skewed trade deficit so that effective steps for market access can be taken.
2.5. INDIA-UNITED STATES TRADE RELATIONS

Why in News? About Trade Policy Forum (TPF)
Recently, 13th Ministerial Meeting • TPF was established in 2005.
of the India-U.S. Trade Policy • It is a platform for continuous engagement between two countries in the area of
trade and to further the trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Forum (TPF) was organised to
• Under the TPF, there are working groups on five broad areas including agriculture,
discuss trade related issues.
non-agriculture goods, services, investment, and intellectual property.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
• A new working group on “Resilient Trade” was launched.
• Its objective is to deepen bilateral dialogue on a range of issues that can enhance the resiliency and sustainability of
the trade relationship including on trade facilitation, benefitting workers and promoting sustainable and inclusive
growth, etc.
Significance of India-US Trade
• Exports: India has a trade surplus with United State. It is one of the major export destinations of India.
• Investments: American companies are investing huge capital in the form of Foreign Direct Investment (Apple, Google
etc.) and Foreign Institutional Investment.
o This has helped in job creation in India.

• Information and
Technology Hub: India
has emerged as IT hub
after taking inspiration
from the Silicon Valley of
United States.
• People to People
Relation: Due to
improving trade relation,
the people to people
contacts between both
the countries have
increased.
• Remittances: US is a
major source of
remittances to India. It
has helped in increasing
foreign exchange reserve.
• Technology Transfer: Due
to close trade partnership
technology transfer has
become easy as
compared to early days.
Challenges in India-US Trade
Ties
India US Defense Trade Relations
• Tariff Barrier: Both accuse each
• USA designated India as a Major Defense Partner and Strategic Trade
other from imposing high tariff
Authorization (tier 1 status) in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
rates. • Under the Defence Technology & Trade Initiative Group, both countries are
o For instance, in 2018, the US working together for co-production and co-development of defence equipment.
imposed a tariff on certain o Defence trade is mainly tilted in favor of US.
steel products and a tariff on • Defence trade and cooperation has been deepened with signing of four
certain aluminum products foundational agreement which includes-
from India. Then, India also o General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) (2002),
imposed tariff on certain o Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) (2016),
products in retaliation. o Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) (2018)
and
• Non- Tariff Barrier: US claims that
o Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) (2020).
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS)
barriers are imposed by India to limit U.S. agricultural exports.
• Self-reliance or Aatmanirbhar bharat: US perceive India’s Aatmanirbhar bharat initiative as protectionist move.
o As per US, India has introduced market access barriers under this initiative in the form of tariffs, localization
requirements, indigenous standards requirements and labelling practices, price controls, and import restrictions.
• Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): In 2019, the United States removed India from GSP.
o The GSP allows eligible developing countries to export duty-free goods to the US.
• Policies of localisation: India’s move for creating Data centers in India is being criticized by the American companies.
• Digital Tax: USA criticizes India’s decision of imposing (through the Financial Act of 2020) 2% tax on revenue
generated from a broad range of digital services offered in India by “non-resident” companies.
• Intellectual Property (IP): India remained on the Priority Watch List of the U.S. “Special 301” report, which cited such
U.S. concerns as India’s patent treatment, high IP theft rates, and lax trade secret protection.
• Access to Professionals: US has tightened the norms of L-1 and H-1B visa categories.

o India has alleged that the US is violating its India, US and World Trade Organisation (WTO)
obligations under General Agreement on • In WTO, India presents its interest as well of the developing
Trade in Services (GATS) as well as the GATS countries. On the other hand, US represents the developed
Annex on Movement of Natural Persons world which leads to the difference in opinion on many issues.
Supplying Services, to not discriminate against Key issues at WTO
or between non-US service providers. • Both the countries have different views over the Agreements
signed under the Agreement on Agriculture.
Way Forward • There are many disputes between India and US in Dispute
• Disputes Resolution: All the disputes should be Settlement Mechanism under the WTO such as India’s export
solved by negotiation as soon as possible so that promotion schemes.
• Differences remain on other WTO issues under negotiation,
trade protentional could be utilised.
e.g., e-commerce customs duties and fisheries subsidies.
• Mutual Trust and Cooperation: Both countries
should show mutual trust and cooperate with each other at regional and multilateral forums.
o The US Department of Treasury in November 2022 removed India from its Currency Monitoring List of major
trading collaborators after two years.
• Easing Barrier: Both tariff and non-tariff barrier need to reduced to minimal. It will help in taking bilateral trade to
USD 500-600 billion by 2030.
Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET)
• Recently, inaugural dialogue of iCET was held.
• ICET is a unique initiative led by the Indian National Security Council
Secretariat (NSCS) and the U.S. National Security Council (NSC).
• It aims to expand partnership in critical and emerging technologies.
• Significance of iCET:
o Vital for India's growing role as a trusted supply chain partner
and contributor in the global technology value chain.
o Deals directly with disruptive domains which are central to the
next Industrial Revolution and future warfare.
o Open new markets for India’s deep technology players.
✓ Since most critical and emerging technologies today are dual-
use, it can give a fillip to the two countries’ innovation
ecosystem.
o Potentially opens the door for the US to lift existing export control
restrictions.
2.6. INDIAN DIASPORA IN LATIN AMERICA

Why in News? About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed on 9th January.
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
• It commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa
Convention in focus on Latin America’s diaspora to India on 9th January, 1915.
connection, with two Indian-origin Presidents • 1st PBD Convention was organised on 9 January 2003
from the region attending as special guests. • Since 2015, PBD Convention has been organised once every 2 years.
More in News
• India hosted the 17th PBD Convention in
Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The theme of the 17th PBD was "Diaspora:
Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit
Kaal".
• In the Convention, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Awards were also conferred.

• The core of the event is to provide a platform for the Indian
diaspora across the globe to engage with the government and help
strengthen ties.
Contribution of Indian Diaspora in the Latin America
• Demography: The status of the Indian diaspora in Latin America
varies from country to country.
o Indian diaspora accounts for a major portion of the populations
of Trinidad, Suriname and Guyana.
o There were subsequent migrations by Indian businessmen and
professionals to other countries of the region, but these were
very few in numbers.
• Polity: Wisdom and governance skills of Indian paved the way for
them to serve at the important constitutionals post including head
of state.
o For instance, Christine Kangaloo is President of
Trinidad and Tobago, Irfaan Ali is the President of
Guyana, Chan Santokhi is President of Suriname
etc.
• Culture: Indians have added new dimensions to the
social and cultural fabric of the Latin America. It
includes music, different religious beliefs, new
vocabulary, dance, fashion, art and festivals.
• Economy: Due to consistent effort over the years, Indian
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
diaspora has emerged as a strong economic power in the region. • The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the
o They moved from primary activities to secondary and highest honour conferred on
tertiary sectors. They create lot of job opportunities for the o a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian
locals. Origin; or
o an organisation or institution established
Significance of Indian diaspora for India
and run by them.
Challenges in Effective Engagement with Diaspora • It commemorates the contribution of Indian
diaspora to create a better understanding of
• Policy Paralysis: According to Standing Committee on External India abroad, support India's causes and work
Affairs there is no clear policy on diaspora is in place, despite for the welfare of the local Indian community.
their socio-economic contributions to the
development of the country. Government Initiatives to connect with the Diaspora
• Limited engagement: While there are • Merger of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (created in 2004) with
several initiatives aimed at engaging with the Ministry of External Affairs in 2016 to encourage and provide
the diaspora, the level of engagement is streamlined support to Indians overseas.
often limited. • Social security agreements with foreign countries for the protection
of the Indian communities abroad.
• Database on Indian diaspora: Ministry of
• Know India Programme (KIP) (2003) to provides a unique forum for
External Affairs does not have updated data students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share
on Indian diaspora, as registration with their views, expectations and experiences and to bond closely with
Indian Embassies is voluntary. contemporary India.
• Multiple portals for grievance redressal: • Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017: After enaction
Several portals such as e-Migrate, and the it allow an overseas voter to cast their vote in person or by proxy.
Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and • Other Initiatives: Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children”
Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) are in place (SPDC) (2007), Study India Programme (SIP) (2012), E-Migrate System
to resolve the grievances of Indian nationals (2014), Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) (2017), Dedicated Help
abroad but multiple portals often delay line for women (2021), etc.
grievance resolution.

• Domestic Issues: Government is
engaged in several domestic issues
like poverty alleviation, development
works etc. due to which less attention
is paid toward engagement with
diaspora.
• Limited Resources: India has a vast
diaspora community, and it becomes
challenging to cater to their needs and
demands.
Way forward
• Policy Formulation: Draft a clear
policy document on the diaspora
which would serve as a guiding
principle for engagement with the
community.
• Database on Indian Diaspora: Indian
Embassies should encourage the
diaspora to register themselves, which
will help in effective implementation
of welfare schemes.
• Foster Engagement: A friendlier
reception at their point of entry;
easier procedures for immigration and customs clearances are essential for engagement.
o Provide opportunities for participation and engagement through initiatives such as community events,
mentorship programs, internships, or volunteer programs.
2.7. INDIA AND UN PEACEKEEPING

Why in news?
India deployed a women-only platoon of peacekeepers to the
UN Mission in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan as
part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim
Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA).
Significance of UN Peacekeeping
• Global Peace and Security: Peacekeepers implement a
range of stabilization and protection measures, helping to
avert the collapse of fragile states, prevent civil wars and
decrease the likelihood that dormant conflicts flare up.
• Cost effective: UN peacekeeping operations are significantly
less costly than other forms of military intervention.
• Promote burden sharing: It harnesses the collective
resources of the entire international community.
o The UN Member States pay nearly three-quarters of the costs associated with these missions and contribute more
than 99.9 percent of the troops and police who serve in them.
• Counter violent extremism: Peacekeepers play a key role in stabilizing fragile nations, engaging communities,
protecting civilians, and promoting peace processes to prevent these regions from becoming terrorist safe havens.
• Promoting human rights: UN peacekeeping promotes human rights by monitoring and reporting on human rights
violations, supporting efforts to prevent such violations, and working to ensure accountability for past violations.
Challenges associated with UN peacekeeping
• Changing nature of Armed conflict: There is engaging of a changing profile of armed groups using terrorist tactics,
including targeting of peacekeepers.
o It is interconnected with organized crime and is host to the unregulated spread of a new generation of weapons.
• Restrictions on
freedom of
movement: It affect
peacekeeping
effectiveness by
preventing swift
responses on the
ground.
• Coordination:
Peacekeeping missions
involve multiple actors,
including the UN, host
governments, regional
organizations, and
other stakeholders,
and coordinating their
efforts can be a
significant challenge.
• Limited resources: UN
peacekeeping
operations often faces
constraints in
resources, including
personnel, logistics,
and funding.
• Security threats: UN
peacekeepers are often deployed in India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping
hostile and dangerous environments, • India has a long history of service in UN Peacekeeping, having contributed
where they face threats from armed more personnel than any other country.
groups. • India served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions established around
• Lack of local support: UN the world since 1948.
peacekeeping missions often face o Currently, India is the fifth largest troop contributor (TCC) with 5,323
resistance from local populations, who personnel deployed in 8 out of 13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions.
may view them as outsiders or biased • Indian Peacekeepers provide many services such as medical care,
veterinary support, engineering services to the communities
towards certain groups.
• India was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual
• Lack of training: Peacekeepers may not
exploitation and abuse, which was set up in 2016.
always be adequately trained for the • India's participation in UN peacekeeping missions has been motivated by
specific challenges they face in a given its commitment to maintaining international peace and security, and also
mission, which can compromise their as a way to project its soft power.
effectiveness and safety. Women in Indian Peacekeeping
• Women peacekeepers from India have served in several countries,
Way Forward
including Congo, Liberia, South Sudan, and Haiti.
• Stronger commitment: There is a need • In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent
for stronger commitment by all actors to a UN Peacekeeping Mission.
in support of peacekeeping efforts, • In the year 2014, Indian cop Shakti Devi of the Jammu and Kashmir Police,
from political to operational issues, to who was deployed in the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),
achieve peacekeeping excellence. was awarded the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award.

• Participation of women: Women peacekeepers are highly acclaimed in peacekeeping missions all around the world
for their capacity to interact with local women and children, particularly those who have experienced sexual assault
in conflict areas.
• Community engagement: Effective community engagement is critical for the success of peacekeeping missions. The
UN must build relationships with local communities and work to build trust and legitimacy.
• Proper Resourcing: UN peacekeeping operations must be properly resourced and equipped, and operate under clear,
credible and achievable mandates.
• Accountability: Peacekeeping missions must be held accountable for their actions, and perpetrators of human rights
abuses should be held accountable through effective justice systems.
• Inclusion of stakeholders: It is critical that troop and police contributing countries should be fully involved at all stages
and in all aspects of mission planning.
2.8. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.8.1. ASIAN PACIFIC POSTAL UNION (APPU)
• India will take over the charge of Secretary General of APPU for a tenure of 4 years.
• APPU is an intergovernmental organization of 32-member countries of the Asian-Pacific region.
• Goal of APPU is to extend, facilitate and improve postal relations between member countries and to promote cooperation
in the field of postal services.
• It is the only Restricted Union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in the region, which is a specialized agency of UN.
• Headquarter: Bangkok, Thailand.

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2.

2.2. CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

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2.2. INDIAN ANTARCTIC ACT, 2022

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2.3. SUPPLY OF CRITICAL MINERALS

2.4. COMMON SECURITY

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2.5. NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY(NPT)

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2.7. TRANS-HIMALAYAN MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONNECTIVITY NETWORK

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2.8. CHINA-TAIWAN ISSUE

2.9. ROLE OF NORTHEAST IN REGIONAL TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

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2.10. CHABAHAR PORT

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2.11. INDIA-EGYPT RELATIONS

2.12. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.12.3. RULES OF ORIGIN (ROO)

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2.2. INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS

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2.3. SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO)

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2.5. REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN INDO -

Challenges in effective cooperation in the region

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India’s presence for regional cooperation for disaster management

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2.6. MULTILATERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

2.7. NEWS IN SHORTS

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2.7.3. DEMISE OF FORMER SOVIET

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2.2. INDIA-AFRICA DEFENCE RELATIONS

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2.3. UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION

India in Peacekeeping missions

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2.4. FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF)

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2.5. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZATION (INTERPOL)

2.6. NEWS IN SHORTS

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