1-Legend Bhaiya

Table of Content

INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATIONS 45. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
(IPEF)
1. India-China Relations 46. Regional Cooperation for Disaster Risk
2. India-China Border Dispute 47. Management in Indo-Pacific
3. India Taiwan Relations 48. India and Pacific Island Countries (PIC)
4. India-Bangladesh Relations 49. India-USA-China Triangle
5. Bangladesh PM’s visit to India 50. Alternatives to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
6. India-Bhutan Relations 51. Rise of the Minilaterals
7. Bhutan King’s recent visit to India 52. India, Iran, Armenia Trilateral
8. India-Nepal Relations 53. India-Japan-South Korea trilateral
9. India-Nepal Hydropower Relationship 54. India-France-Australia Trilateral
10. Indus Water Treaty (IWT) 55. India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) trilateral
11. Cross Border Flood Management 56. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
12. India’s Engagement with Taliban 57. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
13. India-Maldives Relations 58. SCO Meeting
14. India and North Eastern Neighbours 59. QUAD
15. India-Indian Ocean Region 60. QUAD Summit
16. India-South Asia 61. Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
17. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation 62. India in Arctic
(SAARC) 63. BRICS
18. Soft Loan Diplomacy 64. BRICS expansion
65. ASEAN
BILATERAL GROUPING AND AGREEMENTS INVOLVING 66. India-ASEAN Summit
INDIA AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S INTEREST 67. G20
68. Bali Declaration
19. India- Russia Relations
69. Group of Seven (G-7)
20. India- Japan Relations
70. G7 Summit
21. India- South Korea Relations
22. India- Vietnam Relations EFFECT OF POLICIES AND POLITICS OF DEVELOPED AND
23. India- Thailand Relations DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ON INDIA’S INTERESTS
24. India -Australia Relations
25. India-United Kingdom (UK) relations 71. BIMSTEC
26. India-European Union Relations 72. Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional
27. India-Germany Relations 73. Connectivity Network
28. India-Nordic Relations 74. AUKUS
29. India and West Asia/Middle East Relations. 75. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for
30. New Group in West Asia 76. Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
31. India-Saudi Arabia Relations 77. Russia Ukraine War
32. Chabahar Port
33. India-Qatar Relations IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AGENCIES,
34. India-Israel Relations AND FORA, THEIR STRUCTURE, MANDATE
35. Abraham Accords
36. Other Important Developments in West Asia 78. United Nations
37. India-Africa Relations 79. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
38. India-Africa Defence Relations 80. Role of UN in Conflict Management
39. India-Mauritius Relations 81. UN Peacekeeping Mission
40. Southern African Development Community (SADC) 82. Doha Political Declaration.
83. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL GROUPING AND AGREEMENTS
INVOLVING INDIA AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S DYNAMICS OF CHANGING WORLD ORDER-
INTEREST
84. Rules Based World Order
41. India-Eurasia Relations 85. Evolving Dynamics of India’s Foreign Policy
42. India-Latin America Relations 86. India’s Economic Diplomacy
43. MEA visit to Latin American Countries 87. Para-diplomacy
44. Indo Pacific Region. 88. India and Global South
89. Soft Power Diplomacy
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90. Religion as Soft Power Tool
91. Indian Diaspora
92. Common Security
93. Geopolitics of Food Security
94. Geopolitics of Technology
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INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATIONS
INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS
Fact Check-
 India-China’s bilateral relations have reached a record of
$135.98 Bn in 2022 and trade deficit of > $ 100 Bn.
 China is the second largest trade partner of India.
 China stands at 20th position with only 0.43% share in
FDI.
Reasons for rising trade deficit-
 Growing import’s for products like electronic machinery.
 Low Value export- mainly includes primary goods with
mow monetary value.
 China imposes tax and non-tax barriers on potential
export items.
 Dumping of products in India markets.
 Currency revaluation of china makes exports costly for
India.
 Price competitiveness for Chinese products.
Initiatives Taken by India-
 Reducing imports-
o Protective measures- anti-dumping and
countervailing duties.
o Atmanirbhar Bharat- - promoting domestic
products.
o Supply chain resilience initiatives in relation with
Japan and Australia.
o India has banned certain Chinese products.
 Enhancing exports-
o Production Linked Incentives 2020
o Makin in India- hub for manufacturing.
o Promotion of specific sectors. – 12 such sectors
identified.
Way Forward-
 Becoming self-reliant.
 Increasing market access across the world.
 Import substitution.
 Increasing competitiveness of Indian products.
INDIA-CHINA BORDER DISPUTE
About Border Dispute with China
 There is no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control i.e.
LAC which is divided into three sectors:
o Western sector (Ladakh),
o Middle Sector (HP and Uttarakhand)
o Eastern Sector (ArP and Sikkim).
 Areas along the LAC that China claims.
 It is part of the Chinese Salami Slicing tactic or
Reasons for unresolved border dispute
 Border Demarcation: The Indo-China border, though
about 3000km long, is not clearly defined.
 India’s geopolitical interests: Neighborhood First Policy,
closer with US.
 Growing Power imbalance: China is challenging India’s
position, in South Asia and IOR.
 “China-IOR Forum” - b/w China and countries in IOR
except India.
Way forward
 Better understanding of each other’s regional initiatives.
 The Indo-Pacific vision is as much a developmental
necessity for India as the BRI may be to China.
 Mutually demilitarising the armed forces.
 A balanced trade and economic relationship.
 Acknowledgment of India’s multilateral aspirations by
China.
 Accommodate the legitimate interests on key
partnerships eg- Pakistan and US.
INDIA TAIWAN RELATIONS
Need for developing stronger relations-
 For success of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
Taiwan is a leader in manufacturing and accounts for
India’s 74% import.
 Free and open Indo-Pacific: -for India’s commercial
ambition in the South China Sea.
 Geopolitical shift: Emergence of the Indo-Pacific region
and Quad.
Challenges in India-Taiwan relations
 China factor: cautious in China’s sensitivities while
dealing with Taiwan and Tibet.
 Lack of consistency: relationship has been episodic,
characterized by momentary highs.
 Limited economic engagement: Trade from $934 mn in
1995 to $7.5 bn in 2011 to $8.9 Bn in 2021-22
 Limited people to people contact.
Way forward for enhancing -
 Early conclusion of FTA: sectors like Precision farming,
Renewable energy, Healthcare, etc.
 Convergence in the South China Sea: Exploration of
resources and promoting commercial activities.
 Restoring regular political interaction.
About India Taiwan relations
 India follows the ‘One-China’ policy.
 One China Policy is a policy of acknowledging that there
is only one Chinese government as opposed to separate
Chinese states.
 However, India does share non-diplomatic (unofficial)
linkages with Taiwan.
 Yet, since 2010, India has stopped using the term “one-
China” policy.
 Recent developments in relationship
o DTAA and a Bilateral Investment Treaty with
Taiwan.
o Vedanta and Foxconn (Taiwan) signed a MoU
with the Gujarat government.
INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS
Fact Check-
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 Bilateral trade of $ Bn 18.2.
 Largest trade partners in South Asia.
 Bangladesh id second largest benefiter of Line of Credit.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Defense and security- MILAN and SAMPRIT- military
exercises. Supply of equipments.
 Traditional sectors- tourism, education and healthcare
AWA- nuclear, space, IT etc.
 Foreign policy- Bng- centre of Neighborhood First Policy.
 Multilateral Cooperation- BIMSTEC, SAARC, IORA.
 Border Management- Land Boundary Agreement.
 Governance and Cultural Ties- Indian Council for Cultural
Relations.
Challenges-
 Sharing and Teesta and Barak rivers.
 Increasing Chinese aggression and interference.
 Illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants.
 Porous borders.
 Rising radicalization- Harkar-alJihad Ul Islami in
Bangladesh.
 India’s Citizenship Amendment Act & NRC and wrong
interpretation of it.
Steps Taken-
 Increasing Trade- border Haat, reduction in customs.
 Developmental- Roopus Nuclear Power Project, Indo-
Bang Friendship Pipeline.
 Connectivity- inland water transit trade, building bridges.
 Indian assistance during Covid-19.
 Resolving disputes- 2019- agreement on Feni River.
Way Forward-
 Cross border immigration management.
 Managing water resources.
 Encouraging people-to-people connect.
 Expediting projects.
 Operationalising the agreements.
BANGLADESH PM’S VISIT TO INDIA
Key decisions announced in the recent meet-
 CEPA-Both sides will soon commence negotiations on a
CEPA.
 Water sharing - Signed MoU on sharing of waters of
Kushiyara river (branch of Barak river).
 Connectivity projects
o Inauguration of Rupsha bridge,
o Khulna Darshana railway link project
upgradation.
o Parbatipur -Kaunia railway line
 Maitree power plant at Rampal, Khulna unveiled
INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS
Fact Check-
 India committed- 4500 cr of assistance for 12th FYP of
Bhutan.
 Bilateral rade- $ 1422 Mn in 2021-22.
 India- leading source of investment in Bhutan. (50% of
FDI in Bhutan- India).
Importance of Bhutan for India-
 Geostrategic importance- - crucial for national security.
 Economic significance- hydropower resources.
 Environmental cooperation- shared Himalayan
ecosystem, climate change etc.
 Regional integration- SAARC and BIMSTEC.
Areas of Co-operation-
 Hydropower – combined projects.
 Cultural relations- Buddhism, India-Bhutan Foundation.
 Security- Indian Military Training Team, DANTAK by IBRO.
Challenges-
 Presence of China- border disputes, Doklam crisis.
 Issues in hydropower trade- change in policy, refusal to
admit Bhutan in National Power Grid etc.
 BBIN Initiatives- Motor Vehicle Agreement on hold.
 Access to trade- Bhutan is diversifying the market for
Bangladesh but not with India.
Way Forward-
 Initiative trilouge with China- opening communications
with China.
 Diversifying economic engagements- fintech, space techs
etc.
 Improving people-to-people relations- soft power
diplomacy.
 Security measures-
o Establishments of contact points.
o Development of SoP.
BHUTAN KING’S RECENT VISIT TO INDIA
Key outcomes of the recent visit-
 Support to Bhutan: o Additional Standby Credit Facility
(SCF) for a period of five years.
 Hydropower: Mangdechhu, Chhukha, Basochhu,
Punatsangchhu-I, Sankosh project etc.
 Security: first integrated check post at Jaigaon (West
Bengal, India) and Phuntsholing (Bhutan).
 Connectivity: Expedited Kokrajhar (Assam)- Gelephu rail
link and Gelephu airport construction.
INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade of USD 11 Bn.
 Largest trade partner of Nepal and biggest source of FDI.
 Exports- rose 8 times in past 10 years.
Areas of Cooperation—
 Defense- modernization, exercises like Surya Kiran.
 Water resources- Mahakali Treaty.
 Energy- Power Exchange Agreements – cross border oil
pipelines in Motihari to Amlekhganj in Nepal.
 Connectivity project- Raxaul-Kathmandu Rail Link.
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 Education- scholarship given to Nepalese students.
 Culture- Roti-Beti ka rishta.
Challenges-
 China’s interference- on Nepal’s economy, politics and
society. Anti-India Rhetoric, Kalpani dispute.
 Nepal’s discontent in bilateral trade- due to huge trade
deficit.
 Distrusts towards India- due to India’s big brother
attitude.
 Unrestricted people movement across the borders
affecting the demography of the regions.
Recent Initiatives-
 6th India-Nepal Joint Commissions- power, oil and gas,
water resources.
 India’s assistance during Covid-19- collaboration of
professionals.
 Operationalisation of cross border rail link- from
Jayanagar to Kurtha in Nepal.
 Foundation stone of Buddhist Vihar by the Indian PM.
 Spata Koshi Power Project.
Road Ahead-
 Multi-modal connectivity.
 Setting appropriate bilateral mechanism to discuss
contentious issues.
 Multilateral Forums- BBIN, BIMSTEC, NAM, SAARC.
 Sustained engagement and limited interference with
Nepal across Nepal.
 Economic cooperation.
 Revisiting Friendship Treaty of 1050s.
INDIA-NEPAL HYDROPOWER RELATIONSHIP
India and Nepal have signed a MoU to develop the
hydropower projects.
Challenges in development of hydropower relations
 Mountain Topography: Difficult terrain, env
considerations, and population densities.
 Lack of Infrastructure: transport facilities, transmission
grid etc.
 Policy and regulatory issues: lack of policy, regulatory
mechanism for the 3rd-party access
 Water sharing issues: downstream water use and
regulated water, flood control with bigger multipurpose
projects.
 Incompletion of earlier project: Mahakali and Upper
Karnali Projects.
Way Forward-
 Careful study of investment scenarios, distribution and
transmission network etc.
 Collaboration with other countries.
INDUS WATER TREATY-
Fact Check- India utilizes over 90% of the Indus water.
Treaty-
 Share of water-
o Eastern- Ravi, Beas and Sutlej- use for India.
o Western - Indus, Jhelum, Chenab- allocated to
Pakistan.
 Permanent Indus Commission for cooperation and
information exchange.
 IWT has no unilateral exit provisions.
Issues with IWT-
 Dissatisfaction among water apportionment.
 Ambiguous room for conflicts.
 Lack of mutual trust.
 Sub-optimal data sharing.
 Lack of environmental safeguards.
 Limited role of the guarantor.
Reforms Needed-
 Ratification of UN Water Convention.
 Global Forum of Trans-Boundary River.
 Promote open data policy.
 Optimization of the treaty.
 Renegotiating the treaty.
CROSS BORDER FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Need for a cross border flood management mechanism for
India-
 Frequent floods in the Kosi region (the Mithilanchal
region) are a major point of discussion.
 Large dependency on rivers: ~80% of India's population
is dependent on 14 major rivers.
 Flood-control -infra developments on Brahmaputra in
China impacts both India and Bangladesh.
 Emerging threats like climate change.
Major issues are in cross border flood management-
 Limited Sharing of Hydrological Data.
 Asymmetric control between upper and lower riparian
states
 Enforcement: Bilateral arrangements have limited
effectiveness.
 Water Nationalism: Pakistan challenged India’s Baglihar
dam project on the Chenab River before the World Bank.
 Issues with the prevalent treaties:
o Not futuristic in nature.
o Poor implementation of the treaties.
o Absence of multilateral treaties
What approach can be adopted-?
 Exploring avenues of Cooperation
 Political will: water sharing and usage not be combined
with larger security or border concerns.
 Recommendations of Standing Committee on Flood
Management.
 Learning from best practices
6-Legend Bhaiya
o UN Convention on the Law of the Non-
Navigational Uses of International
Watercourses, 1997.
o Treaty for Amazon Co-operation in 1978
o Mekong River Commission.
 Long term planning by both the countries.
INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT WITH TALIBAN
Why should India engage with Taliban?
 Important stakeholder in Afghanistan
 Rising International Engagements: other countries are
now starting to engage Taliban.
 Afghanistan has been included under China’s BRI by
extending CPEC; Iran has started resuming its projects
and connectivity links with Afghanistan.
 National Security: Taliban - ties with the LeT & JeM.
 Greater possibilities of diplomatic engagement.
 Reconnecting with natives: help it reconnect with the
Afghan people.
Downsides of India’s engagement-
 Shows inconsistency: India supported “an Afghan-led,
Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled” process.
 Security concerns: UN report shows that terror groups-
find safe haven on Afghan soil.
 No change in the ideology of Taliban on women has
increased.
 Pro-China Neighbors of Taliban.
India Maldives Relations-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral Trade- $ US 323 in favor of India.
 India is the 3rd largest trade partner of Maldives.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Economic Trade- Greater Male connectivity Project.
 Comprehensive action plan for defense- training centers
etc.
 Development assis- Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital,
Maldives Institute of Technical Education.
 Humanitarian Assistance- 2008 Tsunami, 2014 water
crisis, Operation NEER, Covid-19 vaccines.
Significance of Maldives for India-
 India’s Neighborhood First Policy, Op SAGAR etc.
 Strategic importance in the times of China’s BRI.
 Geo-economics- 50% of exports and 80% of energy trade
takes place through sea.
 Role of Net Security Provided- Maldives is like a toll-gate
for IOR and further.
 Regional cooperation- SAARC, IORA, IONS.
Challenges-
 Domestic politics- leaders openly declare hostility
towards India and are in favour of China.
 Chinese influence and debt-trap diplomacy.
 Concerns of expatriate workers- unskilled workers.
Way Forward-
 Deepening security cooperation.
 Adhering to Gujral Doctrine of 5 basic principles.
INDIA AND NORTH EASTERN NEIGHBOURS-
Fact Check-
 International border- 5,823 km- China, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal.
Significance –
 Development in North-Eastern Region.
 Security of North-eastern region.
 Geopolitical- stronger diplomacy and economic outlook.
 Connect with South-Asia under the Act East Policy.
 Integration with regional and global supply chains.
Measures to be taken-
 Act East Policy- strengthens India’s interaction with
south eastern regions.
 Regional and multinational organizations- ASEAN, ARF,
ACD, IORA.
 Connectivity projects- Indian-Myanmar-Thailand
Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit
Transport.
Major Issues and Concerns-
 India’s security concerns-lack of infrastructure, poor
border infrastructure.
 Narcotics industry fuelling crimes against state.
 Refugee problems in North-east India.
 Long delay in connectivity projects.
 India’s economic slowdown and inward orientation.
 India’s limited capacity-in developmental assistance.
Way Forward-
 Improving connectivity.
 Improving new areas of cooperation like digital
technologies.
 Leveraging cultural linkages. Through Buddhist Circuit
initiatives.
 Strategic cooperation- in case of assertive behavior of
China.
 Enhancing bilateral trade.
INDIA-INDIAN OCEAN REGION
Significance of IOR in India-
 Trade- 70% oil and 90% international trade by volume id
done by IOR.
 Fishing and aqua-culture industry- employs around 14mn
people.
 Countering China’s aggressive soft power and debt trap
diplomacy.
Impediments to India for being a Net Security Provider
 Resource Availability vs Requirement.
 Existing Civil-Military Relationship
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 Non-alignment Policy
 Past Experience of Overseas Deployment of Armed
Forces.
 Shifting US Policy: increase the scope of maritime conflict
with China.
 Frequency of resurgence and occurrence of non-
traditional threats
Approach needed for Net Security Provider-
 Focus on capacity building and military diplomacy.
 Higher Defence Organisation - clearly defined priorities
of defence acquisitions.
 Formulation of a National Defence Policy to inspire
confidence, within India.
 Development of Andaman Nicobar & Lakshadweep.
 Capability Enhancement of IOR Nations.
INDIA-SOUTH ASIA-
Importance of the region-
 Rising role and position of India.
 Active policy of China towards South Asia.
 Instability in Afghanistan and role of US in it.
 Nuclear capability of many Asian countries- India,
Pakistan, China, Japan etc.
 South Asia- central pillar of power in the Indo-Pacific.
Indian Initiatives-
 Security- SAGAR Initiatives.
 Extension of National Knowledge Network.
 Trade- integrated check posts with Bangladesh.
 Space –based communication – South Asian Satellites.
 Disaster management- SAARC Disaster Management
Centre in Gujarat.
 Regional Connectivity.
 Developmental assistance- allocated Rs 6,292.
 SAARC Covid-19 Information Exchange Platform.
Way Forward-
 India to take central stage.
 Regional connectivity in major countries.
 Increasing effectiveness of SAARC and SAFTA.
 Increasing bilateral agreements, trade relations etc.
SAARC-
Objectives-
 To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and
improve their quality of life etc.
 3% of the world’s land area, 21% of the world’s
population and 5.21% of the global economy.
Achievements-
 South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
 South Asia Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA),
1955.
 SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS).
 SAARC University.
 SAARC Development Fund.
 South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO).
Failures and challenges of SAARC-
 Strained relations b/w India & Pakistan (last summit in
2014).
 Lack of dispute resolution mechanism.
 SAFTA is yet to be implemented in spirit.
 Failure in reaching a common ground.
 Dealing with terrorism.
 Asymmetry b/w India and other member countries.
 Lack of resources for members.
Need for revival of SAARC-
 Representative of the entire South Asian Region.
 Dealing with common issues like terrorism, hydro
politics, etc.
 Critical for economic integration of the region.
 The central pillar of India’s Neighbourhood 1st policy.
 No real alternative.
Way Forward-
 Conduct of SAARC meeting.
 Resolving differences among countries.
 Economic integration is the key to all the problems.
 Redefining the SAARC charter.
BILATERAL GROUPING AND AGREEMENTS INVOLVING INDIA
AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S INTEREST-
INDIA – RUSSIA RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade- to $ 13.2 billion in FY 2021-22.
 Russian investment In India - $ 18 billion.
 Target – bilateral investment to $ 50 billion and bilateral
trade to $ 30 billion by 2025.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Peaceful of nuclear energy- Kudankualn and Ropoor
Power Plants-.
 Space exploration- satellite launching, GLONASS
navigation system etc
 Science & Technology- India-Russia bridge to Innovation,
Traditional Knowledge Digital library.
 Annual Summit- PMs visits.
Significance of Russia for India-
 Balancing China and its assertiveness.
 Emerging new sectors of economic engagement- high
technology, mining etc.
 Combating terrorism.
 Support of Russia at multilateral forums like UNSC.
 Russia is a major supplier of India’s major defense items.
Prominent challenges in relationship-
 Growing military partnership b/w Russia and China.
 Commercial ties with Russia are stagnant.
 India’s concerns regarding supply and services of Russian
defense supplies.
 Russia’s criticism of the idea of Indio-Pacific and the
Quad.
 Ongoing Russia – Ukraine war.
 India’s growing relations with the US.
Way Forward-
 Broaden collaboration on bilateral and regional issues.
 Upgrading defense cooperation through Make in India.
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 Joint manufacturing of spare parts and logistics support.
 Work on rules based international order.
 Deepening economic cooperation.
INDIA – JAPAN RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade $ 20.57 billion during FY 2021-22.
 Japan - largest Official Development Assistance (ODA)
partner for India.
 In 2021, India was the 18th largest trading partner for
Japan and Japan was 13th largest.
Significance of the relationship-
 Multilateral cooperation- QUAD, G-20, G4.
 Economic development- CEPA and Currency Swap
Agreements.
 Defense cooperation- Dharma Guardian and JIMEX.
 Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
 Strategic cooperation- supply chain resilience, 2+2
dialogue.
 Culture- Partner City Affiliation Agreement.
 Historical ties- Buddhism.
 Science & Technology- Bullet Train Technology, Tech and
Innovation Fund.
 Japan is the only country to help in socio economic
development in N-E.
Concerns-
 Trade- limited success of CEPA
 Difference in cross border data flow.
 Scepticism in the feasibility of the AAGC.
 Different interests- India’s exit from RCEP.
 Common ground- no mutual grounds on development of
tech.
 Pending Projects- bullet trains- rail link and land
acquisition is pending.
Way Ahead-
 Investment- in logistics and, India to improve it’s
attractiveness.
 Robust Trade- consistent and stable policy.
 Counter China- Malabar Exercise with US
 Energy Security- Green Energy Partnership.
INDIA – SOUTH KOREA RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Annual bilateral trade reached $ 27.8 billion 2022.
 India is South Korea’s 7th largest export market.
Areas of Engagement-
 Political- open market policies of S.Korea, Look East
Policy of India.
 Economic- CEPA signed in 2010.
 KOREA PLUS to promote investment.
 Defense and strategic relations- Roadmap of Defense
Cooperation.
 Energy- Civil Nuke Energy Cooperation Agreement.
 Both signed strategic partnership in 2010 which was
upgraded to “special strategic partnership” in 2015.
Significance for India-
 Tilt away of South Korea from China.
 Indo – Pacific outlook- S.Korea- 4th pillar of Indo-Pacific.
 Trilateral security dialogue- India, S.Korea and Japan.
Challenges-
 Divergence in national objectives- drifts away of S.Korea
from QUAD.
 Sluggish economic ties- no upgrade of CEPA.
 Pressure from China on India
 Pressure from North Korea on S.Korea- adverse
consequences on future relations.
Way Forward-
 Similar challenges- the countries can look from similar
solutions.
 Possibility of maritime partnerships.
 Opportunity for maritime domain awareness (MDA).
 Developing stronger people to people and cultural
relations.
INDIA – VIETNAM RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Invest in Vietnam - $ 2 billion.
 Bilateral trade posted a growth of 27% and reached $ 14
billion last year.
 Vietnam was 4th largest trading partner with ASEAN.
Significance of Vietnam for India-
 Critical component of India’s Foreign Policy.
 Support to India on international platform.
 Strategic partner for Counter China in South China Sea.
 Energy security- oil and petroleum in South China Sea.
 Maritime security and safety.
Recent developments-
 A MoU on Mutual Logistics Support has been signed.
 India is taking Quick Impact Projects (QIPS).
 ‘Joint Vision statement on India – Vietnam defense
partnership towards 2030.
Concerns in Relationship-
 Chinese claims over South China Sea.
 India’s decision to opt out from RCEP.
 Inconsistent trade growth.
Way Forward-
 Promoting closer people to people exchange.
 Enhancing economic cooperations within -IORA,
BIMSTEC.
 Need for advance collaboration b/w maritime security
agencies.
INDIA – AUSTRALIA RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade- $ 116.36 billion in 2021.
 India is 9th largest trading partner.
 Australia- 29th position in FDI equity flows.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Economic – grains partnership- post harvest
management.
 Defense – Malabar Ex, Civil Nuclear Coop Agr.
 Regional and multilateral cooperation- IOR, ASEAN
9-Legend Bhaiya
 Science and technology- cyberspace, Research Fund
 Global cooperation against Chinese Aggression
 People to people relations- 7 lakh diaspora.
Challenges-
 Differences in approach towards Indo – Pacific.
 Asymmetric priorities and world views.
 Discrimination and Racism.
 Lack of movements on trade agreements – CECA & RCEP.
 Trade Deficit-India has deficit if 8.5 Bn USD.
Recent Developments-
 Economic cooperation and Trade agreement
 Study Australia Industry Immersion Program.
 Maitri scholars to provide support to Indian Students.
Way Ahead-
 Deepen technological operations.
 Improve interoperability.
 Enhancing coordination in regional institutes and forums.
 Deepening and broadening trade and economic linkages.
INDIA – UK RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade $ 25.7 bn-- surplus in favour of India.
 India as the 2nd largest investor in the UK and UK is the
6th largest investor in India.
 UK is the largest market in Europe for Indian IT services.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Defense and International Security Partnership
 Education, research and innovation- UKRI.
 Climate and env- India UK Green Growth Equity.
 Cultural Linkages- 2017 Ind-UK Year of Culture.
 Diaspora- largest ethnic minority communities.
Issues-
 Colonial legacy.
 Intervention in domestic politics- J&K, Farm Bills
 Business environment in India.
 UK’s immigration policies limits the movement of people.
 Closeness to Pakistan and China.
 Diego Garcia Issue.
Impact of Brexit Deal on India-
 Advantage for service sector.
 Trade deal from both sides.
 Operational issues -meeting standards, registrations for
both the markets.
 Challenges to Indian Companies.
Road Ahead-
 Strengthening institutional mechanism and avenues for
people.
 Strengthen cooperation and coordination in the UNO, G-
20, WTO, WHO, etc.
 Migration and Mobility.
 Furthering the negotiations on the India – UK FTA.
INDIA – EU RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade amounts to $ 116.36 billion in 2021.
 EU is India’s 2nd largest trading partner after the US.
 EU is the 2nd largest destination for Indian exports.
Significance-
 To counter China.
 Post Brexit Scenario.
 Economic Logic-preferential tariffs for India.
 Potential Relationship with smaller countries.
 FDI from the EU stand $ 101.26 bn b/w 2000-2022.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Blue economy- EU’s Blue Growth Initiative.
 Defending multilateralism and rule based order.
 Indo – Pacific strategy.
 Fighting climate change, transition to a sustainable
economy
 Connectivity – India and EU comprehensive connectivity
partnership.
Concerns in India – EU relations-
 Inadequate diplomatic relations.
 Untapped Trade Potential due to absence of FTA.
 Human Rights concern of EU wrt India.
 Lack of people to people ties.
Way Ahead-
 Early conclusion of BTIA is crucial.
 Strengthening yearly political dialogue.
 Launching concrete trilateral/cooperation.
 Enhancing cultural dialogue with all countries of Europe.
INDIA NORDIC RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.
 Total bilateral trade - $13 billion in 2022.
 4/5 Nordic are among the top 20 trading partners of
India in Europe.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Blue Economy- fisheries, aquaculture.
 Climate change and sustainable development.
 Arctic Council-india is observer.
 Nordic Countries support India’s membership in groups
like NSG, UN Security Council.
Challenges-
 Ties with Russia-Nordic countries are against Russian
aggression.
 Differentiated interests of members.
 Trade Barriers-tariff, non tariff.
Way Forward-
 Promoting cultural exchanges.
 Improving collaboration.
 Leveraging technology on various fronts like digital
startups, healthcare, food processing and renewable
energy.
 Facilitating frequent diplomatic dialogues.
INDIA – MIDDLE EAST RELATIONS-
New Areas of Cooperation-
 Israel – defense, agriculture, science and technological
relations.
10-Legend Bhaiya
 Iran – projects such as INSTC and CHABAHAR port
development.
 Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia are potential trade partners and
investors.
 Saudi Arabia – increasing no of Indian pilgrims
performing HAJJ in Arabia.
 Jordan supplies rock phosphate and is also a link for
Palestine.
 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Steps taken In Recent Times-
 Economic diversification drives in the gulf economies.
 Indian’s pandemic response in the region.
 India has recently signed FTA with UAE and revived FTA
negotiations with Israel and GCC.
Constraints associated with the LOOK WEST POLICY-
 Israel’s improving status with the Arab world may not
endure.
 Modest scale of India’s efforts in Central Asia BRI and the
Middle East, compared to China’s BRI
 Vulnerability of Indian Diaspora in the Region.
 India’s susceptibility to regional conflicts.
Way Ahead-
 Mediating role.
 Humanitarian assistance to promote cooperation.
 Strategic partnership.
 Soft power diplomacy with Iran. Saudi Arabia, Israel.
 Substitutes for Oil.
 Collab in areas like semiconductor design and fabrication
and space technology etc.
INDIA – SAUDI RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 India’s 4th largest trading partner.
 In FY 2021-22, bilateral trade b/w India and Saudi Arabia
stood at $ 42.8 billion.
 More than 18% of India’s crude oil and around 22% LPG
imports are sourced from Saudi Arabia.
Significance-
 Geostrategic Ally.
 Home to India’s overseas community.
 Collaboration in tough time like during COVID pandemic.
 Cultural convergence- haj and umrah pilgrimage.
 Shared interests in G20, UN, GCC.
 Cooperation in dealing with terrorism.
 Increasing convergence in defense and security.
Challenges in the relationship-
 Regional Stability.
 Inordinate delays in Saudi Investments in India.
 Diaspora issues like ‘Saudization’ policy.
 Issues related to crude oil.
 Influence of Pakistan.
Recent Developments-
 Defense and security- naval exercise- MOHED AL HIND.
Comprehensive Security Dialogue.
 Cultural- MoU on Yoga, Haj Qouta Increase.
 Diaspora – India’s e-migrate system& Kingdom’s e-
Thawtheeq system are integrated.
Way Ahead-
 Enhancing cultural engagement.
 Balancing trade relations.
 Addressing Diaspora disputes.
 Collaboration in climate change mitigation.
 Exploring other areas of cooperation such as health,
information technology, etc.
 Ensuring regional peace and stability.
INDIA – ISRAEL RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Bilateral trade-at $ 5.66 bn, BoT in India’s favour.
 India is Israel’s 3rd largest trade partner in Asia.
 Trade in diamonds -~ 50% of bilateral trade.
Areas of Cooperation-
 Political Relations- member of I2U2.
 Economic and commercial relations- expertise and
technology.
 Defense and security- BARAK Missiles.
 Culture and education- funding on Joint Academic
Reasearch.
 Indian community- 85,000 Jews in India.
Areas of Concern-
 Trade and investment potential-not harnessed fully.
 Emerging fissures in the West Asian Region.
 HR violation by Israel against Palestine.
 In defense domain.
 Israel’s close ties with China.
India’s De-Hyphenated policy:- Israel and Palestine-
 Dealing with 2 countries, having adversarial relationship
b/w them, in an independent manner.
 India – towards- Israel and Palestine.
Way Ahead-
 Enhancing people to people connect.
 Education.
 Learning from Israel’s water management technologies.
 Cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing. Mutual
learning on community practices.
SOFT LOAN DIPLOMACY
The volume of India’s soft loans to neighbouring countries
has increased from $3 billion to almost $15 billion in the last
eight years.
Characteristics of Soft Loan-
 Below market interest rates.
 Include grace period.
 Usually long duration up to 50 or even 99 years.
 Eliminates the needs for collateral requirements.
Significance of Soft loan diplomacy
 Improve the trading prospects .
 Address own demands (for e.g. soft loan to Bhutan for a
hydro energy -address India’s energy needs).
 To Counter Chinese ‘debt trap diplomacy’ and influence.
 Fosters South-South Cooperation.
11-Legend Bhaiya
 Helps to achieve SDGs especially in least developed and
developing countries.
Challenges in soft loan disbursal
 Absence of a consolidated agency/framework.
 Misconceptions about soft loans.
 Diplomatic delays like delay in disbursement of the funds
in most cases.
 Chinese influence: China has already spread its influence
in the region under Debt trap diplomacy.
INDIA-THAILAND RELATIONS
India-Thailand Relations
 Political: India’s ‘Act East’ policy - Thailand’s ‘Act West’
policy.
 Economic: Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of
around USD 15 billion in 2021-22.
 Defence Cooperation: MoU on Defence Cooperation
(2012), Indo-Thai CORPAT, Ex Maitree.
 Bilateral institutional mechanisms: Joint Commission
Meeting, Foreign Office Consultations.
 Connectivity: IMTTH, Asian Highway Network BIMSTEC
Transport Infra and Logistics Study.
 Cultural: Buddhism - Thai Buddhists visit Lumbini, Bodh
Gaya, Sarnath.
 Regional cooperation: ASEAN, East Asia Summit,
BIMSTEC, MGC, IORA.
 People-to-people connect: There are an estimated
250,000 people of Indian origin in Thailand.
Recent developments and cooperation
 North-East India Festival was organized in Bangkok.
 Embassy & Triratnabhoomi Society of Thailand organized
an exposition on Buddhist heritage sites.
 Celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ were launched
in Thailand.
 Quad’s Vaccine Partnership- Made in India Covovax
vaccines to Thailand.
Challenges
 Stalled project: protests and violence since the February
2021 coup in Myanmar.
 The rising role of China- BRI.
 Security concerns: Insurgent groups use Thailand as a
territory for the shipment of small arms.
 Lack of democracy in Thailand: Following five years of
military dictatorship.
 Tension in the region: great power rivalry and
competition for external balancing in the region.
Way forward
 Regional grouping: BIMSTEC, ASEAN, APEC, IORA etc. for
India in the manuf and services sector.
 Boost connectivity: minimizing delays and resolution of
roadblocks.
 Realizing - addressing issues regarding the tariff lines and
reducing trade barriers.
 Strengthening people-to-people contacts.
INDIA-GERMANY RELATIONS-
India and Germany agreed to enhance cooperation in
Innovation and Technology.
 GSDP- 2022-Germany -assistance of €10 billion till 2030
to support India’s green growth plans.
 Indo-German Science and Technology Centre-
 Triangular Development Cooperation
o Development projects in third countries by India
and Germany.
o Four projects in Cameroon, Malawi, Ghana and
Peru as third countries.
 Clean technologies
o Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force was
constituted in 2022.
o Hydrogen Energy Clusters by DST.
o It focuses on integrating FhG’s technologies with
Indian technologies
NEW GROUP IN WEST ASIA-
Significance of this development for India
 Improve Ties with West Asia and compliment earlier
initiatives.
 Strengthen global position: Align India with other major
powers like Russia, Europe etc.
 Peace and Security: minimise regional threats like
maritime piracy, illegal smuggling of drugs etc.
 Access to market: facilitate access to strategic markets in
West Asia, starting with the UAE
 Countering China: China facilitated diplomatic
breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Why West Asia is Important for India and World?
 Energy Resources: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE are major
producers and exporters of oil.
 Geostrategic Location: b/wn Europe, Africa, and Asia -
~12% of world trade- through Suez Canal.
 Conflicts and Security: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the
Syrian civil war etc.
 Religious and Cultural Significance: birthplace of major
religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
 Economic- : Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar- investing
in infra & development.
Issues associated with this New Group
 Lack of clarity: Strategic goals of this group not clearly
stated.
 Asymmetry among members as USA is militarily stronger.
 Cooperation: Countries have conflicting positions on how
to deal with China, Russia.
 Strategic autonomy: US-sponsored security deal would
complicate India’s ‘strategic autonomy.
Way forward
 Addressing bilateral concerns: Balancing the rival
countries diplomatically and strategically
 Advancing cooperation in new areas in the future.
12-Legend Bhaiya
 Development: strengthen infrastructure, climate change
mitigation etc.
 Maintain peace.
MEA FIRST VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA
Minister of External Affairs recently had his first visit to
Saudi Arabia.
 Highlights of the recent 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).
CHABAHAR PORT
Geopolitical significance of the Chabahar port for India
 Strengthen Indo-Iranian trade, diplomatic, and military
ties.
 To reach out to Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS) countries.
 Establishing a sea-based trade route to Western and
Central Asia.
 Strategic Importance: This port is just 170 km away from
Gwadar port operated by China in Pakistan.
 Humanitarian Operations conducted from here.
Challenges in execution of the Chabahar project
 Iran’s Stand: In 2020, proceed with the rail line
construction on its own, citing delays from the Indian
side.
 India is hesitant as the company has links with the Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
 Project has secured a special waiver from the USA, yet
difficult to find equipment suppliers.
 Iran’s closeness with China- Chabahar’s duty-free zone
and an oil refinery nearby.
Way ahead for India
 Keeping timelines and delivery of India’s commitments
will be the key.
 Balancing act between the USA and Iran.
 Uzbekistan also shown interest to jointly use the
Chabahar port as a transit port.
 Peaceful extended neighbourhood (Iran-Afghanistan).
INSTC (International NorthSouth Transport Corridor)
 7200 km multi-modal transportation network, first
envisaged in 2000 by Russia, India and Iran.
 Connects Indian Ocean to Caspian Sea via Persian Gulf
onwards Russia and Northern Europe.
 Currently, it has 13 members including India. o
 Recently, INSTC began operation with the first shipment
from Russia to India via Iran.
Significance for India
 Reduce carriage cost b/w India and Russia by 30% & 50%
reduction in time taken via Suez Canal
 Smooth access into Central Asia and beyond to Arctic,
Nordic and Baltic region.
 Reduce dependence on current trading partners.
 India’s alternative to China’s BBI.
Other Planned Corridors- India with Russia and Europe
 Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor connecting India-
Russia.
 India’s Arabian-Mediterranean (Arab-Med) Corridor
connecting India with mainland Europe.
INDIA-QATAR RELATIONS
Key Areas of Co-operation
 Geopolitical: Qatar is a key player in the Middle East
 Economic & Energy-: Qatar - large reserves of gas.
 Defence -DIMDEX, Zair-Al-Bahr are conducted.
 Cultural Relations: Yoga and Ayurveda form a key feature
of the relations.
 People to People Connect: Qatar has a huge diaspora
presence of Indian origin.
Challenges in development of India-Qatar Relation-
 Gulf diplomatic crisis (2017-2021): Saudi and UAE
hostility toward Qatar is likely to persist.
 Human rights violations in building World Cup facilities.
 Presence of China: China signed a 27-year deal for LNG
supply with Qatar in 2022.
 Other issues: Long custody (since August 2022) of the
retired Indian Navy personnel by Qatar.
Way forward
 Protecting diaspora: protection of Indian expatriate
workers.
 Energy transition: collaborate on cleaner and energy
efficient environment.
 Soft power diplomacy: cultural exchange.
 People to people contact: Continued cooperation in the
education sector.
ABRAHAM ACCORDS
About Abraham Accords
 Normalization agreement b/w UAE and Israel to establish
formal diplomatic relations and was brokered by USA in
2020.
 With this, UAE became the third Arab country to
recognise Israel after Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994).
 Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco - joined in 2020.
Key Features of the Accord
 Eases Connectivity: direct flights between the countries.
 Establishes peace in the region and reduce military
aggressions of Israel.
 Access to Holy site of Islam, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
to the citizens of the signatory countries.
 Can advance two state solutions.
13-Legend Bhaiya
Significance of Accord for India-
 Strategic partners at Peace- UAE and Israel.
 It is in line with India’s stand on Palestinian cause.
 Enhancing connectivity for India diaspora.
 Formation of new Strategic grouping like 12U2.
Challenges faced by the Accord:
 Palestinian Cause: Saudi will not go ahead with Israel
unless the Palestinian cause is resolved.
 Change of administration in the US: delay in appointment
of a head to the $3Bn Abraham Fund.
 Increasing Chinese influence in the region.
 The Iran Factor: major driver of cooperation between
Israel and Saudi Arabia.
 Continuing Israel Aggression: Israel still making
occasional attacks in the Gaza and West bank.
Challenges for India:-
 Chances of Polarisation: Israel-GCC ties can provoke new
polarisations and give rise to new proxy wars.
 Balancing the diplomacy: Accord having been not
acknowledged by all the members of the Gulf.
 Israel - supply skilled and semi-skilled manpower to the
GCC states, which directly affects job prospects of many
Indians.
 Israel’s foray into the Gulf may disrupt the existing
politico-economic architecture.
Way Forward
 Utilise the I2U2 as a forum: to establish its influence in
the West Asia better. •
 Push for the Palestinian Cause.
 Ensure Energy Security
 Protect the interests of Indian diaspora.
OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN WEST ASIA
India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
India-GCC decided to pursue resumption of Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) Negotiations.
 GCC is a political and economic alliance of 6 Gulf
Countries- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and
Bahrain.
 GCC was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1981.
India-GCC relations:
 Strategic relations: “immediate” neighbourhood of India
separated only by Arabian Sea.
 Trade and economic relations: India’s largest trading
partner bloc- valued at over USD 154 BN.
 GCC countries contribute almost 35% of India’s oil
imports and 70% of gas imports.
 Approximately 50% of India’s remittances (largest
recipient in world in 2021) come from GCC region.
 Diaspora: GCC countries together host approximately 6.5
million Indians.
INDIA – AFRICA RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
1. Bilateral trade amounts to $ 46 billion in 2020-21.
2. India is 4th largest partner of Africa.
3. India is 5th largest investor in Africa.
4. India’s FDI flows to Africa are concentrated in service
sector.
Significance-
1. Geostrategic-radicalism, piracy, organized crime.
2. Geopolitical- permanent seat in UNSC.
3. Economic- middle income countries, agricultural
trade.
4. Energy Security- 30% minerals of the world- Africa.
Concerns related to India’s engagement with Africa-
1. Modest economic engagement when compared to
China.
2. Slow project delivery by India.
3. Lack of synchronization.
4. Lack of resources- monetary.
5. Land grabbing and displacing local population.
6. Cumbersome bureaucracy.
7. Numerous cases of violence and discrimination
against African students in India.
8. Interstate and intrastate conflicts in Africa.
Initiatives for Cooperation with African Countries-
1. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
programme.
2. SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region)
Initiative.
3. Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) for enhancing
connectivity.
4. India – Africa defense dialogue (IADD).
5. Initiatives by EXIM Bank.
6. Humanitarian Aid.
7. Ten guiding principles for India-Africa engagement as
outlined by the PM.
Way Ahead-
1. Focused Africa strategy for the next decade and
identification of a few areas for closer cooperation.
2. Explore greater collaboration with Indian Civil
Organizations, NGOs and Indian Diaspora.
3. Timely completion of projects.
4. Promote developments-friendly private investments.
5. Annual India-AU dialogue at the track 1.5 level
INDIA-AFRICA DEFENCE RELATIONS
About India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD)
 IADD to be held biennially during successive Defense
Expos.
 Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an outcome
document of IADD 2022.
 It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of
training in all areas of mutual interest.
 India offered fellowship for experts from African
countries.
Importance of India-Africa Defence Relations -
14-Legend Bhaiya
 Geopolitical: To enhance India's influence in the region
o Secure African States Interest: To remain neutral
between US, Russia and China.
o Counter Chinese influence.
 To deal with maritime security challenges, in IOR.
 Securing SLOCs like Bab-el Mandeb, the Gulf of Aden,
Strait of Hormuz, the Mozambique Channel.
 Fight against terrorism: from Boko Haram, al-Shabaab,
JeM and LeT.
 Boosting Defense exports: Defense exports grew by
334% in the last five years.
 Support to peacekeeping missions.
India’s Contribution to Peace and Security of Africa-
 Providing defense training to African personnel in Indian
institutes.
 Ensuring maritime security.
 Contributing troops and police units to UN Peace Keeping
forces.
Challenges in India-Africa Defence Relations-
 Rising China’s presence including Defence Attaché
presence, naval ship visits, arms sales etc.
 Low capital allocation as the Indian Navy continues to
face budgetary constraints.
 Interstate and Intra-state conflicts in Africa.
 Gap b/w promises and delivery on the Indian part.
 Maritime crimes threats like high incidence of piracy off
the East African coast.
 New and emerging threats -cross-border terrorism,
transnational organised crime, illegal immigration.
 Lack of synchronisation between MoD & MoEA.
Initiatives taken by India
 Africa-India Field Training Exercise 2019 (AFINDEX-19).
 India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave (IADMC) in 2020.
 African countries are among the foremost beneficiaries
of Indian Navy ‘s HADR operations.
 India has participated in several UN peacekeeping
missions.
 Bilateral Institutional mechanisms like the Joint Defence
Cooperation Committees.
Way Forward
 Develop a Pan-African approach in accordance with
African needs and priorities.
 Enhance bilateral engagement with leading countries like
South Africa, Nigeria, etc.
 Prioritise security cooperation with Africa.
 New areas of cooperation capacity-building, training,
cybersecurity etc.
 Increase visibility of Indian defence firms in African
markets.
INDIA-MAURITIUS RELATIONS
India-Mauritius CECPA
 CECPA- (2021), is the first trade Agreement signed by
India with a country in Africa.
 It covers Trade in Goods, RoO, Trade in Services, SPS
measures, Dispute Settlement etc.
India- Mauritius Relations
 Economic: Bilateral - USD 787 million in 2021-22.
Mauritius was third top source of FDI in India.
 Strategic: Mauritius occupies a special place in India’s
vision of SAGAR.
 People to people connect: Indian origin people comprise
nearly 70% of Mauritius’s population.
 Defence cooperation: including transfer of a Dornier
aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv.
Challenges for India- Mauritius relations: China’s growing
presence and influence in the IOR.
SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC)
Need for Enhancing Engagements with SADC
 Sourcing critical minerals: lithium, graphite, cobalt,
nickel, copper, and rare earth minerals.
 Preventing China’s Monopoly: Africa is one of the regions
targeted as an alternative source of REE.
 Maritime security: safe and secure maritime
environment, especially in the IOR.
 South-South Cooperation: SADC has emerged as
important trading partner for India.
 Investment Opportunities for India: economic sector,
including transport, energy, and ICT, healthcare, and
education.
 Economic Sustainability for the region.
Challenges in enhancing India’s Engagements-
 Poor Governance - Corruption, mismanagement,
violence, insufficient infra.
 China Challenge: China’s strategic approach and vast
resources give her a formidable edge in Africa.
 Lacks a clear strategy for cooperation.
 Diversity: multiple cultures and a number of different
languages spoken in South Africa.
 Skilled labour: Due to the poor state of the public
education system
 Limits on Foreign Control.
Way ahead to enhance India’s engagements with SADC
 Strategic Alliance for Critical Minerals like cobalt and
lithium.
 Developing Manufc Value Chains by providing foreign
capital and technical know-how.
 Increasing Circularity in Africa’s Mining Sector by using
water saving technologies, providing renewable energy
solutions etc.
 Access to Trade Finance in Southern Africa.
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL GROUPING AND AGREEMENTS
INVOLVING INDIA AND/OR AFFECTING INDIA’S INTEREST-
INDIA – EURASIA RELATIONS-
15-Legend Bhaiya
Fact Check-
 Eurasia region - 93 countries.
 It is home to over 5 billion people.
 Natural gas, oil reserves, iron ore, gold and copper
resources in the region.
Significance of Eurasia in present world order-
1. China’s assertiveness: - China-Russia relationship and
growing animosity b/w China and USA.
 Regional Alliances: - Russia and Iran have deepened
diplomatic and economic relations due to sanctions.
 Countermeasure to Indo – Pacific region.
Significance of Eurasia for India-
 Alternate to BRI – INSTC- along with the Ashgabat
 Economic – Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
 Social- Central Asian e-Network.
 Alternate to Suez Canal.
Challenges for India in Eurasian Region-
 Delayed projects- INST Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan and
Iran Rail Corridor.
 Rise of China amidst sanctions.
 Regional Turmoil-Refugees, BREXIT, Covid etc.
 Diplomatic Challenge- Balancing USA and Russia
Way Forward-
 Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
 Engaging NATO and EU.
 Regional Platforms- SCO, BRICS, RIC.
 Improve connectivity- Russia’s Greater Eurasian Corridor.
 Collaboration with Iran and Arabia.
INDIA – LATIN AMERICA RELATIONS-
Fact Check-
 Annual Trade with Latin America amounts to $ 50 billion.
 Region contributes around 15% of India’s energy imports.
Significance of Relationship-
 Increase in Trade-India’s exports increased by 48%.
 Investment-USD 12-16 Bn- energy, power and IT.
 Food & Energy security-fertile lands, Brazil’s storage
 Strategic -40% production of copper in LA
 Strategic Orientation-UNSC membership, NSG.
 Multilateral Cooperation- BRICS, ISA.
 Development assistance-India given 14mn USD.
 South – South Cooperation.
Challenges-
 Insufficient diplomatic attention.
 Trade: - high tariff on Latin American agri goods
 Lack of connectivity-no direct shipping
 Lack of sufficient institutional presence.
 Language Barriers.
 Competition with China.
 Lack of Mechanism to engage region as a whole.
Way Forward-
 Trade Diversification.
 Development of Financial Institutions.
 Promote Latin American studies.
 Revive ‘Focus: LAC’ programme.
 Upgrade the current PTAs with Chile and MERCOSUR
countries to FTAs.
MEA VISIT TO LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES
Significance of the recent meet-
 Guyana: Commissioned an India-made ferry MV Ma Lisha
to improve connectivity and mobility within Guyana.
 Panama: India’s largest Central American trade partner,
with US $610 million in annual trade in 2022.
 Colombia: Signed the Cultural Exchange Program for
2023-26.
 Dominican Republic: Inaugurated the Embassy of India in
the Dominican Republic.
INDA – INDO – PACIFIC-
Fact Check-
 65% of the world’s population.
 63% of the world GDP.
 Dominates 50% of the world’s maritime trade.
Key elements -PM’s Shangri La Dialogue, 2018-
 A free, open, inclusive region.
 S-E Asia at the centre of Indo – Pacific.
 Common rules based order for the region.
 Equal access to common spaces on sea and in the air, as
a right under international law Circumventing power
rivalries through partnerships.
India’s Interests in Indo – Pacific-
 Peace and security of IOR.
 Expanding its presence in the region.
 Maintain its role as a net security provider.
 Countering China.
 Enhancing Trade and Investment Cooperation.
 Other Interests – maritime pollution, regulating illegal,
unregulated and unreported fishing, etc.
India’s policy towards the Indo – Pacific region-
 Strengthening position as a security provider and 1st
responder etc.
 Naval strategy-Maritime Domain Awareness, IMAC.
 Initiatives - Indo Pacific Ocean’s initiative, trilateral
development corporation fund, etc.
 Partnerships – IPEF, QUAD, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Forum for
India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC).
 Foreign Policy.
Challenges faced by India-
 Limited naval capacity and lack of military bases.
 Challenges to Trade.
 Slow pace of developments of initiatives.
 Balancing continental and maritime strategies.
 Challenges to MDA.
 Disapproval from within due to divergence from
traditional positions on nonalignment.
 Barriers of fruitful partnerships.
Way Ahead-
 Issue based coalitions and partnerships.
 Enhancing engagements with non-traditional players.
 Strategic use of Island Territories.
 Debt solutions for vulnerable countries.
16-Legend Bhaiya
 Innovative mechanism such as QUAD.
INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY
(IPEF)
About IPEF
 U.S.-led framework for 14 participating countries to
solidify their relationships and engage in crucial
economic and trade matters.
 Member states: US, Australia, Brunei, India, etc.
Together, (40% of the global GDP.
 India has chosen to opt out from joining the trade pillar
(Labour and Environmental standards)
India’s reasons for not joining RCEP
 Apprehensions from local industries like dairy,
agriculture etc about cheap foreign products.
 Lack of Service component in the negotiations.
 Trade imbalance with RCEP members: 10/15 countries.
 Geopolitical considerations: India wanted RCEP to
exclude MFN obligations.
 The e-commerce chapter has some clauses that affect
data localization norms in India.
 Lack of credible assurances on market access, non-tariff
barriers etc.
Significance of IPEF for India
 India, (out of RCEP) the IPEF membership keeps it in the
room on Asian trading arrangements.
 Aligned to domestic requirements: IPEF’s non-specific
and flexible nature.
 Better economic opportunities: to be part of a mega
economic arrangement, outside influence of China.
 Participation in resilient supply chains.
Concerns for India
 Stated objectives -pursuing rules in digital economy-
cross-border data flows and data localisation.
 Question on sovereignty over data.
 Rules on labour stds, env norms, decarbonization, which
India has never been keen on.
 US could use IPEF to pressurise India on supporting a
permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic
transmissions at the WTO.
Issues with IPEF-
 Lack of clarity: neither constitutes a FTA, nor a forum to
discuss tariff reductions.
 Short in countering China
 Fear of U.S. domination- the rules and standards of
digital technologies like AI and 5G
 Overlap with BDN and B3W: Blue Dot Network (BDN)
launched in 2019 and the Build Back Better World (B3W)
initiative launched in 2021.
 Possible violation of WTO rules.
 Absence of dispute settlement mechanism to avoid
unilateral actions by signatory countries.
REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR DISASTER RISK
MANAGEMENT IN INDO-PACIFIC
Vulnerabilities of the Indo-Pacific Region
 Highly disaster prone region - for more than three-
quarters of the global disasters.
 Higher temp, abnormal fluctuations in rainfall, small
island states and developing littoral countries etc
 Areas of co-operation -Early warning systems, emergency
preparedness, disaster resilience, etc.
Significance of regional cooperation -
 Critical for reducing the risk: sharing of data and
forecasts.
 For better response post disaster: coordination and
sharing of information, expertise, and resources.
 Crucial for support in recovery phase.
 Betterment of diplomatic ties: HADR operations and
response plans can build confidence.
 Emerging need: climate change is a cross-border issue.
Global initiatives-
 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–
2030.
 Disaster Risk Management under IORA.
 Asia Pacific Disaster Resilience Network (APDRN)
Challenges in effective cooperation in the region-
 Sovereignty issues: data sharing brought about by
concerns of sovereignty.
 Capacity constraints: lack of resources and training
disaster management.
 Pre-dominance of armed forces in disaster preparedness
and emergency response.
 Presence of China: implications for both disaster
response and maritime security.
Way Forward
 Building Trust
 Sharing of critical data.
 Integrating technology can help automate the process.
 Incorporating pandemic learnings.
 Realizing potential role of private citizens and local
groups.
INDIA’S DISASTER RELIEF DIPLOMACY
 Contribution: Over 200,000 Indians have served 49 of the
71 UN Peacekeeping missions.
 Other major disaster relief operations-
o Operation Castor and Operation Rainbow.
o Vaccine Maitri.
 Disaster relief devoid of geopolitics.
Significance of Disaster Relief Measures-
 Peace building
 Improved capabilities of the disaster hit country.
 Inter-operatibility- multi disciplinary.
17-Legend Bhaiya
 Earn Goodwill on international platforms.
 Exhibit influence- first response.
India as part of Global efforts in Disaster relief diplomacy-
 Launching of CDRI: ‘Infra for Resilient Island States’ to
support Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
 India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework.
 Leading role in strengthening regional cooperation
among South Asian countries.
 Partnership with UNISDR and World Conference on
Disaster Risk Reduction.
 Bilateral/ multilateral agreements with the several
countries.
Limitations/Risks of Disaster Relief Diplomacy-
 Limited Human and Technological Resources.
 Limited long-term impact as its influence is short-lived.
 Political and Financial Conflict
o Risk of Refusal from affected countries
o Cuba refused American aid during the 1998
drought.
o Pakistan refused India’s humanitarian aid post
2022 floods.
 Threat of conditional or tied bilateral aid.
Way Forward-
 Capacity-building, i.e., providing enough manpower and
technology to NDRF.
 Developing long-term multilateral framework on disaster
relief.
 Strengthening existing diplomatic endeavors.
 Improving People-to-People ties.
INDIA AND PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES (PIC)
Significance of Pacific Islands Countries (PIC)
 Geo-Strategic- Sealanes of the IndoPacific region
 Maritime Security- India’s broader maritime strategy.
 Economic- PICs with their resource rich Exclusive
Economic Zones (EEZs).
 Regionals and Global Engagements.
 Cultural Ties: Fiji and Papua New Guinea have significant
Indian diaspora communities.
Initiatives for PIC-
 Providing ‘Grants-in-Aid”
 Extending visa on arrival
 Pan pacific islands e-network.
 Special USD 1 million funds for climate change.
 India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
 Human Assistance and Disaster Relief.
 Business Acceleration.
Challenges in Strengthening Relationships
 Competition from Global Powers: influence of China,
Japan, the United States and Russia in PICs.
 Unutilized Trade Potential: Total annual trade ~ $300
million b/w the Indian and PIC.
 Emphasis on Traditional Approach: India’s foreign policy
is focused much more on the IOR.
 Limited Engagement: India’s interaction largely revolves
around its engagement with Fiji and PNG.
 Geographical Distance: These countries are located far
away from India.
 Less emphasis on People-to-people contacts.
Way Forward
 High-level Engagements: Need to initiate high-level visits
and exchanges with leaders from the PIC.
 Development Assistance:
 Trade and Investment Promotion.
 Cultural Exchanges: to foster people-to-people contacts
and mutual understanding.
 Connectivity and Infrastructure Development.
INDIA-USA-CHINA TRIANGLE-
In a triangle set-up, the way Country “A” deals with Country
“B” will affect Country C’s behavior indirectly or directly due
to the established model of interaction among the three
parties.
Areas of divergence in India-USA-China triangle-
 The conflicting foreign policies: India’s Tibet policy and
USA’s Taiwan policy.
 To keep the military forces in the areas along the line of
actual control to a minimum level.
 Not to undertake military exercises in mutually identified
zones.
 Each side shall give the other prior notification of military
exercises near the LAC. In
 1996 agreement-
o Neither side shall use its military capability
against the other side.
o No armed forces to be deployed by either side
in the border areas along the LAC.
 India’s apparent closeness to USA.
 4 defense cooperation agreements namely- GSOMIA,
LEMOA, CISMOA and BECA
 Challenging Hegemony: China wants to exert its “String
of Pearls”.
 India-US engagement in the QUAD group is also an
irritant to China.
 China has been aggressive in the region. For instance,
issues with Southeast Asian nations with respect to South
China Sea.
 China’s BRI is used as a debt trap.
 The Power Struggle: China considers India as its ‘Asian
Rival’.
 China’s stance in multilateral forums: NSG & UNSC
 Whereas USA is trying to include India as a member in
the same forums to balance China.
 China using Trade as its weapon.
Areas of Convergence in India-USA-China triangle-
 Trade and Commerce: China is one of the biggest trading
partners for both India and USA.
18-Legend Bhaiya
 Investment needs.
 Stability in peace.
 Tackling Environmental Challenges
 Building ties- Shanghai Co-operation Organization and
BRICS.
ALTERNATIVES TO BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI)
Why Alternatives to BRI are emerging?
 Fragmented nature: BRI is not a unified, coherent
strategy.
 Opaque nature causing mistrust: Chinese government
has never published detailed information.
 Debt trap diplomacy: China took Sri Lanka's Hambantota
Port.
 Slow progress- 35% of projects -corruption scandals,
labour violations, environmental hazards etc
 Environmental costs: severe and irreversible impacts on
the environment.
India’s concerns over BRI
 Geopolitical concerns- in the smaller South Asian
countries and Indian Ocean littoral states.
 Sovereignty- project runs through PoK and hence it
‘violates Indian sovereignty.
What are the other alternatives to BRI?
 EU’s Global Gateway Project:
 Clean Green Initiative: Launched by UK at COP26
 Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)
Opportunities for India in Global Infrastructure-
 Partnership with EU: Recently, EU signed a
Comprehensive Connectivity Partnership with India.
 Bilateral engagements.
Way Forward for India
 Improving Policy Coordination: Plan and support large
scale, high impact infra development
 Enhancing Viability of Projects: Promote economic
cooperation by facilitating cross-border investments
 Overcoming Capital deficiency.
 Promoting Democratic Values
 Building domestic capabilities with a long-term
perspective.
RISE OF THE MINILATERALS
Informal and more targeted initiatives intended to address a
specific threat, contingency or security issue with fewer
states sharing the same interest for resolving it within a finite
period of time.
Factors responsible-
 Easier to strike convergence in interests.
 Strategic rationale: The India-France-Australia trilateral is
a natural fit for all three.
 Moving beyond uncertainties created by certain
partners.
 Seeking Informal dialogues
 Overcoming challenges pertaining to multilateralism and
multilateral institutions.
 Polarization and ideological infighting
o Multilateral forums- are led by a few influential
leaders.
o Reverse globalization and rise in protectionist
tendencies.
o Institutional sclerosis.
INDIA, IRAN, ARMENIA TRILATERAL
Significance of the trilateral
 Revitalise the INSTC: extend the INSTC through Armenia
to connect the Chabahar port.
 Seen as counter to the PakistanAzerbaijan-Turkey
trilateral.
 Nagorno-Karabakh: This disputed territory between
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Challenges of the Trilateral-
 Continuing sanctions of Iran.
 Balancing India’s relations with Israel.
 Linking INSC to European markets.
 Volatile borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Points of Convergences- India and Armenia
 Celebrated 30 years of bilateral diplomatic relations in
2022.
 Enjoy active political ties and effective cooperation
within international bodies.
 Under a newly inked export agreement.
 2021- first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister.
 Free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the
Eurasian Economic Union
India and Iran
 Relations span millennia with both countries having
historic ties and sharing a common cultural heritage.
 The Chabahar port in Iran has been key to connectivity
between the two nations.
 Both are signatories to INSTC agreement.
Iran and Armenia
 Share a border and enjoy robust ties.
 Two countries have been focusing on deepening their
trade and economic cooperation.
 Armenia serves as a transit route for Iran to access the
EAEU.
INDIA-JAPAN-SOUTH KOREA TRILATERAL
Need for India-Japan-South Korea trilateral:
 To create a level playing field in Indo-Pacific.
 To establish mutually beneficial relationship
 To create Supply Chain Resilience
 To tackle hostile neighbours better: Pakistan for India
and Russia (Kuril Islands), China (Senkaku Islands) and
North Korea for Japan and South Korea.
 To curtail the territorial ambitions of China.
Challenges pertaining to the trilateral
19-Legend Bhaiya
 Historically Bitter relationship between Japan and South
Korea.
 India’s association with Russia
 Existing Trade deficits- in favour of Japan and South
Korea.
 Language Barrier
Way Forward
 Utilise the forums of G20 and G7
 By establishing better people to people connect
 By utilising India’s Soft power
 By including South Korea in QUAD
 By improving the military exercises
INDIA-FRANCE-AUSTRALIA TRILATERAL-
Significance of the trilateral
 Territorial Presence in the region
 Impetus to the Blue Economy
 Union of like-minded states
Challenges faced by the trilateral
 Australia’s inclination towards USA
 Increasing Chinese presence in the region.
 Paucity of resources
 Need to widen the area of cooperation
Way forward
 Strategic division of the Indo-Pacific.
 India to take the lead: and achieve a common meeting
ground for all.
 Pushing for the leader level summits to improve the ties
and areas of cooperation at a faster pace.
 Building structures of Cooperation for other areas.
INDIA-BRAZIL-SOUTH AFRICA (IBSA) TRILATERAL
 It was established in 2004 and is managed by the UN
Office for South-South Co-operation.
 Execution of human development projects -fights against
poverty and hunger in developing countries.
Challenges in IBSA
 The advent of BRICS: members are currently more active
when compared to the earlier formed IBSA.
 No Scheduled meetings of the heads on a regular basis.
 Mixed Security Concerns.
 Trade talks: The proposed FTA between India-
MERCOUSR-SACU is yet to be established.
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
Relevance of NATO in contemporary times
 To deal with a rapidly changing security environment-
o Military forces deployed to Afghanistan.
o Key pillar in the fight against the ISIS
o Longest surviving inter-govt security
organization.
 Response to COVID:
o NATO’s Eastward Expansion: from Europe to
Asia-Pacific.
o China has been named in the NATO’s document
for the first time.
o 4 Indo-Pacific countries- Australia, Japan, New
Zealand and Korea joined the summit.
Why NATO is focusing on China?
 It is a “collective defence” against what it views as
Chinese encroachment on European interests:
 Key ports, such as the Port of Piraeus in Greece, one of
the largest in Europe, are now majorityowned by Chinese
companies.
 Increased Chinese naval patrols in the Atlantic ocean
region.
 China’s rising interest in the Arctic Sea.
 Extensive cyberattacks on Western commercial and
military targets by Chinese state.
 Claims of Chinese ownership over the resource rich
waters of South China Sea.
SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION (SCO)-
Fact Check-
 Represents 60% of Eurasia’s Territory.
 43% of world’s population.
 20% of the total GDP.
 Considered a counterweight at NATO.
Relevance of the SCO in India-
 A potential platform to advance India’s Connect Central
Asia Policy and formulates an appropriate Eurasian
strategy.
 Controlling regional terrorism.
 Afghanistan issue, as SCO member -support for
Afghanistan as an independent state.
 Political – at annual summit of the SCO, India gets
opportunity to renew bilateral ties.
 Economic – CAR is rich in iron ore, coal, gas, uranium,
etc.
 Energy Cooperation – unblock India’s access to Eurasia
and provide a fillip to projects like TAPI.
Challenges for India in SCO-
 Dominance of China.
 Eurasia’s emerging geopolitical reality entailing shifting
great power rivalries.
 India – Pakistan Rivalry.
 Russia – Pakistan – China Axis.
 Weak fight against terrorism.
 Lack of a unified approach for dealing with Taliban.
Way Ahead for India-
 Maintaining strategic autonomy.
 Revitalize connectivity projects.
 Improving relations with China and Pakistan.
 Play a constructive role in CAR.
 Strengthen People-to-People connectivity and
strengthen educational cooperation.
SCO MEETING
Key highlights of the meeting
 Samarkand declaration was adopted.
20-Legend Bhaiya
 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.
 Iran was accepted as a permanent member of the
SCO.
QUAD-
Fact Check-
 It represents a quarter of the world’s population.
 Group’s total GDP is over $ 30 trillion.
 In 2018, trade b/w the 4 countries totalled more than $
440 billion.
Significance of Quad for India-
 Balancing China’s influence.
 Rising importance of Indo – Pacific.
 Evolving Foreign Policy strategy.
 Supplementing India’s defense capabilities.
 Additional collaboration on emerging threats like
persisting cyber attacks.
Challenges for India-
 Implication on India’s other bilateral/multilateral
engagements.
 Unclear objectives and it is perceived as an Anti-China
alliance.
 Critical technologies and resilient supply chains.
 Conflicting signals from US.
 China’s Influence.
Way Forward-
 Collective Action.
 Need for clear vision.
 Expanding the QUAD.
 Need for a Maritime Doctrine.
QUAD SUMMIT
2023 Quad Summit was held recently on the side lines of the
G7 Summit in Hiroshima.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
 ‘Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Programme’
 Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience.
 Quad support for a small-scale Open Radio Access
Networks (ORAN) deployment in Palau, the first in the
Pacific region.
 India to host next Quad summit in 2024.
BRICS-
Fact Check-
 41% of the world’s population.
 24% of world GDP.
 16% share in world trade.
 29.3% of the total land surface.
Significance of BRICS for India-
 Voice of developing countries.
 Safe space to modulate rivalry.
 Providing a transcontinental reach with the presence of
Brazil and South Africa.
 Boosting India’s demand for institutional reforms such as
UNSC, WTO, etc.
 Contribution in creating an inclusive international
financial architecture.
 Import dependency, 34% of India’s total imports are
from the other 4 BRICS nations.
1. Achieving SDG goals to eradicate hunger and poverty
with the help of initiatives like the BRICS agricultural
research platform.
2. Balances India’s growing partnerships with the West.
Achievements of BRICS-
 Establishment of- NDB) and CRA.
 Bringing incremental changes in the IMF.
 BRICS science, technology and innovation (STI)
framework programme.
 Medical Cooperation.
 India’s contribution to BRICS:-
o Launching of BRICS vaccine R&D centre.
o Proposal of the NDB.
o Urbanization forum
o Institutionalized the practice of holding BRICS
academic forum.
 Online education, a virtual university, BRICS language
schools, Young BRICS Forum.
Challenges faced by the BRICS-
 Dominant role of China.
 Disparities among the members due to a mix of
democratic and authoritarian regimes.
 Approach towards institutional reforms.
 Low Intra-Country trade.
Way Forward-
 Overcome diversities and seek common interest.
 Bottom up approach to increasing private sector and
citizen involvement.
 Reprioritizing counter terrorism in BRICS agenda.
 Push for much enhanced multilateral efforts by
furthering its deep connects with the global south.
BRICS EXPANSION
Benefits of Expansion-
 Increase influence in the global economy.
 Growing infra can benefit all
 Gain recognition on global stage.
 Expanding footprint in new regions like Middle East.
Underlying challenges of Expansion
 Still at developing stage: evolving as an organization and
needs time to develop its institutions.
 Various levels of development: countries differ
significantly in terms of economic development.
 Expansion may further limit the cooperation among
countries.
 Lack of consensus building: about expansion as India is
not in favor of outright expansion.
 Managing the group: Expansion could generate
resistance from BRICS members.
21-Legend Bhaiya
 Geopolitics: considered as China’s move towards
expanding its sphere of influence, by many countries.
Way forward
 Socioeconomic convergence: The existing member -
prioritize economic and social cohesion.
 Selective expansion: By carefully selecting new
members.
 Impartial selection: Inclusion should solely be based on
the merits of a member state.
 Building trust: focus on institution building, fostering
trust, sharing knowledge, etc.
G20-
Fact Check-
 85% of world GDP.
 75% of Global Trade.
 60% of the population.
 More than 80% of fossil fuel emissions.
Achievements of G20-
 Setting the path for the future of global economic
growth.
 Addressing global crisis such as 2008 financial crisis, the
Iranian nuclear program, COVID 19 pandemic and
Climate Change.
 Bringing Tax Reforms.
 Recast Bilateral Ties.
 Human Resource Development and Employment.
India and G20-
 India has been a founding member of G20.
 Presidency from Dec 2022 to Nov 2023.
 Theme of India’s presidency – “VASUDHAIVA
KUTUMBAKAM”.
 Some of the proposals the India -
o International action on terrorism.
o Dealing with the economic offenders.
o Global taxation:- BEPS framework.
o Dealing with issues arising from New Digital
Technologies.
Challenges faced by G20-
 Lack of effective power.
 Transparency and accountability due to absence of a
formal charter.
 Protectionism among some countries.
 Ineffective measures.
 The exclusivity of its membership has attracted criticism.
 Multilateral commitments on aid and trade are faltering.
Way Ahead-
 Continuity of issues taken up across presidencies.
 Provide the vision to bind all the countries especially the
emerging markets.
 Strengthen its ties with the UN in promoting
development.
 Focus on infra and food security.
 Post COVID, critical role to build robust global supply
chains.
 Establishing a code of conduct for the members.
BALI DECLARATION-
The 17th G20 summit concluded recently with the adoption
of Bali declaration.
Key Highlights of the Bali Declaration-2022
 Highlighted - war in Ukraine and asked for Russia’s
complete withdrawal.
 Commitment to Global Food security, Black Sea Grain
initiative brokered by Turkey and UN.
 Welcomed the provision of additional financial
resources- International Health Regulations (2005).
Significance of G20 Presidency for India-
 India Taking Centre Stage- advancing its interests.
 Strengthening: 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' - people-
centric agenda to address global challenges.
 Multilateralism: commitment to multilateral cooperation
and building bridges b/w nations.
 Inclusive growth, investment in infrastructure, and
strengthening financial regulation.
GROUP OF SEVEN (G-7)-
Fact Check-
 It represents 46% of global GDP.
 10% of world’s population in G7 countries.
 Countries of the group are responsible for 25% of carbon
emission.
Significance of G7 for India-
 Provides an opportunity to contribute to the larger
international cause.
 Gives India a greater exposure.
 Developing focused relationships and partnerships with
G7 countries.
Significance of India for G7-
 India’s economy is larger than 3 member countries –
France, Italy and Canada of the G7.
 To engage more with the Indo-Pacific region.
 India has cordial ties with both Russia and the West.
 Huge population of India is working age group.
 Countering China.
Achievements of G7 and its current relevance-
 Role in setting up a Global Fund to fight Malaria and Aid.
 G7 FinMin agreed to back a global minimum tax of at
least 15% on multinational companies.
 2015 – Members launched Global Apollo program to
tackle climate change through clean energy.
 Key role in creation of international financial institutions
like the FATF.
 Political influence on a larger region.
 It represents a select group of Democracies with shared
values.
 Economic power- shape global economic policies and
address economic challenges.
Challenges with G7-
 Internal disagreements among group members.
 Perceived as an exclusive group.
 China’s Rise.
22-Legend Bhaiya
 Substandard progress on tackling global problems.
 Perceived as outdated.
 Non – binding nature.
 Implementation of agreed upon policies is hindered by
Domestic Political Consideration.
Way Forward-
 More representation.
 Catering to the Global Challenges.
 Group should work on prudent tackling of global
problems like climate change.
G7 SUMMIT
49th Summit of G-7 group was recently held in Hiroshima,
Japan.
Major Outcomes of the Summit
 Economic resilience and economic security-
o Coordination Platform on Economic Coercion to
counter "weaponize" trading
o Economic dependencies in “critical and
emerging technologies.
o They agreed on “de-risking” commercial ties
with China.
 Standards for Artificial intelligence (AI): International
tech standards for "trustworthy" AI.
 Climate and energy: Members pledged-
o to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
o to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
o G7 Clean Energy Economy Action Plan
 Resilient Global Food Security: G7 produced a Hiroshima
Action Statement on food security.
BIMSTEC-
Fact Check-
 22% of world’s population.
 Combined GDP of US $ 3.7 Trillion.
 India’s % of annual trade with BIMSTEC countries as a %
of its total foreign trade was 4% as of 2020.
Significance of BIMSTEC for India-
 Strategic – country’s strategic aspirations -wider concept
of Indo- Pacific.
 Economic – Connectivity with S-E Asian markets.
 Regional cooperation -bridge b/w South and S-E Asia
 Neighbourhood 1st and Act East.
 Security – opportunity to enhance India’s blue economy
and maritime security.
 To counter Chinese influence due to RBI.
Challenge with BIMSTEC-
 Untapped potential due to lack of close internal
economic integration among the countries.
 Lack of political will.
 Stalled progress in FTA.
 Regional geopolitics.
 Physical infrastructure.
 Absence of strong institutional framework.
Major connectivity initiatives in the region-
 Kaladan mulitmodal project.
 IMT trilateral highway connecting India and Thailand
through Myanmar.
 BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.
Way Forward-
 Strengthening political engagement.
 Concluding FTA.
 Increasing its membership base.
 Prioritize sustained physical connectivity and high quality
infra.
 Prioritizing multilateralism including facilitating tourism
diplomacy, academic and student-exchange programs,
and cross border public health initiatives.
ASEAN-
Fact Check-
 Merchandise trade b/w India and ASEAN countries rose
to $ 110.40 billion.
 ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner.
Significance of ASEAN for India-
 Centrality in India’s Act East Policy.
 India – ASEAN FTA and India’s CECA with various
countries of the ASEAN region.
 Common security threats.
 Financial cooperation through ASEAN-India Cooperation
Fund (AIF), ASEAN-India Green Fund.
 Connectivity projects.
 Cultural Cooperation.
 Defense and security cooperation through Joint Naval
and Military exercises.
Challenges faced by India in its dealings with ASEAN-
 Conflicts in priorities- Myanmar.
 Skewed trade relations.
 Maritime challenge by deepening defense cooperation in
South China Sea.
 China’s Influence.
 Centrality of ASEAN in the Indo – Pacific is under
jeopardy.
 Lack of a custodian and strong institutions for ASEAN.
 Divergent interests and priorities of ASEAN members.
19th India – ASEAN summit-
 Both side elevated ties to comprehensive strategic
partnership (CSP).
 Cooperation in areas like energy, health, investment,
make in India, technology, etc
 India announced an additional outlay of $ 5 million for
ASEAN-India science partnership.
Way Ahead to strengthen the relations-
 Collective dialogue to promote common interests under
ASEAN-India plan of action.
 Trade facilitation, establishing supply chain networks
under the IPEF.
 Enhancing policy prioritization for sustainable finance
and growth.
 Convergence b/w India’s Indo-Pacific oceans initiatives
and the ASEAN outlook on Indo- pacific.
23-Legend Bhaiya
 Capitalize in technology.
INDIA-ASEAN SUMMIT -
Recently, 19th India- ASEAN summit was held in Cambodia.
Key highlights of the summit
 Both sides elevated ties from strategic to Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership (CSP)
 Focus on specific - Maritime security, projects in Indo-
Pacific, Cyber security and inter-operability.
 Cooperation- energy, health, investments in Make in
India, technology, climate change, etc.
 India announced an additional outlay of $5 million for
ASEAN-India Science and Technology Fund.
 Expedite review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods
Agreement (AITGA) to make it more users friendly.
EASTERN ECONOMIC FORUM (EEF)
The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage foreign
investments in the Russia’s Far East (RFE) region
India’s opportunities and Interest in RFE
 To boost the strategic partnership between India and
Russia
 Complementing India’s Indo-Pacific Vision.
 Employment and investment opportunities for Indians.
 Connectivity: connect the Chennai with Vladivostok-
alternative sea-route wrt the Suez Canal.
Initiatives by India in RFE region
 NITI Aayog and Ministry for Development of the Russian
Far East and Arctic - Arctic and Russia’s Far East between
2020 and 2025.
 India offered a $1 billion line of credit to develop
infrastructure in the region.
 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation purchased stakes in the
Sakhalin-1 project in the region.
 India, Japan and Russia concluded their first Track II
negotiations about joint Far East projects.
Way ahead for India
 Harness the soft power potential to gain leverage.
 Labour migration is a crucial step in strengthening India’s
engagement in the FAR needs to be promoted.
 Explore the possibility of investing in infrastructural
projects.
 Examining prospects in other areas: Timber, tourism,
healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
 Balancing in the Indo-pacific.
INDIA IN ARCTIC
About Arctic Council
 Est by 8 Arctic Countries (Canada, Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and USA) through the
Ottawa Declaration of 1996.
 India has observer status till 2024.
 As a protest against Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, the
other 7 Arctic members announced a suspension of
participation in all activities of the Council in March 2022.
Pillars of Arctic Council-
1. National capacity building
2. Science and research
3. Environmental and climate sustainability
4. Economic and human development.
5. Transportation and connectivity.
6. Governance and international cooperation
Significance of Arctic engagement to India:
 Enhances Connectivity: The Northern Sea Route
connects- North Atlantic to the North Pacific.
 Building Geopolitical network
 Utilization of its Resources: The Arctic Sea -~ 13% of the
world’s oil and nearly 30% of natural gas.
 Understanding Indian Monsoon- as the region influences
the Monsoon pattern over Indian Subcontinent.
 Understanding Glacial melt in Himalayas
Challenges pertaining to India’s engagement in Arctic:-
 Defunct nature of the Council: interrupted various on-
going studies and research.
 Reduced role of Observers in the Council.
 China’s ambitions: pushing to establish its polar silk road
in the region fastening melting of ice.
 Increased affiliation of Russia towards China.
 On-going Territorial disputes: and the current division in
the Arctic Council.
Way forward
 Build consensus among the Observer countries: 13
Observer countries by engaging collectively
 Balancing the stance with the other 7 members of is
essential for India’s Geopolitical interests.
 Passively curtail the influence of China by diplomatic
efforts.
 A single Arctic coordinator can be appointed instead of a
division in MEA.
Arctic: Debate of a Global Common
Global Common refers to areas and natural resources that
are not subject to the national jurisdiction of a particular
state but are shared by other states, if not the international
community as a whole.
 The high seas, the deep seabed, outer space, the Moon
and other celestial bodies can be viewed as global
commons.
 The central part of the Arctic region is considered as a
High Sea, thus a global common.
Challenges in Arctic’s Governance
 Waterways: The three routes in order of the possibility of
being opened up when the Arctic Ice Melts.
 Militarization: global warming and a race for resources
could lead to conflict in the Arctic.
24-Legend Bhaiya
Way ahead
 Preserving the Arctic Ice is necessary for Earth’s Albedo.
 Arctic sea ice acts as a huge white reflector at the top of
the planet.
 These factors need to be kept in mind before utilization
of other resources.
EFFECT OF POLICIES AND POLITICS OF DEVELOPED AND
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ON INDIA’S INTERESTS
TRANS-HIMALAYAN MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONNECTIVITY
NETWORK
 Economic corridor proposed in 2019 between Nepal and
China as a part of China's BRI.
 Aims to enhance connectivity in ports, roads, railways,
aviation, and communications.
 Pave the way for more integration between China and
the rest of South Asia
Concerns for India
 Himalayan Quad: by China out of 4 Himalayan countries -
China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal.
 Impact on relations with Nepal - providing it alternative
trading routes
 Challenging India’s role in South Asia: China can present
an alternative to South Asian nations.
 Security concerns: The THMCN infra will pass near
Lumbini, which is close to the Indian border.
 Environmental impacts: Infrastructure projects running
through
o Fragile alpine ecosystems -landslides and floods
in the upper Himalayan states.
o Open up access for illegal loggers and help fuel
the trade in endangered species.
Way ahead for India
 Consolidate relation with Nepal: India must introduce
new economic, developmental and infrastructure
initiatives with Nepal.
 Address Environmental concern: Himalayan region
should come together to form a “Third Pole Council”.
 Improve connectivity in border region.
China’s outreach in the Himalayan region-
Comprehensive security agreements, infrastructure-oriented
aid, enhanced focus on trade, public-private partnerships etc.
 The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
 China has invested in Wakhan Corridor
 Fiber Optic Survey Project to create cross-border fiber
linkages connecting Afghanistan and China.
India’s strategy in Himalayan Region
 Regional connectivity in the Himalayas in 2013.
 Himalayan Rail Express aims to connect India’s northern
territory of Leh in J&K to the eastern territory of Hawai in
ArP.
Limitation for India
 Unsettled boundary issues with Pakistan and Nepal.
 A lack of a strategic vision on India’s part led to slow
implementation and delays.
 Tough Himalayan terrain on the Indian side.
AUKUS
AUKUS (US, UK and Australia) unveiled details of plan to
create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
2 pillars-
 Trilateral effort to support Australia in acquiring Nuke
Submarines.
 Expediting cooperation in critical technologies.
Implications of AUKUS
 Shifting US Priorities in Asia: seen as US’s strong
commitment to security of Indo-Pacific region.
 Re-establish UK’s strategic footprint renew its claim for a
long-term role in Indo-Pacific security.
 Strategic implication for Indo-Pacific - vision of free,
open, resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
 Model for similar collaboration: build the defence
capabilities of other nations in the region.
 Contain the Chinese expansionist policy.
 Others:
o Reinvigorated the idea of an “Anglosphere”.
o QUAD, Five Eyes and ANZUS, AUKUS -primacy of
the US–Australia Strategic Depth across the
Indo-Pacific.
Concerns related to AUKUS
 Lack of clarity: about AUKUS’s strategic purpose and how
AUKUS narrative would be rolled out to allies.
 Undermines Nuclear non-proliferation.
 Opposition by China: it may provoke China to act more
aggressively in disputed areas.
 Widened divide in trans-Atlantic relationship: between
the US and Europe.
India and AUKUS Significance
 Complements the Quad in geostrategic arena: I to deal
with China as a common threat.
 Strategic collaboration with France:
Concerns
 Erosion of India’s regional influence: in Eastern Indian
Ocean.
 May Increase Chinese aggressiveness: by deploying more
warships and submarines in the Eastern Indian Ocean.
 May shift balance of power in Indo-pacific: in ways that
India has not entirely accounted for.
 Impact on Quad: Critics argue that AUKUS diminishes the
value and usefulness of the Quad.
COMPREHENSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE AGREEMENT FOR
TRANSPACIFIC PARTNERSHIP (CPTPP)
25-Legend Bhaiya
Significance of CPTPP
 Trade in goods: Elimination of tariffs and reduction in
non-tariff barriers in CPTPP export markets.
 Equal treatment in Government procurement to foreign
as well as domestic suppliers.
 Predictability and transparency: Common and
transparent trade and investment rules.
 Labour and the environment: uphold members’
respective standards on labour and environment.
 Addressing governance and emerging issues.
Why India did not join the CPTPP?
 Stringent standards on intellectual property rights
 CPTPP Investor-State Dispute Settlement hinders
regulation of the investment ecosystem.
 Required economic concessions: are too drastic to take
from an Indian perspective.
 Possibility of de-industrialisation.
What is India missing by not joining CPTPP?
 Competitiveness: Reduced tariffs would have made
Indian exports less expensive.
 Access to new clients: in Indo-pacific regions including
Japan, Malaysia, and Chile.
 Market transparency and stability: With improved
protection, predictability, and transparency.
 Exclusion from the Global Value Chain (GVCs)
RUSSIA – UKRAINE WAR-
Concerns for India due to Ukraine crisis-
 To maintain balance b/w Russia and US.
 Brings Russia-China closer.
 India’s investments in Russia.
 Arms trade with Russia.
Response from other Nations-
 Resolutions against Russia at the UNGC, UNSC, IAEA,
sanctions and diplomacy to put pressure.
 India’s Response :-
o Voting in all resolutions.
o Committed to work towards a safe and
sustainable solution.
o 90 tn of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Way Forward-
 International cooperation is needed.
 Proactive role of institutions like UNSC.
 Both the countries should restrain from any move
leading to escalation of the tension.
 India can play a role of mediator.
IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AGENCIES,
AND FORA, THEIR STRUCTURE, MANDATE
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)-
Fact Check-
 Council has 5 permanent and 10 non permanent
members elected for 2 year term.
 Its decisions are binding on all member states.
 India is a founding member of UN and has served as a
non permanent member of UNSC for 8 terms.
Need for reform in UNSC-
 Outdated institutions –no permanent representation
from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
 No longer representation of present world order.
 Wide ranging power of UNSC.
 Lack of recognition to countries such as India, Japan and
Germany.
 Veto power.
 The ineffectiveness of the council discourages
multilateralism.
Challenges in front of India-
 Lack of consensus on the definition of terrorism.
 China’s assertion at the global stage and its support to
Pakistan.
 Post COVID global order.
 Global geopolitics- Russia Ukraine War etc.
 Lack of resources for multilateral diplomacy.
 Regional rivals opposed to the G4 seeking permanent
membership in UNSC.
India’s contribution in UNSC-
 India chaired the Taliban and Libya sanctions
committees.
 Active participant in all UN initiatives such as SDGs,
UNFCCC.
 Formulation of UDHR.
 1st country to raise apartheid issue at UN.
 Largest UN Peace Keeping troops provider and 1st
country to deploy all women contingent.
 Instrumental in establishing the G77, UNICEF, UNEP,
UNCTAD, etc.
 Drafting of a Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996.
India contribution as non-permanent member-
 Sought to be the voice of the global south.
 Brought many theme of contemporary relevance like
maritime security, technology, UN Peacekeeping.
 Strengthen India bid for permanent seat.
 Worked for rule based order.
ROLE OF UN IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Role Played by United Nation historically
 Maintenance of Peace and Security: Good Friday
Agreement in Northern Ireland, Comprehensive Peace
Agreement in Sudan.
 Decolonization and Self-Determination: UNGA-
Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial
Countries and Peoples in 1960.
 Human Rights and International Law: Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
 Sustainable Development Goals
26-Legend Bhaiya
 Humanitarian Assistance and Relief: specialized agencies
and initiatives, such as the
o United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR).
o World Health Organization (WHO)
o World Food Programme (WFP).
Why UN is not able to prevent the Conflict?
 UNSC Dynamics: Permanent members use Veto power to
serve their interest or partner’s interest.
 Limited Enforcement Mechanisms: Resolutions passed by
UNGA lacks enforcement mechanism.
 Sovereignty and National Interests: hinders collective and
effectiveness of UN interventions.
 Complexity and Divisions: Involvement of the multiple
stakeholders and interests.
 Conflict often involves deep-rooted political, economic,
social, and religious factors.
 Lack of Financial Resources.
Role of India in resolving global Conflicts-
 Mediation and Diplomacy: promoting dialogue,
encouraging peaceful resolutions, etc
 NAM : sovereignty, self-determination & non-
interference in the affairs of other nations.
 Development Cooperation: development assistance for
the people of Afghanistan etc.
 Peacekeeping Operations:
o Deployed more than a quarter of a million
troops over the years.
o 49 UN Peacekeeping Missions.
o Countries like Lebanon, Congo, South Sudan,
and Haiti, among others.
How UN can be more effective?
 Conflict Preventive Efforts: preventive diplomacy,
mediation and reconciliation.
 Reforms in UNSC: More representation to Asian and
African nation.
 Improving Peacekeeping Operations: training,
capabilities enhancing.
 Regional Organizations: AU, EU and ASEAN can
strengthen the UN's capacity to address conflicts.
 Addressing Root Causes of Conflict- such as poverty,
inequality, governance issues, and HR violations.
 Mobilizing Sufficient Resources.
 Strengthening the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
principle.
India’s other contributions to UN -
Fight against colonization and apartheid
 Co-sponsor of Declaration on Granting of Independence
to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
 India was the first country to raise Apartheid issue at UN.
 India - earliest signatories of Convention on Elimination
of all forms of Racial Discrimination.
Development and Economic issues-
 Setting up of UNCTAD in 1964.
 Official development assistance (ODA) to developing
countries.
 Other issues raised:
o transfer of technology to developing countries.
o equitable terms of trade, accelerating
industrialization.
Terrorism/Human Rights
 Draft Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism.
 Active role in drafting the Universal Declaration on
Human Rights.
Reform & Restructuring of UN
 G-4 and L.69 on reform and expansion of the UN Security
Council.
Representation in UN bodies
 India has been elected to several UN bodies UNSC,
Human Right Council, Economic and Social Council,
International Court of Justice (ICJ) etc.
UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION
Relevance of the mission
 Absence of alternatives: Tno 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.
 Rise in threats: asymmetric threats to countries but no
adequate resources to fight the same.
Challenges faced by UN peacekeeping missions-
 Organisational challenges
o Non-inclusive: Troop and police do not have a
role in the decision-making process.
o Financing: late payment and withholding.
 Inadequate power with UN secretariat: Military forces
accountable to their own national commanders.
 Redundant missions: - UN Military Observer Group in
India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
 Operational challenges
o Waning international support: The failures of
Missions in the 1990’s.
o Regional organisation: Organisation of African
Unity (OAU) have brokered peace
 Safety issues: compromised due to-
o organized crime,
o breakdowns in law and order, and
o attacks by extremists.
India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping
 India served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions
established around the world since 1948.
 Currently, India is the fifth largest troop contributor.
 First country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual
exploitation and abuse.
 India recently launched a ‘Group of Friends’-
accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
27-Legend Bhaiya
 India have served in several countries, including Congo,
Liberia, South Sudan, and Haiti.
 In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all
women contingent.
 2014, Indian cop Shakti Devi was awarded the
International Female Police Peacekeeper Award.
Relevance of Such missions for India-
 India’s commitment to international peace
 Contain national and international impact of threats like
terrorism.
 Building confidence of Indian diaspora.
 Strategic footprints in the region for future economic
ties.
 Create goodwill among the parties in conflict.
 Strengthen the claim for permanent memberships.
Reforms proposed by India -
 Decision making: Troop and police-contributing countries
should have a role in the decision-making.
 Clear and realistic mandates: that is matched with
adequate resources.
 Prudent deployment: with full recognition of their
limitations.
 Assessing the mission: all mission components, military
and civilians, and its leadership.
 Regional approach: Support regional and sub-regional
organizations in: o Mediation
 Monitoring of ceasefires o Assistance in implementing
peace accords, and
 Post-conflict rebuilding
 Exit strategy: from their very inception.
 Cooperation with host
 Safety of peacekeepers
 Security of civilians: host government has the primary
responsibility to protect civilians.
 Technology: peacekeeping missions to overcome security
challenges.
DOHA POLITICAL DECLARATION
Fact Check-
 Host around 40% of the world’s poor.
 1.3% of world’s GDP.
 13% of world’s population
 Less than 1% of trade and FDI.
 Only 1/5th population has access to internet.
It is a 10-year plan (2022-2031) to put world’s 46 most
vulnerable countries back on track to achieving the UN-
mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
 Low-income countries confronting severe structural
impediments to sustainable development.
 Highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks
and have low levels of human assets.
 Currently 46 countries (Africa 33, Asia 9, Caribbean 1 and
Pacific 3) on the list of LDCs.
 LDCs Identification Criteria:
o Gross national income (GNI) per capita.
o Human Assets Index (HAI).
o Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index
(EVI).
Focus areas-
 Eradicating poverty and building capacity.
 Leveraging science and innovation
 Supporting structural transformation
 Enhancing international trade.
 Addressing climate change and building resilience.
 Mobilizing international solidarity.
Initiatives to support LDCs:
 Trade-related measures preferential market access,
special treatment regarding obligations under WTO.
 Financial and technical assistance:
o UNDP: The primary criteria for allocation are per
capita income and population.
o UNCTAD supports LDCs to achieve structural
economic transformation.
 LDCs in international forums: like caps and discounts on
contribution to UN budgets; capacity-building for
negotiators etc.
 Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB)
Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a new country
partnership strategy (CPS) 2023-27 for India.
Key highlights of the strategy
 The Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), 2023-2027 will
advance ADB’s Strategy 2030’s seven operational
priorities.
 Under Strategy 2030- prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and
sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its
efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
 Cost-Sharing Arrangements: ADB and domestic cost-
sharing in the ratio of 70:30, for the overall loan portfolio
during the CPS period.
 There are 3 pillars of strategy
o Accelerate structural transformation and job
creation.
o Promote climate-resilient green growth
o Deepen social and economic inclusiveness.
Challenges faced by ADB in case of India:
 Differential Approach: Diverse nations- different
developmental achievements and different needs.
 Private Sector Investment: - government infrastructure
financing - stagnant private sector investment in India.
DYNAMICS OF INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
RULES BASED WORLD ORDER-
RULE BASED WORLD ORDER (RBWO)-
28-Legend Bhaiya
Fact Check- India- world’s 5th largest market with almost $ 3
Trillion economy.
Institutions that seek to ensure RBWO-
 Political – UN work to maintain peace and security
protect HR and uphold international law.
 Economic – Breton Woods Institutions created to restore
and sustain benefits of global integration.
 Social – UNHRC is responsible for promotion and
protection of HR.
 Environment – UNEP promoting coherence in
implementation of environmental dimension.
 Dispute redressal – ICC- genocide, crimes against
humanity, etc.
India’s role in changing world order-
 Political – India’s increasing interaction with island states
under CARICOM and Pacific Island Forum.
 Security –India’s ‘Necklace of diamond’s strategy to
counter China ‘string of pearls’ scheme.
 Geo politics – from NAM to bilateral strategic
partnerships to memberships of multilateral grouping
such as SVCO, BRICS and now I2U2.
 Environment – Net Zero emitter of carbon by 2070, 500
GW non fossil energy capacities by 2030.
Challenges faced by RBWO-
 Equity – RBWO must work to advantage of the majority
and not a minority.
 Geopolitical – Russia and China use Veto Power to reject
any resolution in UNSC.
 Socio economic – global financial crisis of 2008-09.
 Security – RBWO is unable to address the proliferation of
WMD, curb terrorism etc.
 Environment – developed countries pulling out of climate
agreements under UNFCC.
Way Forward-
 Renew Breton Woods System.
 Balance of Power.
 Global Trade- increase effectiveness.
 Outer Space- norms and rules for governance.
 Dispute settlement among nations.
 Human Rights to be kept at the highest level.
EVOLVING DYNAMICS OF INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
Fundamentals- -
 Protect India from traditional and non- traditional
threats.
 Create an external environment which is conducive for
India’s inclusive development.
 Ensure that India’s voice is heard and India is able to
influence world opinion on global issues.
 Engage and protect Indian Diaspora.
Core principles of India’s Foreign Policy-
 Strategic Autonomy.
 Opposition to export of ideologies and change of regimes
or violation or territorial integrity.
 Intervention over interference in internal affairs of other
countries.
 Constructive engagement over aggression.
 Global consensus on issues of global dimensions.
 Diplomatic Outreach.
Specific thrust areas of India’s policy-
 Prioritizing an integrated neighbourhood.
 Leveraging international partnerships.
 Ensuring a stable and multi polar balance of polar.
 Advancing Indian representation and leadership on
matters of global governance.
 Leveraging soft power potential in fields like spiritualism,
yoga, etc.
Challenges -
 Regional instability.
 Non-conclusive external environment as a result of
rivalry b/w major powers, Russia-Ukraine war.
 Stressed global economic situation post COVID.
 India’s dependency for its energy security.
 Disintegrating global frameworks for cooperation.
 Domestic systematic constraints.
 Lack of resources for effective management with
Diaspora population.
 Rise on non-traditional changes.
Way Forward-
 Tactful dealing with China.
 Mindful efforts to stabilize Pakistan.
 Expanding the domain of strategic autonomy.
 Pursuit of multi-alignment.
 Secure national interests.
 Focusing on self development.
 Nurturing a feminist dimension in its neighborhood 1st
policy to better achieve regional interests.
 Playing a leadership role in enhancement of the
international rule of law.
INDIA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY-
Fact Check-
 B/w 2008-2020, India disbursed approx $ 8.35 billion as
grants and loans under various development compacts.
 The FDI inflow in India was at its highest ever at USD
81.97 billion in 2020-21.
Objectives of Economic Diplomacy (ED)-
 Projecting the country as a major economic power.
 Securing favorable multilateral trade negotiations.
 Access to foreign resources and promotion of foreign
investments in the country.
 Promotion of exports and businesses abroad.
 Realization of political objectives through economic
actions.
29-Legend Bhaiya
Key instruments of Economic Diplomacy-
 Attracting investments and promotion of exports.
 Mobilizing finances for partner countries.
 Building support to set and enforce international rules.
 Economic sanctions.
India’s success in using ED-
 Various initiatives have been taken like liberalizing FDI
norms, PLI schemes and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
 Financing through multilateral platforms.
 Bilateral development aid to partner countries
 India has emerged as a leader for South-South
Cooperation (SSC) for coalition.
 India complies with sanctions by the UN but resorts to
unilateral sanctions.
Challenges for India in pursuing ED-
 Inability to gather majority support for reforms in
multilateral platforms like WTO.
 Lack of a clear strategy for development cooperation.
 Regional discrimination and poor implementation of
development aid due to scarcity of resources.
 Compartmentalized bureaucratic structures.
 The decline of the share of merchandise in the Global
Value Chain (GVC).
 Competition from China in the South Asian region.
 Emerging issues like protectionism, weakening
multilateral institutions, humanitarian crisis, etc.
Way Forward-
 Domestic Reforms.
 Devise an economic diplomacy policy.
 Improving aid program.
 Climbing-UP the GVC Export Ladder.
 Leverage emerging opportunities.
 Promoting Brand India, Flexibilities in policy making, etc.
PARADIPLOMACY-
Emerging trends in Para diplomacy-
 Vibrant investments summits by Gujarat, Goa, Punjab.
 Great cross border trade through border haats.
 Rising foreign collaborations in Andhra, Telangana and
Tamil Nadu.
 High powered ministerial delegations.
 Chief ministerial presence in international bodies and
summits.
Significance-
 Strengthens the federal structure.
 Propels the competitive advantage of sub-national
government.
 Facilitates globalization of localism.
 Strengthen public leadership.
 Allows exchange of best practices at local levels.
 Facilitates resources and cost sharing of foreign policy
making with federal governments.
Factors contributing to Para diplomacy-
 Historical factors like contested borders, shared cultures
and economic ecosystem.
 Emergence of coalition and regional political parties since
1967.
 Economic liberalization and globalization.
 Creation of states division in the MEA.
 Government initiatives like digital India, make in India.
 Sister-city agreements such as Mumbai-Shanghai,
Varanasi-Tokyo. Etc.
Challenges-
 Lack of coherence in the policy.
 Me-tooism, etc.
 Limited financial space of states.
 Lack of data or theory.
 Diversity among states in India.
 Security concerns particularly in N-E states.
 Low level of awareness and lack of experience.
Way Ahead-
 Balancing of the roles of central and non central
governments.
 Effective institutional mechanism.
 Introducing formal legislations.
 Exploring the role of Border States in security of national
borders.
 Strengthening existing coordination.
 Identifying and showcasing good practices.
 Leveraging technology to encourage states participation.
SOFT POWER DIPLOMACY-
Fact Check-
 India has been ranked 28th in Global Soft Power Index
2023.
 In 2014, the UN adopted the resolution proclaiming 21
June as International Yoga Day.
 Public Diplomacy Division was setup within the Ministry
of External Affairs in 2006.
Instruments of India’s Soft Power Diplomacy-
 Large Diaspora.
 Tourism.
 Regular goodwill exchange visit by Parliamentarians.
 Spread of Ayurveda, Yoga and traditional medicine.
 Cooperation through multilateral platforms like BRICS,G-
20,ASEAN, etc.
 Emergence of Bollywood as global entertainment.
 Schemes to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage.
Importance of Soft Power for India-
 Key determinant in success of foreign policies.
 Only known nuclear weapon state that is not part of non-
proliferation treaty but still permitted to engage in
nuclear commerce.
 Hard power cannot be exercised effectively if soft power
is ignored, because of consequence associated.
 Can earn respect and delegate its global position.
30-Legend Bhaiya
Issues with India’s soft power diplomacy-
 Issues highlighted by MEA inhibiting effective conduct of
soft power and cultural diplomacy.
 Impact of domestic issues reported in international
media.
 Sub-par performance in religious tourism compared to
South East Asian Nations. 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:-
o A formal study of international best practices.
o Objective metrics for evaluating soft power
outcomes through a soft power matrix.
o Need for greater synergy among MEA.
o To increase the number of tourism offices
abroad.
 Promote tourism – A multi pronged approach focusing
on product enhancement, bettering connectivity and
creative promotion.
INDIA AND GLOBAL SOUTH
A special virtual summit, the Voice of Global South summit
was hosted by India.
Initiatives launched in the Summit
 Arogya Maitri- medical supplies to any developing
country affected by natural disasters.
 Global South Center of Excellence- research on
development solutions or best-practices.
 Global South Science and Technology Initiative: India will
share its expertise.
 Global South Young Diplomats Forum: It will connect
youthful officers of foreign ministries.
 Global South Scholarships: to students of developing
countries to pursue higher education in India.
Importance of Global South-
 Obligations of climate change.
 Energy security and energy justice.
 Poverty and inequality.
 Natural resources present in the region.
 South-south cooperation.
India’s experience-
 Consultative in nature.
 Outcome oriented
 People centric
 Demand driven
Challenges in Engaging with Global South
 Difficulty in uniting the Global South: economic
differentiation and sharp political divisions.
 Domestic Issues: India is itself facing many
developmental challenges
 Past Experiences: NAM, G-77 etc. are not much effective.
 Western Hegemony in Finance: India is not much
financially strong to fulfil the developmental need of the
developing countries.
Enhancing Engagement with Global South-
 Cooperation: Summits should be organised on regular
time period to enhance cooperation.
 Mutual Trust: Cultural exchange programmes and
confidence building measures.
 Developments Projects: India-Japan partnership in Asia-
Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC).
 Promoting Interest: and aspiration of the global south
countries in forums like G-20 etc.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Reasons for the declining importance of NAM
 Change in world order from bipolar to a more complex
and multipolar global system
 Lack of Economic Pragmatism: Many members are
rooted in ideas of socialism and state control which lack
relevance.
 Regional organizations such as the G7, ASEAN, and BRICS
have gained prominence.
 Disagreements and differing priorities among member
countries.
 Nature of global security challenges has evolved
significantly since the formation of NAM
Current Relevance of NAM
 An integral part of foreign policy: India still follows the
NAM policy.
 Platform for South-South Cooperation
 Solidarity and Collective Voice: platform for smaller and
developing countries to have a collective voice.
 Promoting Multilateralism and Global Peace
 Safeguarding National Sovereignty.
RELIGION AS SOFT POWER TOOL
India’s strength in Religion as a soft power in diplomacy
 India's religious diversity is its biggest strength
o 4 were founded here: Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism and Sikhism.
o 4 came from outside: Zoroastrianism,
Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
 Home to various religious sites:
o Hindu religious sites like Varanasi,
Tirupathy, Madurai etc.
o Buddhist religious sites like Bodh Gaya,
Sarnath, and Nalanda.
o Historic Churches and Synagogues in South
India.
o Dargahs of Sufi saints like Moinuddin
Chishti and NIzzamuddin Aulia etc
 Role in its policy: India’s Look East Policy- emphasizing
India’s historical links with Buddhism.
31-Legend Bhaiya
 Religious diplomacy The principle of “Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam ('the whole world is but one family).
 Religion is a cohesive bond for Indian subcontinent.
Recent Instances -
 2011 Global Buddhist Congregation - 2,600th anniversary
of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
 Visit of leaders to religious sites: In 2015, Japanese PM
was invited to Banaras.
 In Singapore, Indian prime minister visited the Goddess
Mariamman temple and Buddha’s Tooth Relic temple
 Promoting religious tourism: Buddhist tourist circuit that
also includes visits to various sites in Nepal, such as
Lumbini and Kapilavastu.
 Membership for OIC: India has sought membership to
the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation- it has the 2nd
largest Muslim population in the world.
Concerns/limitations of religion as soft power tool
 Poor performance in religious tourism: less than 1% of
global Buddhist tourism.
 Domestic policies: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA),
NRC, etc has triggered religious tensions.
 China as a competitor: promotes Buddhism on the
grounds of its historical association.
 Performance of the ICCR, with centers has been
lackadaisical.
Measures to strengthen religion as soft power tool
 A multi-pronged approach - product enhancement,
bettering connectivity etc
 Various levels of interaction and coordination at the
international and sub-national level is needed.
 Soft Power dissemination should be neutral: no
reference to our interests
 Others:
o Effective revitalisation of the Nalanda
University.
o Civil society needs to help spread awareness
among locals.
INDIAN DIASPORA-
Fact Check-
 India has the largest Diaspora population with over 31
mn including 13 million NRIs and 18 Mn PIOs.
 UAE, the US and Saudi Arabia host the largest number of
migrants from India
 India is the 1st country to get $ 100 billion annual
remittance in 2022.
Significance of Diaspora population-
 Economic- remittances, information, business ideas
 Diaspora diplomacy is an important part of India’s soft
diplomacy.
 Trans-national entrepreneurship.
 Diffusion of experience and exposure.
 Development of host countries.
Challenges faced-
 West Asia Pacific :-
o Low oil prices- shale gas boom resulting in job
cuts for Indians.
o Rising conflicts and instability due to the Shia-
Sunni conflict.
o Exploitative Kafala Labour System.
o Nitaqat Law prefers in locals in Saudi Arabia.
 US, Canada and UK specific :-
o Discriminative practices, protectionism and
stricter H-1B visa norms in US.
o Revision of visa norms in UK post-Brexit.
o Demands for Dual Citizenship.
 Challenges due to COVID.
 General Economic Issues.
Steps taken for betterment-
 Dedicated Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
 Organization of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas.
 Know India Program.
 OCI scheme.
 Swarnapravas Yojana – New Plan Scheme.
 Indian government signed social security agreements
with many foreign countries.
 New Embassies in Latin America and African countries to
help the Diaspora.
Way Ahead-
 Negotiating a Standard Labour Export Agreements with
the host countries.
 Monitoring and supervision of our overseas workers by
our missions.
 Compulsory insurance schemes covering the risks faced
by our overseas workers.
 Great focus on promoting tourism among 2nd generation
PIOs.
 Consider setting up of SEZs, exclusively for projects to be
set up by NRIs/PIOs.
 Issuing special infra bonds for attracting NRI/PIO
investments on the lines of the Israel Bonds.
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
 Monetary resources: China - US$ 10 billion a year just on
its Confucius Institutes ICCR and other agencies - 300-400
crores.
 Culture promotion through state: Indian cultural centres
are far few in number.
 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: unlike
China.
 Benign development partner: unlike China, India’s
development Programme is free from accusations of
trampling sovereignty o.
32-Legend Bhaiya
 Democratic credentials: India’s democratic values and
openness makes it a more trustworthy and dependable
partner.
COMMON SECURITY
6 principles of common security –
1. Freedom from fear and freedom from want.
2. Trust between nations and people
3. Multilateralism and rule of law.
4. Dialogue, conflict reduction and confidence building.
5. Better regulation, responsible governance.
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.
Key drivers of shaping security landscape-
1. Demographic shift.
2. Technological innovation
3. Resource and climate management.
4. Efficient governance.
5. Geo-strategic competition.
6. Social cohesion and trust.
7. Hybrid and asymmetric threats.
Risks to common security in the current era-
 Challenges to Multilateralism in a Multipolar World:
conflicts -Iraq, Palestine/Israel, Yemen, Syria, and
Ukraine.
 Militarisation: lethal nuclear weapons, coupled with
increasing tensions between nuclear-armed states.
 Authoritarian Regimes-Shrinking Democratic Space: past
15 years have seen a growing democracy gap
 Global Warming and the Climate Crisis: 11/15 countries
facing the worst ecological conflict.
 Inequality: Nearly half of the world's population survives
on less than $5.50 a day.
 Current and Future Pandemics: Underfunded health
services and social protection systems.
Ways to achieve common security
 Strengthen global architecture for peace o
 Encouraging regional bodies-SAARC, the Gulf
Cooperation Council, and ASEAN etc.
 Immediate resumption of strategic stability talks
between the USA and Russia and USA and China.
 Integrating climate-related security risks into United
Nations conflict-prevention strategies.
 Linking disarmament with development: Finding
innovative ways to utilise nuclear equipment.
 Revitalised Nuclear Arms Control and Disarmament
 Reinstate arms control treaties, particularly regarding
nuclear weapons.
 States that carried out nuclear testing must provide
immediate victim assistance and environmental
remediation.
 Regulation of New Military Technologies and Outer
Space Weapons
o Ban cyber-attacks on nuclear command and
control systems
o Prohibit autonomous weapons systems.
o Strengthen the Outer Space Treaty.
 Engage and involve civil society- trust-building measures
included in existing and new treaties.
GEOPOLITICS OF FOOD SECURITY
Food and Agriculture Organisation - 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’.
Initiatives for Food Security-
 12th Ministerial Conference on WTO.
 Global Alliance for Food Security
 Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture.
 Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme.
Impact of Geopolitics on Food Security
Compulsion to Trade
 Chokepoints of the global food system remains
vulnerable to politically motivated restrictions.
 Economic unilateralism and protectionism and trade war
have accelerated.
 Geopolitical frictions also make reform to multilateral
institutions like WTO difficult.
Armed conflict
 Disrupts agricultural production, trade, transport and
access and humanitarian aid.
 Geopolitical repercussions. Example, Arab Spring of
2010–11.
Competition for natural resources
 Green grabbing: It refers to trade-offs between
environmental sustainability and food security
 Resource grabbing: China - largest supplier of
phosphorous despite having only 5% of the reserves.
Climate change
 Food insecurity is currently concentrated in developing
countries in low latitudes which are more vulnerable to
climate change.
Way ahead
 Insulating food forum from geopolitics
 Shifting models of global governance
 Maintaining open trade: Allow food to flow from surplus
areas to those in need by urgently phasing out export
bans.
 Increasing trade financing and reinforcing supply chains
is vital to addressing the food price shocks.
 Intensify efforts to recycle nutrients
 Increase productivity in developing countries
 Climate resilience: focus on low-cost, high-impact
measures.
GEOPOLITICS OF TECHNOLOGY
33-Legend Bhaiya
Key geopolitical factors affecting technological access,
adoption and development-
 Geographical position: Israel has spent considerable time
and resources to develop technologies that conserve,
reuse and desalinate water.
 Relative access to resources-large scale availability of
labour puts China at a comparative advantage in labour
intensive sectors..
 Relationship with other countries: a major facet of India-
Israel relations is sharing of agricultural technology
between them.
 National Priorities and domestic constraints: tech-driven
private sector moves towards nations with conducive
environment.
How can these technological changes potentially alter the
geopolitical landscape?
 Security: Cybersecurity, Hybrid Warfare and exploiting
vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure like
telecommunications.
 International Standing: Israel despite being a small
country has considerable global influence.
 Economic Growth Control of data driven technologies
witness higher growth.
How the current geopolitics of technology is playing out
globally?
 Technologically authoritarian reaction: Countries that
have closed their data markets and restricted the flow of
technology- such as China
 Technologically democratic reaction: Countries that are
guided by judicial standards, the rule of law, and support
the freer — but not always free movement of data and
technology.
Way forward for India
 Digital Personal Data Protection Law (DPDPL)
 Regulatory clarity on new technologies: Clear approach
on new technologies like Blockchain, Drone technology
etc.
 Evolve a clear stand for global stage: 5G, Blockchain need
to be governed lends more credibility to India’s position.
 Tech diplomacy: NEST) division of MEA.
 Making technological access a key part of diplomatic
relations.