Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Australia and French Polynesia, Clipping New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and The Cook Islands Before Landfall at Pitcairn
Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Australia and French Polynesia, Clipping New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and The Cook Islands Before Landfall at Pitcairn
Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Australia and French Polynesia, Clipping New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and The Cook Islands Before Landfall at Pitcairn
Which countries does the Prime Meridian pass through? In the Northern Hemisphere, the Prime Meridian passes through
theUK, France and Spain in Europe and Algeria, Mali, Burkina, Faso, Tongo and Ghana in Africa. The only landmass crossed
by the Meridian in the Southern Hemisphere is Antarctica.
The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn each lie at 23.5 degrees latitude. The Tropic of Cancer is located at around
23.5° North of the equator and runs through Mexico, the Bahamas, Egypt,Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, India, and
southernChina.
The line passes through Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Namibia, Botswana,South
Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Australia and French Polynesia, clipping New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook
Islands before landfall at Pitcairn.
India Pakistan Relations
Hindu ruler Hari Singh tried to negotiate with India & Pak to have an independent status for his state. Since majority
population of the state was Muslim, the Pakistan thought Kashmir ‘belonged‘ to them.
On 15th August Harisingh offered standstill agreement with both countries which allowed the free movement of
people & goods. Pakistan signed the agreement but India didn’t. Pakistan became impatient & started violating
standstill agreement. 24th October Hari Singh demanded military assistance from India. Mountbatten pointed out that
under international law India can send its troops only after state signs a formal instrument of accession – on 26thOct
Maharaja signed instrument of accession – ratified in 1954.
On 27th Oct. morning nearly 100 planes airlifted men and weapons to Srinagar. Pakistan army left the main valley
region but continue to occupy a large chunk of territory of Gilgit, Baltistan region – Pak occupied Kashmir.
At the same time India lodged complaint against Pakistan for their illegal actions in UN. Instead of getting justice at
UN, Western powers backed Pakistan. India also accepted UN resolution on ceasefire in spite of its advantageous
position and agreed for plebiscite in Kashmir, which laid down two conditions for holding plebiscite –
Pak should withdraw its forces from the state of J&K
The authority of the Srinagar administration should be restored over the whole state
Above mentioned first conditions was never fulfilled, so there was no plebiscite there.
Meanwhile J&K participated in India’s general elections and then the talk of plebiscite remained irrelevant.
Kashmir conflict didn’t prevent cooperation between governments of India & Pak. Both the governments worked
together to restore the abducted women to their original families, a long term dispute of river water sharing was
resolved – with world Bank’s mediation and India-Pakistan Indus Water Treaty was signed by Nehru and General
Ayub Khan in 1960.
Due to the mediation of Soviet Union, Both the countries signed the Tashkent Agreement [Shastri from India &
General Ayub Khan from Pak] in January 1966. Although India won the war, this war added India the economic
difficulties.
Kargil War
After the debacle of 1971 war, Pak army never tried to fight with Indian army directly & started the proxy war by
sending the terrorists trained by their secret agencies to create havoc and panic in J & K and India.
In 1999, so called Mujahideens occupied several points on the Indian side of LOC in the Mashkoh, Dras, Kaksar,
Batalik.
Suspecting Pak’s hand behind such activities, Indian forces immediately started retaliating to such proxy war which
is known as “Kargil conflict”.
This conflict got worldwide attention because of the nuclear capabilities attained by these countries in 1998, which
could be used by either side, however nuclear weapons were not used in war, and Indian troops regained their
points.
There was huge controversy surrounding this Kargil conflict, that, the then PM of Pak was kept in the dark of such
move. Later, the then Pak army Chief General Parvez Musharraf took over as its President.
International Court of Justice stayed the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistan
military court on the charge of spying. The Court said that India should have been granted consular access to
Kulbhushan Jadhav as per the Vienna Convention.
India accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention and conducting a “farcical trial” for convicting Jadhav
without a “shred of evidence.
India supports its stance by citing the Thalweg doctrine in international law. The law states that river boundaries between two states may
be, if the two states agree, divided by the mid-channel, also shown on a map dated 1925.
Though Pakistan does not dispute the 1925 map, it maintains that the doctrine is not applicable in this case as it most commonly applies
to non-tidal rivers, and Sir Creek is a tidal estuary.
Sir Creek itself has little value. It is a marshy wasteland. But where the boundary line runs through it will determine
how much Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) one country will lose or gain. Much of the region is rich in oil and gas
below the sea bed, and control over the creek would have a huge bearing on the energy potential of each nation.
Siachen Dispute
Siachen is a triangular bit of land between Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the part ceded by Pakistan to the Chinese,
which has the dubious distinction of being the world’s highest battlefield.
The Siachen dispute is a direct result of the ambiguity that exists in the Karachi ceasefire agreement of July 1949.
The agreement, which established the ceasefire line, the positions of the two militaries at the end of the 1947-1948
war, did not delineate beyond grid reference NJ 9842, which falls south of the Siachen glacier, to the Chinese
border but left it as “Chalunka (on the Shyok River), Khor, thence North to the glaciers”.
Indian and Pakistani sides have since interpreted the phrase “thence North to the glaciers” very differently.
Pakistan argues that this means that the line should go from NJ 9842 straight to the Karakoram pass on the Sino-Indian border.
India, however, insists that the line should proceed north from NJ 9842 along the Saltoro range to the border with China.
Siachen sits at a very strategic location with Pakistan on the left and China on the right. So Pakistan re-interpreted it
as North-Eastwards to claim the area beyond the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen as its own.
This would give Pakistan direct connectivity to China as well as a strategic oversight over the Ladakh region and
on to the crucial Leh-Srinagar highway posing a serious threat to India.
In 1983, Pakistani generals decided to stake their claim through troop deployments to the Siachen glacier. To pre-
empt Pakistan, India launched Operation Meghdoot in April 1984 and occupied the high points of the glacier.
Cost of military deployment in such inhospitable territory
According to reliable estimates, over 2,000 soldiers from both sides have died on the Siachen glacier since 1984,
when India beat Pakistan by a few days to occupy many of the strategic locations on the glacier.
It is not just avalanches; the challenging terrain of the glacier and its surroundings as a whole have been regularly
claiming lives.
Ever since the two militaries began a costly engagement on the glacier, there have been numerous efforts by both
countries to find a way to demilitarise the glacier, but a result has yet to be seen in actual.
Way forward
To resolve the water dispute political will from both the countries is important.
The Technical aspects of the treaty should be answered through bilateral meetings and discussion involving experts
from both the countries.
The global warming and climate change is melting the glaciers Tibetan Plateau which will impact Indus river water
system in future. Therefore both the countries should aim to reduce water wastage and develop sustainable river
development plans.
India has achieved its immediate objective in approaching the ICJ i.e. to ensure that Mr. Jadhav is not executed
pending adjudication of the matter. As an immediate consequence, Pakistan is now under an obligation to grant
consular access to Mr. Jadhav. However, this is a preliminary ruling and all issues are open for adjudication at the
final stage.
CHABAHAR PORT
Why in news?
India sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port in Iran. More about the Route *
The sea route connects Gujarat’s Kandla port to Chabahar from where the shipment will be taken to Afghanistan
through a land route.
Importance of Chabahar Port *
Bypassing Pakistan’s resistance- India has
strategically circumvented
Pakistan which has opened up new
opportunities for trade and transit from and
to Afghanistan and enhance trade and
commerce between the three countries. *
Connectivity with Europe and Central
Asia- When linked to the International
North-South Transport Corridor
(INSTC), it would connect South Asia
and Europe & Central Asia, which would
provide Indian business better
opportunities to expand in Central
Asia. * Geostrategic location- This port is
located very close (around 100kms) to
Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which has been
developed by China. Thus, the location is
strategic to balance the increasing
footprint of China in Asia through the
policy of ‘String of
Pearls’. * Reducing transportation cost- The distance
between India’s Kandla Port and Chabahar Port is quite
short, thereby reducing the transportation costs of the
goods and freight time. * Important for the stability of the
region- In the long term, the project is expected to improve
the economic conditions of the region with the introduction
of newer opportunities.
About RCEP * The RCEP is billed as an FTA between the 10-member ASEAN bloc and its six FTA partners —
India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. * When inked, it would become the world’s
biggest free trade pact. This is because the 16 nations account for a total GDP (Purchasing Power Parity, or
PPP basis) of about $50 trillion (or about 40% of the global GDP) and house close to 3.5 billion people (about
half the world’s population). * The RCEP ‘guiding principles and objectives’ state that the “negotiations on
trade in goods, trade in services, investment and other areas will be conducted in parallel to ensure a
comprehensive and balanced outcome.” * The proposed FTA, aims to boost goods trade by eliminating most
tariff and non-tariff barriers — a move that is expected to provide the region’s consumers greater choice of
quality products at affordable rates. It also seeks
to liberalise investment norms and do away with
services trade restrictions. * The TAPI project is
crucial to India, as its success would spur
other connectivity such as road and rail
between Central Asia and India, and
potentially change economic relations.
Diplomatic relations too could undergo a sea
change, bringing Central Asia out of the
Russian-Chinese orbit. * The TAPI pipeline
gives this fractured region a reason to work
on a project together as well, and it is hoped
the shared stakes in TAPI’s success will ensure
that India, Pakistan and Afghanistan find ways
of cooperating on other issues as well.
Challenges before the project * The project
faces the challenge of terrorism. Unless the
pipeline is secured from the Taliban that operates on both sides of the Durand Line, and from
militant groups operating in Pakistan, it is hard to see how the TAPI dream can go beyond the
groundbreaking ceremony. * The success of TAPI project is also dependent on the overall relation
not only between India and Pakistan but also between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Way forward The
project will be actualised if the leadership of all four member-countries don’t just dwell on the world
that exists today, but the region as it can be: connected, cooperative, peaceful and prosperous.
Major irritants
Border Disputes – Share about 3,488-km long border which is yet to be fully delineated.
India supports a Tibetan gov. in exile formed by Dalai Lama, unacceptable to china. China recently opposed to the
Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang, which it considers as Southern Tibet.
China began the practice of issuing stapled visa to residents of AP and J & K, though it stopped it for J & K but
continues for AP.
China has an undeclared policy of String of Pearls to encircle India, which involves building of ports and naval
bases around India’s maritime reaches. While India has been trying to develop closer arrangements with the
countries surrounding China viz. Japan, South Korea & Vietnam
China has been building dams in Tibet part of Brahmaputra. India has objected to it but there has been no formal
treaty over sharing of the Brahmaputra water.
China has been blocking India’s attempt to entry to NSG & has also blocked India’s attempt at the UN for sanctions
against Jash-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar.
India considers building of the CPEC as China’s interference in India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Trade imbalance with the imbalance skewed in China’s favour viz. $46.56 billion in 2016
India’s decision to skip the meeting came after a year of bilateral discord over China’s stubborn opposition to India’s
entry into the NSG and a UN ban against Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad leader Masood Azhar.
The decision to not attend even as an observer, however, effectively closes the door for diplomacy. Expert believe that
by boycotting the Beijing meet, India was denying itself unending benefits of something as big as OBOR for ex.
infrastructural shortcoming that it is facing currently. Meanwhile India & Japan have come up with Asia Africa
Growth Corridor to counter China’s OBOR.
The Baloch Angle
Gwadar is located in Baluchistan, & Baloch are against CPEC because they claim that the CPEC’s benefits will not
flow to them. They further state that CPEC is not an economic project. Pakistan and China together are building a
military infrastructure in Balochistan’s coastal areas. The purpose is to strengthen their military supremacy in the
region which will undermine the stability of the region. A fear of a massive inflow of migrants from different areas of
Pakistan which will change the demography of Balochistan and reduce the Baloch people to a permanent minority in
their historic homeland.
China rejected an international ruling on the South China Sea as “null and void” and devoid of any “binding force”.
China’s development in the region is seen as threatening to other nations Taiwan, Brunei, Philippines and Malaysia.
About half of the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage—passed through the South China Sea in 2010. Any
tension in the region may immensely affect the international trade and economy
China has demonstrated a desire to control all of the passage through what it considers its sphere of naval power.
This predilection is in direct opposition to the U.S.-backed global standard of free passage through the high seas.
India has made it clear that it recognised that the tribunal had been set up within the jurisdiction of the UN’s
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that must be given the “utmost respect”. As part of a soft-diplomacy
effort, India is looking to have South China Sea countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines use the tsunami
early warning-system developed by India.
India’s concern
The construction of a new road through the Chumbi valley would further endanger the “Chicken’s Neck” – the
narrow Siliguri corridor links the north-east with the rest of India
India has conveyed to the Chinese government that the latter’s construction of road in the disputed Doklam area
‘would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India.’
India is vulnerable in this corridor as it is the only access point to the northeast. The Corridor is about 500 km from
the Chumbi Valley.
Chinese reaction
Following the tensions, Chinese authorities have closed the Nathu La pass to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.
China served notice on India to withdraw its forces, as a precondition for a “meaningful dialogue” – unacceptable
to India, unless the PLA also withdraws its troops and road-building teams.
China has long desired an independent Bhutanese stand without Indian advocacy and interference on the boundary
issue. Chinese academia often dubbed India’s interference as hegemony in South Asia.
By challenging Bhutanese security, Beijing hoped to put a strain on the India-Bhutan “special relationship”.
The episode has contributed to further strengthen relations between India and Bhutan. The message to India’s neighbourhood is also
positive and reassuring.
However India and China should not see Doklam in terms of point-scoring but rather as a warning of the need for
extending their border management framework across other borders as well.
Stronger economic and commercial partnership between the two countries can be a win -win scenario for both the
countries if China removes its non-tariff barriers against Indian products and services.
India must necessarily “hope for the best, and prepare for the worst”, when it comes to tensions with its northern
neighbour.
Most of its neighbours have been adept at playing the “China card” against India’s alleged “hegemony”, and China
has been quick to exploit this to its advantage. Its strategy has been to bottle up India in the subcontinent, but India
can defeat this strategy of China by mending fences with the neighbours and by convincing them that it has no
hegemonic ambition.
Japan’s contribution to the project will be its state-of-the-art technology and ability to build quality infrastructure,
while India will bring in its expertise of working in Africa.
Unlike China’s OBOR project Asia Africa Growth Corridor is conceived as a more open and inclusive programme
that will be based on more consultations and keep people as the centre piece rather than just trade and economic
ties.
India’s Concerns With Russia
Once “special and privileged strategic partnership” – present tilt towards China which has border disputes with India
& close ties with Pakistan. Russia is also growing relations with Pakistan as it held its its first ever military exercises
with Pakistan
Divergences between New Delhi and Moscow on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan
Russia did not back India’s demand to name two Pakistan-based terror groups as perpetrators of terrorism against
India last year at the Goa BRICS summit
Russia favouring a role for the rebel Taliban in a future Afghanistan
On the other hand, Russia has been concerned at the rapidly warming ties between India and the US including the recent signing of a
military logistics agreement.
Russia’s change in stance is evident of its re-energised role in Afghanistan. It can be seen as a positive step towards
establishing peace in the neighbourhood. However, India should explore other sector of cooperation with Russia such
as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing etc. to improve its trade prospects. The General Framework
Agreement for Kundankulam is still pending, India should move fast to safeguard its energy needs. Changing Geo-
Political situation across Asia makes it important for India to balance its ties between US and Russia well, to maintain
its leadership role in South-Asia.
India has helped finance the dams through a combination of aid & loans and buys the excess electricity at very low prices.
Importance of Bhutan
Buffer state between India and china
Strategic Importance – Chumbi Valley is situated at the trijunction of Bhutan, India and China and is 500 km away
from the “Chicken’s neck” in North Bengal, which connects the northeast with rest of the country.
Bhutan in past has helped India to contain insurgency in North-East by flushing out militants groups like NDFB &
ULFA.
Only country in the region that joined India in its boycott of Chinese President OBOR project
China is interested in establishing formal ties with Thimphu, where it does not yet have a diplomatic mission.
Bhutan is strategically important for both India and China.
BBIN Initiative
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) motor vehicle agreement, for streamline movement of passenger and
cargo transport, was rejected by the upper house of the Bhutanese Parliament.
Reasons Given
Streamline movement of passenger & cargo transport will overwhelm Bhutan with traffic, tourists & pollution.
BBIN MVA is not much of help to Bhutan in economic development as Bhutan’s trade is mostly with India & both
nations already allow free movement of vehicles across their border.
India has asked the Bhutanese government to reconsider the pact. However, the reconsideration can be done only after
a year, as per the procedure there.For the time being, it has been decided that the pact will be implemented only
amongst those countries which have ratified it- India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Major Irritants
Nepal has accused that India is interfering in its internal political matters
India is worried about Nepal growing close relation with China
OBOR has a blueprint of connecting Nepal with the Eurasian transport corridor.
Nepal had signed Transit agreement with China mainly aimed at reducing Nepal’s overwhelming economic
dependence on India.
There is a set pattern of the Kathmandu regime using the China card whenever it runs into difficulties with its own
people and India lends support to the Nepali people’s cause.
Nepal-India tensions spiked last year with the promulgation of a constitution that was perceived as non-inclusive of
ethnic Madhesi and Tharu groups. For almost six months there was blocked in India-Nepal border. Nepal government
called it an undeclared blockade by India — it systematically raised the anti-Indian nationalism sentiment; and it tried
to cozy up to China and use it as an alternative source of supplies; particularly those related to transit through China
and rail and road connectivity between Nepal and China.
India refuted those allegations, stressing that the border tensions were caused by the Madhesi parties and were the
outcome of internal protests in Nepal. India also accused Nepal of stoking ‘anti-India’ sentiment and has been irritated
about Nepal’s attempt to use the ‘China card’.
Nepal is a challenge for Indian government not only for the China factor but also for how to deal with its ethnic
question- the controversy between the Nepali & Madhesi (Indian origin Nepalese of the Terai region) identities.
India Bangladesh Relations
India’s links with Bangladesh are civilizational, cultural, social and economic – a shared history and common
heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, passion for music, literature and the arts.
On the Teesta River, Indian PM reiterated government’s strong resolve to conclude the water sharing treaty. However,
the central government is not willing to go ahead with the agreement without taking West Bengal CM on board.
Major Irritants
Fishermen Issue – Both countries are separated by the International Maritime Boundary Line. Often, fishermen
from both sides cross over to other side for fishing expeditions – results in arrests &, sometimes, shootings.
Sri Lanka accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only
fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Colombo in 1974.
Katchatheevu Island – One of the major reasons complicating the issue is of Katchatheevu Island which India
ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 under a conditional accord. In 2009, the Sri Lankan government declared Katchatheevu
Island as sacred land owing to a Catholic shrine’s presence on the piece of land.
India stands for a “united Sri Lanka”, but wants an “early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment” that
provides for devolution in the Tamil majority Northern and Eastern provinces.
Sri Lanka is part of China’s Maritime Silk Road. China is also modernizing Hambantota port in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has decided to clear the stalled $1.4 billion Colombo Port City, which had China as a partner
For Fisherman issue Indian Navy or Coast Guard should join the Sri Lankan Navy in jointly patrolling the international boundary to prevent
trespassing.
Cooperation Fields
India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner globally
India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement of 1998 was followed by efforts towards a Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to liberalise trade in services and investment starting in the mid-2000s
India to assist Sri Lanka in the enhanced usage of Natural Gas
joint investments in the development of Port, Petroleum Refinery and other industries in Trincomalee.
India and Sri Lanka signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, the first such deal signed by Sri Lanka with any
foreign country, reflecting the new Lankan government’s pro-India approach.
To encourage Indian companies to invest in a Container Terminal in Colombo Port, considering that majority of
transhipment in Colombo Port is related to India
Sampoor project: 500-MW Sampoor thermal power project, a joint venture involving Sri Lanka and India, was
granted environmental clearance.
While New Delhi’s anxiety over Chinese presence might be justified, it should avoid using China lens to view Sri
Lanka, respecting the country’s autonomy to engage with any willing partner. The more India treats Sri Lanka as an
equal partner, the stronger the relationship is likely to grow.
India’s Contribution
India is the sixth largest donor to Afghanistan in diverse development projects – education, agriculture, infra
India has contributed close to $ 2 billion untied funds in infrastructure development in Afghanistan
Zaranj to Delaram road project for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border
220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul
Construction of Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) in Herat province
Construction of Afghan Parliament
Strategic Significance of Afghanistan
Afghanistan is gateway to energy rich central Asia & situated at crossroads between South Asia & Middle East
Afghanistan has significant oil and gas reserves and has rich source of rare earth materials
Stable government in Kabul is essential to reduce terror activities across south Asia & in J & K
India was the first country Afghanistan chose to sign a strategic partnership agreement with, despite the U.S. and
Pakistan keen on doing so
India donated three Mi-25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan as part of the bilateral strategic partnership to counter
the Taliban
The massive reconstruction plans for the country offer a lot of opportunities for Indian companies.
It has also signed the TAPI pipeline project that aims to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan
and Pakistan to India
In the absence of transit route through Pakistan, India depends on other countries, including Iran, to send goods to Afghanistan even
though it increases time and costs for Indian exporters.
Hence, Recently India and Afghanistan inaugurated a dedicated air freight corridor service. It will provide Afghanistan, a landlocked
country, greater access to markets in India.
India is also cooperating with Afghanistan and Iran for development of the Chahbahar Port which provides an alternative route to
Afghanistan and Central Asia.
India hosted the 6th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia at which the Amritsar Declaration was adopted. It called for immediate
elimination of terrorism to help Afghanistan in its political and economic transition.
Chinese interest in Afghan reconciliation stems not only from a security/terrorism angle but also more significantly to ensure the
sustainability of OBOR given its importance in providing access to Central Asia.
India supports an Afghan led and Afghan owned national reconciliation process within the framework of the
Afghan constitution.
India took a hard line, opposing the dominant view from Russia, China and Pakistan to involve the Taliban in
reconciliation efforts.
Russia’s support to the Taliban will have numerous implications for the future of Afghanistan. It will weaken the
central government in Kabul, which may result in the situation like Syria.
India Myanmar Relations
India and Myanmar have traditionally had much in common, with cultural, historical, ethnic and religious ties, in
addition to sharing a long geographical land border and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
Will reduce distance from Kolkata to Mizoram by approximately 1000 km and cut travelling time to 3-4 days for
transport of goods.
Necessary in case of any conflict with China as present route i.e. chicken neck could be blocked by China in
conflict situation.
The access to the sea that the project provides its Northeastern states could boost their economies.
It would strengthen India’s trade and transport links with Southeast Asia.
It will be instrumental for “act-east policy”
Concern
Discontent over continuing delay in completion of flagship projects
Kaladan and India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway – Conceived over a decade back, they are scheduled to be
completed by 2019.
In addition to a land border, both countries also share a long maritime boundary in the strategically significant
Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal where they face common challenges, which include not just a rising China but
illegal fishing and smuggling.
Impact
Many Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, alleging rape, murder and torture at the hands of security
forces. A large number of those escaping the violence end up in the trafficking networks.
The persecuted Rohingya Muslims are likely to provide fertile recruiting grounds for extremists.
Bangladesh fears that Islamist hard-liners, who staunchly support the Rohingya Muslims, are trying to exploit the
situation for their political benefits.
Some sections of the Rohingyas have formed armed guerilla groups in Rakhine to fight Myanmar’s Army and
operate along the mountainous border.
Despite Myanmar’s transition towards democracy, the country’s government refuses to address the issue.
The Rohingya crisis is a political issue in Myanmar. The ultimate solution lies in the granting citizenship and ensuring
equal rights in their ancestral home. Until a permanent solution is found in Myanmar, it is the responsibility of refugee
hosting countries, including Bangladesh, to ensure that Rohingya people can live with basic human rights and dignity.
International community needs to play more proactive role in resolving present crisis. Due to lack of economic
interest in Myanmar, western world is not very enthusiastic to resolve the crisis and deals it as internal problem of
Myanmar.
Challenges
The key constraint India faces is the lack of direct access to Central Asia
Central Asian region is land locked. It has hampered India’s relation with central Asia. Poor connectivity has also
contributed to the below-par trade between India and Central Asia.
The unstable situation in Afghanistan and a highly problematic India-Pakistan relation have deprived India from the
benefit of relations with Central Asia.
Chinese presence: Central Asia is part of Silk Road Economic Belt initiative
India – Kazakhstan
The biggest source of Uranium for India, besides Australia and Canada
India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan.
Have agreement on defence and military-technical cooperation
Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia
Kazakhstan is the biggest oil and gas producer in Central Asia
Kazakhstan is supportive of India’s permanent membership of UNSC and full membership of SCO and India
supported Kazakhstan’s candidature for non-permanent membership of UNSC for 2017-18.
India Africa Relations
South–South cooperation, people-to-people linkages and common development challenges + India’s consistent
support to anti-colonial & antiracist liberation, & apartheid struggles in South Africa.
Convergence of Interest
Aligned on the outstanding issues at the WTO and are in favour of multilateral trading systems.
Cooperation on climate change as both had “contributed the least to global warming”.
Convergence of interest for reforming the Security Council
India provides a useful model for democratic development & is increasingly responding to requests from African
governments to share its democratic experience
Indian generic drugs, due to their relatively cheap prices, are used heavily to fight HIV/ Aids in Africa
In 2006, India launched its flagship aid initiative in Africa, Pan-African e-Network, the continent’s largest tele-education and
telemedicine initiative.
The network links 47 African countries with schools and hospitals in India through satellite and fiber-optic links.
Chinese loans come with strict conditions that only Chinese technology will be utilized.
India needs to harness this opportunity. India already enjoys the good will of African people due to historical ties
and Indian company’s practices of employing local workers and skilling them.
Japan’s contribution to the project will be its state-of-the-art technology and ability to build quality infrastructure,
while India will bring in its expertise of working in Africa.
Unlike China’s OBOR project Asia Africa Growth Corridor is conceived as a more open and inclusive programme
that will be based on more consultations and keep people as the centre piece rather than just trade and economic
ties.
India West Asia Relations
Importance of West Asia for India
India has huge stakes involved in the region such as energy, trade and safety of Indian community in the region
70 % of India’s imported energy needs come from West Asia & will increase as Indian economy grow
11 million Indians working in West Asia. India is the largest recipient of foreign remittances from west Asia.
Therefore, stability in the region is high on India’s core agenda.
Close cooperation is essential to counter radicalization in India
To reduce the influence of china in west Asia and in Arabian Sea
West Asia is looking to India and other Asian powers to step in and offer security guarantees to the region. Many
GCC states have welcomed defence cooperation agreements with India.
In the wake of the Arab Spring and the mess in Egypt and Iraq, the Gulf states find India and China to be more
reliable interlocutors than many western states.
The structural change in the global energy market with West Asian oil and gas increasingly heading to South and
East Asian markets rather than to the Trans-Atlantic markets.
Under the AEP, India not only expected to bolster its economic engagements with the region; it yearned to emerge as a potential security
balancer as well.
India has attempted to demonstrate its ability to play a dynamic role in the region. India sent a strong signal to China
by mentioning the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, respecting United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
ASEAN Significance
ASEAN countries, particularly Myanmar, Vietnam & Malaysia can potentially contribute to India’s energy
security.
The highly underdeveloped NE States of India, which lie at the gateway to a region offering unlimited economic
opportunities, will witness an economic transformation.
Trade between India and ASEAN comprises 10.12% of India’s total trade with the world
Conclusion of a balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement will further boost
our trade and investment ties with the region.
Cooperation in areas such as maritime security including freedom of navigation, drug trafficking and cybercrime
With ‘Make in India’ emerging as a key campaign for manufacturing, developing new global value chains in
partnership with the economies of ASEAN would bring benefits to both sides. India is also expected to play a
significant role in upholding the security and stability of the region, which India needs to get ready for.
Challenges in IOR
Maritime crime + Piracy + Security of choke points like Strait of Malacca & Sunda strait
Drug hauls and human trafficking in South and Southeast Asia is rising exponentially
Illegal migration & rise in refugee movement from Bangladesh & Myanmar resulted in a humanitarian crisis
Way Ahead
Littoral states should promote regional groupings like IORA which promote inclusive and sustainable regional
development.
Initiatives such as SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – a good strategy to engage the regional
countries and counter not only Chinese presence but also increase the economic integration and security.
Areas such as disaster management, technological advancement, blue economy, sustainable resource extraction,
humanitarian assistance should also be explored
India – A Soft Power
Soft power is the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without resorting to force or coercion. Soft
power is the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and persuasion.
Soft power lies in a country’s attractiveness and comes from three resources: its culture, its political values and its
foreign policies.
Hard power encompasses military and economic means while soft power is about culture and values.
Though slower to yield results, soft power is a less expensive means than military force or economic inducements
to get others to do what we want
India as a Soft Power
India boasts an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources. Its spiritualism, Yoga, movies and television
soaps, classical and popular dance and music, its principle of nonviolence, democratic institutions, plural society and
cuisine have all attracted people across the world.
Indian philosophy has captivated Western minds since the 1960s.
The Indian cinema has long drawn huge audiences in significant parts of Asia, Africa, and beyond.
The impressive participation around the world on International Yoga Day
India has sophisticated systems of philosophy, psychology, medicine, science, social thought and spirituality,
containing a wealth of wisdom and transformative ideas for this new era of information technology.
India has an elaborate and integrated artistic culture of music, dance, painting, poetry, sculpture and architecture,
covering human creativity in all its diverse forms.
Indian soft power has enormous influence in the world – from religious and spiritual aspects to popular culture and
its IT-related expertise.
Without soft power, hard power lacks its intellectual and cultural edge. While soft power provides the ideas and
motivation, hard power gives the tools and weapons for the soft power to expand.
Emblem Map of world b/w 2 olive branches (In white n Blue color)
The UNO has 4 main purposes
To keep peace throughout the world;
To develop friendly relations among nations;
To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and
illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;
To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.
Budgetary matters by majority of votes i.e. 2/3rd of the members present & voting
Make recommendations on any matters within the scope of the UN, except matters of peace and
security that are under consideration by the Security Council
Elects the non-permanent members of the UNSC; all members of ECOSOC; the UN Secretary
General (following proposal by the UNSC); and the fifteen judges of the International Court of
Justice (ICJ)
The five permanent members hold veto power over UN resolutions, allowing a permanent member to block adoption of a resolution,
though not debate
The ten temporary seats are held for two-year terms, with member states voted in by the General Assembly on a regional basis
IMF’s role was fundamentally altered after the floating exchange rates post 1971
Shifted to examining the economic policies of countries
Researched what types of government policy would ensure economic recovery
Its function became of surveillance of the overall macroeconomic performance of its member countries
Now manages economic policy instead of just exchange rates + Promotes international trade
Publishes surveys on world economy → World Economic Outlook
Given its unequal voting power mechanism, IMF doesn’t always serve the interests of poor & developing countries, hence
requires two set of reforms
Problem : 70% votes required to implement this reform, not 70 nations, & the nations who collectively own 70%
quota- USA, Germany, Japan etc. Hence quota reform is pending.
Problem: Requires 85% votes in favor, hence governance reform is pending as well.
World Bank (WB)
HQ – Washington
Set up in 1944 with a charter to drive post-World War II reconstruction
Officially known as IBRD ( International bank for reconstruction and Development)
Provide long term soft loans to rebuild the third world (Soft loans → interest rate is very low)
The official goal or mission of the World Bank is reduction of poverty
Aim – Promotion of foreign investment and international trade + Facilitation of capital investment
Voting Power
Voting power is based on economic size + International Development Association contributions.
In 2010, voting powers at the World Bank were revised to increase the voice of developing countries, notably
China. The countries with most voting power are:
Japan (6.84%)
China (4.42%)
Germany (4.00%)
France (3.75%)
India (2.91%)
China → 41 Billion
Contingency reserve arrangement (CRA) Brazil, India, Russia → 18 Billion Each
S Africa → 5 billion
Chinese
English
Portuguese
Russian
Official language
22 Official Languages of India
Different voting powers based Differs according to All five members have
voting power on Quota system. shareholding equal voting power.
Poverty reduction to 3%
Loans for
Loans to solve Balance of by 2030.
infrastructure and
Payment (BoP) crisis.
Soft loans for sustainable
Technical assistance in development projects. development projects
policy making
Promoting foreign Helping country in
Purpose Surveillance over investment and balance of payment
International economy international trade. (BoP) crisis
RBI Governor Rajan- “we did not setup BRICS bank to challenge World bank and IMF. This bank is setup only to
provide “patient money” to BRICS nations, because World Bank and IMF are taking too much time to reform
themselves.”
Evolution of WTO
Bretton Woods conference wanted to make ITO (International Trade Org.) but USA did not ratify.
1944 Thus, GATT was born as a stopgap arrangement
GATT (General Agreement on Trade & Tariffs) established aimed to reduce barriers to international
1947 trade
1986 Service & Intellectual Property rights related topics included in the debate, 1993, everyone agreed
on it
WTO Structure
Supreme Decision Making body
160 members, Latest member → Yemen (Capital: Sanaa)
Meets once every two years,
Deliberates on trade agreements
Ministerial
Conference Appoints Director General
Tariff Barriers → When Govt. puts heavy import duty / custom duty on Foreign Products which protects domestic
players from competition from foreign players
Non Tariff barriers → When Domestic players are given subsidies / preference over the foreign players by Govt.
for Ex.
When Govt. is buying some Phones/ Xerox Machines, in the tender it’ll mention that only Domestic companies are allowed.
Making polices in a way that it’s hard for foreign player to start factory / introduce his product in India
Key Functions of WTO
Reduce above stated barriers to international trade – both tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers & Get the members
enter into multilateral trade agreements.
Provide forum for negotiation & dispute settlement for members, if agreements are violated.
Ensure the developing countries benefit from world trade, especially the least Developed countries
Cooperate with UN, World and IMF for a global economic policy that improves livelihood, protects environment
and promotes sustainable Development.
Food Products Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Agreement (SPS) → Based on Hygiene & Quality
WTO Agreements
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
Agreements on
Agriculture
Textile
Antidumping
Copyrights
Patents
Trademarks
Geographical indicators
Industrial designs
Integrated circuit layout-designs
Plurilateral Not signed by all countries – Civil aircrafts, Government procurement, Dairy
Agreements Products, Bovine meat
Hot Topic in News → Agreement on Agriculture, WTO wants to
Reduce import duty
Reduce export subsidies
Reduce Amber box subsides (Domestic subsidies)
Subsidies that disturb trade balance like subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, power and
irrigation.
By this, country’s product becomes cheaper than others, in the international market
India’s stand
In 1986: USA agriculture production was far ahead of India. So, their 5% De-minimus quota will be far bigger than
our 10% quota (in absolute figures).
Input costs have skyrocketed in these decades. But, De-minimus doesn’t consider inflation factor.
So, if India has to limit its (Amber box) agro. subsidies to a non-inflation adjusted 86’s production; we cannot
continue the MSP to farmers or food security to poor.
These subsidized foodgrain are meant for feeding the poor only, they do not distort international trade.
Exporters from Least developing countries, will get Duty free, quota free
LDC Exports (DFQF) access to markets in foreign countries
is paying subsidies for staple foodcrops for public stockholding program & food security purpose.
Permanent solution will be taken no later than 11th ministerial conference i.e. at December 2017.
Benefits – Increase global GDP by $1 trillion (~Rs 60 lakh crore) + more jobs approx. 21 million
Deadline – 2014, July, 31st But India refused + Agreement becomes effective from – 2015
Therefore, Government has decided to use TFA signature as a “Bargaining Chip” for a permanent solution of food
subsidies issue.
India-US agreed to resolve differences over public stockholding for food security under WTO
As per the deal agreed between India and the US, the Peace Clause under Bali package will be allowed to continue in
perpetuity and India’s food security programme will not be challenged under the WTO rules until a permanent
solution to it is found.
However, bilateral agreement between India and the US need an endorsement by 160 WTO members.
The agreement will help pave the way for reaching a consensus on Bali Package of WTO and help implement far
reaching reforms of custom rules under TFA.
Further, it will help India continue its food security programme and food subsidy.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
An economic & geopolitical organization of 8 countries that are primarily located in South Asia
Established in 1985; Secretariat – Kathmandu, Nepal; Official language – English
Members – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Srilanka, Maldives, Afghanistan
1st summit at Dhaka, only 1 new member added since birth i.e. Afghanistan
Evolutuion of SAARC
The idea of regional political and economic cooperation in South Asia was first raised in 1980 and the first summit
was held in Dhakaon 8 December 1985, when the organization was established by the governments
of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Since then organization has expanded by accepting one new full member, Afghanistan, and several observer
members.
The official meetings of the leaders of each nation are held annually whilst the foreign ministers meet twice
annually.
SAARC Objectives
SAARC policies aim to promote welfare economics, collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia,
and to accelerate socio-cultural development in the region
To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life
To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes
To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific
fields
To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s problems; & to maintain peace in the
region
Developments in SAARC
South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) – to reduce customs duties of all traded goods to zero by the year 2016
Visa Exemption Scheme – certain categories of dignitaries should be entitled to a Special Travel document, which
would exempt them from visas within the region
Regional Railways Agreement
Motor Vehicles Agreement
Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)
SAARC Region Satellite launch plan
Founding Members ( 5 Members) Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
OPEC membership is open to any country that is a substantial exporter of oil and that shares the ideals of the
organization → (Currently 13 members)
The 13 countries account for 40 percent of global oil production and 73 percent of the world’s “proven” oil
reserves, making OPEC a major influence on global oil prices
Being an organization consisting of the world’s major oil-exporting nations, OPEC is a cartel that aims to manage the
supply of oil in an effort to set the price of oil on the world market, in order to avoid fluctuations that might affect the
economies of both producing and purchasing countries.
China 47%
India 36%
Australia 81%
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