PT Sprint 2023 (International Relations) - Final

Drishti IAS Presents...
I nternational R elations (March 2022 — March 2023)
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Contents
z India, France, UAE Trilateral Initiative .................................................................................................................... 1
z India-Kenya Ties . .................................................................................................................................................... 1
z Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan ....................................................................................................... 2
z India-Mongolia Relations . ...................................................................................................................................... 3
z Paris Club................................................................................................................................................................. 3
z China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ........................................................................................................................ 4
z 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 5
z Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy ............................................................................................................................... 6
z Japan’s Reaching Out to the Global South . ........................................................................................................... 8
z Russia Suspends New START .................................................................................................................................. 9
z India-Germany Cooperation on Innovation . .......................................................................................................... 9
z The Indian Diaspora . ............................................................................................................................................ 10
z India-US Trade Policy Forum................................................................................................................................. 11
z India and Maldives................................................................................................................................................ 12
z India Sri Lanka Relations ....................................................................................................................................... 12
z India-Oman Strategic Dialogue . ........................................................................................................................... 13
z India-Egypt Relations ............................................................................................................................................ 14
z China Builds New Dam in Tibet ............................................................................................................................ 15
z Indus Waters Treaty.............................................................................................................................................. 16
z NSA Meet with Central Asia.................................................................................................................................. 17
z Wassenaar Arrangement . .................................................................................................................................... 18
z India as Voice of Global South .............................................................................................................................. 19
z Indian and Chinese Troops Clash in Arunachal Pradesh ....................................................................................... 20
z Presidency of India at the UNSC ........................................................................................................................... 21
z India Germany Relations ...................................................................................................................................... 22
z SAARC Currency Swap Framework ...................................................................................................................... 23
z 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting ........................................................................................................................ 24
z Foreign Policy of India .......................................................................................................................................... 24
z Vijay Diwas and Indo Bangladesh Relations ......................................................................................................... 26
z India-Armenia Relations ....................................................................................................................................... 27
z India-Nepal Relations............................................................................................................................................ 28
z Russia-China Joint Naval Drills .............................................................................................................................. 28
z Strait of Hormuz ................................................................................................................................................... 29
z India Norway Relations . ....................................................................................................................................... 29
z 19th ASEAN-India Summit ..................................................................................................................................... 31
z India-Belarus Relation .......................................................................................................................................... 32
z Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads . ................................................................................................................. 33
z 2nd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers Meeting ......................................................................................................... 34
z Black Sea Grain Initiative ...................................................................................................................................... 35
z India-US Economic and Financial Partnership Meet............................................................................................. 36
z India Abstains Russia’s UNSC Resolution on Bioweapons .................................................................................... 37
z Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2022) ......................................................................................................... 37
z India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement ............................................................................. 38
z G-20 Summit 2022 ................................................................................................................................................ 39
z India Norway Maritime Cooperation..................................................................................................................... 40
z Meeting of China-Indian Ocean Region Forum .................................................................................................... 41
z India and Gulf Cooperation Council....................................................................................................................... 43
z India and Refugee Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 44
z Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ...................................................................................................... 45
z UN Peacekeeping Forces Fatalities ...................................................................................................................... 46
z Sapta Kosi High Dam Project ................................................................................................................................ 46
z Nord Stream Pipeline ........................................................................................................................................... 47
z Conflict in the Korean Peninsula . ......................................................................................................................... 47
z India-New Zealand Relations ................................................................................................................................ 49
z Ethiopia................................................................................................................................................................. 50
z India-Africa Defence Dialogue .............................................................................................................................. 51
z Interpol General Assembly Meeting . ................................................................................................................... 52
z Indo-Pacific............................................................................................................................................................ 53
z UNSC 1267 Committee ......................................................................................................................................... 54
z India-Russia Trade................................................................................................................................................. 55
z 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting .................................................................................................................... 56
z Pakistan Removed from FATF Grey List................................................................................................................. 57
z Israel-Lebanon: Maritime Border Deal ................................................................................................................. 58
z India Qatar GI Products Meet . ............................................................................................................................. 59
z IMF Bailout to Sri Lanka . ...................................................................................................................................... 60
z India-South Africa Bilateral Meeting .................................................................................................................... 62
z India Bangladesh Agreements .............................................................................................................................. 63
z Uyghur Rights Abuse ............................................................................................................................................ 64
z China Objects Indo-US Military Drill Near LAC ..................................................................................................... 65
z Indo-China Disengagement at Hot Springs & Gogra Post . ................................................................................... 66
z US - Indonesia Military Drill .................................................................................................................................. 67
z Indo-Pacific Economic Framework........................................................................................................................ 68
z Tenth Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference ............................................................................................ 68
z Japan & India to Boost Defence Ties .................................................................................................................... 69
z India to host G20 Summit in 2023 ........................................................................................................................ 70
z India Mexico Relations ......................................................................................................................................... 71
z Issue of Tamilians in Sri Lanka .............................................................................................................................. 72
z Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Conflict ............................................................................................................................... 73
z India Saudi Arabia Relations ................................................................................................................................. 75
z Future of the Commonwealth .............................................................................................................................. 76
z ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting .......................................................................................................... 76
z Eastern Economic Forum . .................................................................................................................................... 77
z Quad Grouping ..................................................................................................................................................... 78
z Group of Four (G-4) Countries .............................................................................................................................. 79
z Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)........................................................................................................................ 79
z ICAO Joins International Solar Alliance.................................................................................................................. 80
z Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2022...................................................................................... 81
z Asian Palm Oil Alliance ......................................................................................................................................... 82
z Iran Nuclear Deal Talks ......................................................................................................................................... 82
z India-Uzbekistan Relations ................................................................................................................................... 83
z India Maldives Relations . ..................................................................................................................................... 84
z Critical Minerals Alliance ...................................................................................................................................... 85
z India-Mauritius Joint Trade Committee................................................................................................................. 86
z India & its Neighbourhood ................................................................................................................................... 87
z US-China Tensions ................................................................................................................... 89
z Ceasefire between Israel and Palestine . .............................................................................................................. 91
z New START Treaty ................................................................................................................................................ 92
z UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan . ............................................................................................. 92
z Maritime Security ................................................................................................................................................. 93
z India-Iran Pact on Seafarers ................................................................................................................................. 95
z Talks Between India & NATO . .............................................................................................................................. 96
z India-Gabon Relations .......................................................................................................................................... 96
z Airspace Violations Near LAC ............................................................................................................................... 97
z CPEC Authority ..................................................................................................................................................... 99
z Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy Visits India ........................................................................................................ 100
z India-Bangladesh River Water Sharing MoU....................................................................................................... 101
z Russia-China Cooperation in the Arctic .............................................................................................................. 102
z World Summit of Information Society 2022 . ..................................................................................................... 103
z India & Gulf Countries ........................................................................................................................................ 104
z Organisation of Islamic Cooperation .................................................................................................................. 105
z India-Israel Relations .......................................................................................................................................... 106
z India-Bangladesh Railway Links Restored . ......................................................................................................... 108
z The International Day of UN Peacekeepers . ...................................................................................................... 109
z China’s Expansion in the Pacific Island Countries ............................................................................................... 109
z Trincomalee Port of Sri Lanka . ........................................................................................................................... 110
z Industry Transition Dialogue between India and Sweden .................................................................................. 111
z India Vietnam Partnership . ................................................................................................................................ 112
z Israel Signs Free Trade Deal with UAE ................................................................................................................ 113
z Australia India Water Security Initiative (AIWASI) . ............................................................................................ 114
z Aegean Sea.......................................................................................................................................................... 115
z China’s Presence in the Horn of Africa .............................................................................................................. 115
z WTO’s Appellate Body ........................................................................................................................................ 117
z I2U2 Initiative...................................................................................................................................................... 118
z India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation.................................................................................................................. 119
z 14th BRICS Summit .............................................................................................................................................. 120
z 24th ASEAN-India Meeting................................................................................................................................... 121
z West Seti Power Project: Nepal . ........................................................................................................................ 123
z 48th G-7 Summit................................................................................................................................................... 124
z Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).............................................................................. 125
z India-Nordic Countries Bilateral Talks................................................................................................................. 126
z India and Denmark.............................................................................................................................................. 127
z Indian PM’s Visit to European Countries ............................................................................................................ 128
z Twin Hurdles Hinder India’s Maritime Role......................................................................................................... 129
z Chinese Bridge on Pangong Tso . ........................................................................................................................ 130
z Nagorno-Karabakh Region.................................................................................................................................. 131
z NATO Membership for Finland and Sweden....................................................................................................... 132
z WHO Reforms...................................................................................................................................................... 133
z BRICS High Level Meeting on Climate Change . .................................................................................................. 135
z SCO ‘Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)’ Meeting..................................................................................... 136
z Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA)................................................................................................................ 136
z Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ..................................................................................................................... 138
z Bongosagar Exercise ........................................................................................................................................... 139
z India-Canada Science and Technology Cooperation .......................................................................................... 139
z India’s Trade with the USA ................................................................................................................................. 141
z US-Taiwan Relations ........................................................................................................................................... 142
z Bilateral Security and Defence Cooperation: Indo-Japan ................................................................................... 143
z India and Senegal................................................................................................................................................ 144
z Security Deal between China and Solomon Island............................................................................................. 145
z India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement............................................................................ 146
z India, Turkmenistan Bilateral Meet..................................................................................................................... 147
z 4th India- US ‘2+2’ Dialogue................................................................................................................................. 148
w w w. d r i s h ti IA S. c om PT SPRINT (2023) International Relations 1
Malegaon dockyards through a technology-transfer
India, France, arrangement in 2005.
UAE Trilateral Initiative Also, India and France had signed the inter-
government agreement in 2016, under which
France agreed to provide 36 Rafale fighter jets
Why in News? at a cost of around 60,000 crore rupees to India.
Recently, India, France, and the United Arab Emirates ¾ Other Initiatives:
(UAE) have agreed to form a partnership to work together India and France are in joint efforts to limit climate
in the fields of nuclear and solar energy, as well as in change and develop the International Solar Alliance.
tackling climate change and preserving biodiversity.
France has agreed to be part of India’s Venus
¾ The idea of this partnership was first discussed at
mission, scheduled for 2025.
a meeting in New York during the United Nations
z Also, ISRO’s Venus instrument, VIRAL (Venus
General Assembly in September 2022.
Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) has been
What Are the Major Highlights co-developed by French and Russian agencies.
of the Trilateral Initiative? What are the Other Areas of
¾ This trilateral initiative will serve as a forum to promote Cooperation between India and UAE?
the design and execution of cooperation projects in
¾ Collaboration: They both are the members of I2U2
the fields of energy, with a focus on solar and nuclear
Grouping.
energy, as well as in the fight against climate change
and the protection of biodiversity, particularly in the ¾ Economic Partnership: In 2022 India & UAE signed
Indian Ocean region. a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA) with an aim of taking bilateral trade to USD
¾ The three countries have also agreed to work together in
100 billion within 5 years.
defence, countering infectious diseases, and promoting
Also, India and UAE are discussing ways to boost
cooperation in global health organisations such as
the World Health Organization, Gavi-the Vaccine non-oil commerce in rupees that will promote
Alliance, the Global Fund, and Unitaid. internationalisation of rupees.
UAE is the second largest export destination of
¾ Further, the three countries will attempt to identify
tangible cooperation on implementing the “One India (after the US) with an amount of over US$
Health” approach, and support the development 28 billion for the year 2021-22.
of local capacities in biomedical innovation and z For the UAE, India is the second largest trading
production within developing countries. partner for the year 2021 with an amount of
¾ The three countries also agreed to expand their
around USD 45 billion (non-oil trade).
cooperation through initiatives such as the Mangrove ¾ Defence Cooperation: With the spread of radicalism
Alliance for Climate led by the UAE and the Indo- in the Gulf and South Asia, India looks to enhance
Pacific Parks Partnership led by India and France. security cooperation with the UAE to counter terrorist
threats and combat radicalization.
What are the Other Areas of Cooperation ‘Desert Eagle II’, is a joint air combat exercise,
between India and France? between air forces of India and UAE.
¾ Defence Cooperation:
The three services of both countries have regular India-Kenya Ties
defence exercises; viz.
z Exercise Shakti (Army) Why in News?
z Exercise Varuna (Navy)
India recently handed over 100 nautical charts to
z Exercise Garuda (Air Force) Kenya, the result of a collaborative survey between the
India entered into a contract with a French firm navies of both countries of the coastal area near the Lamu
to build six Scorpene submarines in India’s Archipelago.
Note:
2 PT SPRINT (2023) International Relations www.d rish t i I A S . c o m
¾ From India, the survey was conducted by the Indian ¾ EC offers nearly 10,000 fully-funded in-person
Navy’s National Hydrography Office. training opportunities through nearly 400 courses
offered at 100+ eminent institutes in India each year.
What are the Key Points Related to Kenya?
¾ Kenya is located in East Africa. Its terrain rises from a
low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean to mountains Multilateral Security
and plateaus at its centre. Dialogue on Afghanistan
¾ Kenya’s location between the Indian Ocean and Lake
Victoria means that people from all over Africa and
Why in News?
the Middle East have travelled and traded across it
for centuries. Recently, the National Security Advisor(NSG)
This has created a diverse culture with many addressed a Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan
ethnic groups and languages. in Moscow.
¾ Scientists think Northern Kenya and Tanzania may ¾ The discussion revolved around issues related to
have been the original birthplace of humans. Afghanistan, including security and humanitarian
The bones of one of the earliest human ancestors
challenges and was attended by representatives from
ever found were discovered in Kenya’s Turkana Basin. various countries including Russia, China, and Iran.
¾ Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, is part
What are Key Highlights of the Dialogue?
of the Omo-Turkana basin, which stretches into four
countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. ¾ NSG emphasized that no country should be allowed to
UN-Habitat maintains its headquarters at the
use Afghan territory for exporting terrorism and that
United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya. India will always support the people of Afghanistan
in their time of need.
How are India’s Relations with Kenya? ¾ NSG also spoke about the importance of UN Security
¾ India and Kenya have historical linkages rooted in Council resolution 2593 that calls for denying sanctuary
the well-documented trade in spices. to terror outfits in the region.
In addition to being India’s maritime neighbour,
it is also a significant stakeholder in determining How is India’s Relations with Afghanistan?
the geopolitics of the Western Indian Ocean. ¾ Political Relations:
¾ India has a long-established connection with the India has been a strong supporter of Afghan
African Union of which Kenya is an active member. democracy and has consistently advocated for
The Kenyan government in 2017, recognized the
a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan.
Indian descent as the 44th tribe in the country. z But India is still yet to recognize the Taliban
¾ Also, till date, a total of 14 Kenyan personnel has regime in Afghanistan and has been advocating
undergone courses at the National Institute of for the formation of an inclusive government
Hydrography, Goa under the Indian Technical and in Kabul.
Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme. Also, India re-established its diplomatic presence
What is the Indian Technical and in Kabul in June 2022.
Economic Cooperation Programme? ¾ Humanitarian Assistance:
¾ ITEC is the leading capacity building platform of the India has been providing humanitarian aid to
Ministry Of External Affairs, Government of India. Afghanistan, including 40,000 metric tonnes of
¾ Instituted in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest wheat, 60 tonnes of medicines, 5,00,000 Covid
institutionalised arrangements for international vaccines, winter clothing, and 28 tonnes of disaster
capacity building having trained more than 200,000 relief.
officials from 160+ countries in both the civilian India has also granted scholarships to 2,260 Afghan
and in the defence sector. students, including 300 girls, over the past two years.
Note:
¾ Economic Relations: ¾ International Cooperation:
India has undertaken more than 400 key Mongolia has publicly reiterated its support for
infrastructure projects in all 34 Afghan provinces India’s membership to the permanent seat of the
and has signed strategic agreements to enhance expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
trade and bilateral relations. India has played an important role in getting
z From 2002 to 2021, India spent USD 4 billion Mongolia membership to key international forums,
in development assistance in Afghanistan, including the United Nations (UN), despite strong
building high-visibility projects such as highways, opposition from China and Taiwan.
hospitals, the parliament building, rural schools, India also championed the inclusion of Mongolia
and electricity transmission lines. in the Non-Aligned Movement.
¾ Connectivity: z In a reciprocal gesture, Mongolia co-sponsored a
India has been working towards building regional 1972 UN resolution with India and Bhutan for the
connectivity with Afghanistan by developing the recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.
Chabahar port and providing access to markets ¾ Economic Cooperation:
in the region. In 2022, an India-built oil refinery at the cost of
more than USD 1 billion and with a capacity of 1.5
million metric tonnes was opened near Sainshand
India-Mongolia Relations in southern Dornogovi province of Mongolia.
z This refinery will take care of 75 % of Mongolia’s
Why in News? oil refining needs.
Recently, the 11th meeting of the India-Mongolia India - Mongolia bilateral trade was USD 35.3 million
Joint Working Group was held in India. in 2020, down from USD 38.3 million in 2019.
¾ While acknowledging the growing ties between both ¾ Cultural Cooperation:
the countries, they expressed satisfaction at the The India-Mongolian Agreement on Cultural
ongoing defense cooperation despite the limitations Cooperation, signed in 1961, has governed the
imposed by Covid-19 pandemic. Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between the
two countries.
How have been the India-Mongolia Relations? The Agreement envisages co-operation in the fields
¾ Historical Relations: of education by way of scholarships, exchange of

India and Mongolia have interacted through
experts, participation in conferences, etc.
Buddhism throughout history. ¾ Defence Cooperation:
Mongolia regards India as its “third” neighbor Joint defence exercises code-named Nomadic
along with US, Japan, and Germany and a “spiritual Elephant.

neighbour”. India is also an active participant in an annual
¾ Diplomatic Relations: week-long joint training exercise called the Khaan

India established diplomatic relations with
Quest, hosted by Mongolia.
Mongolia in 1955 and it was the first country ¾ Cooperation over Environmental Issues:
outside the Soviet bloc to open diplomatic relations Part of the Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).
with Mongolia.
The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was Paris Club
opened in 1971.
This relationship was upgraded to “strategic
Why in News?
partnership” in 2015 when the Indian Prime The Paris Club, an informal group of creditor nations,
Minister visited Mongolia and declared it as an will provide financial assurances to the International
essential component of ‘Act East Policy’. Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sri Lanka’s debt.
Note:
¾ Sri Lanka needs assurance from the Paris Club and

other creditors in order to receive a USD 2.9 billion China-Pakistan
bailout package from the IMF, following an economic Economic Corridor
crisis in 2022.
What is Why in News?

the Paris Club? Pakistan inaugurated a USD 2.7 billion nuclear reactor
under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), providing
¾ About:
some relief as the nation grapples with an energy crisis.
The Paris Club is a group of mostly western creditor
¾ This is a 1,100 megawatts capacity power plant,
countries that grew from a 1956 meeting in which
which will generate some of the nation’s cheapest
Argentina agreed to meet its public creditors in
electricity.
Paris.
z It describes itself as a forum where official What is the Background
creditors meet to solve payment difficulties
¾ Pakistan experienced nationwide power outages
faced by debtor countries.
recently due to a breakdown in its national grid.
Their objective is to find sustainable debt-relief ¾ The country has struggled with blackouts for years
solutions for countries that are unable to repay and is facing surging energy costs, low foreign-
their bilateral loans. exchange reserves, and pressure on its government
¾ Members: budget.
The members are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, ¾ Pakistan is in talks with the International Monetary
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Fund for a bailout in exchange for increased energy
Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, tariffs. The country’s foreign-exchange reserves fell
South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the to the lowest in nine years, as high fossil fuel costs
United Kingdom and the United States. put pressure on the government’s budget.
All 22 are members of the group called Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development What is CPEC?
(OECD). ¾ CPEC is a 3,000-km long route of infrastructure
¾ Involved in Debt Agreements: projects connecting China’s northwest Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region and the Gwadar Port in
According to its official website, Paris Club has
the western province of Balochistan in Pakistan.
reached 478 agreements with 102 different
debtor countries. ¾ It is a bilateral project between Pakistan and China,
intended to promote connectivity across Pakistan
Since 1956, the debt treated in the framework
with a network of highways, railways, and pipelines
of Paris Club agreements amounts to USD 614
accompanied by energy, industrial, and other
billion.
infrastructure development projects.
¾ Recent Developments:
¾ It will pave the way for China to access the Middle
The Paris group countries dominated bilateral East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China
lending in the last century, but their importance to access the Indian Ocean and in return China will
has receded over the last two decades or so with support development projects in Pakistan to overcome
the emergence of China as the world’s biggest the latter’s energy crises and stabilising its faltering
bilateral lender. economy.
In Sri Lanka’s case, for instance, India, China, and ¾ CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Japan are the largest bilateral creditors. The BRI, launched in 2013, aims to link Southeast
z Sri Lanka’s debt to China is 52% of its bilateral Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe
debt, 19.5% to Japan, and 12% to India. with a network of land and sea routes.
Note:
What are the If CPEC proves a success, will further consolidate the
Challenges of CPEC for Pakistan and China? region’s perception as internationally recognised
Pakistani territory, diminishing India’s claim over
¾ Pakistan:
the 73,000 sq km piece of land which is home to
Regional Imbalances: CPEC is focused on certain more than 1.8 million people.
areas and provinces in Pakistan, leading to concerns
¾ Chinese Control Over Trade Via Sea:
about regional imbalances in development and
Major US ports on the East Coast depend on the
investment.
Panama Canal to trade with China.
Debt Trap: Pakistan’s debt levels have become a
Once CPEC becomes fully functional, China will
concern due to the large scale of projects financed
be in a position to offer a ‘shorter and more
by loans from China and the ability to repay these
economical’ trade route to most North and Latin
loans. China is now Pakistan’s largest creditor, with
American enterprises, giving China the power
Pakistan owing 27.4% of its total external debt to
to dictate the terms by which the international
China in 2021, according to the IMF.
movement of goods will take place between the
Environmental Impacts: The large-scale
Atlantic and the Pacific oceans.
infrastructure projects that make up CPEC could
¾ Chinese String of Pearls:
have negative environmental impacts, including
With an existing presence in Chittagong port
deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and air and
water pollution. (Bangladesh), Hambantota port (Sri Lanka), Port
Sudan (Sudan), Maldives, Somalia and Seychelles,
Social Implications: The development of the project
a control of Gwadar port establishes complete
has led to concerns about the displacement of
dominance of the Indian ocean by the Communist
local communities and the loss of their traditional
nation.
livelihoods, as well as the impact of increased
¾ Stronger BRI and Chinese Dominance in Trade
migration and population pressures in the region.
Leadership:
Sovereignty Concerns: Some have raised concerns
China’s BRI project that focuses on the trade
about China’s increasing influence in Pakistan and
the potential for the project to compromise the connectivity between China and the rest of Eurasia
country’s sovereignty and independence. through a network of ports, roads and railways
has been often seen as China’s plan to dominate
¾ China:
the region politically. CPEC is one giant step in
Security Concerns: The security of Chinese workers
the same direction.
and the stability of the region pose a major challenge
for the success of CPEC.
Political Opposition: There has been opposition 3rd ASEAN Digital
from certain political parties and groups who are
concerned about the perceived lack of transparency Ministers Meeting
and the potential long-term implications of the
project on Pakistan’s sovereignty. Why in News?
The 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting
What are CPEC’s Implications for India? was held recently .
¾ India’s Sovereignty: ¾ The theme of the meeting was “Synergy Towards a
India has continuously opposed the project since Sustainable Digital Future”.
it passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
territory of Gilgit-Baltistan – a claim opposed by What are the Major Highlights of the Meeting?
Pakistan. ¾ The meeting focused on enhancing the relationship
The corridor is also perceived to be an alternative between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast
economic road link for the Kashmir Valley lying Asian Nations) in the area of Information and
on the Indian side of the border. Communication Technologies (ICTs) .
Note:
India emphasised its reforms to promote fair

¾ Other Areas of Engagement:
competition, and increase broadband and telecom Financial Assistance:
connectivity. z India offers financial support to ASEAN countries
z The significance of digital transformation through various channels such as the ASEAN-
was also highlighted as a means of creating India Cooperation Fund, the ASEAN-India
an inclusive and equitable society, promoting Science and Technology Development Fund,
sustainable development, and empowering and the ASEAN-India Green Fund.
citizens through digital means. Connectivity:
¾ India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 was approved, z India has been implementing several connectivity
which includes initiatives for capacity building initiatives, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand
and knowledge sharing in areas such as Artificial Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal
Intelligence in Cybersecurity, IoT and AI in Next Project.
Generation Smart Cities, and the role of ICTs in z Additionally, India is working towards establishing
implementing digital health and security. a Maritime Transportation Agreement with
ASEAN and has plans for a railway connection
How is India’s Relations with ASEAN? between New Delhi, India and Hanoi, Vietnam.
¾ About:
India and ASEAN have a long-standing and multi-

faceted relationship that encompasses political,
Canada’s
economic, cultural, and security dimensions. Indo-Pacific Strategy
¾ Evolution of Bilateral Relations:
India-ASEAN bilateral relationship started evolving Why in News?
since India introduced ‘Look East Policy’ in 1990s. Recently, India-Canada Foreign minister’s Bilateral
z This initiative was further transformed to ‘Act meeting as ‘India-Canada strategic Dialogue’ took place
East Policy’ in 2014 mainly to develop economic ahead of G20 Foreign ministers’ meeting in March in New
and strategic relations with the nations of Delhi.
Southeast Asian countries. ¾ India welcomed the announcement of Canada’s
In 1992, India emerged as a Sectoral Partner of Indo-Pacific Strategy given the shared vision of a
ASEAN followed by Dialogue Partner in 1996 and free, open and inclusive Indo pacific.
a Summit-level Partner in 2002.
In 2009, The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods
What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
Agreement (AITIGA) was signed and entered into ¾ The Ministers discussed strengthening the economic
force on 1 January 2010. partnership, advancing security cooperation, facilitating
z Also, India has a Comprehensive Economic migration and mobility, and growing our strong
Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with various people-to-people ties.
countries of the ASEAN region (Singapore, ¾ Canadian FM termed India as a critical partner for
Malaysia and Thailand) which has resulted in Canada in the Indo- Pacific. In return, Canada can
concessional trade and a rise in investments. be a reliable supplier of critical minerals, a strong
In 2015, India also set up a separate Mission to partner in the green transition and a major investor.
ASEAN and the East Asia Summit in Jakarta in 2015
to strengthen engagement with ASEAN countries. What is the Significance of the Meeting?
In 2022, the ASEAN India Friendship Year was ¾ Candian FM’s visit is expected to pave the way for
observed to commemorate the 30-year milestone a continued reset in India-Canada ties after a freeze
of the establishment of dialogue relations between between 2020-2022.
ASEAN and India, leading to the elevation of their Freeze was over a number of issues including attacks
Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic on Indian-origin people and establishments by
Partnership (CSP). Khalistani groups in Canada, Canadian comments
Note:
over India’s farmer protests and India’s cancellation ¾ Objectives:
of diplomatic talks in response. Promote peace, resilience and security.
In 2022, New Delhi objected to Canada permitting Expand trade, investment and supply chain
a Khalistani secessionist “referendum” and hit resilience.
back with an advisory against travel in Canada Invest in and connect people.
that warned against hate crimes. Build a sustainable and green future.
¾ Apart from encouraging investment from Canadian Be an active and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific.
funds, both the countries look forward to the ‘Early
Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA)’ as a first step How are India-Canada Relations?
towards ‘Comprehensive Economic Partnership
¾ Political:
Agreement (CEPA)’.
India and Canada share commonalities in
¾ The issue of Khalistani activities in Canada, which
Parliamentary structure and procedures. After the
has contributed to the strained relationship between
general election in October 2019, Mr Raj Saini, MP
Canada and India, was not addressed in any official from the House of Common has been appointed
statements. as the Chair of the Canada-India Parliamentary
¾ As India’s economy grows, its strategic importance Association.
will only increase, providing a greater opportunity In India, Canada is represented by the High
for Canada and India to strengthen their relationship. Commission of Canada in New Delhi.
¾ Both countries share a suspicion of China and are India is represented in Canada by a High Commission
seeking to expand trade ties, improve supply chain in Ottawa and by consulates in Toronto and
resilience, and encourage greater exchange of people Vancouver.
between their countries. ¾ Economic:
Bilateral trade between India and Canada stands
What is Canada’s Indo Pacific Policy?
at USD 6.4 billion in 2020. In 2021, India was
¾ About: Canada’s 14th largest export market, and 13th
Canada released a new Indo-Pacific strategy,
largest trading partner overall.
focusing on four regions: China, India, the North More than 400 Canadian companies have a presence
Pacific (Japan and Koreas), and ASEAN. in India, and more than 1,000 companies are
z The Indo-Pacific region is home to the largest actively pursuing business in the Indian market.
diaspora in Canada, with 1 in 5 Canadians having Indian companies in Canada are active in the field
family ties to the region and 60% of Canada’s such as Information Technology, software, steel,
international students. natural resources and banking sectors.
The strategy contains strong words on China’s India’s exports to Canada include pharma, iron
challenge to the international rules-based order and steel, chemicals, gem and jewelry, nuclear
and human rights, while expressing a positive reactors and boilers.
view of India’s shared tradition of democracy Canada has one of the world’s largest resources
and pluralism. of uranium, natural gas, oil, coal, minerals and
However, Canada also acknowledges its dependence advanced technologies in hydropower, mining,
on China as its main export destination and renewable energy and nuclear energy.
recognizes the need for cooperation with China ¾ Science and Technology:
on issues such as climate change and health. Primary focus has been on promoting Industrial
¾ Funding: R&D (Research and Development) and development
Canada’s strategy includes a funding commitment of of new IP (Intellectual property) processes,
$1.7 billion over five years, including infrastructure prototypes or products.
projects, enhanced military presence, and Department of Biotechnology under IC-IMPACTS
expanded participation in regional military program implements joint research projects in
exercises. health care, agri-biotech and waste management.
Note:
IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for

z What is Global South?
Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to ¾ The term ‘Global South’ began by loosely referring
Accelerate Community Transformation and to those countries that were left out of the
Sustainability) is the first, and only, Canada- industrialisation era and had a conflict of ideology with
India Research Centre of Excellence. the capitalist and communist countries, accentuated
Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have by the Cold War.
started a programme for exchange of knowledge It includes countries that are mostly in Asia, Africa
and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) and South America.
Studies.
Moreover, Global North is defined essentially by
¾ Space: an economic division between the rich and poor
ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have signed countries.
MOUs in the field of exploration and utilization z Global North’ refers loosely to countries like
of outer space. the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and
-ANTRIX, the Commercial arm of ISRO, has launched New Zealand.
several nanosatellites from Canada. ¾ ‘Global South’ is significant because of its large
population, rich cultures, and abundant natural
ISRO in its 100th Satellite PSLV launched in 2018,

resources.
also flew Canadian first LEO (Low earth Orbit)
satellite, from Indian spaceport Sriharikota. ¾ Understanding the Global South is important for
addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality,
¾ Security and Defence:
and climate change.
India and Canada collaborate closely in international
fora particularly through the UN, Commonwealth What are the
and G-20. Concerns of the Global South?
A Statement of Intent (SoI) on Cooperation
¾ Poverty and Inequality:
between DRDO and Canada’s Defence Research
Many countries in the Global South struggle with
and Development Council has been signed in 2015.
extreme poverty, which can manifest in a range
The security cooperation was further enhanced
of issues such as malnutrition, lack of access to
with the Framework for Cooperation between education, and inadequate healthcare.
India and Canada on Countering Terrorism in 2018.
The Global South is often marked by significant
There is substantial engagement on counter
inequalities, both within countries and between
terrorism issues particularly through the framework countries. For example, there may be significant
of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter disparities in wealth and access to resources
Terrorism. between urban and rural areas, or between
different ethnic or socioeconomic groups.
Japan’s Reaching ¾ Environmental Challenges:
Many countries in the Global South are particularly
Out to the Global South vulnerable to environmental challenges such as
climate change, deforestation, and pollution. These
Why in News? issues can have a significant impact on the health
Japan has taken the initiative to raise the Global South and well-being of local communities.
to the top of the G7 agenda. ¾ Political Instability:
¾ Japan is hosting G7 summit 2023 at Hiroshima. With Political instability is one of the major issues in
India wanting to make the voice of the Global South some countries in the Global South, with challenges
heard at this year’s G20 summit, there is much new ranging from coups and civil wars to corruption
room for global political collaboration between and weak governance.
Delhi and Tokyo. ¾ Lack of Infrastructure, Education and Health:
Note:
Many countries struggle to provide access to What is the New START?
quality education for their populations, which
¾ Background:
can limit economic opportunities and perpetuate
The name START comes from the original “Strategic
poverty and inequality.
Arms Reduction Treaty”, known as START-I, which
Health issues are also a major concern, where
was signed between the US and the erstwhile USSR
access to quality healthcare may be limited or
in 1991, and came into force in 1994.
non-existent. This can lead to a range of health
issues, including infectious diseases, malnutrition, START-I, which capped the numbers of nuclear
and chronic conditions. warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles

(ICBMs) that each side could deploy at 6,000
Why Does Japan Want and 1,600 respectively, lapsed in 2009, and was
to Reach Out to the Global South? replaced first by the SORT, also known as the Treaty
of Moscow), and then by the New START treaty.
¾ Japan Fears Ukraine-Like Implications:
¾ New START:
Japan has transformed its foreign and security
policies, since it fears similar Ukraine-Like The New START, the “Treaty between the United
Implications. States of America and the Russian Federation on

The Ukraine war, coming on top of the long-standing
Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation
threats from North Korea and mounting security of Strategic Offensive Arms”, entered into force
challenges from China, has pushed Japan towards on 5th February 2011, and placed new verifiable
sweeping reform of Japan’s defence policy. limits on intercontinental-range nuclear weapons.
¾ Diplomacy and Defense: The two countries had to meet the treaty’s central
Japan thinks that the war in Ukraine has made limits on strategic offensive arms by February
it recognise the essential relationship between 2018, and to then stay within those limits for the
diplomacy and defence. period the treaty remained in force. The US and
Diplomacy needs to be backed by defence Russia Federation subsequently agreed to extend
capabilities and reinforcing defence capabilities the treaty through February 2026.
will also lead to persuasiveness in carrying out
our diplomatic efforts.
¾ Acknowledging Negligence from West: India-Germany
The West has neglected political engagement with Cooperation on Innovation
the Global South in recent decades.
In the Cold War, the West competed fiercely with
Why in News?
Russia for strategic influence across the Global South.
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister met with the
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the G7
German-Chancellor and agreed on a Vision Statement
simply took the Global South for granted and was
more interested in lecturing rather than talking to enhance cooperation on innovation and technology.
to the leaders of the Global South. ¾ It is considered to be the most comprehensive
This, in turn, left much room for China and Russia
economic document signed between the two major
to play in the developing world. economies to date.
What is the Vision Document all About?

Russia Suspends New START ¾ It focuses on deepening ties between industry and
spurring cooperation on development of advanced
Why in News? technologies like Artificial Intelligence and 6G.
Recently, Russia has announced to suspend its ¾ This Cooperation aims at benefiting humanity and is
participation in the New START, the last remaining major firmly guided by their shared democratic values and
military agreement with the United States. respect for universal human rights.
Note:
India and Germany share a long history of ¾ Submarines:

cooperation in science and technology, research The two countries discussed on the proposed
and innovation, institutionalized under the deal for Germany to build jointly with India six
framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.
on ‘Cooperation in Scientific Research and
Technological Development’ signed in May 1974.
The Indian Diaspora
What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?
¾ Green and Sustainable Development Partnership: Why in News?
¾ Both leaders discussed progress on the Green and
th
Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), which Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 17
India and Germany had launched during the Indian Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention in Madhya Pradesh
PM’s visit to Berlin for the 6th IGC (Inter-Governmental on the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD).
Consultations). ¾ Over the years, the convention, which began in 2003,
¾ The GSDP is an umbrella partnership that provides has grown in size and scope, particularly since 2015,
political guidance and steer to robust ties in climate when the yearly convention became a biennial affair.
action and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
What is Diaspora?
¾ Under this, Germany will also place €10 billion in new
and additional commitments under their development ¾ Origin:
cooperation portfolio in India. The term diaspora traces its roots to the Greek
¾ Green Hydrogen: diaspeiro, which means dispersion. The Indian

Both countries agreed to cooperate on Green diaspora has grown manifold since the first batch
Hydrogen. of Indians were taken to counties in the eastern
¾ The Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force was pacific and the Caribbean islands under the
constituted in September 2022 and an Action Plan ‘Girmitiya’ arrangement as indentured labourers.
is close to finalization. ¾ Classifications:
¾ Triangular Development Cooperation: Non-Resident Indians (NRI): NRIs are Indians
During the sixth IGC, India and Germany agreed to who are residents of foreign countries. A person
work on development projects in third countries. is considered NRI if:
The four projects, announced in May 2022, are z She/he is not in India for 182 days or more
now in different stages of implementation: during the financial year Or;

Cameroon: Potato Seed Production through Rooted z If he/she is in India for less than 365 days during
Apical Cuttings (RAC) Technology. the 4 years preceding that year and less than
z Malawi: Agri Business Incubator Models for 60 days in that year.
Women in Agriculture & Food Systems Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): PIO refers to
z Ghana: Developing Bamboo-Based Enterprises a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan,

for Sustainable Livelihood and Income Generation Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri
in Ghana Lanka and Nepal) who:
z Peru: Development of a geospatial portal z At any time held an Indian passport, or who
prototype for planning, monitoring, and or either of their parents/ grandparents/great
evaluation of the Ministry of Development and grandparents was born and permanently resided
Social Inclusion of Peru (MIDIS) interventions in India as defined in the Government of India
and social programs. Act, 1935 or who is a spouse of a citizen of
¾ Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: India or a PIO.
Germany has come on board the Indo-Pacific The PIO category was abolished in 2015 and
Oceans Initiative (IPOI). merged with the OCI category.
Note:
Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): A separate to meet frequently and address issues of mutual
category of OCI was carved out in 2005. An OCI concern in a mutually beneficial manner.
card was given to a foreign national: The idea is to deliver tangible benefits to both
z Who was eligible to be a citizen of India on countries by resolving outstanding market access
January 26, 1950 issues.
z Was a citizen of India on or at any time after ¾ Highlights of the Meeting:
January 26, 1950 or belonged to a territory that While the two sides appreciated the rise in bilateral
became part of India after August 15, 1947. trade in goods and services (which reached ~160
z Minor children of such individuals, except those billion USD in 2021), they also recognised that for
who were a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, economies of their size, significant potential still
were also eligible for OCI cards. remains unfulfilled.
¾ According to the World Migration Report 2022, India The US welcomed India’s participation in the Indo-
has the largest emigrant population in the world Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
in 2020, making it the top origin country globally, Both the countries have like-minded views about
followed by Mexico, Russian and China. the efficiency of IPEF for continued growth, peace,
¾ The data shared by the government in Parliament in and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
2022 showed that the geographical spread of the The Ministers welcomed the finalization of the
Indian diaspora is vast. The countries with over 10 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) design with the
lakh overseas Indians include: technical support of the National Oceanic and
¾ United States of America, the United Kingdom, United Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, The TED will help in minimizing the impact of
Myanmar, Malaysia, Kuwait and Canada. fishing on sea-turtle populations.

¾ Remittances: A new TPF Working Group on Resilient Trade was
launched to help the officials deepen bilateral
According to the World Bank Migration and
dialogue on a range of issues. Till the next TPF
Development Brief, released in 2022, for the first
Ministerial meeting, it will focus on:
time a single country, India, is on track to receive
z Trade facilitation
more than USD 100 billion in yearly remittances.
z Promotion of labour rights and workforce
The World Migration Report notes that India,
China, Mexico, the Philippines and Egypt are (in development
descending order) among the top five remittance z Circular economy; role of trade in environment
recipient countries. protection
How are India’s Trade Ties with the US?

India-US Trade Policy Forum ¾ India-US bilateral partnership today encompasses
a whole host of issues including the response to
Why in News? Covid-19, economic recovery post-pandemic, the
Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and climate crisis and sustainable development, critical
and emerging technologies, supply chain resilience,
Industry of India and the US Trade Representative
education, the diaspora, and defence and security.
Ambassador co-chaired the 13th Ministerial-level meeting ¾ The US is India’s largest trading partner and most
of India – US Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in Washington important export market. It is one of the few countries
D.C. with which India has a trade surplus. In 2021-22, India
had a trade surplus of USD 32.8 billion with the US.
What is the India-US TPF?
¾ Although India and the US have quite contradictory
¾ About: responses towards the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the two
The India-US TPF aims to activate its working groups have underscored their commitment to continue to
in the fields of agriculture, non-agriculture goods, build on the momentum of recent years and not lose
services, investment, and intellectual property sight of the larger strategic picture.
Note:
Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy.

India and Maldives The country is now a major tourist destination
for some Indians and a job destination for others.
Why in News? In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed
a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure
Recently, India and Maldives have signed pacts on
project in Maldives which is the Greater Male
development projects in Maldives.
Connectivity Project (GMCP).
¾ Both the Maldives and Sri Lanka are India’s key
maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region India is Maldives 2nd largest trading partner –
and occupy a special place in the Prime Minister’s rising up from its 4th position in 2018. In 2021,
vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the bilateral trade registered a growth of 31% over
Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’. the previous year – overcoming the pandemic-
related challenges.
What is the Pact? A Bilateral USD Currency Swap Agreement between
¾ Grant Assistance: RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority was signed

on 22 July 2019.
It includes grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa
(currency of Maldives) for the High Impact ¾ Infrastructure Projects:
Community Development Project (HICDP) scheme. Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development
A number of socio-economic development projects

project under an Indian credit line will add a brand-
are planned to be implemented throughout the new terminal to cater to 1.3 million passengers
country under this funding. a year.
In 2022, the National College for Policing and Law
¾ Sports Complex and Academic Collaboration:
Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s
It also included the development of a sports
External Affairs Minister.
complex in Gahdhoo, and academic collaboration
NCPLE is the largest grant project executed by
between Maldives National University and Cochin
University of Science and Technology. India in Maldives.
How has India’s Relations with Maldives been?

India Sri Lanka Relations
¾ Security Partnership:
Defence cooperation extends to the areas of
Why in News?
Joint Exercises -“Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and
“Operation Shield” (begun in 2021). India sent written financing assurances to the
India provides the largest number of training
International Monetary Fund (IMF), becoming the first
bilateral creditor of the island nation to officially support
opportunities for Maldivian National Defence
its crucial debt restructure programme after last year’s
Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their
economic meltdown.
defence training requirements.
¾ A bilateral agreement between India and Sri Lanka
¾ Rehabilitation Centre:
on raising the limit of the High Impact Community
Signing of an USD 80-million contract for the Addu
Development Project (HICDP) was also signed during
reclamation and shore protection project. the India’s External Affairs Minister’s Visit.
A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre in
Addu built with Indian assistance. What is the Significance
z The centre is one of 20 high impact community of India’s Financing Assurance?
development projects being implemented by ¾ The International Monetary Fund’s provisional USD
India in areas such as healthcare, education, 2.9 billion package to Sri Lanka will be cleared only
fisheries, tourism, sports and culture. after Sri Lanka’s official creditors — China, Japan and
¾ Economic Cooperation: India — have provided adequate financing assurances.
Note:
¾ The decision of financing assurance was also a z China is already the largest investor in Sri Lanka,
reassertion of India’s belief in the principle of accounting for 23.6% of the total Foreign Direct
“neighborhood first”, and not leaving a partner to Investment (FDI) during 2010-2019 as against
fend for themselves. 10.4% from India.
How are India’s Relations with Sri Lanka? 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution:
It envisages devolution of necessary powers to the
¾ About: provincial councils to address the just demand of
India and Sri Lanka are two South Asian nations
the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and
situated in the Indian Ocean region. Geographically, respect within a united Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is located just off the southern coast of India supports its implementation but the Sri
India, separated by the Palk Strait. Lankan government is yet to “fully implement”
z This proximity has played a significant role the 13th Amendment.
in shaping the relationship between the two
countries.
The Indian Ocean is a strategically important
India-Oman
waterway for trade and military operations, and Strategic Dialogue
Sri Lanka’s location at the crossroads of major
shipping lanes makes it a critical point of control
Why in News?
for India.
¾ Relations: Recently, the 8th India-Oman strategic dialogue was
Historical Ties: India and Sri Lanka have a long held in India, where both countries have underlined the
history of cultural, religious, and trade ties dating need to work collectively to fight the challenge of
back to ancient times. terrorism, terrorist propaganda, abuse of cyberspace and
z There are strong cultural ties between the two
misuse of new and emerging technologies.
countries, with many Sri Lankans tracing their ¾ They agreed to hold the next round of the strategic
heritage to India. Buddhism, which originated in dialogue in Oman in 2024.
India, is also an important religion in Sri Lanka.
Economic ties: India is Sri Lanka’s third largest
What are the Highlights of the Dialogue?
export destination, after the US and UK. More than ¾ Both sides highlighted the high priority accorded by
60% of Sri Lanka’s exports enjoy the benefits of the leadership of both countries to further enhance
the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. India their strategic ties based on trust and mutual respect.
is also a major investor in Sri Lanka. ¾ Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of
z Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India mutual interest, including bilateral strategic and
amounted to around USD 1.7 billion over the security cooperation, defence and regional security.
years from 2005 to 2019. ¾ Both sides reiterated the importance of preserving
Defence: India and Sri Lanka conduct joint Military Maritime Safety and Security in the region.
(Mitra Shakti) and Naval exercise (SLINEX). ¾ Both sides reiterated the importance of the strategic
¾ Issues in India-Sri Lanka Relations: dialogue as an important mechanism of bilateral
Killing of Fishermen: Killing of Indian fishermen by cooperation between India and Oman.
the Sri Lankan Navy is a lingering issue between
these two nations. What are the Key
z In 2019 and 2020, a total of 284 Indian fishermen
Points of India-Oman Relationship?
were arrested and a total of 53 Indian boats ¾ Background:
were confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities. The two countries across the Arabian Sea are
Influence of China: China’s rapidly growing linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy
economic footprint (and political clout as a corollary) warm and cordial relations, which are attributed
in Sri Lanka is straining India-Sri Lanka relations. to historical maritime trade linkages.
Note:
The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner

of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor India-Egypt Relations
at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab
League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Why in News?
fora.
Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred on Late Recently, on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day,
HM Sultan Qaboos in recognition of his leadership the President of Egypt was invited as the chief guest at
in strengthening the ties between India & the parade, this is the first time that an Egyptian President
Oman and his efforts to promote peace in the has been accorded this honour.
Gulf region. ¾ A military contingent from Egypt also participated
¾ Defence Relations: in the parade.
Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC): Note: An invitation to be Chief Guest is an important
z The JMCC is the highest forum of engagement honour that is very high on symbolism. New Delhi’s
between India and Oman in the field of defence. choice of Chief Guest every year is dictated by a number
z The JMCC is expected to meet annually, but of reasons — strategic and diplomatic, business
could not be organised since 2018 when the interest, and geopolitics.
meeting of the 9th JMCC was held in Oman.
What is the Status
Military Exercises:
of the India-Egypt Relationship?
z Army exercise: Al Najah
z Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge

¾ History:
z Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr The history of contact between India and Egypt,
¾ Economic & Commercial Relations:

two of the world’s oldest civilisations, can be traced
back to at least the time of Emperor Ashoka.
Institutional mechanisms like Joint Commission
z Ashoka’s edicts refer to his relations with Egypt
Meeting (JCM) and Joint Business Council (JBC)
oversee economic cooperation between India under Ptolemy-II.
and Oman. In modern times, Mahatma Gandhi and the Egyptian
India is among Oman’s top trading partners.

revolutionary Saad Zaghloul shared the common
goal of independence from British colonial rule.
z India is the 2nd largest market for Oman’s
crude oil exports for the year 2022 after z The joint announcement of establishment of
China. diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level was

z India is also the 4th largest market for Oman’s
made on 18 August 1947.
non-oil exports for the year 2022 after UAE, India and Egypt signed a friendship treaty in 1955.
US and Saudi Arabia and 2nd largest source of In 1961, India and Egypt along with Yugoslavia,
its import after UAE. Indonesia and Ghana established the Non-Aligned
Indian companies have invested in Oman in sectors
Movement (NAM).
like iron and steel, cement, fertilisers, textile In 2016, the joint statement between India and
etc. Egypt identified political-security cooperation,

India-Oman Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF), a JV economic engagement and scientific collaboration,
between State Bank of India and State General and cultural and people-people ties as the basis
Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman, a special purpose of a new partnership for a new era.
vehicle to invest in India, has been operational. ¾ Recent Scenario:
¾ Indian Community in Oman: During this year’s meeting, both India and Egypt
There are about 6.2 lakh Indians in Oman, of which agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a
about 4.8 lakh are workers and professionals. “strategic partnership”.
There are Indian families living in Oman for more z The strategic partnership will have broadly
than 150-200 years. four elements: political, defence, and security;
Note:
economic engagement; scientific and academic President of Egypt has traveled to China seven
collaboration; cultural and people-to-people times to lure Chinese investments.
contacts. Egypt, the most populous country in West Asia,
India and Egypt signed a Memorandum of occupies a crucial geo-strategic location — 12%
Understanding (MoU) for three years to facilitate of global trade passes through the Suez Canal and
content exchange, capacity building, and co- is a key player in the region.
productions between Prasar Bharati and the It is a major market for India and can act as a
National Media Authority of Egypt. gateway to both Europe and Africa. However,
z Under the pact, both broadcasters will exchange it also has bilateral trade pacts with important
their programmes of different genres like sports, West Asian and African nations which is a cause
news, culture, entertainment on bilateral basis. of concern for India.
¾ A Partner within the OIC:
India views Egypt as a moderate Islamic voice
China Builds New
among Muslim-majority countries, and as a
partner within the Organization for Islamic Dam in Tibet
Cooperation (OIC).
¾ Terrorism & Defence: Why in News?
During this Republic Day meeting, India and Egypt China is constructing a new dam on the Mabja Zangbo
expressed concerns about the spread of terrorism river in Tibet, close to the tri-junction of India, Nepal and
around the world as it is the most serious security Tibet, raising concerns since China has ramped up creation
threat to humanity. Consequently, the two countries of military and dual use infrastructure and in the eastern
agreed that concerted action is necessary to end and western sectors of the LAC (Line of Actual Control).
cross-border terrorism.
The two countries are looking at deepening What is the Background?
defence and security cooperation. Moreover, the ¾ The development comes in the wake of China unveiling
two Air Forces collaborated on the development plans in 2021 to build a massive dam on the lower
of fighter aircraft in the 1960s, and Indian pilots reaches of Yarlung Zangbo to generate up to 70 GW
trained their Egyptian counterparts from the 1960s of power, three times that of the country’s Three
until the mid-1980s. Gorges dam, which is the world’s largest hydropower
z Both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Egyptian air plant in terms of installed capacity.
force fly the French Rafale fighter jets. The Brahmaputra, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in
In 2022, a pact was signed between the two China, is a 2,880 km long transborder river that
countries that have decided to also participate originates in the Mansarovar lake and flows 1,700
in exercises and cooperate in training. km within Tibet, 920 km in Arunachal Pradesh and
The first joint special forces exercise between the Assam and 260 km in Bangladesh. It accounts for
Indian Army and the Egyptian Army, “Exercise nearly 30% of freshwater resources and 40% of
Cyclone-I” has been underway since 14 January India’s hydropower potential.
2023 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
¾ Cultural Relations: What is the Location of The Dam?
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture ¾ The new dam is located around 16 km north of the
(MACIC) was established in Cairo in 1992. The tri-junction and is opposite the Kalapani area of
centre has been promoting cultural cooperation Uttarakhand.
between the two countries. ¾ The dam is on the Mabja Zangbo river, a tributary
Geo-Strategic Concerns: of the Ganga.
China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is currently at ¾ Construction activity on the dam has been observed
USD 15 billion, double that of India’s USD 7.26 on the northern side of the river in Burang county,
billion in 2021-22. During the past eight years, the Tibet since May 2021.
Note:
¾ The Mabja Zangbo River flows into Nepal’s Ghaghara

or the Karnali River before it joins the Ganga River Indus Waters Treaty
in India.
Why in News?
What are the Concerns?
India has issued a notice to Pakistan seeking a review
¾ Dominance over Water:
and modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) citing
China is building an embankment type dam with a
Pakistan’s “intransigence” in resolving disputes over the
reservoir, which raises concerns regarding China’s Kishanganga and Ratle (on Chenab River) hydropower
future control on water in the region. projects, both in Jammu and Kashmir.
¾ Likelihood of Military Etablishment:
¾ The notice was sent after the “contravention of the
In addition to using water as leverage, the possibility
graded mechanism of dispute settlement envisaged
of a military establishment by China near the tri- by Article IX of the IWT.”
junction cannot be ruled out as the country had
developed the same in the Yarlung Zangbo river What is the History
near Arunachal Pradesh. of the Dispute over the Hydel Projects?
¾ Water Scarcity:
¾ In 2015, Pakistan asked that a Neutral Expert should
China can use this dam to not only divert but also
be appointed to examine its technical objections to
store water which could lead to a scarcity in the
the Kishanganga and Ratle HEPs. But the following
regions dependent on the Mabja Zangbo river
year, Pakistan unilaterally retracted this request, and
and also lead to lower water levels in rivers such
proposed that a Court of Arbitration should adjudicate
as the Ghaghara and the Karnali in Nepal.
on its objections.
¾ Reinforce Chinese Claims over disputed region:
¾ In August 2016, Pakistan had approached the World
Dams close to the border could be used by China
Bank seeking the constitution of a Court of Arbitration
to strengthen its claim on the disputed areas in
under the relevant dispute redressal provisions of
the region.
the Treaty.
How is China aiming ¾ Instead of responding to Pakistan’s request for a Court
at acquiring Hydro Hegemony? of Arbitration, India moved a separate application
asking for the appointment of a Neutral Expert.
¾ China has built a large number of dams and dikes to
India had argued that Pakistan’s request for a Court
control the flow of rivers on the Indus, Brahmaputra
and Mekong. of Arbitration violated the graded mechanism of
dispute resolution in the Treaty.
¾ With the occupation of Tibet, China has acquired the
starting points for rivers that flow into 18 countries. ¾ In March 2022, the World Bank decided to resume
the process of appointing a Neutral Expert and a
¾ China has built several thousand dams, which can
Chairman for the Court of Arbitration.
cause floods by suddenly releasing water or create
droughts by turning off the tap, thus devastating the
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
river’s ecosystem and disrupting normal human life.
¾ China plans to have four dams on the Brahmaputra ¾ About:
River which would affect the river’s flows, India had India and Pakistan signed the IWT in September,
lodged a complaint with China. 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the
¾ China refused to share hydrographic data with India World Bank being a signatory to the pact.
while it did so with Bangladesh, which resulted in huge The treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation
destruction because of floods in Assam subsequently and information exchange between the two
for which India was not prepared. sides on the use of the water of the Indus River
¾ China has already built eleven huge dams on the and its five tributaries Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum,
Mekong River, which worries the South-East-Asian and Chenab.
countries. ¾ Key Provisions:
Note:
Water Sharing: What is Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project?
z The treaty prescribed how water from the ¾ The Kishanganga project is located 5 km north of
six rivers of the Indus River System would be Bandipore in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
shared between India and Pakistan. ¾ It is a run-of-the-river project that includes a 37 m
z It allocated the three western rivers—Indus, tall concrete-face rock-fill dam.
Chenab and Jhelum—to Pakistan for unrestricted ¾ It requires to divert water from the Kishanganga
use, barring certain non-consumptive, agricultural River through a tunnel to a power plant in the
and domestic uses by India and the three Eastern Jhelum River basin.
rivers—Ravi, Beas and Sutlej—were allocated ¾ It will have an installed capacity of 330 MW.
to India for unrestricted usage. ¾ The construction of this hydroelectric project began
This means that 80% of the share of water in 2007.
went to Pakistan, while leaving the rest 20% ¾ Pakistan objected to the project arguing that it will
of water for use by India. affect the flow of the Kishanganga River (called
Permanent Indus Commission: the Neelum River in Pakistan).
z It also required both the countries to ¾ In 2013, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration
establish a Permanent Indus Commission (CoA) ruled that India could divert all the water
constituted by permanent commissioners on with certain conditions.
both sides.
z According to the provisions of the IWT, the NSA Meet with Central Asia
Permanent Indus Commission is required to
meet at least once a year.
Why in News?
Rights over Rivers:
z While Pakistan has rights over the waters of The National Security Advisor (NSA) of India, for the
Jhelum, Chenab and Indus, Annexure C of the first time, hosted a special meeting with his counterparts
IWT allows India certain agricultural uses, while from Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Annexure D allows it to build ‘run of the river’ Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
hydropower projects, meaning projects not ¾ Earlier in January 2022, the Prime Minister of India
requiring live storage of water. hosted the first India-Central Asia Summit in virtual
Dispute Resolution Mechanism: format.
z The IWT provides a three-step dispute resolution
What are the Key
mechanism under Article IX of the Indus
Waters Treaty, under which “questions” on Highlights about the Meetings of NSAs?
both sides can be resolved at the Permanent
¾ 30th Anniversary: This was the first time that NSAs
Commission, or can also be taken up at the
of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
inter-government level.
were in Delhi for a high-level security meeting.
z In case of unresolved questions or “differences”
between the countries on water-sharing, such as The meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary
technical differences, either side can approach of the establishment of diplomatic ties between
the World Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert India and the Central Asian countries.
(NE) to come to a decision. ¾ Afghanistan the Centre of Talks: The focus was
And eventually, if either party is not satisfied mainly on the security situation in Afghanistan and
with the NE’s decision or in case of “disputes” the threat of terrorism originating from the country
in the interpretation and extent of the under the Taliban.
treaty, matters can be referred to a Court ¾ Deliberations over Chabahar: The NSAs supported
of Arbitration. India’s proposal to include Chabahar port within
Note:
the framework of the INSTC (International North- In November 2021, India had hosted a regional
South Transport Corridor) connecting Iran to Russia dialogue on the situation in Afghanistan, which
via Central Asia. was attended by NSAs of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan,
¾ Other Deliberations: Deliberations over the need Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
for collective and coordinated action against the ¾ Stand on Chabahar Port: India has registered significant
“misuse of new and emerging technologies, arms progress recently through renovation of Chabahar
and drugs trafficking, abuse of cyber space to spread port. It is also a member of the Ashgabat Agreement.
disinformation and unmanned aerial systems”. ¾ The port played an important role during the
¾ Institutionalisation of Mechanism: During the summit, humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by delivering
the leaders agreed to institutionalise the Summit humanitarian goods to the Afghan people by
mechanism by deciding to hold it biannually. international organisations.
An India-Central Asia Secretariat in New Delhi ¾ Prior to the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, India delivered
would be set up to support the new mechanism. 100,000 tonnes of wheat and medicines to Afghanistan
via the port’s Shahid Beheshti terminal developed
How are India’s by India.
Relations with Central Asia?
¾ Historic Ties: Central Asia is undoubtedly a zone of Wassenaar Arrangement
India’s civilisational influence; the Ferghana Valley
was India’s crossing-point of the Great Silk Road.
Why in News?
Buddhism also found inroads in several Central
Asian cities in the form of Stupas and Monasteries. Recently, on 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar
Men of prominence such as Amir Khusrau, Dehlawi, Arrangement in Vienna, Ireland handed over the
Al-Biruni etc. having Central Asian roots came and chairmanship to India and India will officially assume the
made their name in India. chairmanship from 1st January, 2023.
¾ Diplomatic Ties: India considers the Central Asian
countries as the “heart of Asia” and they are also What is Wassenaar Arrangement?
members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ¾ About:
(SCO). The Wassenaar Arrangement is a voluntary export
Central Asian countries are “aware” of Pakistan’s control regime. The Arrangement, formally
support to cross-border terrorism and its links to established in July 1996, has 42 members who
various terror groups. exchange information on transfers of conventional
¾ Like-Mindedness in Combatting Terrorism: India weapons and dual-use goods and technologies.
and the Central Asian nations have similarities in ¾ Dual-use refers to the ability of a good or technology
approach in countering terrorism and the threat of to be used for multiple purposes - usually peaceful
radicalisation. and military.
Wassenaar Arrangement’s Secretariat is in Vienna,
The latest meeting called for the early adoption of
the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Austria.
Terrorism, which India had first proposed in 1996, ¾ Members:
but has been held up for decades, primarily over It has 42 member states comprising mostly NATO
differences on the definition of terrorism. (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and EU states.
¾ India’s Role in Afghanistan Situation: India and Participating States are required to report their
the Central Asian countries have shared concerns arms transfers and transfers/denials of certain
over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and its dual-use goods and technologies to destinations
implications for regional security. India has been outside the Arrangement on a six-monthly basis.
a strong proponent for re-establishing peace in India became a member of the Arrangement in
Afghanistan. 2017.
Note:
¾ Objectives: What were the
The group works by regularly exchanging
Earlier Used Classification Systems?
information in respect of technology, both
¾ First World, Second World and Third World Countries:
conventional and nuclear-capable, that is sold
First, Second and Third Worlds countries refer
to, or denied to countries outside the grouping.
to countries associated with the Cold war-era
This is done through maintenance and updating
alliances of the US, the USSR, and non-aligned
of detailed lists of chemicals, technologies,
countries, respectively.
processes and products that are considered
militarily significant. ¾ World Systems Approach:
It emphasises an interconnected perspective of
It aims at controlling the movement of technology,
material or components to countries or entities looking at world politics. There are three major
which undermine international security and zones of production: core, peripheral and semi-
stability. peripheral.
¾ Wassenaar Arrangement Plenary: It is the decision- z The core zones reap profits, being the owners
making body of the Arrangement. of cutting-edge technologies – countries like

It is composed of representatives of all Participating
the US or Japan.
States and normally meets once a year, usually in z Peripheral zones, on the other hand, engage
December. in less sophisticated production that is more

The position of Plenary Chair is subject to annual
labour-intensive.
rotation among Participating States. z Semi-peripheral zone is in the middle including
In 2018 the Plenary Chair was held by the United

countries like India and Brazil.
Kingdom, and in 2019 the Chair is held by Greece. ¾ Eastern and Western Countries:
All Plenary decisions are taken by consensus. Western countries generally signify greater levels
of economic development and prosperity among
WA’s control lists.
their people, and Eastern countries considered as
being in the process of that transition.
India as Voice of Global South
What Led to the
Why in News? Emergence of Global North and South?
¾ Non-Feasibility of Earlier Classification:
As India assumed the G20 Presidency, the External
Affairs Minister of India iterated the country’s role as the In the post-Cold War world, the First World/Third
“voice of the Global South”, that is otherwise under- World classification was no longer feasible, because
represented in global forums. when the Communist USSR disintegrated in 1991,
most countries had no choice but to ally at some
What is Global North and Global South? level with the capitalist US, the only remaining
¾ ‘Global North’ refers loosely to countries like the US, global superpower.
Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, The East/West binary was also seen as often
while ‘Global South’ includes countries in Asia, Africa perpetuating stereotypical thinking about African
and South America. and Asian countries.
This classification is more accurate as the countries z Categorising incredibly diverse countries into a
share similarities in terms of wealth, indicators monolith was felt to be too simplistic.
of education and healthcare, etc. ¾ Commonalities in Global South Countries:
¾ Some of the South countries like India and China Most of the Global South countries share a history
have emerged economically, in the last few decades. of colonisation. The region has mostly remained
The progress achieved by many Asian countries is under-represented in international forums such as
also seen as challenging the idea that the North their exclusion from the permanent membership
is the ideal. of the UNSC.
Note:
z This exclusion is seen as something that ¾ Both sides patrol areas up to their claim lines and
contributes towards the slower growth of this has been a trend since 2006.
global south.
What is the Background?
What are the ¾ According to the India Army, there are certain areas
Initiatives for South-South Cooperation? along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang
¾ Global: Sector that are areas of differing perception.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa The LAC is divided into western (Ladakh), middle
(BRICS) Forum (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), Sikkim, and
India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Forum eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.
International Day for South-South Cooperation: ¾ The incident came days after China expressed objection
z Originally observed on December 19, the date
to Operation Yudhabhyas, an India-US joint military
for the United Nations Day for South-South exercise at Auli in the Uttarakhand hills, claiming it
Cooperation was moved to September 12 in was a violation of 1993 and 1996 border agreements.
2011.
What is the Importance of Arunachal
z It commemorates the date when the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted
Pradesh from an Indian/Chinese Perspective?
a plan of action in 1978 to promote and ¾ Strategic Significance:
implement technical cooperation among Arunachal Pradesh, known as the Northeast Frontier
developing countries. Agency (NEFA) until 1972, is the largest state in the
¾ Indian: northeast and shares international borders with
Proposal on TRIPS Waiver: Tibet to the north and northwest, Bhutan towards
z Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
the west and Myanmar to the east.
Rights (TRIPS) waiver, first proposed by the The state is like a protective shield to the northeast.
India and South Africa in 2020, would involve However, China claims Arunachal Pradesh as a
a temporary global easing of intellectual part of southern Tibet.
property rights (IPRs) on COVID-19 vaccines And while China may lay claim to the entire state,
and treatments to enable them to be produced its main interest lies in the district of Tawang,
on a far larger scale, to support global health which is in the north-western region of Arunachal
and a way out of the pandemic. agreement on and borders Bhutan and Tibet.
Covid-19 vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, and ¾ Bhutan Factor:
related technologies.
Taking control of Arunachal would mean that
Vaccine Maitri Campaign:
Bhutan would have Chinese neighbours on both
In 2021, India began its historic campaign called the its western and eastern borders if Beijing gained
“Vaccine Maitri” initiative which is in accordance control.
with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.
z On the western side of Bhutan, China has
already begun building motorable roads linking
Indian and Chinese Troops strategic points.
¾ Waterpower:
Clash in Arunachal Pradesh
Since, China has control over India’s water supply
to the northeastern region. It has constructed
Why in News? several dams and can use water as a geo-strategic
Recently, India and China troops clashed along the weapon against India by causing flooding or drought
Yangste river in Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh. in the region.
¾ This was the first such incident involving the Indian The Tsangpo river, which originates in Tibet, flows
soldiers and Chinese PLA troops since the Galwan into India and is called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh
Valley incident in 2020. before it becomes the Brahmaputra.
Note:
In 2000, a dam breach in Tibet caused floods that second time in its two-year tenure as an elected member
wreaked havoc in northeast India claiming 30 lives of the Council in 2021-22.
and leaving more than 100 missing. ¾ India had earlier assumed UNSC presidency in August
2021.
Why is China Interested in the Tawang Sector?
¾ Strategic Importance: What are the Events
China’s interest in Tawang could be for tactical ahead under India’s Presidency?
reasons as it provides a strategic entry into India’s
¾ Reformed Multilateralism:
northeastern region.
India will hold a “high-level open debate” on
z Tawang is a critical point in the corridor between
“Maintenance of International Peace and Security:
Tibet and Brahmaputra Valley.
New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism
¾ Tawang Monastery:
(NORMS)” at the Security Council.
Tawang, which also borders Bhutan, hosts the
The NORMS envisages reforms in the current
Galden Namgey Lhatse, the world’s second-largest
multilateral architecture, with the UN at its centre,
monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, the largest being
to make it more representative and fit for purpose.
the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
¾ Counter-Terrorism:
z The monastery was founded by Merag Lodroe
Gyamtso in the year 1680-81 to honour the The other signature event planned is the high-level
wishes of the fifth Dalai Lama. briefing on the theme “Threats to International
z China claims that the monastery is evidence that Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Global
the district once belonged to Tibet. They cite Approach to Counter Terrorism — Challenges and
historical ties between the Tawang monastery Way Forward”.
and the Lhasa monastery in Tibet to support z This briefing intends to underscore the necessity
their claim over Arunachal. of collective and coordinated efforts to combat
¾ Cultural Connections and China’s Anxieties: the menace of terrorism.
Tawang is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism
and there are some tribes in the upper Arunachal What is UNSC?
region which have cultural connections to the ¾ About:
people of Tibet. The Security Council was established by the UN
z The Monpa tribal population practices Tibetan Charter in 1945. It is one of the six principal organs
Buddhism and are also found in some areas of the United Nations.
of Tibet.
z The other 5 organs of the United Nations are—
According to some experts, China fears that the
the General Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship
presence of these ethnic groups in Arunachal Council, the Economic and Social Council, the
could at some stage give rise to a pro-democracy
International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat.
Tibetan movement against Beijing.
The UNSC, with a mandate to maintain international
¾ Political Significance:
peace and security, is the centrepiece of global
When the Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959 amid
multilateralism.
China crackdown, he entered India through Tawang
The Secretary-General is appointed by the General
and stayed in the Tawang monastery for some time.
Assembly, on the recommendation of the Security
Council.
Presidency of India at the UNSC The UNSC and UNGA jointly elect judges to the
International Court of Justice.
Why in News? ¾ Composition:
On 1st December, India assumed the monthly rotating The UNSC is composed of 15 members: 5 permanent
presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the and 10 non-permanent.
Note:
Five permanent members: China, France, the What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?
Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the
¾ India and Germany signed a Comprehensive Partnership
United States.
on Migration and Mobility meant to ease travel for
Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-
research, study and work for people in both countries.
year terms by the General Assembly.
It would be the “basis for a more contemporary
z Five from African and Asian States,
partnership” to relations.
z One from Eastern European States,
¾ The two sides held talks on bilateral issues, including
z Two from Latin American States,
Germany’s assistance to India on renewable energy
z Two from Western European and other States. and energy transitions, as well as international issues
¾ India’s Membership: such as their IndoPacific strategy, and spoke about
India has served seven times in the UN Security China, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Council as a non-permanent member and in January
2021, India entered the UNSC for the eighth time. What is the Oil Price Cap by the G7?
India has been advocating a permanent seat in ¾ About:
UNSC. It is a plan by the G7 with the European Union
¾ Voting Powers: and Australia to impose the price cap on Russian
Each member of the Security Council has one crude oil shipments, pegged at USD 60 to a barrel
vote. Decisions of the Security Council on matters for now.
are made by an affirmative vote of nine members The price cap is essentially aimed at preventing
including the concurring votes of the permanent firms in signatory nations from extending shipping,
members. insurance, brokering and other services to Russian
A “No” vote from one of the five permanent crude oil shipments that are sold at any value
members blocks the passage of the resolution. above the designated per-barrel price i.e., USD
¾ Responsibilities: 60 per barrel.
The UNSC brokers peace by helping parties reach Since it came into effect on 5th December 2022,
an agreement through mediation, appointing special the cap will only apply to shipments that are
envoys, dispatching a UN Mission or requesting “loaded” onto vessels after the date and not apply
the UN Secretary-General to settle the dispute. to shipments in transit.
It can also vote to extend, amend or end mission
¾ India’s Stand:
mandates.
Despite the United States-led sanctions on Russia
The Security Council oversees the work of UN
post its invasion of Ukraine, India has decided to
peace operations through periodic reports from
not just continue with, but also double its trade
the Secretary-General and council sessions. It alone
with Moscow in the “near foreseeable future”.
can make decisions regarding these operations,
z India’s consumption of Russian oil was just
which Member States are obligated to enforce.
one-sixth of European consumption and should
not be compared unfavourably, defending the
India Germany Relations government’s decision to increase its intake of
Russian oil since the war in Ukraine.
Why in News?
Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India met
How has the India Germany Relations been?
with the Foreign Minister of Germany in New Delhi. ¾ India-German Ties:
¾ Germany’s minister’s visit coincided with the launch The bilateral relations between India and Germany
of an “oil price cap” plan by the G7 and European are founded on common democratic principles.
Union countries to withdraw shipping and insurance India was amongst the first countries to establish
services to countries that buy Russian oil above the diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of
price of USD 60 a barrel. Germany after the Second World War.
Note:
Germany cooperates with India to the tune of India is a maritime powerhouse and a strong
1.3 billion Euros a year in development projects, advocate for free and inclusive trade — and,
90% of which serves the purpose of fighting therefore, a primary partner for Germany (eventually
climate change, saving natural resources as well the EU) on this mission.
as promoting clean and green energy.
z Germany has also been supporting the
construction of a huge solar plant in Maharashtra
SAARC Currency
with a capacity of 125 Megawatt which generates Swap Framework
annual CO2 savings of 155,000 tons.
After the appointment of new Chancellor of Why in News?
Germany in December 2021, India and Germany Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed
agreed that as major democracies and strategic an agreement to extend up to a USD 200 million currency
partners, they will step up their cooperation to swap facility to Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)
tackle common challenges, with climate change under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework.
on top of the agenda.
¾ Economic Cooperation - A Challenge: What is the Currency Swap Arrangement?
There is a problem of the lack of a separate bilateral ¾ The word swap means exchange. A currency swap
investment treaty between the two countries. between two countries is an agreement or contract
Germany has a Bilateral Trade and Investment to exchange currencies with predetermined terms
Agreement (BTIA) with India via EU, it does not and conditions.
have the competence to negotiate it separately.
¾ In the present context, the facility is to provide swap
Also, Germany is particularly sceptical about India’s
support as an alternative source of funding for
trade liberalization measures, it bats for more
short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements.
liberal labour regulations.
In 2020, the RBI signed a currency swap agreement
¾ Indo-Pacific Region - Significance:
for extending up to a USD 400 million to Sri Lanka.
The Indo-Pacific, with India as its centrepiece,
¾ Central banks and Governments engage in currency
looms large in Germany’s and the European
swaps with foreign counterparts to meet short-term
Union’s foreign policy.
foreign exchange liquidity requirements or to ensure
The Indo-Pacific region is home to around 65%
adequate foreign currency to avoid the Balance of
of the global population and 20 of the world’s
Payments (BOP) crisis till longer arrangements can
33 megacities.
be made.
The region accounts for 62% of global Gross
¾ These swap operations carry no exchange rate or
Domestic Product (GDP) and 46% of the world’s
other market risks as transaction terms are set in
merchandise trade.
advance.
It is also the source of more than half of all global
Exchange rate risk, also known as currency risk,
carbon emissions which makes the region’s countries
is the financial risk arising from fluctuations in
key partners in tackling global challenges such as
the value of a base currency against a foreign
climate change and sustainable energy production
currency in which a company or individual has
and consumption.
assets or obligations.
¾ Germany and Indo-Pacific:
Germany is determined to contribute to buttressing What is the RBI’s
the rules-based international order. Framework for Swap Facilities for SAARC?
Within the German Indo-Pacific guidelines, India
¾ The SAARC currency swap facility came into operation
is mentioned for the enhancement of engagement
and fulfilment of objectives. India should now be on 15th November, 2012.
an important node while discussing issues relating ¾ The RBI can offer a swap arrangement within the
to international security. overall corpus of USD 2 billion.
Note:
¾ The swap drawals can be made in US dollar, euro ¾ The statement highlights the need to ratify ILO
or Indian rupee. The framework provides certain fundamental conventions and further strengthen
concessions for swap drawals in Indian rupee. the capacities of government, employer and worker
¾ The facility will be available to all SAARC member representatives to carry out effective social dialogue.
countries, subject to their signing the bilateral swap ¾ It calls for action to close gender gaps and encourages
agreements. ILO member countries to consider the ratification
What is South Asian and effective implementation of related international
Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)? labour standards, accelerate the transition from the
¾ Establishment: SAARC was established with the
informal to formal economy as well as strengthen
signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka (Bangladesh) governance frameworks to protect the rights of
migrant workers.
on 8th December 1985.
The Statement furthermore confirms the
¾ Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
commitment of governments and social partners
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
across the regions to engage in consultations
¾ Secretariat: Kathmandu (Nepal) towards the development of a Global Social
¾ Objective: To promote the welfare of the people of Justice Coalition.
South Asia and to improve their quality of life, and
It also calls for a just transition that helps build
accelerate economic growth, among other things.
environmentally sustainable economies and
societies in the face of climate change.
17th Asia What is the International Labour Organization?
Pacific Regional Meeting ¾ Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as
an affiliated agency of the League of Nations.
Why in News? ¾ ILO is the only tripartite U.N. agency with
government, employer, and worker representatives.
Recently, the 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting ¾ It brings together governments, employers and
(APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) workers of 187 member States, to set labour
was held in Singapore.
standards, develop policies and devise programmes
What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting? promoting decent work for all women and men.
¾ Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
¾ It brings together representatives of governments,
employers’ and workers’ organizations from Asia, ¾ Reports:
the Pacific and the Arab states. Global Wage Report
World Employment and Social Outlook

¾ The four key thematic areas of the 17th APRM included:
World Social Protection Report
¾ Integrated policy agenda for a human-centred
recovery that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient Social Dialogue Report
¾ Institutional framework to support transitions towards

formality and decent work Foreign Policy of India
¾ Strong foundations for social and employment
protection and resilience
Why in News?
Revitalizing productivity growth and skills for
more and better jobs On the geopolitical and diplomatic stage, 2022 was
¾ The meeting concluded with the launch of ‘Singapore a difficult year, especially following Russia’s invasion of
Statement’. Ukraine.
¾ The statement represents a shared vision of the
region’s priorities for national action among the ILO How did India handle the Ukraine Crisis?
constituents and with ILO support in the coming years. ¾ Following Non-Alignment Policy:
Note:
The war in Ukraine saw the government spell out ¾ Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal:
its version of “non-alignment”, as it sought to keep Foreign policy of India is marked by regional
a balance in the growing polarisation between the trade and energy agreements with Bangladesh,
U.S. and the European Union on one side, and Bhutan, and Nepal that could see a South Asian
Russia on the other. energy grid emerge.
On one side the Indian Prime Minister made his ¾ Central Asian countries:
discomfort with the war clear directly to Russian India has also strengthened ties with Central Asian
President Vladimir Putin with the words “This era countries on connectivity.
is not for war” and on the other hand refused to z India has restarted efforts to revive the much-
accept western sanctions, growing military and delayed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-
oil trade with Russia, and seeking rupee-based India (TAPI) pipeline project.
payment mechanisms to facilitate them. z India also discussed the best use of the
¾ Refusing to Vote on the Resolution: International North-South Transport Corridor
Most significantly, in more than a dozen resolutions (INSTC).
at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), z Steps have also been taken to operationalize
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Chabahar port in Iran which can provide
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a secure, viable and unhindered access to the
Human Rights Commission, and other multilateral sea for the Central Asian countries.
platforms seeking to censure Russia for the invasion z In addition, the Ashgabat Agreement on
and humanitarian crisis, India chose to abstain. International Transport and Transit Corridor
The Indian Foreign Policy said that India’s policy was (ITTC) was discussed to enhance connectivity
guided by its national interests, telling those who expected between India and Central Asian countries.
India to take sides, “Tough luck if our policies do not meet ¾ Afghanistan and Myanmar:
your expectations”. The government kept channels open with repressive
regimes like Afghanistan’s Taliban and the Myanmar
What were the Other Junta, opening a “technical mission” in Kabul and
Highlights in Foreign Policy in 2022? sending the foreign secretary to Myanmar to
¾ Returning to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): discuss border cooperation.
Earlier in December, 2022 India abstained on a
In 2022, India returned to FTAs, after a break of
UNSC vote calling for Myanmar to end violence
several years when India had called for a review of
and release political prisoners.
all FTAs, scrapped all Bilateral Investment Treaties
(BITs) and walked out of the 15-nation Asian Regional ¾ Iran and Pakistan:
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). With Iran too, where protests against the killing
of an activist have brought thousands onto the
In 2022, India signed trade agreements with
streets, India has steered clear of any criticism.
the UAE and Australia, and hopes to progress on
However, ties with Pakistan remain flat, with a big
talks with the EU, Gulf Cooperation Council and
Canada for others. showdown at the UN in December, 2022 between
the foreign ministers of the two nations.
¾ Joining US led IPEF:
India also joined the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic What Progress has
Forum (IPEF), although it later decided to stay out been made in the LAC-China Standoff?
of trade talks.
¾ Despite a visit to Delhi by China’s Foreign Minister
and disengagement at some stand-off points, tensions
What about Ties with Neighbours?
at the Line of Actual Control remained high, and an
¾ Sri Lanka: unsuccessful Chinese PLA attempt to take Indian
India’s foreign policy was marked by economic posts at Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh ended the year,
assistance to Sri Lanka in the midst of its collapse. signaling more violent clashes in 2023.
Note:
¾ In spite of the fraught state of relations, India is due The challenge here is to balance protection
to host the Chinese President twice in 2023, at the of human rights and national interest. As the
G-20 and SCO summits, opening up the possibility Rohingya crisis unfolds, there is still a lot that
for talks to end the standoff. India can do to facilitate the finding of long-term
solutions.
What are the Current These actions will be key in determining India’s
Challenges in India’s Foreign Policy? regional and global standing on human rights.
¾ Pakistan-China Strategic Nexus:
The most formidable threat India faces today
Vijay Diwas and
is from the Pakistan-China strategic nexus that
seeks to change the status quo at the contested Indo Bangladesh Relations
borders and undermine India’s strategic security.
China’s aggressive actions since May 2020 to change Why in News?
the status quo at the Line of Actual Control have
severely damaged Sino-Indian relations. Every year 16th December is observed by Indian
Armed Forces and Bangladesh as Vijay Diwas (Bijoy
¾ China’s Expansion:
Dibos) to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971
For India, the issue of how to balance China’s
war and the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
forays into South Asia and the Indian Ocean region
is another concern. What are the Key Points about the
Under the rubric of China’s much touted Belt and Indo-Pak War for Bangladesh Liberation?
Road Initiative (BRI), it is developing China-Pakistan
¾ Background:
Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan (through
the Indian territory in the Pakistan-occupied Pakistan right after India’s independence consisted
Kashmir), building China-Nepal Economic Corridor, of East and West Pak where a major problem
China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and dual use was the geographical disconnect between the
infrastructure in the littorals of the Indian Ocean. two regions.
¾ Balancing Big Power Relations: z Cultural conflicts and negligence of East Pak’s
India’s strategic autonomy precludes New Delhi to

administration were also challenges.
join any military alliance or strategic partnership In the mid-1960s, leaders such as Sheikh Mujibur
that is inimical to another country or group of Rahman (the founding father of Bangladesh),
countries. actively began protesting against the policies of
Traditionally, the West has perceived India closer
West Pak which was followed by a brutal crackdown
to the Soviet Union / Russia. These perceptions by the Pakistani military.
are accentuated with India actively participating ¾ India’s Role:
in SCO, BRICS and Russia-India-China (RIC) forum. On 15 May 1971, India launched Operation
For India to balance an assertive China, it has to Jackpot to recruit, train, arm, equip, supply and
rely on external balancing in the Indo-Pacific to advise Mukti Bahini fighters engaged in guerrilla
overcome the security dilemmas posed by the warfare against the Pakistan military.
Pakistan-China hybrid threats. On 3rd December 1971, India decided to go
India’s participation in QUAD, signing of foundational on a war with Pakistan to save Bengali Muslims
agreements with US, Japan, France, UK and and Hindus in East Pakistan. The war lasted for
Indonesia should be seen from that perspective. 13 days.
¾ Refugee Crisis: In spite of not being a party to the After that, a written agreement between India,
1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, India Pakistan and the provisional government of
has been one of the largest recipients of refugees Bangladesh came into effect bringing an end to
in the world. the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Note:
How are India’s Relations How have Historical Ties been?
with Bangladesh since Its Independence? ¾ Armenia and India maintain active political ties.
¾ India’s Immediate Recognition: Effective cooperation exists between the two nations
India was one of the first countries to recognize within international bodies.
Bangladesh and establish diplomatic relations ¾ After Armenia’s independence in 1991, Armenian-
immediately after its independence in December Indian relations were reestablished.
1971. ¾ Diplomatic relations were established between the
The UN member nations were also quick to Republic of Armenia and India in 1992.
recognise Bangladesh’s independent identity. ¾ In 1999, the Indian Embassy in Yerevan began
¾ Defence Cooperation: operations.
India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km. of border;
¾ If the Armenian-Indian political relations can be
the longest land boundary that India shares with evaluated as “excellent”, Armenia is the only
any of its neighbours. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country
z Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and with which India had diplomatic relations in 1995
Tripura share borders with Bangladesh. (other than Russia).
The two also conduct Joint exercises - Army (Exercise
The CIS was founded in 1991 after the dissolution
Sampriti) and Navy (Exercise Milan). of the Soviet Union.
¾ Economic Relations:
At present the CIS unites: Azerbaijan, Armenia,
In 2021-22, Bangladesh has emerged as the largest
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia,
trade partner for India in South Asia and the fourth Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.
largest destination for Indian exports worldwide.
¾ India and Armenia signed a Treaty on Friendship and
Exports to Bangladesh grew more than 66% from
Cooperation in 1995.
USD 9.69 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 16.15 billion
in FY 2021-22. ¾ But the trade and economic cooperation between the
two countries cannot be deemed adequate.
Recently, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visited
India and held talks with Indian Prime Minister
What are the Areas of
where India and Bangladesh signed 7 agreements
for cooperation in various areas. Cooperation Between the Two Countries?
¾ Key Challenges in Relations: ¾ Defense Relations:
Despite the remarkable progress, the unresolved Armenia had already shown interest in Indian
Teesta water sharing issue looms large. military hardware before the 2020 war.
The problem of Bangladeshi civilians being shooted In 2020, Armenia signed a USD 40 million arms deal
at the border has also dented relations; these with India for the supply of four SWATHI radars to
shootings occur as many Bangladeshi people try detect the location of weapons.
to illegally migrate into India. In October 2022, India signed an agreement with
Despite its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, India has Armenia to export missiles, rockets & ammunition.
been losing its influence in the region to China; z The missiles will also include Indigenous Pinaka
Bangladesh is an active partner of the Belt and
Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher.
Road Initiative (BRI).
z India may also export its Man Portable Anti-
Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) to Armenia.
India-Armenia Relations ¾ Supply Chain and Economy:
In the contest over global supply chains, Armenia
Why in News? provides a potential outpost for New Delhi in the
Armenia and India celebrated 30 years of bilateral Eurasian corridor which extends from the Persian
diplomatic relations in 2022. Gulf to Russia and Europe.
Note:
Armenia can also prove a worthy developmental access to sea for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmatha
partner to India in domains such as agriculture, (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian Ocean).
pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. ¾ Defence Cooperation:
The collaboration can provide an outstanding Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance
substitute for the debt-fuelled Chinese Belt and to the Nepalese Army in its modernisation through
Road Initiative model. the provision of equipment and training.
Finally, it goes without saying that Armenia growing The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised
purchases of Indian defence hardware would partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal.
provide an impetus to both public and private
India from 2011, every year undertakes a joint
sector defence manufacturing in India. military exercise with Nepal known as Surya Kiran.
¾ Humanitarian Assistance:
India-Nepal Relations Nepal lies in the sensitive ecological fragile
zone which is prone to earthquakes and floods
causing massive damage to both life and money,
Why in News?
whereby it remains the biggest recipient of India’s
Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” was sworn in as humanitarian assistance.
Nepal’s new Prime Minister.
¾ Multilateral Partnership:
¾ It is believed that Deuba’s predecessor - KP Sharma Oli
India and Nepal share multiple multilateral forums
was pro-China, and the coming together of Communist
such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and
forces is a turning back of the clock for India.
Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi
¾ After the bitterness in ties during Oli’s terms in office
Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation),
from 2015-2016 and 2018-2021, India-Nepal relations Non Aligned Movement, and SAARC (South Asian
had improved after Deuba became PM in 2021. Association for Regional Cooperation) etc.
What are the Areas of
Cooperation Between the Two Countries? Russia-China Joint Naval Drills
¾ Trade and Economy:
India remains Nepal’s largest trade partner, with Why in News?
bilateral trade crossing USD 7 billion in FY 2019-20. Recently, Russia and China have begun a joint naval
India provides transit for almost the entire third exercise in the East China Sea.
country trade of Nepal.
Indian firms are among the largest investors in
What are the Key Points of the Exercises?
Nepal, accounting for more than 33% of the total ¾ It involves firing exercises and anti-submarine drills.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock in Nepal, ¾ The main goal of the drills is to strengthen naval
worth nearly USD 500 million. cooperation between the Russian Federation and
¾ Connectivity: the People’s Republic of China and to maintain peace
Nepal being a landlocked country is surrounded and stability in the Asia Pacific region.
by India from three sides and one side is open ¾ This joint exercise is directed at demonstrating the
towards Tibet which has very limited vehicular determination and capability of the two sides to
access. jointly respond to maritime security threats and
India-Nepal has undertaken various connectivity further deepen the China-Russia comprehensive
programs to enhance people-to-people linkages new-era strategic partnership of coordination.
and promote economic growth and development. Russia and China have also engaged in frequent
India is looking to develop the inland waterways for military drills over the past year, including in May
the movement of cargo, within the framework of 2022 when the two countries flew nuclear-capable
trade and transit arrangements, providing additional bombers.
Note:
That was followed with a sweeping joint exercise ¾ The waterway separates Iran and Oman, linking
in September 2022 that involved more than 2,000 the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian
Chinese troops, hundreds of military vehicles, Sea.
combat aircraft and warships. ¾ The Strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the
shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction.
What are India’s
¾ Most crude exported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE,
Exercises with China & Russia? Kuwait and Iraq – all members of the Organization
¾ China: of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – is
Exercise Hand-in-Hand: shipped through this waterway.
z The aim of the exercise is to practice joint ¾ It is also the route used for nearly all the Liquefied
planning and conduct of counter terrorist Natural Gas (LNG) produced by the world’s biggest
operations in semi urban terrain. LNG exporter, Qatar.
¾ Russia: ¾ The UAE and Saudi Arabia have sought to find other
Exercise Indra: routes to bypass the Strait, including building more
z The exercise will entail the conduct of counter
oil pipelines.
terror operations under the United Nations
mandate by a joint force against international India Norway Relations
terror groups.
z The INDRA series of exercises began in 2003
Why in News?
and was conducted as a bilateral naval exercise
alternately between the two countries. Recently, Norway’s Ambassador to India has reported
that the bilateral trade between India and Norway has
z However, the first joint Tri-Services Exercise
doubled to $2 billion in the last two years.
was conducted in 2017.
Exercise TSENTR: What are the Upcoming Areas
z Exercise TSENTR 2019 is part of the annual of Cooperation in India Norway Relations?
series of large-scale exercises that form part of
¾ Norway would invest $1 billion from its climate
the Russian Armed Forces’ annual training cycle.
investment fund in five years worldwide, how much
z The series rotates through the four main
of the funds would be invested in India would depend
Russian operational strategic commands i.e
on the projects.
Vostok (East), Zapad (West), TSENTR (Centre)
¾ Norway is working with the National Institute of Wind
and Kavkas (South).
Energy for Wind Energy related projects.
However, the problem in India is that only Tamil
Strait of Hormuz Nadu and Gujarat had stable wind to make it viable.
¾ Norway is working closely with India to find a way
Why in News? to get enough countries to ratify the Hong Kong
Recently, the United Arab Emirates and Iran’s military Convention. It will be a binding international legal
have started their annual Drill in the coastal area of the instrument.
Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
How has India’s Relations with Norway been?
¾ The maneuvers are aimed at improving readiness in
confronting foreign threats and any possible invasion. ¾ History:
India and Norway have been enjoying a cordial
What is the Strait of Hormuz? and friendly relationship since the establishment
¾ The strait is located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf of relations in 1947.
and is crucial to global energy supplies, with about a Norway’s first Consulates in India opened in Kolkata
fifth of all oil traded at sea passing through it. and Mumbai in 1845 and 1857, respectively.
Note:
In 1952, the “India fund” was established” with z It also intends to mobilise relevant stakeholders
the aim to provide development assistance with from both Norway and India at the highest
a focus on fisheries. level, and ensure continued commitment and
z The same year, Norway opened its Embassy progress across ministries and agencies.
in New Delhi. Norway’s PM Visit to India:
Norway has supported India’s membership to export z In 2019, the Prime Minister of Norway visited
control regimes the Missile Technology Control India and a number of MOUs were signed.
Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement
z The Prime Minister also delivered the inaugural
(WA) and the Australia Group (AG).
address at the Raisina Dialogue and inaugurated
India signed a Double Taxation Avoidance
the India-Norway Business Summit.
Agreement (DTAA) with Norway in 1986 which
was revised in February 2011. Economic Relations:
¾ Developments: z As of 2019, more than 100 Norwegian companies
have established themselves in India.
Consulate General of Norway:
The Consulate General in Mumbai re-opened its

Another 50 are represented by agents.
doors in 2015. The Norwegian Pension Fund Global is
z It had been closed since the 1970s.
likely one of India’s largest single foreign
z It was joined by Innovation Norway, the Norwegian
investors. In 2019, its investments
government’s official trade representative, which amounted to USD 9.5 billion.
now has offices both in Mumbai and New Delhi. z Exports from Norway to India include Nonferrous
¾ India Strategy: metals, gas natural manufactured, plastic in
z In December 2018, the Norwegian government
primary form, crude minerals, chemical material
launched a new ‘India Strategy’. The strategy sets and products.
clear priorities for the Norwegian government z The main items of export from India to Norway
until 2030 and gives renewed impetus to develop include articles of apparels and accessories,
the bilateral cooperation. textile yarns, manufactures of metals, rice and
The India Strategy outlines five thematic priorities: miscellaneous manufactured articles.
z Democracy and a rules-based world order Cooperation in Various Fields:
z The oceans z Norway has the fifth largest commercial
z Energy ship fleet in the world, and ship recycling
z Climate and Environment was crucial to keep up a modern fleet, both
z Research, higher education and global health
for environmental as also for competitive
reasons. Norway is cooperating closely with
z To achieve these objectives, Norway focuses on
India in “Ship recycling and shipbuilding”
political contact and cooperation between the
authorities, business cooperation, and research activities.
cooperation. z Academic collaborations exist between the
Task Force on Blue Economy: Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and
z In 2020, the India-Norway Task Force on Blue
the Institute of Wind Energy in Chennai with
Economy for Sustainable Development was institutions in Norway.
inaugrated jointly by both the countries. This z The Norwegian company, Piql, was involved in
task force was launched during Norwegian creating a digital archive for Indian monuments
Prime Minister’s visit to India earlier in 2019. such as the Taj Mahal. The company was also
z The purpose of the task force is to develop involved in digitalising historical monuments,
and follow up joint initiatives between the Dholavira in Gujarat and the Bhimbhetka Caves
two countries. in Madhya Pradesh.
Note:
19th ASEAN-India Summit What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations?

¾ About:
It is a regional grouping that promotes economic,
Why in News? political, and security cooperation.
Recently, the Vice President of India attended the It was established in August 1967 in Bangkok,
th
19 ASEAN-India Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration
(Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of
What are the ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Highlights of the Meeting? Singapore and Thailand.
Its chairmanship rotates annually, based on
¾ Act East Policy:
the alphabetical order of the English names of
India hailed the deep cultural, economic and
Member States.
civilizational ties that have existed between India
ASEAN countries have a total population of 650
and South East Asia from time immemorial and
million people and a combined Gross Domestic
stated that the India-ASEAN relationship forms the
Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion.
central pillar of India’s ACT-EAST policy.
¾ Members:
India reiterated its support to ASEAN centrality
ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian
in the Indo-Pacific.
states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
¾ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
ASEAN and India adopted a joint statement Thailand and Vietnam – into one organisation.
announcing the elevation of the existing Strategic
Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic How has Been the ASEAN-India Relations?
Partnership. ¾ About:
It reiterated the commitment to enhance India-
ASEAN is considered one of the most influential
ASEAN cooperation in various areas such as groupings in Southeast Asia.
maritime activities, counter-terrorism, cyber
India and several other countries, including the
security, digital economy, environment, science
US, China, Japan and Australia, are its dialogue
& technology, tourism, among other areas.
partners.
It proposes expediting the review of ASEAN-India
The ASEAN-India dialogue relations started with the
Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it
establishment of a sectoral partnership in 1992.
more user-friendly, simple, and trade-facilitative.
This graduated to full dialogue partnership in
¾ Peace and Security:
December 1995 and summit-level partnership
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining
in 2002.
and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety
Traditionally the basis of India-ASEAN ties has been
and security, freedom of navigation and overflight
trade and people-to-people ties due to shared
in the Indo-Pacific region.
historical and cultural roots, a more recent and
¾ Deepening Dialogue and Coordination:
urgent area of convergence has been balancing
As part of maintaining “ASEAN-Centrality”, the China’s rise.
two sides reaffirmed the importance of deepening
z Both India and ASEAN aim to establish a
dialogue and coordination through ASEAN-led
rules-based security architecture for peaceful
mechanisms including the ASEAN-India Summit, the
development in the region, in contrast to China’s
East Asia Summit, the Post-Ministerial Conference
aggressive policies.
with India (PMC+1), the ASEAN Regional Forum
¾ Areas of Cooperation:
(ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus
(ADMM-Plus), the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Economic Cooperation:
Forum (EAMF). z ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner.
Note:
z India signed FTA (Free Trade Agreement) in goods z The maiden Asean-India Maritime Exercise will
in 2009 and an FTA in services and investments be held in 2023.
in 2014 with ASEAN. z Watershed’ Military Exercise held in 2016.
Since the FTA came into effect, the trade Vietnam has traditionally been a close friend
between them has almost doubled to reach on defense issues, Singapore is also an equally
over USD 87 billion in 2019-20 and then important partner.
declined to USD 79 billion in 2020-21 due
to pandemic-driven slowdown.
India-Belarus Relation
z India has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
Agreement (CECA) with various countries of the
ASEAN region which has resulted in concessional Why in News?
trade and a rise in investments. Recently, the 11th Session of the India-Belarus Inter-
z Commodity trade between India and ASEAN Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
region has reached USD 98.39 billion in the Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held.
period April 2021- February 2022.
z India’s main trading ties are with Indonesia,
What are the Highlights of the Session?
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. ¾ The Intergovernmental Commission reviewed the
Political Cooperation: results of bilateral cooperation that took place after
z ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) was established
the tenth session of the Commission in 2020.
to undertake policy research, advocacy and ¾ While expressing satisfaction at the progress made
networking activities with organizations and in regard to some projects, the Commission also
think-tanks in India and ASEAN. directed concerned Ministries and Departments
to focus on key sectors in the trade & investment
Financial Assistance:
spheres to finalize concrete outcomes.
z India provides financial assistance to the ASEAN
¾ India and Belarus reiterated their strong desire to
nations through various mechanism like ASEAN-
further broaden their cooperation with emphasis
India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-India S&T
on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, financial
Development Fund and ASEAN-India Green Fund.
services, science and technology, heavy industries,
Connectivity: culture, tourism, and education.
z India has been undertaking several connectivity ¾ The two ministers directed their respective business
projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral communities to engage with each other in these
(IMT) Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal sectors to further mutually beneficial cooperation.
Project. ¾ The two sides agreed to promote cooperation
z India is also trying to establish a Maritime among various states in India and regions in Belarus,
Transportation Agreement with ASEAN and especially in focus areas.
also Plans for a Railway link between New Delhi
in India to Hanoi in Vietnam. How Has Been India-Belarus Relations?
Socio-Cultural Cooperation: ¾ Diplomatic Relations:
z Programmes to boost People-to-People India’s relations with Belarus have been traditionally
Interaction with ASEAN are organized, such warm and cordial.
as inviting ASEAN students to India, Special India was one of the first countries to recognize
Training Course for ASEAN diplomats, Exchange Belarus as an independent country in 1991 after
of Parliamentarians, etc. the break-up of the Soviet Union.
Defence Cooperation: ¾ Supports at Multilateral Fora:
z Joint Naval and Military exercises are conducted The cooperation between the two countries is
between India and most ASEAN countries. visible at many multilateral fora such as the UN
Note:
Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Suppliers
Group (NSG). Meeting of the SCO
Belarus was one of the countries whose support
Council of Heads
helped in consolidating India’s candidature for
the non-permanent seat at the UNSC in July 2020.
India has also reciprocated Belarus’s support
Why in News?
at various international fora, such as Belarus’s Recently, China hosted a meeting of the Shanghai
membership in the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government
and other international and multilateral groups ¾ The SCO Heads of Government meet is held annually
like IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union). to focus on the trade and economic agenda of the
¾ Comprehensive Partnership: organisation and approves the SCO’s annual budget.
The two countries enjoy a comprehensive ¾ India has taken over as Chairperson of the SCO for
partnership and have established mechanisms 2023, and will host leaders of all SCO countries at a
for exchanging views on bilateral, regional summit in Delhi expected in mid-2023.
and multilateral issues through Foreign Office ¾ Earlier, the SCO summit 2022 was held recently in
Consultations (FOC), Intergovernmental Commission
Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
(IGC), and Joint Commission on Military Technical
Cooperation. What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
The two countries have signed a number of
The heads of delegations of the SCO member states
Agreements/MoUs on various subjects, including
trade and economic cooperation, culture, education, exchanged views on key issues of global and regional
media and sports, tourism, science & technology, development, discussed priority steps to increase trade,
agriculture, textiles, Avoidance of Double Taxation, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation within
Promotion and Protection of Investments, and the SCO.
defence and technical cooperation. India stated that its total trade with SCO Members
¾ Trade and Commerce: is only USD 141 billion, which has potential to increase
In the economic sector, the annual bilateral trade
manifold.
turnover in 2019 stands at USD 569.6 million. The bulk of India’s trade with SCO countries is with
India’s special gesture in 2015 that granted Belarus China, which crossed USD 100 billion in 2022,
the Market Economy Status and a USD 100 million while trade with Russia is less than USD 20 billion.
Line of Credit has also helped in the growth in the Trade with Central Asian countries is less than
economic sector. USD 2 billion, and with Pakistan it is about USD
z Market Economy status is a status conferred on 500 million.
the country exporting the goods accepted as the ¾ While taking aim at China’s BRI (Belt and Road
benchmark. Prior to this status, the country was Initiative), which passes through parts of Pakistan
considered as a Non-Market Economy (NME). occupied Kashmir (PoK), India said that Connectivity
India’s encouragement to the Belarusian projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial
businessmen to invest in ‘Make in India’ projects integrity of Member States and respect international
are bearing fruits. law.
¾ Indian Diaspora: ¾ India underlined the need for better connectivity in
The Indian Community in Belarus consists of the SCO region built on the centrality of interests of
around 112 Indian nationals and 906 Indian Central Asian states, which will unlock the economic
students pursuing studies in medicine in State potential of this region in which Chabahar port and
medical universities in Belarus. the International North South Transport Corridor
Indian art and culture, dance, yoga, ayurveda, films, (INSTC) could become enablers.
etc. remain popular among Belarusian nationals. ¾ India drew attention to its commitment in fighting the
Many young Belarusians also take keen interest in challenge of climate change and also, its achievements
learning Hindi and dance forms of India. made in this direction.
Note:
¾ India pitched for more trade through Iran’s Chabahar What is Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)
port and the INSTC that India is a part of, aiming to
¾ Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious project
improve bilateral trade with Central Asian countries.
that focuses on connectivity and cooperation among
¾ A joint communique was issued after the meeting multiple countries spread across the continents
naming all countries except India, which reaffirmed their of Asia, Africa, and Europe. BRI spans about 150
support for the BRI, “including the work to promote countries (China’s Claim).
the alignment of the ‘Belt and Road’ construction with
¾ Initially announced in the year 2013, the project
the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union”.
involves building networks of roadways, railways,
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? maritime ports, power grids, oil and gas pipelines,
¾ About:
and associated infrastructure projects.
It is a permanent intergovernmental international
¾ The project covers two parts.
organisation. It was created in 2001. Silk Road Economic Belt: It is land-based and
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered is expected to connect China with Central Asia,
into force in 2003. Eastern Europe, and Western Europe.
It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: It is sea-based
organisation aiming to maintain peace, security and is expected to connect China’s southern
and stability in the region. coast to the Mediterranean, Africa, South-East
It is seen as a counterweight to North Atlantic Asia, and Central Asia.
Treaty Organization (NATO), It is a nine-member
economic and security bloc and has emerged
as one of the largest transregional international 2nd BIMSTEC Agriculture
organisations.
Ministers Meeting
¾ Official Languages:
¾ Russian and Chinese.
Why in News?
¾ Permanent Bodies:
SCO Secretariat in Beijing.
Recently, India hosted the Second Agriculture
Ministerial-level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative
Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist
for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
(BIMSTEC).
¾ Chairmanship:
It is by rotation for a year by Member States. What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
¾ Genesis: ¾ India urged the member countries to cooperate in
Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, developing a comprehensive regional strategy to
China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were strengthen cooperation for the transformation of
members of the Shanghai Five. agriculture.
Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of
¾ It also urged the member countries to adopt a
border demarcation and demilitarization talks conducive agricultural food system and a healthy
which the four former Soviet republics held
diet for all by referring to the importance of millet
with China to ensure stability along the borders.
as a nutritious food and the efforts made by India
Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the
to promote millet and its products during the
organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was International Year of Millets - 2023.
renamed the SCO.
¾ Natural and ecological farming should be promoted
India and Pakistan became members in 2017.
to conserve agricultural biodiversity and reduce the
Current Members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan,
use of chemicals.
Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.
Along with digital farming and precision farming,
Iran is set to become a permanent member of
initiatives under the ‘One Health’ approach are
the SCO in 2023.
also taking shape in India.
Note:
¾ Highlighted India’s statement at the 5th BIMSTEC It serves as a bridge between two major
Summit held in Colombo in March, 2022 on enhancing high-growth centres of Asia — South and Southeast
regional cooperation between BIMSTEC nations for Asia.
food security, peace and prosperity in the region.
¾ Adopted the Action Plan for Strengthening BIMSTEC Black Sea
Agricultural Cooperation (2023-2027).
¾ An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Grain Initiative
the BIMSTEC Secretariat and the International Food
Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has been signed and Why in News?
approval has been given to bring fisheries and livestock
Recently, Russia re-joined the Black Sea Grain
sub-sectors under the Agricultural Working Group.
Initiative.
What is BIMSTEC?
What is the
¾ About:
Black Sea Grain Initiative?
The BIMSTEC is a regional organisation comprising
seven Member States: five deriving from South ¾ About:
Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, The Black Sea Grain initiative endeavors to tackle
Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia, including escalating food prices emanating from supply
Myanmar and Thailand. chain disruptions because of Russian actions in
This sub-regional organisation came into being on the world’s ‘breadbasket’.
6th June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. The deal brokered by the United Nations (UN)
The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion

and Turkey, was signed in Istanbul in July, 2022.
people which constitute around 22% of the global ¾ Objective:
population with a combined Gross Domestic Initially stipulated for a period of 120 days, the deal
Product (GDP) of 2.7 trillion economy. was to provide for a safe maritime humanitarian
The BIMSTEC Secretariat is in Dhaka. corridor for Ukrainian exports (particularly for
¾ Institutional Mechanisms: food grains).
z BIMSTEC Summit The central idea was to calm markets by ensuring
z Ministerial Meeting an adequate supply of grains, thereby limiting

z Senior Officials’ Meeting
food price inflation.
z BIMSTEC Working Group
¾ Role of Joint Coordination Centre (JCC):
The deal put in place a Joint Coordination Centre
z Business Forum & Economic Forum
(JCC), comprising senior representatives from
¾ Significance:
Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN for oversight
The BIMSTEC has huge potential as a natural
and coordination.
platform for development cooperation in a rapidly
All commercial ships are required to register
changing geopolitical calculus and can leverage its
unique position as a pivot in the Indo-Pacific region. directly with the JCC to ensure appropriate
The growing value of BIMSTEC can be attributed
monitoring, inspection and safe passage. Inbound
to its geographical contiguity, abundant natural and outbound ships (to the designated corridor)
and human resources, and rich historical linkages transit as per a schedule accorded by the JCC
and a cultural heritage for promoting deeper post-inspection.
cooperation in the region. This is done so as to ensure there is no unauthorized
The Bay of Bengal region has the potential to cargo or personnel onboard.
become the epicentre of the Indo-Pacific idea, a Following this, they are allowed to sail onwards to
place where the strategic interests of the major Ukrainian ports for loading through the designated
powers of East and South Asia intersect. corridor.
Note:
countries, in the context of meaningful mitigation

India-US Economic and actions and transparency on implementation.
Financial Partnership Meet The countries also discussed mutual collaboration
in sharing of information to tackle offshore tax
Why in News? evasion.
¾ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act:
Recently, the 9th Ministerial meeting of the India-US
Economic and Financial Partnership was held. The two sides will continue to engage in discussions
relating to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
¾ The Indian delegation was led by the Union Minister
(FATCA) for sharing of financial account information.
for Finance & Corporate Affairs and the USA delegation
was led by the Treasury Secretary.
How have been India’s Relations with the US?
What are the Key Highlights of the Meet? ¾ About:
¾ Efforts to Increase Climate Ambition: The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on
Both countries shared the re-energized global shared values including a commitment to democracy
efforts to increase climate ambition as well as and upholding the rules-based international system.
respective domestic efforts to meet publicly The United States and India have shared interests
expressed climate goals. in promoting global security, stability, and

¾ Macroeconomic Challenges: economic prosperity through trade, investment,
and connectivity.
In the context of the conflict in Ukraine, both
The United States supports India’s emergence
discussed the current headwinds to the global
macroeconomic outlook including increased as a leading global power and a vital partner in
commodity and energy prices as well as supply side efforts to safeguard the Indo-Pacific as a region
disruptions, and reemphasized their commitment of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.
to the central role of multilateral cooperation in ¾ Economic Relations:
addressing these global macroeconomic challenges. In 2021, overall U.S.-India bilateral trade in goods
¾ Multilateral Development Banks: and services reached a record USD 157 billion.
They acknowledged the importance of working The United States is India’s largest trading partner
through MDBS to help India access and mobilize and most important export market.
available financing to support development America is one of the few countries with which
objectives, including climate action. India has a trade surplus. In 2021-22, India had
Both plan to continue engaging on these and other a trade surplus of USD 32.8 billion with the US.
global economic issues multilaterally and bilaterally. ¾ International Cooperations:
¾ Equal Debt Treatment: India and the United States cooperate closely at
Both sides affirmed their commitment to debt multilateral organizations, including the United
sustainability, transparency in bilateral lending, Nations, G-20, Association of Southeast Asian
and coordinating closely on extending fair and Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, International
equal debt treatment to countries facing debt Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade
distress. Organization.
¾ G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment: The United States welcomed India joining the
Both reiterated commitment to step efforts to UN Security Council in 2021 for a two-year term
implement the G20 Common Framework for and supports a reformed UN Security Council that
Debt Treatment in a predictable, timely, orderly includes India as a permanent member.
and coordinated manner. Together with Australia and Japan, the United
¾ Collective Quantified Goal: States and India convene as the Quad to promote
Both agreed to mobilize USD 100 billion every year till a free and open Indo-Pacific and provide tangible
2025 from public and private sources for developing benefits to the region.
Note:
India is also one of twelve countries partnering with z It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty
the United States on the Indo-Pacific Economic banning an entire category of WMD.
Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). z It supplements the 1925 Geneva Protocol,
India is a member of the Indian Ocean Rim which prohibited only the use of biological (and
Association (IORA), at which the United States is chemical) weapons in war.
a dialogue partner.
The Geneva Protocol was signed at a
In 2021, the United States joined the International conference held in Geneva under the auspices
Solar Alliance headquartered in India, and in
of the League of Nations.
2022 the United States Agency for International
It entered into force in 1928.
Development (USAID).
India has ratified this protocol.
Members:
India Abstains Russia’s UNSC
z The Convention has an almost universal

Resolution on Bioweapons membership with 184 States Parties and four
Signatory States.
Why in News? z India is a signatory of the convention.
India has abstained from a UNSC resolution sponsored

by Russia alleging US and Ukraine carrying out “military What are UN Resolutions?
biological activities” violating the Biological Weapons ¾ About: The UN Resolutions and decisions are formal
Convention (BWC). expressions of the opinion or will of UN organs.
¾ Before this resolution, India recently abstained from The nature of the resolution determines if it is
another UNSC resolution, which sought to declare considered binding on States.
Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian territories
¾ UNGA Resolutions: Articles 10 and 14 of the UN
as invalid.
Charter refer to General Assembly resolutions as
What is the Biological Weapon Convention? “recommendations”.
¾ About Biological Weapons: The recommendatory nature of UNGA resolutions
Biological weapons use microbiological agents

has repeatedly been stressed by the International
(such as bacteria, viruses or fungi) or toxins to Court of Justice.
intentionally cause death or harm to humans, However, some UNGA resolutions dealing with
animals, or plants. matters internal to the United Nations, such as
¾ Biological Weapon Convention: budgetary decisions or instructions to lower-ranking
About: organs, are clearly binding.
z Formally known as “The Convention on the ¾ UNSC Resolutions: In general, resolutions adopted by
Prohibition of the Development, Production and the UN Security Council acting under Chapter VII of
Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and the Charter, are considered binding, in accordance
Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction”, the with Article 25 of the Charter.
Convention was negotiated by the Conference However, they are subject to veto exercised by
of the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva, permanent members of UNSC.
Switzerland.
z It entered into force on 26th March 1975.
Ambit: Indo-Pacific Regional

z It effectively prohibits the development, Dialogue (IPRD-2022)
production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and
use of biological and toxin weapons. Significance:
Why in News?
z It is a key element in the international
community’s efforts to address the proliferation Recently, the fourth edition of Indo Pacific Regional
of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Dialogue concluded in Delhi.
Note:
What is Indo Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)? One of the reasons behind the popularity of this
term is an understanding that the Indian Ocean
¾ About:
and the Pacific are a linked strategic theater.
IPRD is an apex level international annual
z Also, the centre of gravity has shifted to Asia.
conference of the Indian Navy.
The reason being maritime routes, the Indian
z In 2018, the initial conception of an IPRD was
Ocean and the Pacific provide the sea lanes. The
made. majority of the world’s trade passes through
z With the exception of 2020, when it had to be these oceans.
postponed owing to the Covid-19, the event ¾ Significance:
has been hosted annually since its initial year
The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most populous
in 2018.
and economically active regions of the world which
The National Maritime Foundation (NMF) is the includes four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia
Navy’s knowledge partner and chief organizer of and America.
each edition of the event. The dynamism and vitality of the region is self-
¾ Theme for 2022: evident, 60% of the world’s population and 2/3rd
Operationalising the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative of the global economic output makes this region
¾ Objectives: a global economic centre.
The IPRD reviews the current geopolitics in the The region is also a great source and destination
Indo-Pacific region and identifies opportunities, for Foreign Direct Investment. Many of the world’s
dangers, and problems that might be present. critical and large supply chains have an Indo-Pacific
IPRD remains crucial to its interests because one of
connection.
the main goals of the NMF is to conduct analyses There are vast reserves of marine resources in
of international relations and geopolitical factors the Indian and Pacific Oceans combined, including
that are important to India strategically, offshore hydrocarbons, methane hydrates, seabed
minerals and rare earth metals.
What is the z Sizable coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zones
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)? (EEZs) provide littoral countries with competitive
capabilities for exploiting these resources.
¾ It was articulated by the Indian Prime Minister at the
z In turn, a number of the world’s largest economies
14th East Asia Summit (EAS) in 2019. are located in the Indo-Pacific region, including
¾ It is a comprehensive and inclusive construct for regional India, U.S.A, China, Japan, Australia.
cooperation that is focused on seven interconnected
spokes or pillars:
Maritime Security
India-Australia
Maritime Ecology Economic Cooperation
z Maritime Resources and Trade Agreement
z Disaster Risk-reduction and Management
z Trade-Connectivity and Maritime Transport Why in News?

z Capacity-building and Resource sharing
Recently, the Australian Parliament approved the
z Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA).
What is the Indo-Pacific Region?
¾ About: What is Ind-Aus ECTA?
Indo-Pacific is a recent concept. It was about a ¾ It is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India
decade ago that the world started talking about has signed with a major developed country in over
the Indo-Pacific; its rise has been quite significant. a decade.
Note:
¾ The Agreement encompasses cooperation across the ¾ This is a special partnership characterised by shared
entire gamut of bilateral economic and commercial values of pluralistic, parliamentary democracies,
relations between the two friendly countries, and Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic
covers areas like: engagement, long standing people-to-people ties
Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin and increasing high level interaction.
Trade in Services ¾ The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
initiated during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
Summit held in June 2020 is the cornerstone of India-
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures Dispute
Australia multi-faceted bilateral relations.
Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons Telecom,
¾ Growing India-Australia economic and commercial
Customs Procedures
relations contribute to the stability and strength of a
Pharmaceutical products, and Cooperation in
rapidly diversifying and deepening bilateral relationship
other Areas between the two countries.
¾ ECTA provides for an institutional mechanism to ¾ India and Australia have been each other’s important
encourage and improve trade between the two trading partners.
countries.
Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India
¾ The ECTA between India and Australia covers almost and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner.
all the tariff lines dealt in by India and Australia
India-Australia bilateral trade for both merchandise
respectively.
and services is valued at USD 27.5 billion in 2021.
India will benefit from preferential market access
India’s merchandise exports to Australia grew 135%
provided by Australia on 100% of its tariff lines.
between 2019 and 2021. India’s exports consist
This includes all the labour-intensive sectors of
primarily of a broad-based basket largely of finished
export interest to India such as Gems and Jewellery, products and were USD 6.9 billion in 2021.
Textiles, leather, footwear, furniture etc.
India’s merchandise imports from Australia were
On the other hand, India will be offering preferential USD 15.1 billion in 2021, consisting largely of raw
access to Australia on over 70% of its tariff lines, materials, minerals and intermediate goods.
including lines of export interest to Australia which ¾ India and Australia are partners in the trilateral Supply
are primarily raw materials and intermediaries Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) arrangement along
such as coal, mineral ores and wines etc. with Japan which seeks to enhance the resilience of
¾ Under the agreement, Indian graduates from STEM supply chains in the Indo-Pacific Region.
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) ¾ Further, India and Australia are also members of the
will be granted extended post-study work visas. QUAD grouping (India, the US, Australia and Japan),
Australia will also set up a programme to grant also comprising the US, and Japan, to further enhance
visas to young Indians looking to pursue working cooperation and develop partnership across several
holidays in Australia. issues of common concern.
Annual Visa quota of 1800 is to be instituted for
India Yoga teachers and Chefs.
G-20 Summit 2022
¾ It is also estimated that 10 lakh jobs will be created
as a result of ECTA.
Why in News?
How has been the Recently, the 17th annual summit of G-20 was hosted
India- Australia Relation so far? by the Indonesian G20 presidency in Bali under the theme
¾ India and Australia enjoy excellent bilateral relations ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’.
that have undergone transformational evolution in ¾ Now, India has assumed the charge of the G20
recent years, developing along a positive track, into presidency and the 18th summit will be held in India
a friendly partnership. in 2023.
Note:
What are the Outcomes of the Summit? What are the Challenges before
¾ Condemning Russian Aggression: the G-20 Member Countries?
Member countries adopted a declaration deploring ¾ Impact of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine:
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine “in the strongest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only created
terms” and demanding its unconditional withdrawal. massive geopolitical uncertainty but also spiked
They also recognised that while most members global inflation.
condemned the war in Ukraine, “there were other The associated sanctions by the West have further
views and different assessments of the situation queered the pitch.
and sanctions”.
z Persistently high inflation — at historic highs
¾ Focus on Global Economy: in several countries — has eroded purchasing
The G20 economies agreed in their declaration to power across these countries, thus dragging
pace interest rate rises carefully to avoid spillovers down economic growth.
and warned of “increased volatility” in currency ¾ Impact of Rising Inflation:
moves, a sea change from last year’s focus on
In response to high inflation, central banks across
mending the scars of the Covid-19 pandemic.
countries have raised interest rates, which, in
¾ Food Security:
turn, have dampened economic activity further.
The leaders promised to take coordinated action
Some of the biggest major economies such as the
to address food security challenges and applauded
US and the UK are set to face a recession; others,
the Black Sea grains initiative.
such as those in the euro area, are likely to slow
Climate Change:
down to almost a halt.
G20 leaders agreed to pursue efforts to limit the
¾ Slowdown of Major Economies:
global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
China, one of the major engines for global growth,
- confirming they stand by the temperature goal
from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. is witnessing a sharp slowdown as it struggles
¾ Digital Transformation: with a real estate crisis.
Leaders recognised the importance of digital
¾ Rising Geopolitical Rifts:
transformation in reaching the sustainable The world economy is struggling with geopolitical
development goals. rifts such as the tensions between the US and

They encouraged international collaboration China, the two biggest economies in the world, or
to further develop digital skills and digital the decline in trade between the UK and the euro
literacy to harness the positive impacts of digital area in the wake of the Brexit decision.
transformation, especially for women, girls, and
people in vulnerable situations.
India Norway
¾ Health:
Leaders also expressed their continuous
Maritime Cooperation
commitment to promoting a healthy and
sustainable recovery which builds towards achieving Why in News?
and sustaining universal health coverage.
They welcomed the establishment of a new financial
Recently, the 8th Norway-India Joint Working Group
intermediary fund for pandemic prevention, Maritime meeting was held in Mumbai, India.
preparedness and response (the ‘Pandemic Fund’) ¾ Norway has the technical expertise in Maritime sector
hosted by the World Bank. and India has huge potential for development of
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen
Maritime sector and large pool of trained seafarers,
global health governance, with the leading and which make both countries natural complementary
coordination role of World Health Organisation partners.
(WHO) and support from other international ¾ Earlier, India had also prepared Maritime India Vision
organisations. 2030, which has identified more than 150 initiatives
Note:
across various maritime sectors like ports, shipping Develop best-in-class Port infrastructure.
z
and waterways focusing on capacity augmentation etc. Drive Exchange to Exchange Logistics Efficiency
z
and Cost Competitiveness.
What are the Key z Enhance Logistics Efficiency through Technology
Discussions of the Meeting? and Innovation.
¾ Discussion was held on use of alternative fuels like z Strengthen Policy and Institutional Framework
green ammonia and hydrogen for futuristic shipping. to Support all Stakeholders.
¾ The Norwegian Green Shipping Programme has z Enhance Global Share in Ship Building, Repair
been successful and the experience and expertise and Recycling.
was shared in the meeting. z Enhance Cargo and Passenger Movement
¾ India and Norway are part of the Green Voyage 2050 through Inland Waterways.
project. z Promote Ocean, Coastal and River Cruise Sector.
Both parties agreed on willingness, devotion, z Enhance India’s Global stature and Maritime
partnership and capacity building for achieving Co-operation.
common goals.
z Lead the World in Safe, Sustainable & Green
¾ India is a signatory to Hongkong Convention for Maritime Sector.
Recycling of Ships.
z Become Top Seafaring Nation with World Class
In the meeting, India requested that European Education, Research & Training.
Union regulation should not hinder recycling of ¾ Key Targets 2030:
non-European countries which are compliant as
Three Major Ports with >300 Million Ton Per
per International Convention.
Annum (MTPA) cargo handling capacity.
Norway was requested not to prolong Ship recycling
More than 75% of Indian cargo transshipment
to India as a lot of investment has been made by
handled by Indian ports.
Indian recyclers.
More than 85% of cargo handled at Major Ports
¾ The Norwegian delegation will also take part in
by Public Private Partnership/ other operators.
INMARCO, the Green Shipping Conclave, and the
Average vessel turnaround time (containers) of
Maritime ShEO conference.
less than 20 hours.
¾ The Maritime ShEO conference is supported by Norway
Global ranking of Top 10 in ship building and
and focused on maritime diversity and sustainability,
including gender equality in the maritime industry. ship repair.
More than 15 Lakh annual cruise passengers.
What is Maritime India Vision 2030? More than 60% share of renewable energy at
¾ About: Major Ports.

Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 is a ten-year
blueprint for the maritime sector released by Meeting of China-Indian
the Prime Minister of India at the Maritime India
Summit in November 2020. Ocean Region Forum
MIV 2030 has been formulated in consultation with
over 350+ public and private sector stakeholders, Why in News?
comprising ports, shipyards, inland waterways, trade Recently, the China International Development
bodies and associations, national and international Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), held a meeting of the China-
industry and legal experts. Indian Ocean Region Forum in which 19 countries took
¾ Themes: part but not India.
MIV 2030 is based on 10 themes covering all
the facets of the Indian maritime sector and is a What are the Key Highlights of the Meet?
comprehensive effort to define and meet national ¾ Theme: Shared Development: Theory and Practice
maritime objectives: from the Perspective of the Blue Economy.
Note:
¾ Participating Countries: How is India’s Presence in IORA?

Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, ¾ In addition, to act as a first responder during major
Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South crises in the littoral countries, India regularly engages
Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, with the Indian Ocean littoral countries through such
Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti, Australia and mechanisms as the Indian Ocean Rim Association
representatives of 3 international organisations (IORA) and Indian Ocean Navies Symposium (IONS)
were present. under the vision of Security and Growth for All in
the Region (SAGAR).
India was reportedly not invited.
¾ India has strong influence in the Indian Ocean region
¾ Marine Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Cooperation
where India-backed organisations like the IORA have
Mechanism: taken strong roots.
China proposed to establish a marine disaster ¾ India continues to promote its official policy of
prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism “coordination, cooperation and partnership” in the
between China and countries in the Indian Ocean regional maritime domain.
region. ¾ As coordinator to the priority area on disaster risk
China expressed its willingness to provide necessary management, India has published guidelines for
financial, material, and technical support to IORA. It has also urged partners to join the Coalition
countries in need. for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure launched at the
UN in September 2019.
What does China Seek from the Meet? ¾ India has been trying to emerge as the net provider
of information in the IOR and in that direction it
¾ China is contending for influence in the strategic Indian
created the Information Fusion Centre located in
Ocean region with substantial investments in ports
Gurugram to assist member countries of IOR with
and infrastructure in several countries. real-time crisis information. Bangladesh, Mauritius,
¾ China has made substantial investments in ports Maldives, Sri Lanka and Seychelles have been part of
and infrastructure investments in several countries, the information support structure of India.
including Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
What is the Indian Ocean Rim Association?
¾ China has acquired Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port on a
¾ It was established in 1997 and is a regional forum
99-year lease besides building the port at Pakistan’s
Gwadar in the Arabian Sea opposite India’s western that seeks to build and expand understanding and
mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-
coast and infrastructure investments in the Maldives.
based, evolutionary and non-intrusive approach.
What are the Concerns? ¾ IORA has 23 member states and 9 Dialogue Partners.
Members: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros,
¾ China has often been accused of engaging in “debt
diplomacy” in these countries under its Belt and France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar,
Road Initiative allegedly in the name of infrastructure Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique,
development. Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South
Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United
¾ Since 2008, China has regularly deployed a contingent
Arab Emirates and Yemen.
of naval warships in the Gulf of Aden and established
China is a dialogue partner in the IORA.
its first foreign military base in Djibouti in 2017.
¾ The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius.
¾ At the same time India’s absence is seen as an attempt
to challenge India’s traditional presence in the region ¾ The association gains importance by the fact that the
amid apprehensions of politicization of the Indian Indian Ocean carries half of the world’s container
Ocean region. Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry ships, one-third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and
refused to disclose who the participants were from two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments.
other countries. ¾ It is a lifeline of international trade and transport and
the Indian ocean region is woven together by trade
India has been a traditional partner and supporter
routes and commands control of major sea-lanes.
of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
Note:
¾ India’s overall crude oil imports from the GCC in
India and Gulf 2021-22 were about USD 48 billion, while LNG and
Cooperation Council LPG imports in 2021-22 stood at about USD 21 billion.
What is the Status of Indian Trade

Why in News? Agreements with Other Countries?
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have ¾ India-Australia Trade Agreement:
agreed to pursue a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Recently, the Australian Parliament approved the
the two regions and resume the negotiations. India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
¾ GCC is a union of six countries in the Gulf region Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA).
— Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and It is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that
Bahrain. The council is the largest trading bloc of India. India has signed with a major developed country
in over a decade.
Why is the Gulf Region Crucial for India?
The Agreement encompasses cooperation across the
¾ India has enjoyed centuries of good relations with entire gamut of bilateral economic and commercial
countries like Iran, while smaller gas-rich nation Qatar relations between the two friendly countries.
is one of India’s closest allies in the region. ¾ India-European Union FTA:
¾ India shares good relations with most of the countries India and the EU restarted their FTA negotiations
in the Gulf. in goods and services in early 2021 after a gap of
¾ The two most important reasons for the relationship eight years.
are oil and gas, and trade. The two regions aim to work out pacts in
Qatar accounts for 41% of India’s total natural investments and geographic indications parallel
gas imports. to FTA engagement.
¾ Two additional reasons are the huge number of Indians Round three of India-EU FTA talks will begin later
who work in the Gulf countries, and the remittance this year at Delhi.
they send back home. ¾ India-UK FTA:
As per a research paper published by the Reserve Over the next few months, India and the United
Bank of India, in the financial year 2020-21, Kingdom will start talks on a free trade agreement
remittances from the UAE to India were USD15.40 (FTA).
billion, which is 18% of India’s total inward On the agenda is securing a patent regime against
remittances. evergreening by pharma companies, seeking easier
work visas as well as access to Indian movies in
What is the State of the the region under the proposed FTA.
India-GCC Trade Relationship? ¾ India-UAE CEPA
¾ India’s exports to the GCC member countries grew by The Comprehensive Economic Partnership
58.26% to about USD 44 billion in 2021-22 against Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United
USD 27.8 billion in 2020-21. Arab Emirates (UAE) came into force from 1st
¾ Bilateral trade in goods has increased to USD 154.73 May, 2022
billion in 2021-22 from USD 87.4 billion in 2020-21. CEPA provides for an institutional mechanism
¾ Services trade between the two regions was valued to encourage and improve trade between the
at around USD 14 billion in 2021-22, with exports two countries.
aggregated at USD 5.5 billion and imports at USD ¾ India-Canada CEPA:
8.3 billion. Canada had previously been working to advance
¾ GCC countries contribute almost 35% of India’s oil negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion
imports and 70% of its gas imports. Protection Agreement (FIPA) and a CEPA.
Note:
In August 2022, India and Canada confirmed that However, India has had a stellar record on the issue
they would hold the fourth round of negotiations of refugee protection. India has a moral tradition
to secure an Early Progress Trade Agreement for assimilating foreign people and culture.
(EPTA), an intermediate step till a Comprehensive ¾ Moreover, the Foreigners Act, 1946, fails to
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is reached. address the peculiar problems faced by refugees
as a class.
India and Refugee Policy It also gives unbridled power to the Central
government to deport any foreign citizen.
¾ Further, the constitution of India also respects the
Why in News?
life, liberty, and dignity of human beings.
Recently, many Kuki-Chin refugees from Chittagong
The Supreme Court in the National Human Rights
Hill Tract Area in Bangladesh entered Mizoram (India)
Commission vs. State of Arunachal Pradesh (1996)
fearing an attack from Bangladesh security forces against
held that “while all rights are available to citizens,
them.
persons including foreign citizens are entitled to
¾ Mizoram Government expressed sympathy for the right to equality and the right to life, among
the refugees, who belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo others.”
communities, and resolved to give temporary shelter,
¾ Further, Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses
food and other relief as per convenience of the state
the right of non-refoulement.
government.
Non-refoulement is the principle under international
What Causes law which states that a person fleeing persecution

these Refugee Influx? from his own country should not be forced to
return to his own country.
¾ The CHT (Chittagong Hill Tracts) is an impoverished
hilly, forested area that sprawls over more than What is the Current
13,000 sq km of the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Legislative Framework to Handle Refugees?
Bandarban districts of southeastern Bangladesh, ¾ Foreigners Act of 1946: Under Section 3, the Central
bordering Mizoram to the east, Tripura to the north, government is empowered to detect, detain and
and Myanmar to the south and southeast. deport illegal foreign nationals.
¾ A significant portion of the population is tribal, and ¾ Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 : Under Section
culturally and ethnically different from the majority 5, authorities can remove an illegal foreigner by
Muslim Bangladeshis who live in the country’s deltaic force under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of
mainland.
India.
¾ The tribal population of the CHT has ethnic links with
¾ Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939: Under this,
tribal populations in the adjacent areas of India,
there is a mandatory requirement under which all
mainly in Mizoram.
foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of
Mizoram shares a 318-km-long border with
India) visiting India on a long-term visa (more than
Bangladesh
180 days) is required to register themselves with
¾ Mizoram is already playing host to about 30,000 a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving
refugees who have been fleeing fighting in Myanmar’s in India.
Chin state since around July-August 2021.
¾ Citizenship Act, 1955: It provided provisions for
What is India’s Refugee Policy? renunciation, termination, and deprivation of
citizenship.
¾ India lacks specific legislation to address the problem
of refugees, in spite of their increasing inflow. ¾ Further, Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA)
seeks to provide citizenship only to Hindu, Christian,
¾ India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention
Jain, Parsi, Sikh, and Buddhist immigrants persecuted
and its 1967 Protocol, the key legal documents
pertaining to refugee protection. in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Note:
What is the Difference ¾ While the West agreed to lift sanctions related to
Between Refugees and Migrants? Iran’s nuclear proliferation, other sanctions addressing
¾ Refugees are people outside their countries of
alleged abuses of human rights and Iran’s ballistic
origin who are in need of international protection missile programme remained in place.
because of a serious threat to their life, physical ¾ The US committed to lifting sanctions on oil exports,
integrity or freedom in their country of origin as a but continued to restrict financial transactions, which
result of persecution, armed conflict, violence or have deterred international trade with Iran.
serious public disorder. ¾ Nonetheless, Iran’s economy, after suffering years
Migrants leave their country because they want of recessions, currency depreciation, and inflation,
to work, study or join a family. stabilized significantly after the deal took effect, and
¾ There are well-defined and specific grounds, which its exports skyrocketed.
have to be satisfied before a person can qualify to ¾ After US abandoned the deal in 2018 and reinstated
be a ‘refugee’ banking and oil sanctions, Iran ramped up its nuclear
There is no internationally accepted legal definition programme in earnest, returning to approximately
of a migrant. 97% of its pre-2015 nuclear capabilities.
What Happened After

Joint Comprehensive the US Pulled Out of the Deal?
Plan of Action (JCPOA) ¾ In April 2020, the US announced its intention to
snap back sanctions. However, the other partners
Why in News? objected to the move, stating that since the US was
no longer part of the deal, it could not unilaterally
Recently, the US imposed sanctions against a Mumbai reimpose sanctions.
based petrochemical company, Tibalaji Petrochem Pvt
¾ Initially following the withdrawal, several countries
Ltd. as it was accused of selling Iranian petroleum
continued to import Iranian oil under waivers
products.
granted by the Trump administration. A year later,
¾ It is the first Indian entity to face the US designation the US ended the waivers to much international
under unilateral sanctions passed in 2018-19, after criticism and, by doing so, significantly curbed Iran’s
the US walked out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan oil exports.
of Action (JCPOA).
¾ The other powers, in an attempt to keep the deal alive,
What was the Joint launched a barter system known as Instrument in
Support of Trade Excahanges (INSTEX) to facilitate
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)?
transactions with Iran outside the US banking system.
¾ The deal is also known as 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal. However, INSTEX only covered food and medicine,
¾ The JCPOA was the result of prolonged negotiations which were already exempt from US sanctions.
from 2013 and 2015 between Iran and P5+1 (China, ¾ In January 2020, after the US assassinated the top
France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Iran announced
States + Germany). that it would no longer limit its uranium enrichment.
¾ Under the deal, Iran agreed to significantly cut its ¾ In September 2022, Iran and International
stores of centrifuges, enriched uranium and heavy- Atomic Energy Agency officials held a round of
water, all key components for nuclear weapons. talks to discuss the possibility of Iran’s agreement
¾ Iran also agreed to implement a protocol that would to reallow inspectors back to Iran for oversight over
allow inspectors from the International Atomic reactors.
Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its nuclear sites to ¾ The U.S. and Iran have also exchanged their stands
ensure Iran would not be able to develop nuclear indirectly via the European Union for a “final draft”
weapons in secret. on rejoining the JCPOA.
Note:
z Blue Helmets are the military personnel of the

UN Peacekeeping UN that work alongside the UN Police and civilian
colleagues to promote “stability, security, and
Forces Fatalities peace processes”.
Why in News?
According to the United Nations Undersecretary
Sapta Kosi High Dam Project
General, the number of fatalities among United Nations
Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF) in direct attacks is growing. Why in News?
¾ Strong requirements for better training, technology, Recently, India and Nepal have agreed to take
and equipment were highlighted. forward the Sapta Kosi high dam project through
further studies.
What are UN Peacekeeping Forces?
¾ Senior officials of the two sides have met and reviewed
¾ About: the bilateral water-sector cooperation, including the
When the UN Security Council approved the implementation of the Mahakali Treaty.
deployment of UN military observers to the Middle
East in 1948, the UN Peacekeeping Forces were What is Sapta Kosi
established. High Dam Project & Mahakali Treaty?
UN peacekeeping forces aid nations in negotiating
¾ Sapta Kosi High Dam Project:
the perilous transition from war to peace.
Sapta Kosi High Dam is a multipurpose project
To carry out several missions approved by the
proposed to be constructed on the Saptakoshi
UN Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General River of Nepal (Known as Kosi River in India).
Assembly, it deploys soldiers and police from all
The project is primarily aimed to control floods
over the world and combines them with civilian
in south-east Nepal and northern Bihar and to
peacekeepers.
generate hydropower.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated
The project will provide irrigation, control floods
on date 29th May every year. and generate 3,000 MW of electricity.
z 2022 Theme: People. Peace. Progress. The ¾ Mahakali Treaty:
Power of Partnerships. The Mahakali Treaty was signed in 1996 over the
India and UNPKF: integrated development of the Mahakali River,
India is among the nations that send the most including Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage and
troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. Pancheshwar project.
z Example: India is the second-highest military Mahakali River is also known as Sharda River or
and fifth-highest police contributing country to Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand.

the United Nations Organization Stabilization ¾ It joins Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a
Mission in the Democratic Republic of the tributary of Ganga.
Congo (MONUSCO).
Over 2,60,000 Indians have served in 49 U.N. What do we know about the Kosi River System?
Peacekeeping missions since 1948. ¾ The Kosi is a trans-boundary river which flows
through Tibet, Nepal and India.
In 2007, India became the first country to deploy
an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping ¾ It has its source in Tibet that includes the world’s
mission. highest upland, it then drains a large part of Nepal
before emerging onto the Gangetic plains.
In the last six decades, 179 Indian soldiers have
died in UN Peacekeeping operations. ¾ Its three major tributaries: the Sun Kosi, Arun and
Tamur meet at one point just upstream of a 10 km
Among “blue helmets” it has the greatest death
gorge cut through the Himalayan foothills.
toll of any nation.
Note:
¾ The river crosses into northern Bihar, India where Nord Stream 2 which runs from Ust-Luga in
it branches into distributaries before joining the Leningrad to Lubmin was completed in September
Ganges near Kursela in Katihar district. 2021 and has the capacity to handle 55 billion cubic
meters of gas per year once it becomes operational.
¾ The Kosi carries the maximum amount of silt and
¾ The twin pipelines together can transport a combined
sand after the Brahmaputra in India.
total of 110 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas a year
¾ It is also known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” as the
to Europe for at least 50 years.
annual floods affect about 21,000 sq. km. of fertile
¾ The Nord Stream crosses the Exclusive Economic
agricultural lands thereby disturbing the rural
Zones (EEZs) of several countries including Russia,
economy.
Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, and the
What are some other Recent territorial waters of Russia, Denmark, and Germany.
¾ In Germany, the pipeline connects to the OPAL (Baltic
Developments in India Nepal Relations?
Sea Pipeline) and NEL (North European Pipeline) which
¾ Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT): further connects to the European grid.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
signed between the Government of Nepal and How War Impacted Nord Stream Supply?
Sutlej Jal Vikas Nigam (SJVN) Limited for the project ¾ Russia had already decreased the supply of gas to
in 2008 for execution on a Build Own Operate Europe after the European Union imposed sanctions
and Transfer (BOOT) basis for a period of 30 years on Moscow for invading Ukraine.
including five years of the construction period.
¾ Flows via Nord Stream 1 were reduced to 20 % of its
¾ Hydropower Projects: capacity in July 2022.
Nepal also invited Indian companies to invest in
¾ In August 2022, Russia further plugged the supply
the West Seti hydropower project in Nepal. and stopped Nord Stream 1 completely, citing
¾ Cross-border Rail Link: maintenance. Gazprom had reasoned that an oil
The operationalisation of the 35 kilometers cross- leak in a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was
border rail link from Jayanagar (Bihar) to Kurtha behind the closure.
(Nepal) will be further extended to Bijalpura (Nepal) The Nord Stream 2, despite being completed, could
and Bardibas (Nepal). not become operational after Germany pulled
out of the project after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Nord Stream Pipeline The stream was supposed to double Russia’s energy
export to Europe to 110 billion cubic meters.
The short supply of the gas pipeline resulted in
Why in News?
a sudden hike in energy prices in Europe. With
Recently, leaks were found in the pipelines comprising the shutting down of the Nord Stream pipeline,
the Nord Stream pipelines (Nord Stream 1 and Nord Europe faces a tough time ahead with winter
Stream 2) located near Denmark and Sweden. approaching.
¾ The leaks happened just before the ceremonial
launch of the Baltic Pipe carrying gas from Norway
to Poland, which is an effort by Poland to decrease
Conflict in the Korean Peninsula
its dependence on Russia for energy.
Why in News?
What are the Nord Stream Pipelines? Recently, North Korea flew 12 warplanes near its
¾ Nord Stream consists of two pipelines, which have border with South Korea, prompting the latter to scramble
two lines each. 30 military aircraft in response.
Nord Stream 1 is a 1,224 km underwater gas ¾ Tensions have risen sharply on the Korean Peninsula
pipeline running from Vyborg in northwest Russia as North Korea’s recent barrage of missile tests
to Lubmin in northeastern Germany via the Baltic prompted South Korea, the United States and Japan
Sea. It was completed in 2011. to conduct joint drills in response.
Note:
What is the Conflict in the Korean Peninsula? ¾ In December 1991, North and South Korea signed a
¾ Origin: pact agreeing to refrain from aggression.
The root of the conflict lies in the Japanese
What is the US-North Korea Conflict?
occupation of Korea between 1910- 1945.
¾ During the Cold War era, the US extended its Nuclear
When Japan was defeated in the Second World
Umbrella (guarantee of support during a nuclear
War, the Allied forces agreed to establish a “four-
attack) to its allies i.e. South Korea and Japan.
power trusteeship over Korea” at the Yalta
Conference (1945). ¾ North Korea withdrew from the Non-Proliferation
However, the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist

Treaty (NPT) in 2003 and afterwards, under present
Republics) invaded Korea and took control of the leader Kim Jong-un, it increased nuclear missile testing.
north while the south remained under the rest ¾ In response to this, the US started deploying THAAD
of the allies, mainly the USA. (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) in South Korea
z The division of the two regions was along the
in March 2017.
¾ The territorial conflict which started between North
38th parallel north, which still continues to be
and South Korea has transformed into a tussle between
the official border dividing the two Koreas.
the US and North Korea.
In 1948, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North What are the Recent
Korea) were established.
Acts of Aggression by North Korea?
z As both tried to enhance their reach, territorially
and ideologically, the Korean Conflict emerged ¾ In recent years North Korea has accelerated its nuclear
between the two nations. The Korean War: programme by increasing its nuclear stockpile,
withdrawn from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
On 25th June 1950, North Korea, backed by the and has tested nuclear explosives multiple times.
USSR, launched an attack on South Korea and
¾ USA has deployed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude
occupied most of the country.
Area Defence) in South Korea to counter increasing
z In response, the United Nations force led by
missile adventurism of North Korea.
the US retaliated.
¾ North Korea recently demolished the Inter-Korean
In 1951, the US forces led by Douglas MacArthur Liaison Office in Kaesong, which was established in
crossed the 38th parallel and triggered the entry 2018. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations,
of China in support of North Korea. the building functioned as a de facto embassy and
z To prevent further escalation, peace talks began provided a direct communication channel for the
later in 1951. two nations.
India was actively involved in negotiating peace ¾ Most recently in 2022, North Korea conducted a
in the Korean peninsula by engaging all the major record number of missile tests.
stakeholders – US, USSR and China. It may further raise tensions by testing an
z In 1952, the Indian resolution on Korea was intercontinental ballistic missile or conducting its
adopted at the United Nations (UN). first nuclear test explosion since 2017, following
¾ On 27th July 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement an old pattern of heightening tensions.
was signed between the UN Command, the Korean
What about India’s Position in Korean Conflict?
People’s Army and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army.
z It led to an official ceasefire without a Peace
¾ India’s Stand:
treaty. Thus, the war officially never ended. India has consistently voiced its opposition to North
z This also led to the establishment of the Korean Korean nuclear and missile tests. However, it has
Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) – a strip of land maintained a neutral stance regarding sanctions.
running across the Korean Peninsula to serve Earlier, during the Korean War (1950- 53), India
as a buffer zone between North Korea and played a major role in a cease-fire agreement
South Korea. signed between both the warring sides.
Note:
¾ India’s Relations with North and South Korea: ¾ Both countries are fellow travellers in their commitment
In May 2015, the bilateral relationship with to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue,
South Korea was upgraded to ‘special strategic human rights, ecological preservation and combating
partnership’. international terrorism.
z India has a major role to play in South Korea’s ¾ Cooperation on the Covid-19 pandemic: Both countries
Southern Policy under which the latter is looking cooperated extensively both bilaterally in fighting
at expanding relations beyond its immediate against the pandemic by ensuring the continuity of
region. supply chains of essential commodities, medicines,
z Similarly, South Korea is a major player in
and vaccines. Both countries also facilitated the
India’s Act East Policy under which India aims repatriation of each other’s nationals stranded in
to promote economic cooperation, cultural the wake of Covid-19.
ties and develop strategic relationships with ¾ Trade Relations: 11th largest two-way trading partner
countries in the Asia-Pacific. with total two-way trade valued at US$1.80 bn during
India has diplomatic relations with North Korea for
2020. Education and tourism are NZ’s growth sectors
over 47 years, which reflects the legacy of India’s with India. Indian students numbering approximately
commitment to the Non-Alignment Movement. 15000 (before the pandemic) are the 2nd largest
source of international students for NZ.
¾ The number of Indian visitors to NZ in 2018 was the
India-New Zealand Relations 9th largest at 67,953.
India primarily imports logs and forestry products,
Why in News? wood pulp, wool, and edible fruit & nuts from NZ.
Recently, External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India has Indian exports to NZ mostly are pharmaceuticals/
visited New Zealand and Australia. medications, precious metals and gems, textiles
¾ The meeting consisted of various geo-political issues and motor vehicles and non-knitted apparel and
like how India-New Zealand contributions together accessories.
will shape the larger region, the Indo-Pacific region. India shares Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with
They also discussed the present security situation in New Zealand.

the Indo-Pacific and also the consequences arising ¾ Business Alliances: India NZ Business Council (INZBC)
out of the Ukraine conflict. and India NZ Trade Alliance (INZTA) are the two
prominent organizations working to promote India-
What are the Different Aspects NZ trade and investment relations.
of India-New Zealand Relations? ¾ Cultural Relations: All Indian festivals including Diwali,
¾ Historical Relations: India and New Zealand have a Holi, Rakshabandhan, Baisakhi, Guruparv, Onam,
longstanding, friendly and growing relationship. Our Pongal, etc. are celebrated with much enthusiasm
ties go back to the 1800s, with Indians settling in all over NZ. A set of four new stamps depicting the
Christchurch as early as the 1850s. Larger numbers story of Diwali has been issued by New Zealand Post
of immigrants from Punjab and Gujarat came to New in 2021. NZ has approximately 2,50,000 persons of
Zealand in the 1890s. Indian troops fought alongside Indian origin & NRIs, a vast majority of which has
the Anzacs in Gallipoli in 1915. made NZ their permanent home.
¾ Political Relations: India and New Zealand have cordial
and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of the
What are the Different
Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy, and the Aspects of India-Australia Relations?
English language. Both countries became independent ¾ Historical Relations: India and Australia established
in the same year and diplomatic representation of diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period,
India was established in 1950 with the opening of with the establishment of India Trade Office in Sydney
a Trade Commission, which was later upgraded to in 1941. The end of the Cold War and simultaneously
High Commission. India’s decision to launch major economic reforms
Note:
in 1991 provided the first positive move towards What Paved the Way to the Peace Talks?
development of closer ties between the two nations.
¾ The spectrum of political, economic, and security
With the passage of time, the relationship gained
problems that confronted Ethiopia and Eritrea paved
momentum towards a strategic relationship, alongside
the way for a strategy that essentially incorporated
the existing economic engagement.
reconciliation and democratisation, social and
¾ India-Australia Strategic Relationship: With the economic development, and, importantly, ties with
changing global scenario, Australia has come to the western world.
look at India as an important partner in promoting ¾ This is the first formal Peace talks between the two
regional security and stability. This led to upgradation led by the African Union and is happening at a time
of bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’, when Ethiopian forces and allies have made some
including a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation gains in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
in 2009. Bilateral mechanisms include high level
¾ Tigray was a prominent force in the country’s ruling
visits, Annual Meetings of Prime Ministers, Foreign
coalition until Ethiopia’s current leader and Nobel
Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, Joint Trade &
Peace laureate (2019) Abiy Ahmed became the Prime
Commerce Ministerial Commission, India-Australia
Minister in 2018.
‘2+2’ Foreign Secretaries and Defence Secretaries
Dialogue, QUAD, Defence Policy Talks, Australia-India Where is Ethiopia?
Education Council,etc.
¾ It is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa,
¾ Trade Relations: Growing India-Australia economic
officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic
and commercial relations contribute to the stability
of Ethiopia.
and strength of a rapidly diversifying and deepening
bilateral relationship between the two countries. ¾ The country lies completely within the tropical latitudes
and is relatively compact, with similar north-south
¾ Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India
and east-west dimensions.
and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner.
¾ The capital is Addis Ababa.
India-Australia bilateral trade for both merchandise
and services is valued at USD 27.5 billion in 2021. ¾ Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest countries, its
territorial extent having varied over the millennia
India’s merchandise exports to Australia grew 135%
of its existence.
between 2019 and 2021. India’s exports consist
primarily of a broad-based basket largely of finished ¾ It is the tenth-largest country in Africa in terms of area.
products and were USD 6.9 billion in 2021. ¾ Ethiopia is located from Sudan in the southeast, Eritrea
India’s merchandise imports from Australia were
to the south, Djibouti and Somalia to the west, Kenya
USD 15.1 billion in 2021, consisting largely of raw to the north, and South Sudan to the east.
materials, minerals and intermediate goods. ¾ It is the most populous landlocked country in the
India signed a historic trade agreement with
world.
Australia in 2022, the India-Australia Economic
What is the Conflict in Ethiopia?
Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind- Aus ECTA).
India and Australia are partners in the trilateral Supply
¾ Background:
Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) arrangement along Ethiopia was an imperial state that gradually
with Japan which seeks to enhance the resilience weakened with the emergence of regional and
of supply chains in the Indo-Pacific Region. religious rivalries.
z Currently Ethiopia has more than 70 ethnic
groups. It has Oromo 34.5%, Amhara 26.91%,
Ethiopia Somali 6.20%, Tigre 6.07%.
A major insurgency followed in the 1970s — in
Why in News? Tigray, where the Meles Zenawi-led Tigray People’s
An Ethiopian government team and Tigray forces Liberation Front (TPLF), rebelled against the military
are going to have peace talks in South Africa. government and its policies.
Note:
zIt was the backing of the then Soviet Union and Lines of Credit worth more than USD1 billion have
allies that propped up both the armed forces been sanctioned to Ethiopia for sectors such as
and the Mengistu government, but this support rural electrification, sugar industry and railways.
began to dissipate in the 1980s, influencing the Tele-Education and Tele-Medicine services under
course of conflicts with the Eritreans and Tigray. the Pan African e-network Project was launched
¾ Separation of Eritrea: in Addis Ababa in July 2007.
Eritrea, formerly part of Ethiopia, separated from The Tele-Education project has been replicated
Ethiopia in 1991 and a majority of Eritrea was in by the Ethiopian side and linkages established
the hands of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front between the Addis Ababa University and the Indian
(EPLF), while in Ethiopia it was the TPLF. Institutes of Technology at Delhi and Kanpur.
The war between 1998 and 2000 and the border Bilateral trade between Ethiopia and India stood
in Eritrea and Ethiopia remained tense until 2018. at USD 1.28 billion in 2018-19, out of which Indian
¾ Ethnic Rivalries: exports to Ethiopia were USD 1.23 billion and
imports were USD 55.01 million.
Abi Ahmed was elected to the post of Prime
There are more than 586 Indian companies in
Minister in 2018 and signed a peace deal to end
the border dispute with Eritrea. Ethiopia employing more than 55,000 people with
licensed investment of over USD 4 billion.
After the implementation of this peace agreement,
About 58.7% of Indian investments are in the
Abi Ahmad was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace
manufacturing sector, followed by agriculture
Prize.
(15.6%).
But then the conflict started after Ahmed, who
¾ Indian Mission has been celebrating the International
belongs to the Oroma community, was accused
Day of Yoga in Addis Ababa. Mission held Gandhi@150
by local leaders of the Tigray community that
celebrations in Addis Ababa (Oct 2020).
the community was being harassed by military
officials and bureaucrats.
The original inhabitants of Tigray are considered India-Africa Defence Dialogue
to be the fighting community of Ethiopia and 60%
of senior military positions are dominated by the Why in News?
Tigray community.
¾ Civil War: The 2nd India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) was
held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar,
Along with this, various international agencies
Gujarat.
have accused Abi Ahmad of imposing an internet
shutdown to curtail press freedom in Ethiopia What is India-Africa Defence Dialogue?
and curbing personal rights.
¾ Theme:
As a result of Abi Ahmad’s policies, the dissatisfaction
of the Tigray community increased and there was Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening

Defence and Security Cooperation.
a situation of civil war.
¾ Outcome Document:
Missiles were fired by the Tigray army in the
neighboring country of Eritrea, Asmara, after which The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an
the Federal Government of Ethiopia declared an outcome document of IADD 2022.

armed struggle against the Tigray Army (Tigray It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of
People’s Liberation Front). training in all areas of mutual interest by:

z increasing training slots and deputation of
How have been training teams,
the India-Ethiopia Relations? z empowerment and capability building of the
¾ Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of long-term defence forces of Africa,

concessional credit from India in Africa. z participation in exercises, and
Note:
z providing humanitarian assistance during India had announced 50,000 scholarships during
natural disasters. India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)-III in 2015, out
A volume on India–Africa Defence cooperation of which more than 32,000 scholarship slots have
was also released. already been utilized.
To provide high quality virtual education and
India–Africa Security Fellowship Programme:
medical services to partners, the e-VidyaBharti and
IADD also encouraged further research of security
e-ArogyaBharti networks were launched in 2019
issues through offer of fellowships to experts from
for tele-education and tele-medicine respectively.
African countries.
¾ Help & Relief Assistance:
This will be done under the India–Africa Security
Operation Sahayata to assist cyclone IDAI-hit
Fellowship Programme.
Mozambique in 2019, Operation Vanilla to provide
relief to flood victims in Madagascar in January
How has India’s Relations with Africa been?
2020, the support to Mauritius in containing the
¾ Loan and Assistance: oil spill due to the grounding of ship Wakashio.
India has extended concessional loans of over USD ¾ Energy:
12.3 billion to Africa. The International Solar Alliance is a notable
In addition, India has granted USD 700 millions of platform that has promoted the rapid development
grant assistance. of clean energy technologies.
¾ Projects: This has been followed by the ‘One Sun One World
India has completed 197 projects so far, 65 more One Grid’ initiative to further promote solar and
are currently under execution, and 81 are at the renewable energy.
pre-execution stage. In recent years, clean and green energy have been
In Gambia, India has constructed the National
increasingly prominent in India’s development
Assembly building and undertaken projects in programmes in Africa as also in third country collaborations.
water supply, agriculture and food processing. ¾ Trade and Economics:
In Zambia, India is involved in an important hydro- India’s bilateral trade with Africa has now reached
power project, in the erection of pre-fabricated USD 89.5 billion in 2021-22 compared with USD
health posts and in the supply of vehicles. 56 bn the previous year.
With cumulative investments at USD 73.9 billion
In Mauritius, recent notable projects include
the metro express, the new Supreme Court and from 1996-2021, India is among the top five
investors in Africa.
social housing.
Through the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP)
In Namibia, a new Centre of Excellence in IT has
Scheme that extends duty free access to 98.2%
just become operational.
of India’s total tariff lines, India has opened its
Whereas in South Sudan, India is focusing on
market to African countries.
training and education.
¾ So far 33 Least Developed Countries (LDC) African
Covid - 19 Assistance: nations have been entitled to get benefits under
32 African countries received 150 tonnes of medical this scheme.
assistance from India.
z Many of them also utilized ‘Made in India’
Interpol General
vaccines received directly or otherwise from
India. Assembly Meeting
z At international forums, India has worked
together to press for equitable and affordable Why in News?
access to vaccines, including through a TRIPS The General Assembly of the International Criminal
waiver. Police Organisation (Interpol) is meeting in Delhi for four
¾ Human Resource: days from October 18, 2022.
Note:
¾ This is the second time since 1997 the 195 member- for all our member countries to consult in our
strong body is holding such a large conference in India. Notices database.
Notices can also be used by the United Nations,
What is the Interpol? International Criminal Tribunals and the
¾ It was set up in 1923, as a secure information-sharing International Criminal Court to seek persons
platform that facilitates criminal investigation of wanted for committing crimes within their
police forces across the globe through collection and jurisdiction, notably genocide, war crimes, and
dissemination of information received from various crimes against humanity.
police forces.
It is headquartered in Lyon, France.
What are Interpol’s Future Challenges?
¾ It keeps track of the movements of criminals and ¾ The rising spectre of transnational, cyber and
those under the police radar in various regions and organised crime requires a globally coordinated law
tips off police forces which had either sought the enforcement response.
Interpol’s assistance or which in its opinion will benefit ¾ Interpol has a legacy of trust and reliability. It needs to
from the particulars available with it. acquire powers of sanction against a country which
¾ It aims to promote the widest-possible mutual refuses to cooperate in implementing a red notice. It
assistance between criminal police forces. is however highly unlikely that member-nations will
ever agree to dilute their sovereignty and invest the
How is the Interpol Organised? Interpol with such authority.
¾ The head of Interpol is the President who is elected
by the General Assembly. He comes from one of Indo-Pacific
the member-nations and holds office for four years.
¾ The day-to-day activities are overseen by a full-time Why in News?
Secretary General elected by the General Assembly,
who holds office for five years. Emphasising sustainable use of ocean resources for
economic growth while preserving the ecosystem’s health,
¾ The General Assembly lays down the policy for
the Defence Minister of India during the 18th Heads of
execution by its Secretariat which has several
Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in New
specialised directorates for cybercrime, terrorism,
Delhi said India stands for open and rule-based maritime
drug trafficking, financial crime, environmental crime,
borders in Indo-Pacific.
human trafficking, etc. Every member-country is the
Interpol’s face in that country. What is the Heads of Asian
¾ All contact of a country’s law enforcement agency Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM)?
with Interpol is through the highest investigating ¾ It is an apex level forum facilitating the congregation
body of the land. of all the major Coast Guard Agencies of the Asian
¾ The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assumes region, it was established in 2004.
this role in India with one of its senior officers heading ¾ It is a multilateral forum of 23 countries including
its exclusive Interwing (the National Central Bureaus) Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia,
for collation of information and liaison with the China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea,
world body. Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye,
What are Interpol Notices? Vietnam and one Region i.e., Hong Kong (China).
¾ About: Its notices are international requests for ¾ The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting the 18th
cooperation or alerts allowing police in member HACGAM in coordination with the HACGAM
countries to share critical crime-related information. Secretariat.
Notices are issued by the General Secretariat at
¾ A total of 55 representatives from 18 countries
the request of a member country’s INTERPOL and two International Organisations — Regional
National Central Bureau and are made available Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and
Note:
Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information and Indonesia want India’s presence in the South
Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) and United Nations China Sea, East China Sea, basically to counter China.
Office on Drugs and Crime - Global Maritime Crime India, however, seeks to cooperate for an
Programme (UNODC-GMCP) are participating in architecture for peace and security in the region.
the meeting. The common prosperity and security require the
countries to evolve, through dialogue, a common
What is the Indo-Pacific Region? rules-based order for the region.
¾ About: ¾ Indo-Pacific Extends from Africa to America: For
India, Indo-Pacific stands for a free, open, inclusive
Indo-Pacific is a recent concept. It was about a
region. It includes all nations in the geography and
decade ago that the world started talking about
also others who have a stake in it. In its geographical
the Indo-Pacific; its rise has been quite significant.
dimension, India considers the area from the shores
One of the reasons behind the popularity of this
of Africa to the shores of America.
term is an understanding that the Indian Ocean
¾ Equal Share in Trade and Investment: India supports
and the Pacific are a linked strategic theater.
rule-based, open, balanced and stable trade
z Also, the centre of gravity has shifted to Asia. environment in the Indo-Pacific Region, which lifts
The reason being maritime routes, the Indian up all nations on the tide of trade and investment.
Ocean and the Pacific provide the sea lanes. The This is the same as what the country expects from
majority of the world’s trade passes through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
these oceans. (RCEP).
¾ Significance: ¾ Unified ASEAN: Unlike China, India seeks a unified
The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most populous ASEAN, not a divided one. China tries to play off
and economically active regions of the world which some ASEAN members against others, thereby in a
includes four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia way executing ‘divide and rule’ conquest strategy.
and America. ¾ Work in Collaboration with China: India does not
The dynamism and vitality of the region is self- comply with the US version of Indo-Pacific, that seeks
evident, 60% of the world’s population and 2/3rd to contain Chinese dominance. India is rather looking
of the global economic output makes this region for the ways through which it can work together
a global economic center. with China.
The region is also a great source and destination
¾ Against Dominance of a Single Player: India is looking
for Foreign Direct Investment. Many of the world’s for democratising the region. Earlier, the region used
critical and large supply chains have an Indo-Pacific to be almost like an American lake. However, there
connection. exists a fear that the region will become Chinese lake
now. India doesn’t want hegemony of any player in
There are vast reserves of marine resources in the
the region.
Indian and Pacific Oceans combined, including
offshore hydrocarbons, methane hydrates, seabed
minerals and rare earth metals. UNSC 1267 Committee
z Sizable coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zones
(EEZs) provide littoral countries with competitive Why in News?
capabilities for exploiting these resources. Recently, China placed a “hold” on two joint India-US
z In turn, a number of the world’s largest economies proposals, to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) top leaders
are located in the Indo-Pacific region, including at the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) 1267
India, U.S.A, China, Japan, Australia. list of terrorists affiliated to Al Qaeda and ISIS.
What is India’s Perspective of the Indo-Pacific? What is the UNSC 1267 Committee?
¾ Cooperate with Others for Security Architecture: A ¾ It was first set up in 1999 (updated in 2011 and 2015),
lot of India’s special partners, the US, Australia, Japan and strengthened after the September, 2001 attacks.
Note:
¾ It is now known as the Da’esh and Al Qaeda Sanctions
Committee. India-Russia Trade
¾ It comprises all permanent and non-permanent
members of the United Nations Security Council Why in News?
(UNSC). Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
¾ The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC has released data showing that India’s bilateral trade
stamp. It is full of Pakistani nationals and residents. with Russia has soared to an all-time high of USD 18,229.03
¾ It is one of the most important and active UN million in just five months (April-August) of FY 2022-23.
subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat
terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda and What are the Findings?
the Islamic State group. ¾ Overview:
¾ It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of The total annual bilateral trade between the
terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the two countries stood at USD 13,124.68 million in
freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism. 2021-22, and USD 8,141.26 million in 2020-21.
z Pre-Covid, it was USD 10,110.68 million in 2019-
What is 20, USD 8,229.91 million in 2018-19, and USD
the Procedure of Listing? 10,686.85 million in 2017-18.
¾ Any member state can submit a proposal for listing Russia has now become India’s seventh biggest
an individual, group, or entity. trading partner — up from its 25th position last year.
¾ The proposal must include acts or activities indicating z The US, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and
the proposed individual/group/entity had participated Indonesia were the six countries which recorded
“in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, higher volumes of trade with India during the
or perpetrating of acts or activities” linked to “ISIL first five months of 2022-23.
(Da’esh), Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group Of the total USD 18,229.03, India’s imports from
or derivative thereof”. Russia accounted for USD 17,236.29 million, while
¾ Decisions on listing and de-listing are adopted by India’s exports to Moscow were only worth USD
consensus. The proposal is sent to all the members, 992.73 million, leaving a negative trade balance
and if no member objects within five working days, of USD 16,243.56 million.
the proposal is adopted. An analysis of the data shows that Russia’s share in
An “objection” means curtains for the proposal. India’s total trade has increased to 3.54%, up from
z Any member of the Committee may also put 1.27% in 2021-22. While Russia’s share in India’s
a “technical hold” on the proposal and ask for total trade was 2.1% in 1997-98, it has hovered
more information from the proposing member below 2% for the last 25 years.
state. During this time, other members may ¾ Drivers:
also place their own holds. It is mainly due to a sudden jump in imports from
z The matter remains on the “pending” list of Russia, mainly oil and fertilisers, which began to
the Committee until such time as the member surge earlier in 2022.
state that has placed the hold decides to turn z There was an over 500% increase in three
its decision into an “objection”, or until all those months – 561.1% in June, 577.63% in July and
who have placed holds remove them within a 642.68% in August – as compared to the same
timeframe laid down by the Committee. months of the previous year.
z Pending issues must be resolved in six months, z Petroleum oil and other fuel items (mineral
but the member state that has placed the hold fuels, mineral oils and products of their
may ask for an additional three months. At the distillation; bituminous substances; mineral
end of this period, if an objection is not placed, waxes) accounted for 84% of India’s total
the matter is considered approved. imports from Russia.
Note:
z Fertilizers were second, fertilisers and fuel KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters
z
together account for over 91% of the total some frigates
z
imports from Russia this year. The military hardware purchased/leased by India
from Russia includes:
What are the Different
z S-400 Triumf
Aspects of Indo-Russia Relations?
z Kamov Ka-226 200 to be made in India under
¾ Historical Background: the Make in India initiative
During the Cold War, India and the Soviet Union
z T-90S Bhishma
had a strong strategic, military, economic and
z INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier programme.
diplomatic relationship. After the Dissolution of the
¾ Nuclear Relations:
Soviet Union, Russia inherited its close relationship
with India which resulted in both nations sharing Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being
a Special Strategic Relation. constructed within the scope of the Russia-India

z However, the relations have taken a steep
Inter-Governmental Agreement.
downfall over the past few years, especially Both India and Russia are implementing Rooppur
in the post-Covid scenario. One of the biggest Nuclear Power Project in Bangladesh.
causes for this is Russia’s close relations with
China and Pakistan, which have caused many
geopolitical issues in the past few years for India. 7th ASEAN-India
¾ Political Relations: Ministerial Meeting
In 2019, Russia signed the Executive Order on
awarding PM Narendra Modi Russia’s highest Why in News?
state decoration – The order of St Andrew the
Apostle. The order was presented to PM for his Recently, the 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting
distinguished contribution to the development of (AIMMAF) on Agriculture and Forestry was held virtually.
a privileged strategic partnership between Russia
and India and friendly ties between the Russian What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
and Indian peoples ¾ India’s Vision of keeping ASEAN:
Two Inter-Governmental Commissions – one on India reiterated its vision of keeping Association
Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the center
Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), and another of India’s Act East Policy.
on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC), It also emphasized mutually close regional
meet annually. cooperation with ASEAN to ensure sustainable
¾ Trade Relations: and inclusive growth for agricultural development
The two countries intend to increase bilateral in the region.
investment to USD 50 billion and bilateral trade ¾ Steps towards Millets Production:
to USD 30 billion by 2025. Referring to the importance of millet (nutritional-
¾ Defence and Security Relations: cereals) as a nutritious food and the international
Both countries regularly conduct the Tri-Services nutritional-cereal year 2023, India urged the
exercise ‘INDRA‘. ASEAN member countries to support the efforts
The joint military programmes between India and
of India in increasing the production, processing,
Russia include: value addition and consumption of millets.
z India will promote nutritious cereal products
z BrahMos cruise missile programme
for the health and nutrition of the people.
z 5th generation fighter jet programme z Nutritious cereals help in the creation of
z Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme nutrients with low resource requirements and
z Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft more efficient agri-food systems.
Note:
¾ Implementation of Various Programs:
The progress in implementation of various

Pakistan Removed
programs and activities under the Medium Term from FATF Grey List
Action Plan of ASEAN-India Cooperation (Year
2021-2025) was reviewed.
Why in News?
¾ Cooperation in Agriculture:
Recently, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the
The commitment to ASEAN-India cooperation in
international watchdog on terror financing and money
agriculture and forestry was reaffirmed.
laundering, has removed Pakistan from the list of
¾ Covid-19 Pandemic:
countries under “increased monitoring” (Grey List).
In order to mitigate the unprecedented impact
¾ India’s other neighbour on the grey list, Myanmar,
of the Covid-19 pandemic by ensuring a seamless was moved to the “black list” due to actions by the
flow of safe and nutritious agricultural products to military leadership after the 2021 coup.
ASEAN and India, it is necessary to take continuous
measures under ASEAN-India cooperation for What is the FATF?
the implementation of post-pandemic recovery.
¾ About:
India ensured the commitment to enhance India’s
cooperation with ASEAN in food security, nutrition, FATF is the global money laundering and terrorist

climate change adaptation, digital farming, nature- financing watchdog. It also aims to counter the
friendly agriculture, food processing, value chain, financing of proliferation of weapons of mass
agricultural marketing and capacity building. destruction.
It was set up in 1989 out of a G-7 meeting of
What is the developed nations in Paris.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations? Its Secretariat is located at the Organisation for
¾ About: Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

headquarters in Paris.
¾ Members:
political, and security cooperation.
As of today, it is a 39-member body with 37 countries
It was established in August 1967 in Bangkok,
Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration and two regional organisations: the European
(Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of Commission, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, z Indonesia is the only observer country of FATF.
Singapore and Thailand. India joined with ‘observer’ status in 2006 and
Its chairmanship rotates annually, based on became a full member of FATF in 2010.
the alphabetical order of the English names of z India is also a member of its regional partners,
Member States. the Asia Pacific Group (APG) and the Eurasian
ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 Group (EAG).
million people and a combined Gross Domestic Greylisting and Blacklisting Countries:
Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion. The FATF Plenary (decision-making body of the
Commodity trade between India and ASEAN FATF) meets tri-annually - in February, June and
region has reached 98.39 billion in the period October, to take stock of “Mutual Evaluation
April 2021- February 2022.India’s main trading ties Reports” (MERs) of the countries it reviews.
are with Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam If a country appears to have major deficiencies in its
and Thailand. AML/CFT regime, it is put on a list of “jurisdictions
¾ Members: under increased monitoring” - “grey list” and if it
ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian states fails to address FATF concerns, it is put on a “high-
– Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, risk jurisdictions” list - “black list”.
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand z AML/CFT refers to “Anti-Money Laundering/
and Vietnam – into one organization. Combating the Financing of Terrorism”.
Note:
The Grey List includes countries that are considered What is the Deal?
safe haven for supporting terror funding and money
¾ Background:
laundering. It serves as a warning that the country
Lebanon and Israel have been officially at war
may enter the blacklist.
since Israel’s creation in 1948 and both countries
z The Black List includes Non-Cooperative
claim some 860 square kilometers (330 square
Countries or Territories (NCCTs) that support
miles) of the Mediterranean Sea.
terror funding and money laundering activities.
There have been decade old tensions between
As of now, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar are
Israel and Lebanon’s competing claims over offshore
the three black listed countries.
gas fields in the region, which contains part of the
The enlisted countries are subjected to increased
Karish gas field and Qana, a prospective gas field.
financial strictures, thus making it difficult for them
z The Karish gas field, being developed by Israel,
to procure loans from the financial institutions
came under threat from Hezbollah, Lebanon’s
affiliated to FATF (as observers) such as the IMF,
powerful political and militant group backed
World Bank etc.
by Iran.
What are the Key Points about The two countries declared overlapping boundaries
Pak’s Removal from the Grey List? in 2011 in the Mediterranean Sea.
Since both countries have been technically at war,
¾ FATF’s Stand: The FATF lauded “Pakistan’s significant
the United Nations was asked to mediate.
progress” saying that the country had completed
two action plans comprising a 34-point tasklist in the z The issue gained significance after Israel
period since 2018. discovered two gas fields off its coast a decade
ago, which can help turn it into an energy
Pakistan has been removed from the list after
exporter.
four years. It was first put on the list in 2008,
removed in 2009 and before adding it again in ¾ About:
2018, it remained under increased monitoring It resolves a territorial dispute in the eastern
from 2012 to 2015. Mediterranean Sea, in an area that Lebanon wants

¾ India’s Response: India has protested Pakistan’s to explore for natural gas.
lack of action against cross-border terror groups The gas field is located on the maritime boundary
responsible for attacks on India, however, it agreed between the two countries and this agreement
to the decision to take Pakistan off the list, as the would allow both countries to get royalties from
latter had submitted “documentary evidence” of its the gas.
actions against designated terrorists. z Under the deal, Israel receives full rights to
India believes that Pakistan must continue to take explore the Karish field.
“credible, verifiable, irreversible and sustainable” z Lebanon receives full rights in the nearby Qana
action against terror groups emanating from field, but it agreed to allow Israel a share of
territories under its control. the royalties.
z It sets a border between Lebanese and Israeli
Israel-Lebanon: waters for the first time, largely along a

demarcation referred to as Line 23.
Maritime Border Deal z The agreement does not touch on the shared
land border between Israel and Lebanon, which
Why in News? is still disputed.
Recently, Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-brokered z This border is also called the Blue Line, a
Maritime Border Deal which paves the way for lucrative boundary that was drawn up by the UN after
offshore gas extraction by the neighbors that remain Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000.
technically at war. ¾ Significance:
Note:
The agreement is also expected to avert the This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following
immediate threat of conflict between Israel and which it can be renewed.
Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. ¾ Significance:
The agreement will create new sources of energy Once a product gets this tag, any person or company
and income for both countries, particularly cannot sell a similar item under that name.
important for Lebanon, which is facing a crippling GI registration of a product provides it legal
energy and financial crises. protection and prevention against unauthorised
It can provide Europe with a potential new source use by others.
of gas amid energy shortages caused by the Russian GI tag helps in promoting the exports of the product.
invasion of Ukraine. It also provides comfort to customers about the
authenticity of that product.
India Qatar GI Products Meet ¾ Agri GI Products:
Presently, there are more than 400 registered
Why in News? Geographical Indications in India of which around

150 are agricultural and food products GI.
Recently, the government of India organized a Virtual
More than 100 registered GI products fall under
Networking Meet for Agri and Food Geographical
the category of Agriculture and Processed Food
Indication (GI) products in association with the Embassy Export Development Authority (APEDA) scheduled
of India, Doha and Indian Business and Professionals products (fresh fruits and vegetables, processed
Council (IBPC) Qatar. foods, animal products and cereals).
¾ This Meet provided a platform for interaction between
the India exporters and importers of Qatar on the How has India’s
strength of India in export of agri and food products Relations with Qatar been?
of Indian origin and distinct attributes.
¾ Developments during Indian Vice President visit
June 2022:
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
India-Qatar Start Up bridge:
¾ About:
z The Vice President launched the “India-Qatar
Geographical Indication (GI) is an indication used
Start Up bridge” that aims to link the start-up
to identify goods having special characteristics ecosystems of the two countries.
originating from a definite geographical territory.
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
India has emerged as the 3 rd largest
and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the ecosystem for startups globally, with over
registration and better protection of geographical 70,000 registered Startups.
indications relating to goods in India. India is home to 100 unicorns with a total
It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement
valuation of over USD 300 billion.
on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Environment and Climate Change:
Rights (TRIPS). z The Vice President invited Qatar, as India’s
z It was decided and also stated under Articles trusted partner in its energy security, to be a
1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention that partner in this journey for sustainability and join
the “protection of industrial Property and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Geographical Indication are elements of z Joint Business Council Between Business
Intellectual Property”. Chambers:
It is primarily an agricultural, natural or a z A Joint Business Council between Business
manufactured product (handicrafts and Chambers of India and Qatar has been
industrial goods). established and that a Joint Task Force on
¾ Validity: Investments would take its work forward.
Note:
Invest India and Qatar Investment Promotion

z
Development of industries relating to the
Agency was appreciated for entering into a scheduled products for export by way of providing
partnership of guiding and assisting businesses financial assistance.
on both sides to tap new and emerging
Registration of persons as exporters of the
opportunities.
scheduled products on payment of such fees
Collaborations at Multilateral Forums:
as may be prescribed.
z Greater collaboration between India and Qatar at
Fixing of standards and specifications for the
multilateral forums like the Inter Parliamentary scheduled products for the purpose of exports.
Union (IPU), Asian Parliamentary Assembly,
Improving packaging of the Scheduled products.
and others was emphasized.
Improving marketing of the Scheduled products
Trade:
outside India.
India’s Exports to Qatar:
Promotion of export-oriented production and
z In 2020, India exported USD 1.34 Billion to Qatar.
development of the Scheduled products.
¾ The main products that India exported to Qatar are
Rice, Jewellery and Gold.
¾ During the last 25 years the exports of India to Qatar
IMF Bailout to Sri Lanka
have increased at an annualized rate of 16.5%, from
USD 29.3 Million in 1995 to USD 1.34 Billion in 2020. Why in News?
India’s Imports from Qatar: Recently, The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
z In 2020, Qatar exported USD 7.25 Billion to approved a preliminary agreement with Sri Lanka on a
India. The main products that Qatar exported four-year, USD 2.9 billion bailout package which is aimed
to India were Petroleum Gas, Crude Petroleum at restoring economic stability and debt sustainability
and Halogenated Hydrocarbons. for the crisis-ridden south Asian nation.
z During the last 25 years the exports of Qatar
to India have increased at an annualized rate What is the Bailout
of 19%, from USD 94.4Million in 1995 to USD Package Offered to Sri Lanka?
7.25 Billion in 2020.
¾ Need:
z Qatar accounts for 41% of India’s total natural
gas imports. The Economic Crisis of Sri Lanka with USD 51
billion debt which was caused due to various
What is the Agriculture and Processed Food Export reasons:
Development Authority (APEDA)?
z The Easter bomb blasts of April 2019 in churches
¾ About:
in Colombo
APEDA was established by the Government of
India under the Agricultural and Processed Food z The government policy of lower tax rates and
Products Export Development Authority Act wide-ranging subsidies for farmers during
passed by the Parliament in December, 1985. their campaign.
The Authority replaced the Processed Food z The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 which impacted
Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). exports of tea, rubber, spices, garments and
APEDA, which comes under the Ministry the tourism sector.
of Commerce & Industry has contributed ¾ About:
significantly in promoting export of agriculture The IMF package is to be paid in tranches over
and processed food products with a share the next four years, which is less than what India
of around 50% (USD 24.77 bn) in overall agri provided to Sri Lanka over four months.
exports during 2021-22.
The package must be approved by the IMF’s board
¾ Functions:
of directors.
Note:
z The approval is contingent on Sri Lanka’s What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
international creditors - commercial lenders ¾ About:
such as banks and asset managers, multilateral
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is
agencies, as well as bilateral creditors including
an international organization that promotes
China, Japan, and India agreeing to restructure global economic growth and financial stability,
its debt. encourages international trade, and reduces
¾ Benefits: poverty.
Improve credit rating: ¾ Conditionalities set by IMF:
z It can boost the receiving country’s credit About:
ratings, and the confidence of international
z When a country borrows from the IMF, its
creditors and investors who may then chip in government agrees to adjust its economic
to provide bridge financing to close the gaps policies to overcome the problems that led
between the tranches. it to seek financial aid.
¾ Aim: ¾ These policy adjustments are conditions for IMF
Its program will aim to boost government revenue, loans and serve to ensure that the country will be
encourage fiscal consolidation, introduce new able to repay the IMF.
pricing for fuel and electricity, hike social spending, ¾ This system of conditionality is designed to promote
bolster central bank autonomy, and rebuild depleted national ownership of strong and effective policies.
foreign reserves. Conditionality helps countries solve balance-
The programme aims to reach a primary surplus of-payments problems without resorting
of 2.3% of GDP by 2024. to measures that are harmful to national or
international prosperity.
What Measures are Taken by Sri Policy commitments agreed with country
Lanka’s Economy to Improve its Economy? authorities can take different forms. They include:
z Prior actions:
¾ Increase in Revenue:
¾ These are the steps a country agrees to take before
The country’s budget aimed at increasing revenue
the IMF approves financing or completes a review.
to 15% of GDP by 2025 from 8.2% at the end of
They ensure that a program will have the necessary
2021 by reducing public debt.
foundation for success.
z An increase in VAT from 12 to 15%, and
¾ Quantitative performance criteria (QPCs):
compulsory tax registration for everyone aged
Specific, measurable conditions for IMF lending
18 years and older in order to widen personal
always relate to macroeconomic variables under
income tax collections are among the measures.
the control of the authorities.
z Some 50 state-owned enterprises are up for
Such variables include monetary and credit
privatisation.
aggregates, international reserves, fiscal
¾ Reduce the age of retirement: balances, and external borrowing.
The age of retirement in government and semi- ¾ Indicative targets (ITs):
government organisations has been brought down In addition to QPCs, ITs may be set for quantitative
to 60 from 65 and 62 respectively. indicators to assess progress in meeting a
¾ Banking sector: program’s objectives.
Staff and depositors are to be offered a z Structural benchmarks (SBs):
20% shareholding in state banks to address These are reform measures that often are
recapitalization requirements arising out of non-quantifiable but are critical for achieving
non-repayment of loans due to the economic program goals and are intended as markers to
meltdown. assess program implementation.
Note:
After a gap of four decades, India re-established

India-South
trade and business ties in 1993, after South Africa
Africa Bilateral Meeting ended its institutionalised racial segregation
(apartheid).
Why in News?
z In November 1993, diplomatic and consular
Recently, India and South Africa agreed to develop relations were restored.
institutional mechanisms for tie-ups between Higher
¾ Political Relations:
Education Institutions (HEIs) & Skill Institutions.
After South Africa achieved democracy in 1994,
Why are the Key Highlights of the Meeting?
it was the Red Fort Declaration on Strategic
¾ About: Partnership between India and South Africa,
The bilateral meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia. signed in March 1997 which set the parameters
It was decided to develop institutional mechanisms for a rekindled relationship.
for educational tie-ups. The Strategic Partnership between the two
Also, it was agreed to set up a Joint Working Group countries was again reaffirmed in the Tshwane
on Education between the two countries. Declaration (October 2006).
¾ Significance: z Both these declarations have been instrumental
This would further extend the cooperation that mechanisms that have contributed in the past
already exists and also to realise the full potential to both South Africa and India for achieving
of bilateral cooperation in education. their respective national objectives.
Introduction of National Education Policy (NEP) has
India and South Africa have a long history of
already paved the way for the internationalisation
working together by coordinating their views
of Indian education. India and South Africa relations
and efforts in institutions of global governance/
are close and friendly and are rooted in shared
multilateral fora, in order to achieve greater
values and interests.
autonomy and ensure that the agenda of ‘South’
z Institutional mechanisms for educational
is prioritised.
tie-ups would strengthen the academic &
skill development partnerships and bilateral For Example: BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India,
education cooperation. China and South Africa), IBSA (India, Brazil,

z Further, it will be helpful in mutual recognition
and South Africa), G20 , Indian Ocean
of skill qualifications & capacity building in Rim Association (IORA) and World Trade
skill development. Organisation (WTO).
¾ Economic:
How has been the India-South Africa Relations?
In 2016, both the countries agreed to
¾ Background:
collaborate in the defence sector, especially
India’s links with the struggle for freedom and in terms of the opportunities available for
justice in South Africa date back to the period South African private sector under ‘Make
during which Mahatma Gandhi started his in India’ initiative, energy sector, agro-
Satyagraha movement in South Africa over a processing, human resource development,
century ago. and infrastructure development.
India was at the forefront of the international
Trade between India and South Africa has
community in its support to the anti-apartheid
exceeded the USD 10 billion target set by the
movement.
leaders of the two countries in 2020.
z It was the first country to sever trade relations
¾ Science & Technology:
with the apartheid Government (in 1946)
The Department of Science and Technology of
and subsequently imposed a complete --
diplomatic, commercial, cultural and sports both countries have collaborated, especially in
-embargo on South Africa. the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project.
Note:
¾ Culture: Training of Bangladesh Railway personnel and
Bangladeshi judicial officers in India.
With the help of the Indian Council for Cultural
Cooperation in broadcasting between Prasar
Relations (ICCR), an intensive programme of
cultural exchanges is organised throughout Bharati and Bangladesh Television.
South Africa including scholarships for South Thermal Power Project:
African nationals. The two nations unveiled the first unit of the
The 9th World Hindi Conference was held in Maitree super thermal power project being built
September 2012 at Johannesburg. in Khulna division of Bangladesh with concessional
¾ Indian Community: funding from India.
The major part of the Indian origin community The unit was synchronized with Bangladesh’s
came to South Africa from 1860 onwards as power grid in August 2022, and the project will
farm labours. generate 1,320MW, when completed.
South Africa is home to the highest number of ¾ Rushpa Rail Bridge:
Indian Diaspora in the African continent, with a The 5.13-km Rupsha rail bridge was also
total strength of 1,218,000 thereby constituting inaugurated, a key part of the 64.7-km Khulna-
3% of South Africa’s total population. Mongla port broad gauge railway project.
Since 2003 onwards, India has celebrated Pravasi The bridge was constructed with an Indian line of
Bhartiya Divas (PBD) each year on 9th January credit of $389 million.
(the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South
It will increase connectivity with Mongla,
Africa to India).
Bangladesh’s second largest port.
Loans and Advances:
India Bangladesh India has provided concessional loans worth USD
Agreements 9.5 billion for development projects in Bangladesh,

which includes:
Rail connectivity between Khulna and Dhaka,
Why in News?
Chilahati and Rajshah.
Recently, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh has z Connecting Mongla port with Darshana-Gede
visited India and held talks with Indian Prime Minister. at a cost of USD 312 million.
¾ India and Bangladesh have signed seven agreements z The Parbatipur-Kaunia rail project to facilitate
for cooperation in areas ranging from sharing of river the transportation of fuel is being built at a
waters to space and unveiled new connectivity and cost of USD 120 million.
energy initiatives.
z Supply of road construction equipment and
What are the Key Highlights of the Meeting? machinery worth USD 41 million to repair and
maintain Bangladesh’s road network.
¾ The two sides have signed seven Memorandum of
¾ Defence Procurement:
Understanding (MoU), which includes:
In 2018, India has extended USD 500 million
The withdrawal of water from the cross-border
defence Line of Credit (LoC) to Bangladesh.
Kushiyara river.
In May 2018, Defence public sector undertaking
z The agreement will benefit southern Assam
of Kolkata had signed a Memorandum of
in India and the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Understanding with Bangladesh to provide
Cooperation in space technology. assistance and know-how in the design and
Collaboration on Information Technology systems construction of warships.
used by railways in areas such as movement of Dhaka has shared a wish list of military platforms
freight. and systems that its armed forces would like to
Science and technology cooperation. procure from India.
Note:
Bangladesh Army has approved procurement of

¾ India’s Exports to Bangladesh:
three items: Raw cotton, non-retail pure cotton yarn, and
z 5 Bridge Layer Tanks (BLT-72) at USD 10 million electricity
z 7 Portable Steel Bridges (Bailey) at USD 2.2 million ¾ India’s Imports from Bangladesh:
z 1 Mine Protective Vehicles at USD 2.2 million. Pure vegetable oils, non-knit men’s suits, and
¾ Other Proposed Procurements include: textile scraps.
Off-road vehicles, heavy recovery vehicles,
armoured engineer reconnaissance vehicles and What are some Issues
bullet proof helmets. which Both Nations should Resolve?
Modernisation and extension of automobile
¾ There should be efforts to resolve pending issues
assembling unit for a Bangladesh machine tools
concerning sharing of waters, resolving continental
factory, supply of explosives, raw materials and tools
shelf issues in the Bay of Bengal, bringing down
The Bangladesh Navy has proposed the procurement
border incidents to zero, and managing the media.
of a logistics ship, floating dock, oil tanker, and
an ocean-going tug. PM of Bangladesh held out the hope that the
two countries will resolve the issue of sharing the
What is India’s waters of the Teesta River – an agreement on the
Vision on CEPA with Bangladesh? matter has been pending since 2011.
¾ About: Bangladesh has already raised concerns over roll
The Prime Minister of India has said that India and
out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in
Bangladesh will soon commence negotiations on Assam, an exercise carried out to identify genuine
a Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Indian citizens living in Assam and weed out illegal
Agreement (CEPA). Bangladeshis.
The CEPA is likely to focus on trade in goods, Currently, Bangladesh is an active partner of the
services, and investment, with a key objective Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that Delhi has not
being the reduction of the trade gap between signed up to.
the two countries. In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a major
z For the year 2021, India’s imports from recipient of Chinese military inventory, including
Bangladesh stands at USD 1.76 billion and submarines.
exports to Bangladesh stands at USD 14.09
billion, resulting in a trade gap of USD 12.33
billion. Uyghur Rights Abuse
Bangladesh prepares to graduate into a developing
nation by 2026, after which it may no longer Why in News?
qualify for trade benefits that it currently enjoys
Recently, according to a report by United Nations,
as a least-developed country; it is keen to clinch
the CEPA within a year. China is conducting serious human rights violations against
Uyghurs that may amount to crimes against humanity.
¾ India Bangladesh Trade Relations:
In 2021-22, Bangladesh has emerged as the largest
What are the Key
trade partner for India in South Asia and the fourth
largest destination for Indian exports worldwide.
Highlights of the Report?
Exports to Bangladesh grew more than 66% from ¾ Persecution of Uyghurs:
USD 9.69 billion in FY 2020-21 to USD 16.15 billion The report accuses China of sweeping a million or
in FY 2021-22. more people from minority groups into detention
Despite Covid-19 related disruptions, bilateral camps where many have said they were tortured,
trade grew 44% from USD 10.78 billion in 2020-21 sexually assaulted, and forced to abandon their
to USD 18.13 billion in 2021-22. language and religion.
Note:
¾ Ruthless campaign: in the 18th edition of the “Yudh Abhyas” at Auli in
There is a ruthless campaign against extremism Uttarakhand in October 2022, some 100km from the
in the far western province of Xinjiang that also Line of Actual Control (LAC).
included draconian birth control policies and all-
encompassing restrictions on people’s movement. Why Does China
¾ Set-up Independent International Body: Oppose the Military Drill Near LAC?
Human rights groups renewed calls for the UN ¾ China says both countries have agreed that no military
Human Rights Council, to set up an independent drill will be held near the LAC, the de facto border
international body to investigate the allegations. between the two countries.
¾ China cited two agreements signed by India and China
Who are Uyghurs?
in 1993 and 1996, saying the exercise violates both.
¾ About:
1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace
The Uyghurs are a predominantly Muslim minority
and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control
Turkic ethnic group, whose origins can be traced in the India-China Border Areas.
to Central and East Asia.
1996 Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures
z The Uyghurs speak their own language, similar
in the Military Field Along the Line of Actual Control
to Turkish, and see themselves as culturally and in the India-China Border Areas.
ethnically close to Central Asian nations.
¾ A key element of both the 1993 and 1996 agreements
The Uyghurs are considered to be one of the 55
is that the two sides would keep their forces in the
officially recognized ethnic minority communities
areas along the LAC to a minimum level. However,
in China.
the agreements do not define what comprises the
However, China recognizes the community only
minimum level.
as a regional minority and rejects that they are
The 1993 and 1996 agreements also mandate that
an indigenous group.
pending a final solution to the boundary question,
Currently, the largest population of the Uyghur
the two sides shall strictly respect the LAC.
ethnic community lives in the Xinjiang region of
¾ Use of firearms on the LAC is strictly regulated as per
China.
the agreements of 1993, 1996 and 2005.
z A significant population of Uyghurs also lives in
the neighbouring Central Asian countries such What is Yudh Abhyas?
as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. ¾ It is the largest running joint military training and
Xinjiang is technically an autonomous region defence cooperation endeavor between India
within China — its largest region, rich in and the US.
minerals, and sharing borders with eight ¾ The exercise was started in 2004 under the US Army
countries, including India, Pakistan, Russia Pacific Partnership Program. The exercise is hosted
and Afghanistan. alternately between both countries.
¾ The exercise aims at enhancing understanding,
China Objects Indo-US cooperation and interoperability between two
Armies.
Military Drill Near LAC ¾ This will help them in undertaking joint operations
at battalion level in mountainous terrain with cold
Why in News? climatic conditions under the ambit of the United
Recently, China opposed the war games between Nations.
India and the US near the disputed Sino-India border,
saying it’s an interference in the bilateral boundary issue.
What is the Point of
¾ While the drill is yet to be officially confirmed, it is
Contention between two countries?
anticipated that the two countries will participate ¾ The major disagreements are in the western sector.
Note:
¾ After the 1962 War, the Chinese claimed they had What is the Line of Actual Control?
withdrawn to 20 km behind the LAC in November
¾ The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-
1959. controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
¾ In the eastern sector the border coincides in the main ¾ India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while
with the so-called McMahon Line, and in the western the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
and middle sectors it coincides in the main with the
¾ It is divided into three sectors,
traditional customary line which has consistently
The eastern sector which spans Arunachal
been pointed out by China.
Pradesh and Sikkim.
¾ During the Doklam crisis in 2017, China urged India
The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal
to abide by the “1959 LAC”.
Pradesh
India rejected the concept of LAC in both 1959
The western sector in Ladakh.
and 1962.
India’s objection was that the Chinese line “was a How is the LAC different
disconnected series of points on a map that could from the Line of Control with Pakistan?
be joined up in many ways; the line should omit ¾ The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line
gains from aggression in 1962 and therefore should negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War.
be based on the actual position on September 8, ¾ It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the
1962 before the Chinese attack, and the vagueness Shimla Agreement between the two countries.
of the Chinese definition left it open for China to ¾ It is delineated on a map signed by Director General
continue its creeping attempt to change facts on of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both armies and
the ground by military force. has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.
¾ The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not
What are the Recent Issues and
agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated
Developments between India and China? on a map or demarcated on the ground.
¾ Issues:
May 2020: Chinese and Indian forces clashed at Indo-China Disengagement
Nathu La, Sikkim (India).
June 2020: Indian and Chinese armies were engaged
at Hot Springs & Gogra Post
in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley,
Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. Why in News?
June 2020: India banned 59 apps originating Recently, the Indian and Chinese troops have begun
from China. disengaging at Patrolling Pillar-15 (PP-15) in the Gogra-
November 2020: India blocked 43 new mobile Hotspring region of Eastern Ladakh.
apps, mostly Chinese. ¾ Forces of the two countries have been locked in a
confrontational position in the area since April 2020.
z The ban has been enforced under Section 69A
¾ The move comes ahead of Shanghai Cooperation
of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan. a
¾ Developments:
February 2021: India and China decided to finally Why are the Key Highlights
reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong about the Current Disengagement?
Lake. ¾ Indian and Chinese armies have begun to disengage
September 2022: Recently, Indian and Chinese from Patrolling Point-15 in the Gogra-Hotsprings
armies have begun to disengage from Patrolling area of Eastern Ladakh, marking a step forward to
Point-15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area of Eastern end the standoff ongoing since May 2020.
Ladakh, marking a step forward to end the standoff PP-15 is one of the 65 patrolling points in Ladakh
ongoing since May 2020. along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Note:
¾ The disengagement has begun in a coordinated Hot Springs and Gogra Post are close to the
and planned way, which is conducive to peace and boundary between two of the most historically
tranquility in the border areas. disturbed provinces (Xinjiang and Tibet) of China.
¾ As per the understanding reached earlier on
disengagement, a buffer zone is to be created at the US - Indonesia Military Drill
friction points once troops are withdrawn by both
sides and new patrolling norms are to be worked
out after complete disengagement and de-escalation. Why in News?
¾ The consensus about the disengagement was reached Recently, the United States and Indonesian militaries
in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander had conducted annual joint combat exercises on
Level Meeting. Indonesia’s Sumatra Island.
¾ The 16th round of talks was held on July 17, 2022, ¾ For the first time, participants from other partner
at the Chushul border personnel meeting point on nations have also joined amid growing maritime
the Indian side. activity by China in the Indo-Pacific region.
¾ Since the stand-off began in May 2020, the two sides
What do we need to
have so far held 16 rounds of talks with disengagement
undertaken from both sides of Pangong Tso. know about the Joint Military Drill?
¾ With disengagement at PP-15, forces of the two ¾ More than 5,000 soldiers from the U.S., Indonesia,
countries have disengaged at all friction points in the Australia, Japan and Singapore participated in this
region which included the North and South banks of 2022’s exercises.
the Pangong Tso, PP-14, PP-15 and PP-17A. ¾ The exercises were designed to strengthen
The last disengagement between the forces of the
interoperability, capability, trust and cooperation
two countries had been achieved at PP-17 A in in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
August 2021 following the 12th Corp Commander ¾ The exercises lasted till 14th August 2022, encompassing
Level meeting. army, navy, air force and marine drills.
¾ The friction points that remain now are Demchok
and Depsang, which China has constantly refused to Which are India’s
accept, maintaining that they are not a part of the Exercises with the US & Indonesia?
current stand-off. ¾ US:
What We Need to Know about Exercise Yudh Abhyas: It is the largest running
joint military training and defence cooperation
the Hot Springs and Gogra Post?
endeavor between India and the US.
¾ Location: Exercise Tiger Triumph (Humanitarian Assistance
Hot Springs is just north of the Chang Chenmo
and Disaster Relief exercise): It aims to develop
river and Gogra Post is east of the point where interoperability for conducting HADR operations.
the river takes a hairpin bend coming southeast Exercise Vajra Prahar (Special Forces’ Exercise):
from Galwan Valley and turning southwest. The joint exercise by the Special Forces of both
The area is north of the Karakoram Range of the countries is conducted alternatively between
mountains, which lies north of the Pangong Tso India and the United States.
lake, and south east of Galwan Valley. ¾ Indonesia:
¾ Importance: Exercise Samudra Shakti (Maritime): In pursuance
The area lies close to Kongka Pass, one of the of India’s Act East Policy, Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’
main passes, which, according to China, marks was conceived in 2018 as a bilateral IN-IDN exercise.
the boundary between India and China. z The exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral
India’s claim of the international boundary lies relationship, and enhance mutual understanding
significantly east, as it includes the entire Aksai and interoperability in maritime operations
Chin area as well. between the two navies.
Note:
IND-INDO CORPAT (Maritime Exercise): India- What is the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty?
Indonesia Coordinated Patrol build up understanding
¾ About:
and interoperability between navies and facilitate
institution of measures to prevent and suppress The NPT is an international treaty whose objective
Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons
trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful
and piracy. uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of
disarmament.
The treaty was signed in 1968 and entered into
Indo-Pacific force in 1970. Presently, it has 191 member states.
Economic Framework India is not a member.
It requires countries to give up any present or

Why in News?
Recently, the Minister of Commerce & Industry future plans to build nuclear weapons in return
addressed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Ministerial meeting in the US, where India decided to z It represents the only binding commitment in a
stay away from the Fair & resilient trade Pillar. multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament
¾ India agreed to three out of four pillars, which are by the nuclear-weapon States.
Supply Chains, Tax & Anti-Corruption and Clean Energy. z Nuclear-weapon states parties under the NPT
are defined as those that manufactured and
What is IPEF? exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear
¾ It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen explosive devices before 1st January, 1967.
economic partnership among participating countries ¾ India’s Stand:
to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness,
India is one of the only five countries that either
economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in
did not sign the NPT or signed but withdrew later,
the Indo-Pacific region.
thus becoming part of a list that includes Pakistan,
¾ The IPEF was launched in 2021 with a dozen initial
Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan.
partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
India always considered the NPT as discriminatory
¾ The IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but
and had refused to sign it.
allows members to negotiate the parts they want
India has opposed the international treaties
to. The negotiations will be along four main “pillars”.
aimed at non-proliferation since they were
¾ Supply-chain resilience
selectively applicable to the non-nuclear
¾ Clean energy, decarbonisation & infrastructure
powers and legitimised the monopoly of
¾ Taxation & anti-corruption the five nuclear weapons powers.
Fair & resilient trade.
¾ Currently, India and 13 countries located in the Pacific What are the Concerns
Ocean are its members, Arising Out of Russia’s Disagreement?
¾ Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South ¾ The occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in
Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, southeastern Ukraine as well as the takeover of the
Thailand, United States, and Vietnam. Chernobyl nuclear plant, scene of the world’s worst
nuclear disaster in 1986, renewed global fears of
Tenth Non-Proliferation another nuclear emergency.
¾ The threat of nuclear weapons use today is higher
Treaty Review Conference than at any time since the heights of the Cold War and
Why in News? the deteriorated international security environment.
Recently, the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review ¾ This NPT conference represents a missed opportunity
Conference which was held in New York ended without to strengthen the treaty and global security by
adopting a substantive outcome due to Russia’s objection. agreeing to a specific action plan with benchmarks
Note:
and timeframes to effectively address the growing ¾ Global cooperation: Both countries acknowledged
dangers of nuclear arms racing and nuclear weapons that global cooperation is required more than ever
use. to address security challenges.
Further, here is consensus on both sides that a
What are the Other Treaties and strong India-Japan relationship is very important
Agreements related to Nuclear Weapons? for a free, open, rule-based and inclusive Indo-
¾ The Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Pacific based upon sovereignty and territorial
Atmosphere, In Outer Space and Under Water, also integrity of nations.
known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT).
¾ Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): India How has India’s
has not signed the CTBT as India is a strong advocate Relations with Japan been?
for a time-bound disarmament commitment from ¾ Defence Exercises:
nuclear weapon states (NWS) and may use the lack
India and Japan’s defence forces organize a series
of a commitment as a reason to refrain from signing
of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX (naval),
the CTBT.
SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian
¾ The Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons (Army).
(TPNW): It entered into force on 22 January 2021 and
The participation of Japan for the first time in the
India is not a member of this treaty.
multilateral exercise MILAN and operationalisation
¾ Nuclear Suppliers Group(NSG): India is not a member of the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services
of the NSG.
Agreement in March, 2022 are milestones in the
¾ The Missile Technology Control Regime. progress of defence cooperation.
¾ Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile z Both countries also participate in the Malabar
Proliferation. exercise (Naval Exercise) with the USA and
¾ The Wassenaar Arrangement. Australia.
¾ Multilateral Groupings:
Japan & India to Both India and Japan are members of Quad, G20
and G-4.
Boost Defence Ties
They are also member countries of the International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Why in News?
¾ Health-Care:
Recently, India & Japan held the 2+2 ministerial
In view of the similarities and synergies between
meeting in Tokyo to enhance security and defence
the goals and objectives of India’s AYUSHMAN
cooperation.
Bharat Programme and Japan’s AHWIN, both
What are the Key Highlights of this Meeting? sides had been consulting with each other to
identify projects to build the narrative of AHWIN
¾ Enhanced Defence Cooperation: Both countries are for AYUSHMAN Bharat.
examining all options necessary for national defence
¾ Investment and ODA:
including counterstrike capabilities, and will increase
their defence budget substantially to strengthen India has been the largest recipient of the Japanese
their capabilities. Official Development Assistance(ODA) Loan for

As there is a need to tackle increased security
the past decades.
threats mostly from neighbouring China. z Delhi Metro is one of the most successful
¾ Enhancing Maritime Cooperation: There were examples of Japanese cooperation through the
extensive discussions on ways to enhance maritime utilization of ODA.
cooperation including maritime domain awareness India’s Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
that includes India’s inclusive vision of Security and project is funded by a soft loan provided by Japan
Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). International Cooperation Agency.
Note:
Japan and India had committed to build a High-

Speed Railways in India. India to host G20
India Japan Nuclear Deal 2016 will help India build Summit in 2023
the six nuclear reactors in southern India, increasing
nuclear energy capacity ten-fold by 2032.
Why in the News?
Economic Relations:
Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Japan’s bilateral trade with India totaled USD 20.57
announced that India is hosting the G-20 (Group of 20)
billion during FY 2021-22.
leaders’ summit in New Delhi next year 2023.
z Japan’s exports to India were 2.35% of India’s
total imports and India’s exports to Japan were ¾ The 17th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit
1.46% of India’s total exports. This underlines will happen in November 2022 in Indonesia, after
that there remains a big potential. which India will assume the presidency of G20 from
India was the 18th largest trading partner for December 2022.
Japan, and Japan was the 12th largest trading ¾ India is assuming the Presidency of the G20 for one year.
partner for India in 2020.
What are the Key Points?
¾ Developments during 14 th India-Japan Annual
¾ Guest Countries:
Summit, 2022:
India, as G20 Presidency, will be inviting Bangladesh,
Sustainable Development Initiative for the North
Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman,
Eastern Region of India:
Singapore, Spain and UAE as Guest countries
z It has been launched with an eye on India’s
¾ Troika:
infrastructure development in the Northeast,
During the Presidency, India, Indonesia and
and includes both ongoing projects and possible
future cooperation in connectivity, healthcare, Brazil would form the troika. This would be the
new and renewable energy, as well as an initiative first time when the troika would consist of three
developing countries and emerging economies,
for strengthening bamboo value chain.
providing them a greater voice.
India-Japan Digital Partnership:
z Troika refers to the top grouping within the
z On cyber security, the leaders discussed the
G20 that consists of the current, previous and
“India-Japan Digital Partnership” with a view
the upcoming presidencies (Indonesia, India
to enhancing the digital economy through the
and Brazil).
promotion of joint projects in the area of IoT
¾ Key Priorities:
(Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Inclusive, Equitable and Sustainable Growth,
and other emerging technologies.
LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment),
z Japan is looking forward to attracting more highly
skilled Indian IT professionals to contribute to Women’s Empowerment;
the Japanese ICT sector. Digital public infrastructure and tech-enabled
Clean Energy Partnership: development in areas ranging from health,

z It was launched for cooperation in areas
agriculture and education to commerce,
such as electric vehicles, storage systems Skill-mapping, culture and tourism; climate
including batteries, electric vehicle charging financing; circular economy; global food security;
infrastructure, development of solar energy; energy security; green hydrogen; disaster risk
hydrogen; ammonia; etc. reduction and resilience;
z The objective is to encourage manufacturing Developmental cooperation; fight against economic
in India, creation of resilient and trustworthy crime; and multilateral reforms.

supply chains in these areas as well as
foster collaboration in R&D (Research and What is the G20?
Development). ¾ About:
Note:
The G20 was formed in 1999 in the backdrop of
How is India-Mexico Relations?
the financial crisis of the late 1990s that hit East
¾ Historical Ties:
Asia and Southeast Asia in particular.
Being colonies in the past, India and Mexico have
It aims to secure global financial stability by involving
middle-income countries. European connections of the colonial era.
Mexico was the first Latin American country to
Together, the G20 countries include 60 % of the
world’s population, 80 % of global GDP, and 75 % recognise India after Independence and establish
of global trade. diplomatic relations with India in 1950.
¾ Members: Mexican wheat varieties used in Indo-Mexican
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, hybrids were the backbone of India’s Green
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic Revolution in the 1960s.
of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South In the Cold War years, Mexico and India had worked
Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United together closely as members of the United Nations
States and the EU. (UN), both actively championing the interests
z Spain is invited as a permanent guest. of developing countries such as in the Uruguay
¾ Presidency: Round of Trade Negotiations (under the World
The presidency of the G20 rotates every year Trade Organisation).
among members, and the country holding the z Both countries are members of G-20.
presidency, together with the previous and next ¾ Political and Bilateral Cooperation:
presidency-holder, forms the ‘Troika’ to ensure
Both countries established a ‘Privileged Partnership’
continuity of the G20 agenda.
in 2007.
z Italy, Indonesia, and India are the Troika
In 2015, both countries agreed to work towards
countries right now and Indonesia holds the
current Presidency. achieving a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
The two countries have several bilateral agreements
¾ Mandate:
The G20 has no permanent secretariat. The agenda
and MoUs, including for Investment Promotion and
and work are coordinated by representatives of Protection, Extradition, Administrative Assistance
the G20 countries, known as ‘Sherpas’, who work in Customs Matters, Space Cooperation, etc.
together with the finance ministers and governors India gives 20 scholarships to Mexico under the
of the central banks. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
The primary mandate of the grouping is for programme and Mexican diplomats are also given
International Economic cooperation with particular training at Forest Survey of India (FSI).
emphasis to prevent future financial crises across ¾ Economic and Commercial Relations:
the world.
It plays a significant role in shaping the global
India is the 10th largest trading partner of Mexico,
economic agenda. and the trade balance has remained in favor of
India for eight years.
From 1999-2008 the forum exalted from a grouping
of Central bank governors and finance ministers Mexico is currently India’s largest trading partner
to Heads of states. in Latin America.
In 2021, exports to Mexico from India reached
USD 5.931 billion and imports from Mexico were
India Mexico Relations at USD 4.17 billion, taking the total trade to USD
10.11 billion.
Why in News?
z India’s Exports: Vehicles and auto parts, organic
On the Occasion of Mexico National Day (16th chemicals, electrical machinery and electronic
September), India extended its greetings and felicitations equipment, aluminium products, readymade
to all Mexico Nationals and commemorated the 72 years garments, iron and steel products and gems
of the establishment of diplomatic Relations. and jewellery.
Note:
z India’s Imports: Crude oil, mineral fuel, fertilizers,

etc. Crude oil occupies 75% of the export basket Issue of Tamilians
from Mexico.
in Sri Lanka
India’s exports of pharmaceutical products
remained steady in 2020 and increased by
more than 80%. Why in News?
¾ Security: Recently, India has expressed concern over the lack
Both countries share a common concern over
of any measurable progress by Sri Lanka on its commitment
growing traditional and non-traditional security towards reaching a political solution on the Tamil issue.
challenges, particularly the rise of global terrorism. ¾ India, in its statement at the 51st session of the
¾ Cultural Ties: United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva said
The Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Centre has it has “always believed in the responsibility of States
been functioning in Mexico since October 2010, for promotion and protection of human rights and
teaching Yoga, classical dances, music, etc. constructive international dialogue and cooperation”
An agreement on cultural cooperation has been guided by the U.N. Charter.
in existence since 1975 and cooperation activities
are carried out through four-yearly ‘Programmes What concerns were Raised by India?
of Cultural Cooperation’. ¾ The current crisis in Sri Lanka has demonstrated the
¾ Indian Community: limitations of a debt-driven economy and the impact
The Indian community in Mexico is estimated to it has on the standard of living.
be more than 7,000, comprising mostly software ¾ It is in the best interests of Sri Lanka to build the capacity
engineers of Indian IT companies, academics/ of its citizens and work towards their empowerment.
professors, and private businessmen. ¾ Over 13 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in
z Tourism between the two countries is steadily 2009, when tens of thousands of civilians were killed
increasing and Mexicans have been extended and disappeared, survivors continue demanding
the online e-Tourist Visa facility. justice and accountability for war-time crimes.
z Indian nationals holding ordinary passports
¾ In the post-war years, Sri Lanka’s human rights
but having a valid visa for the USA, the UK, defenders have frequently flagged concerns over
Canada, Schengen area or Japan, and holders of persisting militarisation, especially in the Tamil-
permanent residence in the same countries or majority north and east; repression, and the shrinking
Member States of Pacific Alliance viz. Colombia,
space for dissent.
Chile and Peru do not need a visa for short
tourism or business visits to Mexico. What is the
¾ Differences: Tamil issue and its History?
Mexico and India have had different viewpoints on
¾ Background:
the issue of nuclear non-proliferation. However,
Sri Lanka is 74.9 % Sinhalese and 11.2 % Sri Lankan
during the Indian Prime Minister’s 2016 visit,
Mexico pledged support for India’s bid to be part Tamil. Within these two groups, Sinhalese tend to
of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). be Buddhist and Tamils tend to be Hindu, displaying
Both countries have differences on the issue of
significant linguistic and religious divisions.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms. It is believed that the Tamils arrived in Srilanka
z Mexico has been a member of the United

both as invaders and traders from India’s Chola
for Consensus (UfC) group/Coffee Club that, Kingdom.
unlike India and the other Group of Four (G-4) Some origin stories suggest that the Sinhalese
members (Japan, Germany and Brazil), opposes and Tamil communities have experienced tension
the expansion of permanent membership in from the very beginning—not out of cultural
the UNSC. incompatibility, but rather out of power disputes.
Note:
¾ Pre-Civil War: ¾ Sentiments of Indian Tamils: A number of protests
During British Rule the pattern of Tamil favoritism
and criticism is drawn at the end of the Indian
left Sinhalese people feeling isolated and oppressed. Government for overlooking the plight of Srilankan
Soon after British occupiers left the island in Tamils to maintain good relationship with Srilanka.
1948, these patterns of Tamil dominance changed ¾ Strategic interests vs Tamil question: Often India has
dramatically. to trade off on the question of Tamilian minority rights
After British independence, many Sinhalese gained over strategic issues to protect its economic interests
power and went on to gradually pass acts effectively in its neighborhood and to counter Chinese influence
disenfranchising their Tamil counterparts, which in the Indian Ocean.
led to the creation of Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam (LTTE) in 1976. What are the other
z LTTE was an uncompromising group inspired by Issues in India-Sri Lanka Relations?
Che Guevarra and his guerilla warfare tactics. ¾ Killing of Fisherman:
The conflict then escalated into civil war in 1983,
Killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy
leading to riots targeting Tamils in Colombo.
is a lingering issue between these two nations.
The fighting lasted just under three decades
In 2019 and 2020, a total of 284 Indian fishermen
and ended in May 2009, when the Sri Lankan
were arrested and a total of 53 Indian boats were
government announced that they killed the LTTE
confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities.
leader.
¾ East Coast Terminal project:
¾ Post-Civil War:
In 2021 Sri Lanka canceled an MoU signed with
Although the Civil War ended in 2009, the current
situation in Sri Lanka has only partially improved. India and Japan for the East Coast Terminal project.
A large portion of the Tamil population remains
¾ Influence of China:
displaced. While there are fewer political and civil China’s rapidly growing economic footprint (and
rights issues, instances of torture and enforced political clout as a corollary) in Sri Lanka is straining
disappearances persist even in recent years. India-Sri Lanka relations.
The government’s Prevention of Terrorism Act China is already the largest investor in Sri Lanka,
(PTA) targets mostly Tamils. In a more subtle accounting for 23.6% of the total Foreign Direct
sense, the Sri Lankan government continues to Investment (FDI) during 2010-2019 as against
disenfranchise the Tamil community. 10.4% from India.
z Through the process of “Sinhalization,” for
¾ 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution:
instance, Sinhalese culture has slowly replaced
It envisages devolution of necessary powers to the
that of the Tamil population.
provincial councils to address the just demand of
z Sinahlese monuments, road signs, street and
village names, as well as Buddhist places of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and
worship became more common in predominantly respect within a united Sri Lanka.
Tamil areas.
z These efforts have infringed upon, and in some Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Conflict
cases even erased, the Tamil perspective on
Sri Lankan history, as well as Tamil and Hindu Why in News?
elements of the country’s culture.
Recently, nearly 100 people have been killed and
What are the Concerns for India? scores injured in violent border clashes between
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
¾ Rehabilitation of Refugees: A lot of Srilankan Tamils
who evaded from Srilankan civil war (2009) are seeking
What Led to the Clash
refuge in Tamil Nadu. They are not returning in fear
of being targeted again. It is a challenge for India to between the Two Countries?
rehabilitate them. ¾ Historical Legacy:
Note:
The current clashes are replaying old pre- and ¾ Development Assistance:
post-Soviet era legacies. With a grant of USD 0.6 million, an Information
The borders of the two republics were demarcated and Technology Centre (Bedil Centre) was
under Joseph Stalin’s leadership. commissioned in 2006.
Common Rights over Natural Resources: Historically, The project ran for a full hardware cycle of 6 years
the Kyrgyz and Tajik populations enjoyed common and trained almost all first-generation IT experts
rights over natural resources. in the government sector in Tajikistan.
The creation of the Soviet Union saw the large- z A project for setting up computer labs in
scale redistribution of livestock to collective and 37 schools in Tajikistan was completed and
state farms, which upset the existing status quo. delivered in August 2016.
¾ Present Tussle: Humanitarian Assistance:
Recent incidents saw groups from either side
z In June 2009, USD 200,000 cash assistance was
planting trees in disputed areas and engaging
given by India to overcome damage caused by
in a physical confrontation using agricultural
floods in Tajikistan.
equipment as weapons.
z After the outbreak of Polio in southwest
Currently, Ferghana Valley continues to be a site
Tajikistan, India provided 2 million doses of oral
of struggle and frequent violent outbursts, with
polio vaccine through UNICEF in November 2010.
the location consisting primarily of Tajiks, Kyrgyz,
and Uzbeks, who have historically shared common ¾ Human Capacity Building:
sociological specificities, economic activities, and Since the establishment of the Indian embassy in
religious practices. Dushanbe in 1994, Tajikistan has been a beneficiary
Both countries share multiple water channels of the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation
with undulating trajectories and flow, which upset Programme (ITEC).
equitable access to water on both sides. As a In 2019, under India-Central Asia Dialogue Process,
result, small-scale conflicts occur practically every some Tajik diplomats were trained at Foreign
year during the crucial irrigation period. Service Institute, Delhi.
z Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan share 971 kilometers of ¾ Trade & Economic Relation:
border territory of which about 471 kilometers
Indian exports to Tajikistan mainly consist of
remain disputable.
pharmaceuticals, medical preparations, cane or
Leaders of both countries have contributed to the
beet sugar, tea, handicraft and machinery.
continuation of the conflict through the imagination
Indian pharmaceutical products occupy
of a particular type of development project
which resulted in the large-scale displacement approximately 25% of Tajik market.
of nomadic communities, hoping to stabilise the ¾ Cultural & People-to-People Relation:
internal dynamics of their respective countries Deep rooted historical and cultural linkages have
and legitimise their power. helped expand and widen the relationship to a
new level.
How are India-Tajikistan Relations? z Cooperation between the two countries
¾ Cooperation in International Forums: encompasses all aspects of human endeavour
In 2020, Tajikistan extended support for India’s
with special focus on military and defence ties.
candidature for a non-permanent seat in United Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dushanbe
Nation Security Council for the term 2021-22. offers courses in Kathak & Tabla through teachers
Tajikistan strongly supported Shanghai Cooperation deployed by Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Organisation (SCO) Member status for India. from India. The centre also offers Sanskrit and
India also supported Tajikistan’s candidature to Hindi language classes.
United Nations’ Economic and Social Council In 2020 ‘My Life My Yoga’ video blogging
(ECOSOC) and accession to WTO in March 2013. competition saw participation from Tajikistan
¾ Development & Aid Partnership: yoga enthusiasts.
Note:
¾ Strategic: What is the India
India has an airbase at a place called Ayni, about Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council?
thirty kilometres from Dushanbe. Over the years, ¾ The Strategic Partnership Council was instituted in
it developed into an Indian Air Force (IAF) base October, 2019 during the visit of the Prime Minister
known as Gissar Military Aerodrome (GMA). of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
¾ It has two main pillars:
India Saudi Arabia Relations Political, Security, Social and Cultural Committee
Committee on Economy and Investments

Why in News? ¾ India is the fourth country with which Saudi Arabia
Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and has formed such a strategic partnership, after the
Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution UK, France and China.
and Textiles visited Saudi Arabia to attend the Ministerial
meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership How has India’s
Council. Relations with Saudi Arabia been?
¾ Oil & Gas:
What are the Key Outcomes of the Meeting?
Saudi Arabia is currently India’s second-largest
¾ Streamlining efforts to carry out the declaration of supplier of crude oil (Iraq has been India’s top
investments of USD $100 billion in India made by supplier).
Saudi Arabia in February 2019.
z India imports around 18% of its crude oil
¾ Endorsement of the 41 areas of cooperation identified requirement and around 22 % of its Liquified
by the technical teams under the 4 broad domains of: Petroleum Gas (LPG) requirement from Saudi
Agriculture & Food Security Arabia.
Energy Saudi Arabia will assist in setting up the world’s
Technology & Information Technology largest greenfield refinery at Raigarh in Maharashtra
Industry & Infrastructure by Saudi Aramco, Adnoc of the United Arab Emirates
¾ A commitment to carrying out important projects in and Indian public sector oil companies.
a timely way. The following are some of the priority ¾ Bilateral Trade:
areas for cooperation: Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner
Digital fintech sector cooperation through the (after the USA, China and UAE).
operationalization of Unified Payments Interface In FY 2021-22, bilateral trade was valued at USD
(UPI) and Rupay Card in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 42.8 billion.
Reiteration of commitment to ongoing collaboration z India’s imports from Saudi Arabia reached USD
on joint projects, such as the construction of 34.01 billion and exports to Saudi Arabia were
a refinery on the West Coast, an investment worth USD 8.76 billion. An increase of 49.5%
in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, over 2021.
and the creation of strategic petroleum storage z Total trade with Saudi Arabia accounted for
facilities in India. 4.14% of India’s total trade in FY 2021-22.
¾ Discussions were also held on: ¾ Indian Diaspora:
Institutional tie-up of the EXIM banks of the two
The 2.6 million-strong Indian community in Saudi
countries, Arabia is the largest expatriate community in the
Mutual recognition of standards, Kingdom and is the ‘most preferred community’
Establishment of startup and innovation bridge, due to their expertise, sense of discipline, law-
Strengthening collaboration in infrastructure abiding and peace-loving nature.
development, particularly in the domains of ¾ Cultural Linkages:
construction, Haj pilgrimage is another important component of
Railways etc. bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
Note:
¾ Naval Exercise: ¾ Republics and Realms:

In 2021, India and Saudi Arabia started their first- The Commonwealth consists of both Republics
ever Naval joint exercise called the Al-Mohed and Realms.
Al-Hindi Exercise. The British monarch is the Head of State for the
realms, whereas the republics are ruled by elected
governments except in the case of five countries —
Future of the Commonwealth Brunei Darussalam, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malaysia,
and Tonga — each a self-governed monarchy.
Why in News? z The realms are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia,
The death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica,
Kingdom, marks not only the end of an era for the British New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts
monarchy but also a turning point for the 14 Commonwealth and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the
realms of which she was the Head of State. Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.
What is the Background?

ASEAN-India
¾ There has been a significant transformation of the
socio-economic environment in the 14 realms countries Economic Ministers’ Meeting
since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
¾ Several countries out of these 14 called to establish Why in News?
a republic and break free of historical ties to the
Recently, India and Cambodia co-chaired the 19th
British monarchy.
ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ meeting in Cambodia.
A republic is a form of government in which
¾ The Economic Ministers or their representatives from
“supreme power is held by the people and their
all the 10 ASEAN countries attended the meeting.
elected representatives”.
z Thus, it is likely that during the reign of the What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
incumbent King Charles III, the Queen’s
¾ Noted Economic Relations:
successor, more nations will follow in the
The Ministers noted that trade and economic
footsteps of Barbados.
relations between ASEAN and India are starting to
In 2021, Barbados became the 18th country to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
remove the British monarch from the role of and the two-way trade between ASEAN and India
head of state and substitute them with a national reached USD 91.5 billion in 2021 increasing by
government functionary. 39.2% year-on-year.
¾ ASEAN India Business Council:
What is the Commonwealth?
The Ministers also took note of the recommendations
¾ About: made by ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC) to
The Commonwealth of Nations is a group of 56 enhance the ASEAN India economic partnership
countries composed mostly of former British and the activities undertaken by AIBC in 2022.
colonies. z ASEAN India-Business Council (AIBC) was set up
It was established by the London Declaration in in March 2003 as a forum to bring key private
1949. sector players from India and the ASEAN
While members of the Commonwealth are countries on a single platform for business
predominantly located in Africa, the Americas, networking and sharing of ideas.
Asia, and the Pacific, with many of them emerging ¾ Post Covid-19 Recovery:
economies, the three European members of the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to take
group are Cyprus, Malta, and the U.K. collective actions to mitigate the economic impact
The developed nations of the Commonwealth are of the pandemic and work towards a sustainable
Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. post-Covid-19 recovery.
Note:
¾ Supply Chain Connectivity:
The Ministers welcomed ASEAN and India to forge Eastern Economic Forum
collective actions in securing a robust supply chain
connectivity to maintain the flow of essential Why in News?
goods and services through ASEAN-India Trade in
Recently, Russia hosted the 7th Eastern Economic
Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Upgrade Negotiations,
Forum (EEF) at Vladivostok.
mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination,
vaccines production, public health surveillance, ¾ The forum is a platform for entrepreneurs to expand
and medical technologies. their businesses into Russia’s Far East (RFE).
¾ ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement: What is the Eastern Economic Forum?
The Ministers endorsed the Scope of the Review of
¾ About:
the AITIGA to make it more user-friendly, simple,
The EEF was established in 2015 to encourage
and trade facilitative for businesses, as well as
foreign investments in the RFE.
responsive to the current global and regional
The EEF displays the economic potential, suitable
challenges including supply chain disruptions.
business conditions and investment opportunities
The Ministers also activated the AITIGA Joint
in the region.
Committee to undertake the review of AITIGA
Agreements signed at the EEF increased from 217
expeditiously.
in 2017 to 380 agreements in 2021, worth 3.6
What is the Association trillion roubles.
The agreements focus on infrastructure,
of Southeast Asian Nations?
transportation projects, mineral excavations,
¾ About: construction, industry and agriculture.
It is a regional grouping that promotes economic, ¾ Key Players:
China, South Korea, Japan and India are the Key
It was established in August 1967 in Bangkok, Players in the region, where China is the biggest
Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration investor.
(Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of z China sees potential in promoting the Chinese
ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) And the Polar Sea
Singapore and Thailand. Route in the RFE.
Its chairmanship rotates annually, based on z China’s investments in the region account for
the alphabetical order of the English names of 90% of the total investments.
Member States.
¾ Objectives:
ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 Russia has strategically developed the region
million people and a combined Gross Domestic with the aim of connecting Russia to the Asian
Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion. trading routes.
Commodity trade between India and ASEAN With the fast modernisation of cities like Vladivostok,
region has reached 98.39 billion in the period Khabarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita and more, Russia
April 2021- February 2022.India’s main trading ties aims to attract more investments in the region.
are with Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam To survive the economic crisis and the sanctions
and Thailand. with the help of China and other Asian powers.
¾ Members:
ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian states What does India Seek at the Forum?
– Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, ¾ India seeks to expand its influence in the RFE. During
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand the forum, India expressed its readiness in expanding
and Vietnam – into one organisation. trade, connectivity and investments in Russia.
Note:
¾ India is keen to deepen its cooperation in energy, What is QUAD?

pharmaceuticals, maritime connectivity, healthcare,
¾ It is the grouping of four democracies –India, Australia,
tourism, the diamond industry and the Arctic.
the US, and Japan.
¾ In 2019, India offered a USD 1 billion line of credit to
¾ All four nations find a common ground of being
develop infrastructure in the region.
democratic nations and also support the common
¾ Through the EEF, India aims to establish a strong interest of unhindered maritime trade and security.
inter-state interaction with Russia.
¾ It aims to ensure and support a “free, open and
Business representatives of Gujarat and the Republic
prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
of Sakha (Russia) have launched agreements in
¾ The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese
the diamond and pharmaceuticals industry.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the
How does India act at idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out
of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.
Balancing Between the EEF and IPEF?
¾ Finally in 2017, India, Australia, the US and Japan, came
¾ Since the coming together of countries like Myanmar, together and formed this “quadrilateral” coalition.
Armenia, Russia, and China for EEF seems like the
forming of an Anti-Sanctions Group in the international What are the Opportunities for
order, India has vested interests in both the forums, EEF India Under Quad Arrangement?
and IPEF (U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework).
¾ Countering China:
¾ India has not shied away from investing in the
The maritime space is a lot more important to
Russia-initiated EEF despite the current international
conditions, where western countries impose Sanctions China than engaging in opportunistic land grab
on Russia. attempts in the Himalayas.
z A huge chunk of Chinese trade happens via
¾ At the same time, India has given its confirmation and
acceptance to three of the four pillars in the IPEF. the Indian oceanic routes that pass through
maritime chokepoints.
¾ India understands the benefits of being involved in
z In the event of any Chinese aggression on borders,
the development of the RFE but it also perceives the
IPEF as a vital platform to strengthen its presence India by cooperating with Quad countries can
in the Indo-Pacific region. potentially disrupt Chinese trade.
z Hence, unlike in the continental sphere where
¾ The IPEF also presents an ideal opportunity for India to
act in the region, without being part of the China-led India seems facing a ‘nutcracker like situation’
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or due to China-Pakistan collusion, the maritime
other regional groupings like the Comprehensive and sphere is wide open to India to undertake
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. coalition building, rule setting, and other forms
of strategic exploration.
¾ Emerging as a Net Security Provider:
Quad Grouping There is a growing great power interest in the
maritime sphere, especially with the arrival of
Why in News? the concept of ‘Indo-Pacific’. For instance, many
Foreign Ministers of the Quad (India, the U.S., European countries have recently released their
Australia, and Japan) met on the fringes of the United Indo-Pacific strategies.
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to sign a Humanitarian With India, located right at the centre of the
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) partnership into Indo-Pacific geopolitical imagination can realise
effect. the vision of a ‘broader Asia’ that can extend its
¾ Under the HADR, the member countries will coordinate influence away from geographical boundaries.
their disaster response operations in the Indo-Pacific Moreover, India can build around collective action
region with other National and International agencies, in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,
private non-governmental organizations. monitoring shipping for search and rescue or
Note:
anti-piracy operations, infrastructure assistance ¾ They highlighted that General Assembly did not make
to climatically vulnerable states, connectivity “meaningful progress” in the Inter-Governmental
initiatives and similar activities. Negotiations (IGN) and lacked transparency.
Further, India with Quad countries can check ¾ They reiterated their support for African countries
imperialist policies of China in Indian ocean region being represented in a permanent and non-permanent
and ensure Security and growth for all in the region. capacity.
¾ The Ministers agreed on the need for enhanced role
What are the and presence of developing countries and of major
Issues Related to Quad? contributors to the United Nations to enhance the
¾ Undefined Vision: Although there is potential for capacity of the Council to respond effectively to the
cooperation, the Quad remains a mechanism without complex and evolving challenges on questions of
a defined strategic mission. international peace and security.
¾ Maritime Dominated: The entire focus on the Indo-
Pacific makes the Quad a maritime, rather than a Combined
land-based grouping, raising questions whether the
cooperation extends to the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian
Maritime Forces (CMF)
regions. Why in News?
¾ India’s Aversion of Alliance System: The fact that India Recently, INS Sunayna arrived in Port Victoria,
is the only member that is averse to a treaty alliance Seychelles to participate in the annual training exercise
system, has slowed down the progress of building a Operation Southern Readiness of Combined Maritime
stronger Quadrilateral engagement. Forces (CMF).
¾ This not only reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment
to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region but
Group of Four (G-4) Countries also marks the maiden participation of an Indian Navy
ship in the CMF exercise.
Why in News?
What do we know about
On the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)?
Assembly, the G-4 countries highlight ‘urgent need’ for
¾ About:
reform in U.N. Security Council (UNSC).
It is a multinational maritime partnership, which

Who are the Group of Four(G-4) Countries? exists to uphold the Rules-Based International
Order (RBIO) by countering illicit non-state actors
¾ The G4 is a grouping of Brazil, Germany, India and
on the high seas and promoting security, stability,
Japan which are aspiring to become permanent
and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million
members of the UNSC.
square miles of international waters, which
¾ The G4 countries are supporting each other’s bids encompass some of the world’s most important
for permanent membership of the UNSC. shipping lanes.
¾ The G4 nations traditionally meet on the sidelines of CMF is Commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.
the annual high-level UN General Assembly session. ¾ Members:
CMF has 34 member nations: Australia, Bahrain,
What are the Key Highlights of the G-4 Meeting?
Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France,
¾ They felt that the UN decision-making bodies needed Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic
to be urgently reformed as global issues were of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New
increasingly complex and interconnected. Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal,
¾ Further, they reiterated their joint commitment to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain,
work toward text-based negotiations that lead to Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, United
Reformed Multilateralism. States, and Yemen.
Note:
zIndia is not a member of CMF. At the India-US What is the

2+2 dialogue held in April (2022); India had International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
announced that it would join the CMF as an ¾ About:
Associate Partner.
Co-founded by India and France during 2015,
¾ Focus Area:
the ISA is an action-oriented, member-driven,
CMF’s main focus areas are counter-narcotics, collaborative platform for increased deployment
counter-smuggling, suppressing piracy, encouraging of solar energy technologies.
regional cooperation, engaging with regional and Its basic motive is to facilitate energy access,
other partners to strengthen relevant capabilities ensure energy security, and drive energy transition
in order to improve overall security and stability. in its member countries.
When requested, CMF assets at sea will also respond
ISA is the nodal agency for implementing One
to environmental and humanitarian incidents. Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), which
seeks to transfer solar power generated in one
ICAO Joins region to feed the electricity demands of others.
¾ Headquarters:
International Solar Alliance The Headquarters is in India with its Interim
Secretariat being set up in Gurugram.
Why in News? ¾ Member Nations:
Recently, the International Civil Aviation Organization A total of 109 countries have signed the ISA
(ICAO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Framework Agreement and 90 have ratified it.
with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the All member states of the United Nations are
42nd session of ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada. eligible to join the ISA.
¾ Cochin International Airport in India became the world’s ¾ Observer Status to International Solar Alliance:
first fully Solar powered airport in the world in 2015. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
has granted Observer Status to the International
What is the MoU About? Solar Alliance (ISA).
¾ The MoU carries forward the legacy of ISA. It will help provide for regular and well-defined
¾ The event marks a new beginning for solar energy cooperation between the Alliance and the United
use in the global civil aviation sector. Nations that would benefit global energy growth
and development.
¾ It will enable the solarization of the aviation sector
across all Member States of ISA
What is the
¾ It aims to check the growth of CO2 emissions in the International Civil Aviation Organisation?
Aviation sector, leading to India’s Net Zero Targets.
¾ ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency,
¾ It will work towards providing information, providing established in 1944, which laid the foundation for
advocacy, capacity building and demonstration the standards and procedures for peaceful global
projects. air navigation.
¾ The Convention on International Civil Aviation was
What is the India’s Net Zero Target?
signed on 7th December 1944 in Chicago commonly
¾ India has pledged for Net Zero Carbon goal by 2070 known as the ‘Chicago Convention’.
in COP 26. ¾ It established the core principles permitting
India has pledged a target of installing 175 GW of international transport by air, and also led to the
renewable energy of which 100 GW will be solar creation of the ICAO.
energy by 2022 and reduction in emission intensity ¾ India is among its 193 members.
by 33-35% by 2030, to let solar energy reach the
¾ It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
most unconnected villages and communities.
Note:
Working Group on Traditional Medicine: World
Shanghai Cooperation Health Organisation(WHO) opened its Global
Center for Traditional Medicines in Gujarat in
Organisation (SCO) April 2022.
Summit 2022 This was the first and only worldwide centre
for conventional medicine established by the
Why in News? WHO.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit Tourism: Varanasi was declared as the SCO Tourism
2022 was held recently in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. and Cultural Capital for 2022-2023 to promote the
rich cultural and historical heritage of the people
¾ Samarkand declaration was signed by the member
and the tourism potential of SCO member states.
states.
z Further, it will promote tourism, cultural and
¾ India takes over Presidency of the SCO for 2023.
humanitarian exchanges between India and
What are the Key Highlights of the Summit? the SCO member Countries.
z It also underlines India’s ancient civilizational
¾ The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment
links with the Member States of SCO, especially
to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes
the Central Asian Republics.
between countries through dialogue and consultation”.
z Under the framework of this major cultural
¾ They stress that the principles of mutual respect for
outreach program, a number of events will be
sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of
hosted in Varanasi during 2022-23.
States, equality, mutual benefit, non- interference
in internal affairs, and non-use or threat of use of What do we know about
force are the basis for sustainable development of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO)?
international relations. ¾ About:
¾ The member countries are planning to develop common
It is a permanent intergovernmental international
principles and approaches to form a unified list of
organisation. It was created in 2001.
terrorists, separatist and extremist organizations
whose activities are prohibited on the territories of The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered
the SCO member states. into force in 2003.
¾ Russia is also looking at more customers for its gas It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military
as Western countries look to cut their dependence organisation aiming to maintain peace, security
on it. and stability in the region.
¾ Russia suggested that the organisation should think It is seen as a counterweight to North Atlantic
about holding its own big athletic event. Treaty Organization (NATO), It is a nine-member
economic and security bloc and has emerged as
¾ Indian Perspective:
one of the largest transregional international
Connectivity: India urged Shanghai Cooperation
organisations.
Organisation member states to give each other full
right to transit, as it would enhance connectivity ¾ Official Languages:
and help in establishing reliable and resilient Russian and Chinese.
supply chains in the region. ¾ Permanent Bodies:
Food Security: As the whole world is facing an SCO Secretariat in Beijing.
unprecedented energy and food crisis, India Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist
emphasised the initiative to promote millet and Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
address issues related to food security.
¾ Chairmanship:
z In this context, India is trying to popularise
It is by rotation for a year by Member States.
millets, as SCO can play a big role in marking
2023 as the International Year of Millets. ¾ Genesis:
Note:
Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, ¾ Membership of APOA would be further expanded to
China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were include companies or industry bodies associated with
members of the Shanghai Five. production or refining of palm oil across the continent.
Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of What is Palm Oil?
border demarcation and demilitarization talks
which the four former Soviet republics held ¾ Palm oil is currently the world’s most consumed
with China to ensure stability along the borders. vegetable oil.
Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the It is used extensively in the production of detergents,
organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was plastics, cosmetics, and biofuels.
renamed the SCO. Indonesia and Malaysia together account for
India and Pakistan became members in 2017. almost 90% of the global palm oil production,
Current Members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, with Indonesia producing the largest quantity at
Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. over 45 million tonnes in 2021.
Top consumers of the commodity are India, China,
Iran is set to become a permanent member of
the SCO in 2023. and the European Union (EU).
z India was made an observer at the SCO in India’s annual imports of edible oil is around 13-14
2005 and has generally participated in the million tonne (MT).

ministerial-level meetings of the grouping Around 8 MT of palm oil is imported from Indonesia
which focus mainly on security and economic and Malaysia, while other oils, such as soya and
cooperation in the Eurasian region. sunflower, come from Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine
and Russia.
Asian Palm Oil Alliance Asia accounts for around 40% of the global palm
oil consumption while Europe accounts for 12%
of palm oil trade. Indonesia and Malaysia are the
Why in News? biggest palm oil exporters in the world.
The apex edible oil industry associations from five ¾ India is the largest importer of palm oil in Asia,
major palm oil importing countries of Asia -- India, accounting for 15% of global imports, followed by
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal -- have come China (9%), Pakistan (4%) and Bangladesh (2%).
together to form the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA).
¾ APOA held its first general body meeting on the
sidelines of the Globoil Summit being held at Agra, Iran Nuclear Deal Talks
India and the next meeting is expected to be held in
Indonesia early next year 2023. Why in News?
¾ Globoil Summit is one of the World’s Leading Edible
Recently, there has been a fresh round of talks over
Oils and Agri Trade Conference, Exhibitions & Awards.
Iran’s nuclear programme in Vienna to revive the 2015
¾ 2022 also marks the 25th year celebration of Globoil
nuclear deal which is also known as the Joint
India.
Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA).
What is APOA? ¾ Officials from various countries including Iran were
¾ The APOA aims is safeguarding the economic and meeting for the first time since March 2022.
business interests of the palm oil consuming countries
What is the Iran Nuclear Deal?
and will work towards increasing the consumption
of palm oil in member countries. ¾ About:
¾ The alliance would work towards ensuring that palm The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action aims to
oil is recognised as a high-quality, economical, and guarantee the civilian nature of Iran’s nuclear
healthy vegetable oil and to change the negative programme in exchange for a gradual lifting of
image of palm oil. sanctions.
Note:
Iran signed the agreement with the five permanent
Due to the pressure linked to the US Countering
members of the U.N. Security Council — the U.S., America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act
Russia, France, China, and the United Kingdom (CAATSA), India has to bring down oil imports
— as well as Germany and the European Union. to zero.
Under the deal, Iran agreed to significantly cut its Restoration of ties between the US and Iran will
stores of centrifuges, enriched uranium and heavy- help India to procure cheap Iranian oil and aid
water, all key components for nuclear weapons. in energy security.
Iran also agreed to implement a protocol that it
would allow inspectors from the International India-Uzbekistan Relations
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to access its nuclear
sites to ensure Iran would not be able to develop
nuclear weapons in secret. Why in News?
¾ Issues: Recently, the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry
Due to the unilateral withdrawal of the United attended the 13th Session of the India-Uzbekistan Inter-
States in 2018 under former president Donald Governmental Commission.
Trump and the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions, ¾ Further, he highlighted India-Uzbekistan relations
Iran has backtracked on its obligations. as key to India’s vision of integrated extended
Iran subsequently exceeded the JCPOA’s uranium neighbourhood.
enrichment rate of 3.67%, rising to 20% in early ¾ IGC meeting is an important platform to deliberate on
2021. ideas, discuss issues & strengthen bilateral relations
z It then crossed an unprecedented 60% threshold, especially in the field of trade & investment.
getting closer to the 90 percent needed to
make a bomb. What are the Key Highlights of the Session?
Opposing countries: ¾ Minister Highlighted:
z Israel, America’s closest ally in the Middle East, That there is a need to take the relationship forward
strongly rejected the deal, and other countries in newer areas like technology, digital payment
like Iran’s great regional rival Saudi Arabia, solutions, and investment in start-ups.
complained that they were not involved in The need for an integrated approach for regional
the negotiations even though Iran’s nuclear connectivity and cooperation.
programme posed security risks for every Further, there are seven emerging areas of
country in the region. cooperation between both nations namely Digital
Payments, Space Cooperation, Agri and Dairy,
What is the
Pharma, Gems and Jewellery, MSME, and Inter-
significance of JCPOA for India? regional cooperation.
¾ Enhance regional connectivity:
Removing sanctions may revive India’s interest in
How has been India-Uzbekistan Relations?
the Chabahar port, Bandar Abbas port, and other ¾ About:
plans for regional connectivity. India and Uzbekistan have a long history of
This would further help India to neutralize the cooperation.
Chinese presence in Gwadar port, Pakistan. After Uzbekistan’s independence, India was one
Apart from Chabahar, India’s interest in the of the first countries to acknowledge its state
International North-South Transit Corridor sovereignty.
(INSTC), which runs through Iran, and will improve Bilateral relations now encompass a wider canvas,
connectivity with five Central Asian republics, may including political and strategic issues, defense and
also get a boost. security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture,
¾ Energy Security: S&T, education, and people-to-people ties.
Note:
¾ Initiatives: National Coordination Committees: India and

Defense Cooperation: Uzbekistan have set up National Coordination
Committees to oversee the implementation of
z The first-ever joint military exercise held between
mutually agreed projects and initiatives.
India and Uzbekistan was named Dustlik.
Multilateral Initiatives:
India has also assisted in setting up an India
Room at the Armed Forces Academy of India-Central Asia Business Council: The dialogue
brought together Business Councils of all five Central
Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Asian countries to take the trade and investment
Security Cooperation:
partnership forward with a special focus on energy,
z India and Uzbekistan share common perspectives pharmaceuticals, automotive, agro-processing,
on a number of security issues, including education, and urban infrastructure, transport,
terrorism, trans-national organized crime, civil aviation, IT and tourism.
illegal trafficking, smuggling, etc. India- Central Asia Dialogue: It enables the issues
z The main focus of engagement in this sphere has of further strengthening ties between India and
been to provide assistance to Uzbek security the countries of Central Asia in the spheres of
agencies through training and capacity building. politics, economics, digitalization, and cultural
Trade:
and humanitarian direction.
z It has increased from USD 247 million in 2019-
20 to USD 342 million in 2021-22, a growth of India Maldives Relations
38.5%.
¾ Investments: Why in News?
Indian investments by Indian companies include Recently, the Prime Minister of India held bilateral
those in the field of pharmaceuticals, amusement talks with the visiting Maldives President.
parks, automobile components, and the hospitality ¾ The Prime Minister while highlighting the threat of
industry. transnational crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in
z Amity University and Sharda University have the Indian Ocean said that the coordination between
opened campuses in Tashkent and Andijan India and Maldives in the field of defence and security
respectively. is vital for peace and stability.
z Indian institutions like iCreate are actively
cooperating with Uzbek counterparts for What are the Outcomes of the Bilateral Talks?
promoting a start-up ecosystem in Uzbekistan ¾ Security:
and training entrepreneurs in setting up To counter the threat of transnational crime,
incubators. terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean
Tourism: region, India will give 24 vehicles and one naval
boat to the Maldives Security Force and help train
z The Uzbek government has extended the e-Visa
the island-nation’s security personnel.
facility to Indian tourists.
India will also cooperate in building police facilities
z Uzbekistan has also emerged as a significant source
in 61 islands of Maldives.
of medical tourism with about 8,000 Uzbeks annually
¾ Male connectivity project:
seeking medical treatment in India.
The two leaders also welcomed the launch of the
Solar Power:
Greater Male Connectivity Project, a USD 500
z Uzbekistan has expressed interest in joining
million project funded by New Delhi.
the International Solar Alliance.
Both leaders participated in the virtual “pouring
z There is interest in Indian participation in the
of the first concrete” ceremony of the USD500-
development of the solar power sector through million Greater Male Connectivity Project, being
competitive bidding. built under grant and concessional loan support
¾ Bilateral Mechanism: from India.
Note:
¾ Agreements:
The countries signed six agreements to expand
Critical Minerals Alliance
cooperation in a range of areas in Maldives,
including: Why in News?
Cybersecurity There is growing concern in the Government over India
Capacity Building not finding a place in the Minerals Security Partnership.
¾ Minerals Security Partnership is an ambitious new
z Housing
US-led partnership to secure supply chains of critical
z Disaster Management minerals, aimed at reducing dependency on China.
z Infrastructure Development ¾ Demand for critical minerals, which are essential for
¾ India announced USD100 million financial aid to help clean energy and other technologies is projected to
the island-nation complete certain infrastructure expand significantly in the coming decades.
projects.
What are Critical Minerals?
How has India’s ¾ About:
Relations with Maldives been? Critical minerals are elements that are the building
¾ Security Partnership: blocks of essential modern-day technologies and

are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
Recently, the National College for Policing and Law
These minerals are now used everywhere from
Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s
making mobile phones, computers to batteries,
External Affairs Minister during his two day visit
electric vehicles and green technologies like solar
to Maldives in 2022.
panels and wind turbines.
¾ Rehabilitation Centre: ¾ Major Critical Minerals:
Signing of an USD80-million contract for the Addu Graphite, Lithium and Cobalt are used for making
reclamation and shore protection project. EV batteries.
A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre Aerospace, communications and defence industries
in Addu built with Indian assistance. also rely on several such minerals as they are used
z The centre is one of 20 high impact community in manufacturing fighter jets, drones, radio sets
development projects being implemented by and other critical equipment.
India in areas such as healthcare, education, While Cobalt, Nickel and Lithium are required for
fisheries, tourism, sports and culture. batteries used in electric vehicles, rare earth minerals
are critical, in trace amounts, in the semiconductors
¾ Economic Cooperation:
and high-end electronics manufacturing.
Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy.
¾ Significance:
The country is now a major tourist destination
As countries around the world scale up their
for some Indians and a job destination for
transition towards clean energy and digital
others. economy, these critical resources are key to the
In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed ecosystem that fuels this change.
a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure z Any supply shock can severely imperil the
project in Maldives which is the Greater Male economy and strategic autonomy of a country
Connectivity Project (GMCP). over-dependent on others to procure critical
minerals.
India is Maldives 2nd largest trading partner – rising
up from its 4th position in 2018. What is a Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)?
z In 2021, bilateral trade registered a growth of ¾ About:
31% over the previous year – overcoming the It is an initiative by the United States to bolster
pandemic-related challenges. critical mineral supply chains.
Note:
¾ Partners: and Medium Enterprises, Handicrafts, Gems

Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, and Jewellery etc.
the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, z ATSM protects the country from any sudden or
the United States, and the European Commission. dramatic increase in imports.
¾ Objective: Under this mechanism, if the imports of
The goal of the MSP is to ensure that critical a product are rising alarmingly, then after
minerals are produced, processed, and recycled reaching a certain threshold, India can impose
in a manner that supports the ability of countries safeguard duties on imports from Mauritius
to realize the full economic development benefit automatically.
of their geological endowments. The same provision applies to Mauritius as
Focus would be on the supply chains of minerals well against Indian imports.
such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium and also the 17 ¾ Skilled Professional:
“rare earth” minerals. Interactions were held between both the sides
¾ Significance: in the Services sector with regard to establishing
The MSP will help catalyze investment from equivalence in certification, skills and licensing
governments and the private sector for strategic requirements of various professional bodies
opportunities across the full value chain that arrangement between the Ministry of Skill
adhere to the highest environmental, social, and Development & Entrepreneurship and its
governance standards. counterpart in Mauritius on developing skill-sets.
The Mauritian side, while conveying the shortage of
India-Mauritius professionals in Mauritius in various sectors such as

Information and communication technologies (ICT),
Joint Trade Committee Financial Services, Film production, Engineering,
Health etc., welcomed movement of high skilled
Why in News? professionals from India to Mauritius.
Recently, India hosted the 1st Session of “India-
What is India-Mauritius CECPA?
Mauritius High-Powered Joint Trade Committee” under
the “India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic ¾ About:
Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)”. It is a kind of free trade pact that aims to provide

an institutional mechanism to encourage and
What are the Outcomes of the Session? improve trade between the two countries.
¾ Trade: It is a limited agreement that will cover only
Bilateral merchandise trade between India and select sectors.

Mauritius rose to USD 786.72 million in 2021-22 z It will cover sectors such as Trade in Goods, Rules
from USD 690.02 million in 2019-20. of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers
z Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)
collaboration to further increase bilateral trade measures, Dispute Settlement, etc.
and realize the true potential of the bilateral ¾ Benefit to India:
relationship especially under the CECPA. More than 300 domestic goods from agriculture,
¾ CECPA: textiles, electronics and other sectors will get
Inclusion of the General Economic Cooperation market access at concessional customs duties in
(GEC) Chapter and Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mauritius.
Mechanism (ATSM) in CECPA. Indian service providers will have access to around
z The GEC chapter will enable enhancement 115 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors,
of export competitiveness and enlarging the such as professional services, computer related
existing scope for collaboration in the fields of services, research & development, other business
Investments, Financial Services, Textile, Small services, etc.
Note:
¾ Benefit to Mauritius: The helicopter will be used by the Mauritius
It will benefit from preferential market access Police Force.
into India for its 615 products, including frozen India and Mauritius signed a USD 100 million
fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, Defence Line of Credit agreement.
mineral water, beer, alcoholic drinks, soaps, bags, The two sides also discussed the Chagos Archipelago
medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. dispute, which was an issue of sovereignty and
India has offered around 95 sub-sectors from sustainable development before the United
the 11 broad services sectors, including Nations (UN).
professional services, R&D, other business services, z In 2019, India voted at the UN General Assembly
telecommunication, environmental, health, etc.
in support of the Mauritian position on the
issue. India was one of the 116 countries that
How has India’s relations with Mauritius been?
voted demanding that the UK end its “colonial
¾ Economic: administration” from the group of islands.
Social Housing Units:
India also delivered 1,00,000 Covishield vaccines
z In May 2016, India had extended a grant of USD to Mauritius.
353 million to Mauritius as Special Economic
Package (SEP) to execute five priority projects
identified by Mauritius, among others: India & its Neighbourhood
z Metro Express Project
z Supreme Court Building Why in News?

z New ENT Hospital Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister met with
z Supply of Digital Tablets to Primary School Maldives President stating that India’s ‘Neighborhood
Children First’ policy and the Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy
¾ Social Housing Project. complement each other, advancing the special
z With the inauguration of the Social Housing
partnership.
Project, all the high-profile projects under the
What is India’s
SEP have been implemented.
Neighbourhood First Policy?
Construction of a State-of-the-Art Civil Service
College: ¾ About:
z It is being financed through a grant support Under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, India is
of USD 4.74 million, under an MoU signed committed to developing friendly and mutually
in 2017 during the visit of Prime Minister of beneficial relations with all its neighbours.
Mauritius to India. z India is an active development partner and is
8 MW Solar PV Farm: involved in several projects in these countries.
z It involves the installation of 25,000 PV cells India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ focuses on
to generate approximately 14 GWh of green creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented,
energy annually, to electrify approximately regional frameworks for stability and prosperity.
10,000 Mauritian households. India’s engagement with these countries is based
Foreign Direct Investment: on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-
z Mauritius was the third top source (15.98%) oriented approach, which focuses on delivering
of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India benefits like greater connectivity, improved
in 2021-22. infrastructure, stronger development cooperation
¾ Recent Developments: in various sectors, security and broader people-
India has signed a contract with Mauritius for the to-people contacts.
export of an Advanced Light Helicopter Mk III. ¾ Purpose:
Note:
Connectivity: z Signing of an USD80-million contract for the

z India has entered into MoU (Memorandum of Addu reclamation and shore protection project.
Understanding) with members of the South z A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in Addu built with Indian assistance.
(SAARC). The centre is one of 20 high impact
These agreements ensure a free flow of community development projects being
resources, energy, goods, labour, and implemented by India in areas such as
information across borders. healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism,
Improving Relations with Neighbours: sports and culture.
z Priority is to improve the relations with immediate ¾ Economic Cooperation:
neighbours as peace and tranquillity in South Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy.
Asia is essential for realising development The country is now a major tourist destination
agenda. for some Indians and a job destination for others.
¾ Dialogue: In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed
It focuses on vigorous regional diplomacy by a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure

engaging with neighbouring nations and building project in Maldives which is the Greater Male
political connectivity through dialogue. Connectivity Project (GMCP).
¾ Economic Cooperation: ¾ India - Bhutan:
Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949:
It focuses on enhancing trade ties with neighbours.
z The Treaty provides for, among other things,
¾ India has participated and invested in SAARC as a
vehicle for development in the region. perpetual peace and friendship, free trade and
commerce and equal justice to each other’s
One such example is the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-
citizens.
Nepal (BBIN) grouping for energy development
In 2007 the treaty was re-negotiated, and
i.e. motor vehicles, waterpower management and
inter-grid connectivity. provisions were included to encourage
Bhutan’s sovereignty, abolishing the need
¾ Disaster Management:
to take India’s guidance on foreign policy.
The policy also focuses on cooperating on disaster
¾ Hydropower Cooperation:
response, resource management, weather
This hydropower cooperation comes under the
forecasting and communication and also capabilities
and expertise in disaster management for all South 2006 Agreement on Cooperation in Hydropower.
Asian citizens. Under a protocol to this agreement, India has
¾ Military and Defence Cooperation: agreed to assist Bhutan in the development of

a minimum of 10,000 MW of hydropower and
India is also focusing on deepening security in the
import of surplus electricity from the same by 2020.
region through military cooperation by conducting
as well as participating in various defence exercises. ¾ Economic Assistance:
India is Bhutan’s leading development partner.
How has India’s Since the launch of the First Five Year Plan of
Relations with its Neighbours been? Bhutan in 1961, India has been extending financial
¾ India - Maldives: support to Bhutan’s FYPs.
Security Partnership: India has allotted Rs 4500 crore to Bhutan’s 12th
z Recently, the National College for Policing and FYP (2018-23).
Law Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by ¾ India - Nepal:
India’s External Affairs Minister during his two High Level Visit:
day visit to Maldives in 2022. z Recently, the Indian Prime Minister has visited
Rehabilitation Centre: Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha,
Note:
where he laid a foundation stone along with What are the Challenges
Nepalese Prime Minister for a Buddhist Vihara,
in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?
being built with Indian assistance.
Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950:
¾ Growing Chinese Pressure:
It failed to take a meaningful direction and growing
z The treaty talks about reciprocal treatment of
Chinese pressure has prevented the country from
Indian and Nepali citizens in the two countries,
winning allies in the region.
in residence, property, business and movement.
On the maritime front, China is extending its
It also establishes national treatment for both
influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
Indian and Nepalese businesses (i.e. once imported,
foreign goods would be treated no differently ¾ Interference in Domestic Affairs:
than domestic goods). India is interfering in the domestic affairs of
¾ Hydropower Projects: neighbouring countries especially in Nepal in the

violation of their sovereignty.
The two countries signed five agreements, including
z India is also creating hurdles in free transit and
one between the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN)
Ltd and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) free trade within and beyond Nepal and keeps
for development and implementation of 490.2 suppressing its people and government.
megawatts Arun-4 hydropower project. ¾ Impact of India’s Domestic Politics:
z Nepal also invited Indian companies to invest India’s domestic policies are creating problems
in the West Seti hydropower project in Nepal. in Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country,

¾ India - Sri Lanka: showing India’s neighbourhood first policy faces
serious challenges even in friendly territories like
¾ Hybrid Power:
Bangladesh.
India & Sri Lanka signed a MoU that provided
¾ Impact of India’s Tilt towards West:
India to set up hybrid power projects in three
India draws closer to the West, particularly through
Islands (Nainativu , Delft or Neduntheevu , and
the Quad and other multilateral and mini-lateral
Analaitivu) off Jaffna.
initiatives.
¾ Maritime Rescue Coordination Center:
But Sri Lanka’s connections with the West are
India and Sri Lanka have also agreed to set up a
not moving in a good direction as the country’s
Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC),
current government faces increasing criticism
signaling greater defence sector collaboration
from Western capitals on human rights issues
between the neighbours.
and freedoms.
¾ Unitary Digital Identity framework:
India has agreed to provide a grant to Sri Lanka to
implement a ‘Unitary Digital Identity framework’,
US-China Tensions
apparently modelled on the Aadhaar card.
It is similar to India’s own Aadhaar and under the
Why in News?
proposed Unitary Digital Identity framework, Sri Recently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Lanka is expected to introduce a: of US visited Taiwan, the highest level American official
z Personal identity verification device based on to go to the island since 1997.
biometric data. ¾ This visit has raised tension between US and China.
z Digital tool that can represent the identities of
individuals in cyberspace. What is the Taiwan-China issue?
z Identification of individual identities that ¾ About:
can be accurately verified in digital and Taiwan is an island about 160 km off the coast of
physical environments by combining the two southeastern China, opposite the Chinese cities
devices. of Fuzhou, Quanzhou, and Xiamen.
Note:
¾ History: And do support Taiwan in the form of

It was administered by the Qing imperial dynasty, defending the island from external aggression
but its control was passed to the Japanese in by providing military equipment and
1895. intelligence.
z After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the ¾ China’s Concern with the Recent Visit:
island passed back into Chinese hands. As China considers Taiwan as a part of its territory,
After the communists led by Mao Zedong won the

it claimed that the visit would severely undermine
civil war in mainland China, Chiang Kai-shek, the China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
leader of the nationalist Kuomintang party, fled z It could gravely impact the foundation of China-
to Taiwan in 1949. US relations and send a seriously wrong signal

Chiang Kai-shek set up the government of the
to Taiwan’s independence forces.
Republic of China on the island and remained z According to China, the presence of a senior
President until 1975. American figure in Taiwan would indicate some

kind of US support for Taiwan’s independence.
Following the split of China and Taiwan in the
civil war, the Republic of China (ROC) government What is Indian Policy towards Taiwan?
was relocated to Taiwan. On the other hand, The
Communist Party of China (CPC) established the ¾ India also follows One China Policy and it doesn’t
People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the mainland. have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. But it has
an office in Taipei for diplomatic functions.
z Since then, the PRC observes Taiwan as a traitor
India-Taipei Association (ITA) is headed by a
province and awaits reintegration with Taiwan,
senior diplomat.
if possible, by peaceful means.
¾ whereas, Taiwan has the Taipei Economic and Cultural
¾ Present status:
Center (TECC) in New Delhi.
China has never recognized the existence of Taiwan
¾ The Indo-Taiwanese ties basically focused on trade,
as an independent political entity, arguing that it
commerce, culture, and education.
was always a Chinese province.
¾ In recent times, after China’s belligerence in Galwan,
z But China and Taiwan have had economic ties.
India has stepped up its relationship with Taiwan.
z Many migrants from Taiwan work in China, and
The Indian government had handpicked diplomat
China has investments in Taiwan. to become its envoy in Taipei.
Also, the ruling party’s two MPs attended the
What is USA’s swearing-in ceremony of Taiwan President through
Policy toward Taiwan? virtual mode.
¾ About:
What is the Importance of Taiwan?
It has maintained a ‘One China’ policy since the
¾ Semiconductors are critical components that power
1970s, under which it recognizes Taiwan as a part
electronics from computers and smartphones to
of China.
brake sensors in cars.
z ‘One China’ policy means that the nations
The production of chips involves a complex
who want to have diplomatic relations with
network of firms that design or make them, as
the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have to
recognize the PRC but not the ROC as China, well as those that supply the technology.
breaking the relations with Republic of China ¾ The majority of semiconductors are produced
(ROC). in Taiwan and it dominates the outsourcing of
z It established that the communist government in
semiconductor manufacturing.
mainland China was the legitimate representative ¾ Further, its contract manufacturers together
and Taiwan was a breakaway part of it. accounted for more than 60% of total global
z But it also has unofficial ties with Taiwan.
semiconductor revenue last year.
Note:
According to the original 1947 United Nations
Ceasefire between (UN) partition plan, Jerusalem was proposed to
Israel and Palestine be an international city.
z However, in the first Arab Israel war of 1948,
the Israelis captured the western half of the
Why in News?
city, and Jordan took the eastern part, including
After three days of violence between Israel and the Old City that houses Haram al-Sharif.
Palestine, which resulted in killing of dozens of populations
z Following the Six-Day War in 1967, an armed
in both the countries, a ceasefire took place recently.
conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab
¾ Earlier this year as well, tensions flared up at Jerusalem’s states primarily comprising Jordan, Syria and
al-Aqsa Mosque between the Palestinians and Israeli Egypt, the Waqf Ministry of Jordan that had
police. till then held control of the al-Aqsa Mosque,
¾ These recurring clashes are part of the ongoing ceased to oversee the mosque.
Israeli–Palestinian conflict. z Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan
in the Six-Day War 1967 and annexed it later.
What do we know about the Recent Conflict? Since its annexation, Israel has expanded
¾ Reason for Conflict: settlements in East Jerusalem.
Israeli aircraft pummelled targets (Islamic Jihad z Israel sees the whole city as its “unified, eternal
Leaders) in Gaza. capital”, whereas the Palestinian leadership
z In response, Iran-backed Palestinian Jihad across the political spectrum have maintained
militant group fired hundreds of rockets at Israel. that they would not accept any compromise
z Islamic Jihad has fewer fighters and supporters formula for the future Palestinian state unless
than Hamas. East Jerusalem is its capital.
¾ Actions from Israel: ¾ Recent Developments:
Israel launched its operation with a strike on a Al-Aqsa Mosque & Sheikh Jarrah:
leader of the Islamic Jihad and followed up on with z In May 2021, Israeli armed forces attacked
another targeted strike on a second prominent Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif
leader. in Jerusalem, ahead of a march by Zionist
¾ Actions from Gaza: nationalists commemorating Israel’s capture
As per the Israeli army, militants in Gaza fired of the eastern half of the city in 1967.
about 580 rockets toward Israel. The threatened eviction of dozens of
Israel had intercepted many of them, with two of Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem
those shot down being fired toward Jerusalem. neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah escalated
¾ UNSC Meeting: the crisis further.
The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency West Bank Settlement:
meeting on the violence. z Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition
China, which holds the council presidency for against the eviction of more than 1,000
August 2022, scheduled the session in response to Palestinian inhabitants of a rural part of the
a request from the United Arab Emirates, which occupied West Bank in an area which Israel
represents Arab nations on the council, as well as has designated for military exercises.
China, France, Ireland and Norway. The judgment paved the way for the
demolition of eight small villages in a rocky,
What is the Conflict between Israel and Palestine? arid area near Hebron known to Palestinians
¾ Conflict Over Jerusalem: as Masafer Yatta and to Israelis as the South
Jerusalem has been at the center of the Israeli- Hebron Hills.
Palestinian conflict. ¾ India’s Stand on the Crisis:
Note:
India in the recent years has been following a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty-1 (START):
dehyphenation policy between Israel and Palestine. z Signed in 1991, the agreement required the
z India’s policy on the longest running conflict in destruction of excess delivery vehicles which
the world has gone from being unequivocally was verified using an intrusive verification
pro-Palestine for the first four decades, to a regime that involved on-site inspections, the
tense balancing act with its three-decade-old regular exchange of information (including
friendly ties with Israel. telemetry), and the use of national technical
In 2017, in an unprecedented move, India’s PM means (i.e., satellites).
visited only Israel and not Palestine. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty-2:
z Then, the recent visit of the Prime Minister to z Signed in 1993, called for reducing deployed
Palestine (2018), Oman and the UAE is again strategic arsenals to 3,000-3,500 warheads
a continuation of similar policy. and banned the deployment of destabilizing
multiple-warhead land-based missiles.
Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT):
New START Treaty
z Signed in 2004, under which the United States

and Russia reduced their strategic arsenals to
Why in News? 1,700-2,200 warheads each.
Recently, Russia suspended United Stated of America’s Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START):
on-site inspections under New START Treaty with z Signed in 2010, a legally binding, verifiable
Washington due to Western sanctions and coronavirus agreement that limits each side to 1,550
infections. strategic nuclear warheads deployed on 700
strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs,
What is New START Treaty? and heavy bombers) and limits deployed and
¾ New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was nondeployed launchers to 800.
the last remaining arms reduction pact between the
former Cold War rivals and caps to 1,550 the number
of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by Russia UN Military Observer
and United States of America. Group in India and Pakistan
¾ It entered into force on 5th February, 2011.
¾ It continues the bipartisan process of verifiably Why in News?
reducing U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals
Recently, U.N. Secretary General has appointed Rear
by limiting both sides to 700 strategic launchers and
Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios of Argentina as the Head
1,550 operational warheads. of Mission and Chief Military Observer for the United
¾ Its duration was for ten years that is till 2021, but it Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
was extended by five more years till 2026. (UNMOGIP).
What are the various What is UNMOGIP?

Treaties signed Between USA & Russia? ¾ It was established in January 1949.
¾ Strategic Arms Limitation Talks-1(SALT): ¾ After the first war in Kashmir (1947-1948), India
It began in 1969, Under the Interim Agreement, approached the United Nations Security Council
both sides pledged not to construct new (UNSC) to bring the conflict in Kashmir to the notice
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) of Security Council members.
silos, not to increase the size of existing ICBM silos ¾ In January 1948, the UNSC adopted Resolution
significantly, and capped the number of Submarine- 39, establishing the three-member United Nations
Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) launch tubes Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to
and SLBM-carrying submarines. investigate and mediate the dispute.
Note:
¾ In April 1948, by its Resolution 47, the UNCIP was What is United Nations
reconstituted as UNMOGIP.
Security Council Resolution 47?
What is the Function of UNMOGIP? ¾ About:
¾ The Karachi Agreement of July 1949 firmed up the It is concerned with the resolution of the Kashmir
role of UN-level military observers and permitted conflict.
supervision of the Ceasefire Line established in According to it, Pakistan was to withdraw its
Jammu and Kashmir. nationals who had entered the State for the
purpose of fighting and to prevent future
After the 1st Indo-Pak armed conflict in 1948
under the supervision of the UNCIP, military intrusions.
representatives of both Pakistan and India met The five member UNMOGIP reconstituted
in Karachi and signed the Karachi Agreement on through this resolution urged India and Pakistan
27th July 1949. to hold a plebiscite after the restoration of law
and order.
It established a Cease-Fire Line (CFL) in Kashmir.
¾ UNMOGIP has six field stations in Pakistan-

The UN Military Observer Group in India and
administered Kashmir (PAK) and four field stations Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was meant to supervise
in Indian-administered Kashmir (IAK) to monitor the Cease Fire Line (CFL) established in Jammu
ceasefire. and Kashmir in July 1949 under the Karachi
¾ Following renewed hostilities of 1971, UNMOGIP Agreement.
has remained in the area to observe developments UNMOGIP is funded through the UN’s regular
pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire budget.
of 17 December 1971 and report thereon to the UN ¾ India’s stand on Resolution 47:
Secretary-General.
India rejected the UNSC Resolution 47 and
Why does the UNMOGIP maintained that the resolution ignored the
seem Contentious for India? military invasion by Pakistan and placed both
nations on an equal diplomatic ground as a
¾ India officially maintains that the UNMOGIP’s role dismissal of Pakistan’s aggression.
was “overtaken” by the Simla Agreement of 1972
that established the Line of Control (LoC). The Instrument of Accession (IoA) signed by
the Maharaja of Kashmir was ignored in the
In the Shimla Agreement, India and Pakistan agreed
resolution.
to move the ceasefire line to the Line of Control
and to resolve their disputes bilaterally, without ¾ Pakistan’s stand on Resolution 47:
the intervention of a third party. It objected to even the minimum presence of
Kashmir and the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism Indian forces in Kashmir, as mandated by the
within now is largely an internal matter of India. resolution.
¾ Since 1972 India has not gone to UNMOGIP with It wanted equal representation in the state
complaints against Pakistan. government for the dominant party in Pakistani-
¾ In 2014, India requested that UNMOGIP cease held Kashmir i.e the Muslim Conference.
operations in Kashmir, and the Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) reiterated in 2017 that UNMOGIP has
no mandate to monitor the situation in Kashmir.
Maritime Security
¾ Pakistan, on the other hand, does not accept the
Indian argument and continues to seek cooperation Why in News?
from the UNMOGIP. Recently, Sri Lanka’s envoy in India said India-Sri
¾ As a result of these divergent policies, Pakistan Lanka should build a framework to discuss maritime
continues to lodge complaints with the UNMOGIP concerns like the Chinese satellite and missile tracking
against alleged Indian ceasefire violations. ship, the Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota Port.
Note:
What is Yuan Wang 5? ¾ Chinese presence:

¾ Yuan Wang 5: In 2019, the Chinese research vessel Shiyan 1,
It is a third-generation vessel of the Yuan Wang
was seen near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
series that entered service in 2007. In August 2020, in the middle of the ongoing
This series of ships include “space tracking

conflict in eastern Ladakh on the Sino-Indian
ships involved in supporting the manned space border, China sent its Yuan Wang class research
programme”. vessel into the Indian Ocean.
It has the ability to track satellites and
intercontinental missiles.
What are India’s
¾ Hambantota Port:
Initiatives for Maritime Security?
Hambantota International Port Group is a Public ¾ Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) Policy:
Private Partnership and a Strategic Development India’s SAGAR policy is an integrated regional
Project between the Government of Sri Lanka and framework, unveiled by Indian Prime Minister
China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort). during a visit to Mauritius in March 2015. The
This port was given to China by Sri Lanka on a 99- pillars of SAGAR are:
year lease after Sri Lanka failed to repay Chinese z India’s role as a net security provider in the
loans. Indian Ocean region (IOR).
It is seen as a case of Chinese “debt trap” Diplomacy. z India would continue to enhance the maritime
security capacities and economic resilience of
What is the need for Maritime Security in India? friendly countries in IOR.
¾ About: z A more integrated and cooperative focus on
Maritime security doesn’t have a commonly the future of the IOR, which would enhance
agreed definition. the prospects for the sustainable development
z It classifies issues in the maritime domain of all countries in the region.
comprising national security, marine z The primary responsibility for peace, stability
environment, economic development, and and prosperity in the IOR would be on those
human security. “who live in this region”.
z Besides the world’s oceans , it also deals with
¾ Mission SAGAR:
regional seas, territorial waters, rivers and ports.
Launched in May 2020, ‘Mission Sagar’ was India’s
¾ Significance:
initiative to deliver Covid-19 related assistance to
Maritime security is of utmost significance to the
the countries in the Indian Ocean Littoral states.
world community as there are maritime concerns The countries included were Maldives, Mauritius,
ranging from piracy at sea to illegal immigration Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles.
and weapon smuggling.
z Under ‘Mission Sagar’, the Indian Navy has
z It also deals with threats of terrorist attacks
been deploying its ships to send medical and
and environmental catastrophes.
humanitarian aid to the counties in the Indian
z For India, maritime security is an important
Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.
aspect of national security as it has a coastline
¾ Abiding by the International Law:
of over 7,500 km.
India accepted an United Nations Convention for
z With advancement in technology, physical
threats in the maritime region have now been the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tribunal award on
overshadowed by technological threats. the maritime boundary arbitration between India
and Bangladesh.
India’s exports and imports have remained mostly
across the shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean. It envisaged contributing a new impulse to effective
Therefore, securing Sea Lanes of Communication international economic cooperation among the
(SLOCs) have been an important issue for India in littoral states of the Bay of Bengal (BIMSTEC).
the 21st century. ¾ Data Sharing:
Note:
Sharing data on threats to commercial shipping is ¾ The “Tehran Declaration” signed during former Prime
an important component of enhancing maritime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Iran affirmed the
security. shared vision of the two countries for an “equitable,
In this context, India established an International pluralistic and co-operative international order”.
Fusion Centre (IFC) for the Indian Ocean region ¾ It recognized the then Iranian President Mohammad
in Gurugram in 2018. Khatami’s vision of a “dialogue among civilisations”
IFC is jointly administered by the Indian Navy and as a paradigm of international relations based on
Indian Coast Guard. principles of tolerance, pluralism and respect for
IFC serves the objective of generating Maritime diversity.
Domain Awareness on safety and security issues.
What is the
Significance of India-Iran Relations?
India-Iran ¾ Location and Connectivity:
Pact on Seafarers Iran is located at a strategic and crucial geographical
location between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian
Why in News? Sea.
Iran is important to India as it provides an alternate
India and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to smoothen movement of seafarers from both route of connectivity to Afghanistan and Central
the countries as per the provisions of International Asian republics through Chabahar Port without
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and passing the land route through Pakistan.
Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers (1978). Cheaper Crude Oil:
Since, Iran is one of the largest deposits of crude
What is the International oil and natural gas in the world.
Convention on STCW for Seafarers? India may well consider restarting oil imports from
¾ It sets qualification standards for masters, officers Iran. If India changes course and resumes imports
and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships. of Iranian oil, it could potentially encourage
¾ STCW was adopted in 1978 by a conference at the some other countries to follow suit and open up
International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London additional oil in the market, which could eventually
and entered into force in 1984. The Convention was bring prices of crude oil down.
significantly amended in 1995. ¾ Connectivity with Eurasia:
¾ The 1978 STCW Convention was the first to establish The International North-South Transport Corridor
basic requirements on training, certification and (INSTC), aims to connect India, Iran, Afghanistan,
watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level. Russia, Central Asia, and Europe through multi-
¾ It prescribes minimum standards relating to training, modal transport, reducing the transit time of
certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which goods drastically.
countries are obliged to meet or exceed. Although some part of it has been operationalized,
¾ One especially important feature of the Convention is again, due to sanctions on Iran, its full potential has
that it applies to ships of non-party States when visiting not been realised. India and Iran could well play a
ports of States which are Parties to the Convention. major part in giving INSTC the required boost to
reap the benefits of resultant trade.
How have been the India-Iran Relations? ¾ Energy Security:
¾ India and Iran share close civilizational ties since the The Iran-Oman-India gas pipeline (IOI) too is an
times of the Persian Empire and Indian kingdoms. ambitious project that has been stuck for a long
¾ Iran is an important nation in India’s neighborhood time. Fortunately, Iran and Oman signed a deal to
and in fact, the two countries shared a border until develop two gas pipelines and an oil field along
India’s partition and independence in 1947. their maritime borders.
Note:
If this comes through, there is potential for the ¾ Significance:

pipeline being extended to India, which would help NATO has been engaging both China and Pakistan
overcome the loss of the failed Iran-Pakistan-India in bilateral dialogue.
(IPI) pipeline and facilitate the supply of natural While Engaging NATO in a political dialogue would
gas to India. provide India an opportunity to bring about a
balance in NATO’s perceptions about the situation
Talks Between India & NATO in regions and issues of concern to India.
z There is convergence in the perspectives of
Why in News? both India and NATO on China, terrorism,

and Afghanistan, including Pakistan’s role in
Recently, India held its first political dialogue with Afghanistan.
the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels
¾ Issues:
on December 12, 2019.
According to NATO’s perspective, the biggest threat
What is NATO? it face was not China, but Russia whose aggressive
actions are threatening European security.
¾ North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military
Further, NATO had faced difficulties to convene
alliance established by the North Atlantic Treaty
(also called the Washington Treaty) of April 1949, meetings of the NATO-Russia Council due to
by the United States, Canada, and several Western Russian refusal to place issues such as Ukraine
European nations to provide collective security against and Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty,
the Soviet Union. z Given the divergence among NATO countries,
¾ There are currently 30 member states. its view on China was seen as mixed; while it
Original Members:
did deliberate on China’s rise, it presented both
a challenge and an opportunity,
z Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland,
Further, in Afghanistan, NATO saw the Taliban
Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United as a political entity.
States. ¾ NATO’S View:
Other Countries: Dialogue with India would further enhance the
z Greece and Turkey (1952), West Germany

cooperation among NATO countries and India’s
(1955, from 1990 as Germany), Spain (1982), geo-strategic location shares a unique perspective
the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland (1999), and enhances international security in India’s
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, own region and beyond.
Slovakia, and Slovenia (2004), Albania and
Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017), and North India-Gabon Relations
Macedonia (2020).
France withdrew from the integrated military
command of NATO in 1966 but remained a member
Why in News?
of the organization, it resumed its position in Recently, A delegation from Gabon visited India and
NATO’s military command in 2009. interacted with the Indian business community, also India
z Recently, Finland and Sweden have shown congratulated Gabon on its Independence Day (17th
interest to join NATO. August).
z Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium. ¾ Earlier, the Vice President of India visited Gabon,
where he signed two MoUs (Memorandum of
What is the NATO-India Political Dialogue? Understanding).
¾ About:
India held its first political dialogue with the North What are the MoUs?
Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels on ¾ Establishment of a Joint Commission between the
December 12, 2019. Governments of India and Gabon.
Note:
¾ Diplomats’ training institutes, Sushma Swaraj Institute The Sirte Declaration (1999) was the resolution
of Foreign Services and Gabonese Ministry of Foreign adopted to establish the African Union.
Affairs. ¾ International Solar Alliance:
¾ India signed to work with Gabon to strengthen Gabon was among the first countries to sign and
cooperation in various spheres at bilateral, regional, ratify the International Solar Alliance agreement.
and multilateral levels. India conveyed to extend all possible assistance
to Gabon to achieve its renewable energy targets.
How has been the India-Gabon Partnership? z Gabon plans to have 100% clean energy by 2030.
¾ Diplomatic: ¾ Education:
India and Gabon have enjoyed warm and friendly A number of Gabonese nationals pursue scholarship/
relations dating back to the pre-independence training programs offered by India under the Indian
era of Gabon. Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and
Former Vice President of India visited the African ICCR schemes.
nation of Gabon in May 2022 making it the first- ¾ Energy Cooperation:
ever high-level visit of India to Gabon. India imported about USD 670 million worth crude
Both India and Gabon are currently serving as oil from Gabon in 2021-22, making it an important
non-permanent members of the UNSC (United partner for India’s energy security requirement.
Nation Security Council). ¾ Indian Diaspora:
¾ Business and Trade: People from the Indian community are basically
The Bilateral trade between both nations reached engaged in infrastructure projects, trading, export
USD 1.12 billion in 2021-22. of timber and metal scrap.
The Indian diaspora have been making significant
India is the 2nd largest destination for Gabonese contributions in various fields in Gabon.
exports.
The Indian community in Gabon has kept Indian
In the business sector, more than 50 Indian
culture alive and major Indian festivals are celebrated
companies are engaged in the Gabon Special by the entire community together.
Economic Zone.
¾ Cooperation on International Forum:
Both India and Gabon are members of the Non-
Airspace Violations Near LAC
Aligned Movement (NAM).
Why in News?
z NAM focuses on mainstream contemporary
issues of relevance to the developing world. Recently, India and China held a special round of
military talks on Air space Violations at the Chushul-
Gabon supports India’s candidature at various
Moldo border meeting point in Eastern Ladakh.
international forums.
¾ The talks were held against the backdrop of the
z India congratulated Gabon for getting elected
“provocative behaviour” by Chinese fighters flying
as a non-permanent member of UN Security
close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) often
Council for the term 2022-23.
violating the 10-km no-fly zone Confidence Building
India supported for the Common African Position Measure (CBM).
enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte
Declaration. Why do Such Incidents Keep Happening?
z The Ezulwini Consensus is a position on ¾ The LAC is not fully demarcated and there are
international relations and reform of the United differences of perception on the alignment due to
Nations, agreed by the African Union. which such incidents keep happening.
¾ It calls for a more representative and democratic ¾ To maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC,
Security Council, in which Africa, like all other world the two sides regularly hold talks at various levels
regions, is represented. on the ground.
Note:
¾ Since the stand-off began in eastern Ladakh in May z The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector
2020, both sides have forward deployed air assets is along the 1914 McMahon Line.
along the LAC and also augmented bases and air
z The McMahon line marked out previously
defences.
unclaimed/undefined borders between
What is the Picture of India China Recent Conflicts? Britain and Tibet.
¾ The June 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley - fought The middle sector is the least disputed sector,
with sticks and clubs, not guns - was the first fatal while the western sector witnesses the highest
confrontation between the two sides since 1975. transgressions between the two sides.
The most recent conflict was - in January 2021
What are the Agreements
- left troops on both sides injured. It took place
along the border in India’s Sikkim state, which is
Between India-China on Air Space?
sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal. ¾ As per the existing agreements between India and
¾ Lately, the Chinese have been complaining about China, operation of fighter aircraft and armed
the IAF upgrading its capability to detect Chinese helicopters is restricted to a distance from the LAC.
Air Force aircraft operating within the territory ¾ According to the ‘Agreement on Maintenance of
controlled by them in the Tibet region. Peace and Tranquillity along the LAC in India-China
¾ The two sides have been able to resolve three
Border Area’ of 1996, “combat aircraft (to include
friction points in eastern Ladakh and are holding fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, military trainer,
armed helicopter and other armed aircraft) shall not
discussions to find solutions for the Hot Springs area
fly within 10 km of the LAC.
also. The two have conducted 16 rounds of Corps
commander-level talks to de-escalate the situation ¾ Between 1993 and 2012, a set of Confidence Building
and tensions which began after the Chinese tried Measures (CBMs) were agreed upon by India and
to alter the status quo on the LAC in 2020. China to maintain peace between the two countries.
What are the Confidence Building Measures (CMB)?

What is Line of Actual Control?
¾ In a face-off situation neither side shall use force
¾ About: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the
or threaten to use force against the other;
demarcation that separates Indian-controlled
¾ Both sides shall treat each other with courtesy and
territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
refrain from any provocative actions;
LAC is different from the Line of Control (LoC)
¾ If the border personnel of the two sides come to
with Pakistan:
a face-to-face situation due to differences on the
z The LoC was designated so in 1972, following
alignment of the LAC, they shall exercise self-restraint
the Shimla Agreement between the two and take all necessary steps to avoid an escalation
countries. It is delineated on a map. of the situation.
z The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it
¾ No military aircraft of either side shall fly across
is not agreed upon by the two countries, the LAC, except by prior permission.
neither delineated on a map or demarcated
¾ Neither side shall open fire, cause biodegradation,
on the ground.
use hazardous chemicals, conduct blast operations
Length of the LAC: India considers the LAC to
or hunt with guns or explosives within two kilometres
be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider from the LAC.
it to be only around 2,000 km.
¾ Sectors Across the LAC: What do We know
It is divided into three sectors: the eastern about Air Space and Related Laws?
sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim ¾ About:
(1346 km), the middle sector in Uttarakhand and
Air space, in international law, is the space above a
Himachal Pradesh (545 km), and the western
particular national territory, treated as belonging
sector in Ladakh (1597 km).
to the government controlling the territory.
Note:
It does not include outer space, which, under the
What do we know about the CPEC Authority?
Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is declared to be free
¾ About:
and not subject to national appropriation.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
z The treaty, however, did not define the altitude
Authority was established through an ordinance
at which outer space begins and air space ends. in 2019.
¾ Air Sovereignty:
z It was aimed at accelerating the pace of
It is the fundamental right of a sovereign state to CPEC-related activities, finding new drivers of
regulate the use of its air space and enforce its growth, unlocking the potential of interlinked
own aviation law. production networks and global value chains
State controls the entry of foreign aircraft into its through regional and global connectivity.
territory and that persons within its territory are ¾ Reasons for Suspension:
subject to its laws. Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan has been
The principle of air space sovereignty is established witnessing a spurt in the local protest against the
through the Paris Convention on the Regulation Pakistan Army over land issues.
of Aerial Navigation (1919) and subsequently by z The local population is angry at the “land
other multilateral treaties. grabbing” spree of the army, all in the name
Under the 1994 Chicago Convention, contracting of CPEC.
states agree to permit aircraft registered in In April 2022, three Chinese were killed in a
the other contracting states and engaged in suicide bombing in Karachi University by Baloch
commercial non-scheduled flights to fly into their Liberation Army (BLA), which opposed China’s
territory without prior diplomatic permission and, investments in Balochistan.
moreover, to pick up and discharge passengers,
z China is reportedly pressing Pakistan to permit
cargo, and mail.
the Chinese agencies to provide security for
This provisions, in practice, has become a dead letter. their personnel while Islamabad is resisting
¾ Prohibited Air Space: as it meant boots on the ground for Chinese
It refers to an area of air space within which flight armed forces.
of aircraft is not allowed, usually due to security The CPEC projects were also facing delays because of
concerns. It is one of many types of special the change in taxation policies by the last government
use airspace designations and is depicted on in violation of commitments given to China.
aeronautical charts with the letter “P” followed
by a serial number. What is the China Pakistan Economic Corridor?
¾ Restricted Air Space: ¾ About:
Different from prohibited air space, in this space, CPEC is a 3,000-km long route of infrastructure
the entry is typically forbidden for all aircrafts projects connecting China’s northwest Xinjiang
and is not subjected to clearance from ATC Uygur Autonomous Region and the Gwadar Port
(Air Traffic Control) or the air space’s controlling in the western province of Balochistan in Pakistan.
body. It is a bilateral project between Pakistan and
China, intended to promote connectivity across
Pakistan with a network of highways, railways,
CPEC Authority and pipelines accompanied by energy, industrial,
and other infrastructure development projects.
Why in News? It will pave the way for China to access the Middle
Recently, China gave nod to Pakistan’s decision to East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China
scrap the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to access the Indian Ocean and in return China
Authority amid reports of growing rift between the all- will support development projects in Pakistan to
weather friends over the slow pace of the USD 60 billion overcome the latter’s energy crises and stabilising
project. its faltering economy.
Note:
CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. What is One Belt One Road (OBOR)?
The BRI, launched in 2013, aims to link Southeast
z
¾ About:
Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and
One Belt One Road is a multi-billion-dollar
Europe with a network of land and sea routes.
initiative launched in 2013.
¾ Concern for India:
It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the
India’s Sovereignty:
Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network
z India has continuously opposed the project
of land and sea routes.
since it passes through the Pakistan-occupied
It has been launched to undertake big
Kashmir territory of Gilgit-Baltistan – a claim
infrastructure projects in the world which in
opposed by Pakistan.
turn would also enhance the global influence
z The corridor is also perceived to be an alternative
of China.
economic road link for the Kashmir Valley lying
on the Indian side of the border. Structure:
Chinese Control Over Trade Via Sea:
It contain the following six economic corridors:
z Major US ports on the East Coast depend on
z The New Eurasian Land Bridge
the Panama Canal to trade with China. z The China-Mongolia-Russia Corridor
z Once CPEC becomes fully functional, China will z The China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor
be in a position to offer a ‘shorter and more The China-Indochina Peninsula Corridor
economical’ trade route (avoiding travel through The China-Pakistan Corridor
the entire Western Hemisphere) to most North
The Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar
and Latin American enterprises.
Corridor
z This will give China the power to dictate the
z Additionally, the maritime Silk Road connects
terms by which the international movement of
coastal China to the Mediterranean via
goods will take place between the Atlantic and
Singapore-Malaysia, the Indian Ocean, the
the Pacific oceans.
Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.
¾ Chinese String of Pearls:
China has been increasing its presence in the
Indian Ocean with the ‘String of Pearls’ ambition: Chief of Royal Malaysian
A term coined by the Americans and often used Navy Visits India
by Indian defence analysts to refer to a Chinese
game-plan of encircling India through a network
of airfields and ports. Why in News?
With an existing presence in Chittagong port Recently, the Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy visited
(Bangladesh), Hambantota port (Sri Lanka), Port India at the invitation of Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian
Sudan (Sudan), Maldives, Somalia and Seychelles, Navy.
a control of Gwadar port establishes complete ¾ Both Navies have recently concluded the Bilateral
dominance of the Indian ocean by the Communist Exercise Samudra Laksamana in May 2022 and the
nation. Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks in June 2022.
Stronger BRI and Chinese Dominance in Trade
How has India Malaysia Relations been?
Leadership:
z China’s BRI project that focuses on the trade
¾ India established diplomatic relations with Malaysia
connectivity between China and the rest of in 1957.
Eurasia through a network of ports, roads and ¾ Economic Relation:
railways has been often seen as China’s plan India and Malaysia have signed the Comprehensive
to dominate the region politically. Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
¾ CPEC is one giant step in the same direction. CECA is a kind of Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Note:
India has also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Further, the discussion was held on a number of
in services and investments with the 10-member ongoing bilateral issues of mutual interest, including
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). water-sharing of common rivers, sharing of flood
z Malaysia is the third largest trading partner data, addressing river pollution, conducting joint
in ASEAN. studies on sedimentation management, river
Bilateral trade between India and Malaysia is
bank protection works, etc.
significantly biased in favour of Malaysia.
What is Joint Rivers Commission (JRC)?
¾ Defence & Security Cooperation:
¾ About:
Joint military exercises “Harimau Shakti” are held
The Joint Rivers Commission of India and Bangladesh
annually between the two countries.
was constituted in the year 1972 as a bilateral
¾ Traditional medicine:
mechanism to address issues of mutual interest
India and Malaysia signed a MoU on cooperation in on common / border / transboundary rivers.
the field of Traditional Medicine in October 2010. The JRC is headed by Water Resources Ministers
The Government of Malaysia has been working of both countries.
to popularize AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and ¾ Significance:
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy)
It is commencing after a long gap of twelve
systems in Malaysia.
years, although technical interactions under the
z AYUSH systems are practiced in Malaysia.
framework of JRC have continued in the interim.
¾ Recent Developments: As India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, of which
In 2020, India resumed purchases of Malaysian seven have been identified earlier for developing
palm oil after a gap of four-month following a the framework of water-sharing agreements on
diplomatic row between the two countries. priority.
The former Prime Minister of Malaysia had criticised z During the latest meeting, they agreed to include
India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which eight more rivers for data exchange.
was considered as an interference in the internal ¾ Outcomes:
matters of India. It discussed the whole gamut of issues related
to common rivers between the two countries,
especially the Ganges, Teesta, Manu, Muhuri,
India-Bangladesh Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, Dudhkumar, and Kushiyara.
River Water Sharing MoU z Apart from this, the exchange of flood-related
data and information, riverbank protection
Why in News? works, joint basin management, and the Indian
river interlinking project was discussed in detail.
Recently, India and Bangladesh have finalised the
It agreed to undertake some more common rivers
text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on
for the exchange of data and information towards
interim water sharing of the Kushiyara river.
preparing the draft framework of the interim water
sharing agreement.
What are the
Key Highlights of the MoU? What are the Key Points of Kushiyara River?
th The Kushiyara River is a distributary river in Bangladesh
¾ It was finalised during the 38 meeting of the ¾
ministerial-level Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) of and Assam.
India and Bangladesh, It forms on the India-Bangladesh border as a branch
¾ It welcomed the finalisation of the design and location of the Barak River when the Barak separates into
of the water intake point on Feni River to meet the the Kushiyara and Surma.
drinking water needs of Sabroom town in Tripura as ¾ The waters of the Kushiyara pick up tributaries from
per the October 2019 India-Bangladesh MoU. Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam.
Note:
¾ The Kushiyara rejoins with the Surma at Markuli in icebreaker and is spending tens of billions of
Ajmiriganj upazila (Bangladesh) and flows south upto dollars on energy, infrastructure and research
Bhairab Bazar (Bangladesh) receiving the name Kalni. projects in the north.
The Kalni meets with the Dhanu (Bangladesh), a ¾ Climate Change:
branch of the Surma and renamed as the Meghna. As climate change thaws more ice, it is predicted
to open up more waterways enabling deeper
What are the Key Facts About Feni River? penetration in the area.
¾ The Feni River, also known as Feni Nodi in Bengali,
z Further, these channels can be exploited by
forms part of the India-Bangladesh border. nations as they explore new shipping routes
¾ It originates in the South Tripura district, passes that could be a gamechanger in trade, cutting
through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets down longer and costlier journeys around the
the Bay of Bengal after it flows into Bangladesh globe.
¾ It has great agricultural importance for the people ¾ Conflict with US’s Interest:
living in the towns near to this river. While China is not an Arctic nation, its deepening
¾ This river is also the source of their livelihood strategic partnership with Russia and increased
through which they obtain a number of benefits cooperation in the Arctic has worried the US which
like watering their crops with its water and also thinks this pairing is against American values and
using the water for their regular use. interests.
¾ Maitri Setu, a 1.9km Long Bridge Over Feni River
is constructed in Tripura to link India-Bangladesh. Is there any cooperation
among Nations in the Arctic?
Russia-China ¾ There are eight Arctic nations - The US, Canada,
Cooperation in the Arctic Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and
Russia.
These are part of the Arctic Council, an
Why in News? intergovernmental forum that was formed to
Recently, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) promote cooperation in the region.
Warned Russia’s Military built up and Chinese interest z On three occasions, the Arctic States have
in Arctic Region. negotiated legally binding agreements. these are -
¾ As per various reports, China has deepening strategic z Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical
partnership with Russia in the Arctic Region. and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic
(signed 2011),
What are the Concerns
z Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil
Regarding the Cooperation? Pollution Preparedness and Response in the
¾ Russian Military Build-up: Arctic (signed 2013),
Russia has set up a new Arctic Command and has
z Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic
opened hundreds of new and former Soviet-era Scientific Cooperation (signed 2017).
Arctic military sites, including airfields and deep-
water ports. What is the Relevance
z Significant Russian military build-up with new of Arctic Region for India?
bases, new weapons systems and also using the ¾ About:
High North as a test bed for their most advanced India’s interests in the Arctic region are scientific,
weapons, including hypersonic missiles. environmental, commercial as well as strategic.
¾ China’s Claim: India became the observer of Arctic Council in
China has declared itself a near-Arctic state. 2013 and its membership as an observer was
Further, China plans to build the world’s largest renewed in 2018 for another five years.
Note:
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
What is WSIS?
(NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of ¾ The World Summit on the Information Society Forum
India, is the nodal agency for India’s Polar research 2022 represents the world’s largest annual gathering
programme, which includes Arctic studies. of the ‘ICT for development’ community.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs provides the ¾ The Forum provides structured opportunities to
external interface to the Arctic Council. network, learn and participate in multi-stakeholder
¾ Research Station: discussions and consultations on WSIS implementation.
India’s engagement with the Arctic dates back ¾ The Agenda and Programme of the Forum will be
to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty built on the basis of the submissions received during
in Paris. the Open Consultation Process.
Since July 2008, India has a permanent research ¾ Furthermore, the 2022 WSIS Forum will provide
station in the Arctic called Himadari at NyAlesund, an opportunity to serve as a platform to track the
Svalbard Area in Norway. achievements of WSIS Action Lines in collaboration
with the UN Agencies involved and provide information
It has also deployed a multi-sensor moored
and analyses of the implementation of WSIS Action
observatory called IndARC in the Kongsfjorden
Lines since 2005.
fjord since 2014.
¾ Impacts on India: What are the
The Arctic influences atmospheric, oceanographic Highlights of the Minister’s Address?
and biogeochemical cycles of the earth’s ecosystem. ¾ India has developed the Low mobility Large Coverage
z Moreover, the Arctic is vulnerable to climate Standard, earlier called 5Gi using a new waveform
change and global warming. that enables 5G towers to cover wider areas in rural
z The effects are manifested by the loss of sea and remote areas.
ice, ice caps, and warming of the ocean and These standards were among the first 5G standards,
atmosphere. which have been approved by the ITU and have
It will lead to lowering of salinity levels, rising also become part of Globally harmonized 3GPP
temperature differential between land and oceans (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Release 17
in the tropical regions, drying of subtropical areas standards. These will be immensely helpful for
and increase in precipitation at higher latitudes. countries with similar geographical spread.
¾ Over six hundred villages are being connected on
Optical Fibre cable, with nearly 175,000 already
World Summit of connected.
Information Society 2022 ¾ Villages left out of 4G connectivity are being covered
through Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
¾ India focuses on the use of technologies that can
Why in News?
accelerate development and bridge this divide, like
Recently, the Minister of Communications attended using E band wireless carriers, LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
the opening ceremony of the World Summit of Information and MEO (Middle earth Orbit) satellite connectivity
Society (WSIS) 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland, where India among others.
showcased its telecom prowess during multilateral & ¾ India has issued the first service license for LEO or MEO
bilateral engagements. connectivity and hopes to harness the technology to
¾ The participation comes with India contesting the re- enable digital inclusion in remote areas.
election to the ITU (International Telecommunication ¾ Developing 5G test bed, indigenous 4G and 5G stack,
Union) Council, for the term 2023-2026. India has development of Indian 5G standards and setting up
been a member of ITU, since 1869 and has been of 6G innovation forum are the initiatives to reduce
continuously participating, actively in the works, and cost, facilitate faster 5G spread in rural areas and
activities of the Union. eliminate dependency on specific vendors.
Note:
What is Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)? He invited Qatar, as India’s trusted partner in its
energy security, to be a partner in this journey
¾ USOF ensures that there is universal non-
discriminatory access to quality ICT services at for sustainability and join the ISA.
economically efficient prices to people in rural and ¾ Joint Business Council Between Business Chambers:
remote areas. He expressed happiness that a Joint Business
Currently, it is charged at the rate of 5%, while Council between Business Chambers of India
the TSPs demand it to be reduced to 3%. and Qatar has been established and that a Joint
¾ It was created under the Department of Task Force on Investments would take its work
Telecommunications in 2002. forward.
¾ It is a non-lapsable fund, i.e., the unspent amount He also complimented Invest India and Qatar
under a targeted financial year does not lapse and Investment Promotion Agency for entering into a
is accrued for next years’ spending. partnership of guiding and assisting businesses on
All credits to this fund require parliamentary both sides to tap new and emerging opportunities.
approval and it has a statutory support under ¾ Collaborations at Multilateral Forums:
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003. He called for more collaboration between India
and Qatar at multilateral forums like the Inter
India & Gulf Countries Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asian Parliamentary
Assembly, and others.
Why in News? How much trade does India

Recently, Indian Vice President visited Qatar, which do with countries in this region?
is one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries ¾ UAE:
(Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the
The UAE was India’s third largest trading partner
UAE), where he highlighted the strength of India-Qatar
in 2021-2022, and second largest for both exports
ties and called for building an enabling environment
(USD 28 billion) and imports (USD 45 billion) when
and forging more collaborations for mutual benefit.
these are counted individually.
What are the Key Highlights In terms of total trade volume, the UAE (USD 72.9
of the Vice President’s Visit to Qatar? billion) was behind the United States (USD 1.19
trillion) and China (USD 1.15 trillion).
¾ India-Qatar Start Up bridge:
The UAE accounted for 6.6% of India’s total exports
The Vice President launched the “India-Qatar and 7.3% of imports in the last financial year, up
Start Up bridge” that aims to link the start-up 68.4% since the previous year when international
ecosystems of the two countries. trade was impacted by the pandemic.
z India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem ¾ Saudi Arabia:
for startups globally, with over 70,000 registered At a total volume of USD 42.9 billion in 2021-22,
Startups. Saudi Arabia was India’s fourth largest trading
India is home to 100 unicorns with a total partner.
valuation of over USD 300 billion. While exports were low at USD 8.76 billion (2.07%
¾ Environment and Climate Change: of India’s total exports), imports from Saudi Arabia
India has been making sustained efforts for the were the fourth largest at USD 34.1 billion (7%),
protection of environment and combating climate up 50% from the previous year. Most of it was
change. crude oil.
He recalled India’s leadership in establishing the ¾ Iraq:
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and increasing It was India’s fifth largest trading partner in 2021-
the thrust on renewable energy. 22 at USD 34.3 billion.
Note:
¾ Qatar: the Agreement for Cooperation in Science and
The total trade was USD 15 billion, accounting for
Technology(S&T) concluded on 5th October, 1996
just 1.4% of India’s total trade, but the country between Oman and India.
is India’s most important supplier of natural gas. ¾ In September 2021, India and the UAE formally launched
Qatar accounts for 41% of India’s total natural negotiations on the India-UAE Comprehensive
gas imports. Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
z The UAE accounts for another 11%. ¾ In 2021, the Indian External Affairs Minister met the
¾ Oman:
Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
where both countries discussed bilateral cooperation
For Oman, India was the 3rd largest (after UAE
in multilateral forums such as the United Nations,
and China) source for its imports and 3rd largest G-20 and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
market (after UAE and Saudi Arabia) for its non-oil ¾ In 2021, India and Bahrain agreed to strengthen
exports in 2019. their historic ties, including in areas of defence and
Major Indian financial institutions have a presence maritime security.
in Oman. Indian companies have invested in Oman ¾ In 2020, the legal and legislative committee of
in sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilisers, Kuwait’s National Assembly approved the draft expat
textile etc. (expatriate) quota bill.
What is the Scenario of Indians

in the Gulf and the Remittances? Organisation of
¾ More than 13.46 million Indian citizens work abroad. Islamic Cooperation
If Persons of Indian Origin (those who have taken up
citizenship of other countries, and their descendants) Why in News?
are added, this number goes up to over 32 million.
Recently, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
¾ Counting only the 13.4 million non-resident Indians (OIC) condemned and denounced the comments on
(NRIs), the Gulf has the largest numbers. Prophet Muhammed made by two Indians.
The UAE (3.42 million), Saudi Arabia (2.6 million)
¾ Ministry of External Affairs rejected the OIC comments,
and Kuwait (1.03 million) together account for adding that the views expressed by the individuals
over half of all NRIs. did not reflect the views of the Indian government.
z In terms of remittances from abroad, India
¾ Earlier, India has lashed out at the OIC for being
was the largest recipient in 2020 at USD 83.15 “communal minded” amid the Karnataka hijab row.
billion, according to World Bank data.
This was nearly twice the remittances to the next What is the Organisation
highest recipient, Mexico, at USD 42.9 billion. of Islamic Cooperation?
¾ The largest contributor is the huge Indian diaspora ¾ About:
in the Gulf. The OIC claims to be the “collective voice of the
The UAE accounted for 26.9%, Saudi Arabia for Muslim world”.
11.6%, Qatar for 6.4%, Kuwait for 5.5% and Oman It was established at a 1969 summit in Rabat
for 3%. Beyond the GCC, remittances from the (Morocco) after what it describes as the ‘criminal
US accounted for 22.9%, second only to the UAE. arson’ of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
What are Recent Developments? ¾ Members:
It has 57 member Countries.
¾ Recently, India and Oman signed a Programme
of Cooperation (POC) in the fields of Science and z India is not a Member of OIC.
Technology for the period 2022 – 2025. ¾ Objectives:

The POC for Cooperation in the fields of Science The OIC endeavours to establish solidarity among
and Technology was signed in pursuance of member states.
Note:
To support restoration of complete sovereignty z They take decisions and resolutions on matters
and territorial integrity of any member state of common interest, review their progress,
under occupation. consider and approve programmes and their
¾ To protect, defend and combat defamation of Islam. budgets, consider specific issues bothering
member states and recommend establishing
¾ To prevent growing dissention in Muslim societies
a new organ or committee.
and work to ensure that member states take a united
stand at the U. N. General Assembly, Human Rights ¾ Finance:
Council and other international fora. The OIC is financed by the member states
¾ Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. proportionate to their national incomes.

z A member’s voting rights are suspended when
The organisation plans to permanently move its
their arrears equal or exceed the amount of
headquarters to East Jerusalem once the disputed
contributions due from them for the preceding
city is ‘liberated’.
two years.
Moreover, it aspires to hold Israel accountable for
z The member is only allowed to vote if the
‘War Crimes’ and violations of international law.
Council of Foreign Ministers is satisfied that
¾ OIC charter: the failure is due to conditions beyond the
The organisation adheres to a charter that lays out member’s control.
its objectives, principles and operating mechanism. ¾ Islamic Summit:
First adopted in 1972, the charter has been revised It is composed of Kings and heads of state, is the
multiple times in line with emerging conditions supreme authority of the organisation.
in the developing world. Convening every three years, it deliberates, takes
The present charter was adopted in March 2008 policy decisions, provides guidance on issues
at Dakar in Senegal. relevant to the organisation and considers issues
It enshrines that all members be guided and of concern to the member states.
inspired by the noble Islamic teachings and values ¾ Council of Foreign Ministers:
alongside committing themselves to the purposes The Council of Foreign Ministers is the chief
and principles of the U. N. charter. decision-making body and meets annually to decide
on how to implement the OIC’s general policies.
How does OIC Function? They take decisions and resolutions on matters of
¾ Membership: common interest, review their progress, consider
U. N. members with a Muslim majority can join and approve programmes and their budgets,
the organisation. consider specific issues bothering member states
The membership is to be ratified with full consensus
and recommend establishing a new organ or
at the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers. committee.
¾ Standing Committees:
The same provisions apply for acquiring an
The OIC also has standing committees for
observer status.
cooperation on information and cultural affairs,
¾ Decision Making:
economic and commercial matters, scientific and
All decision-making in the forum requires a
technological initiatives and for Jerusalem.
quorum defined by the presence of two-thirds
of the member states and complete consensus.
In case a consensus cannot be reached, decisions
India-Israel Relations
shall be made by a two-thirds majority of members
present and voting. Why in News?
The Council of Foreign Ministers is the chief decision- Recently, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence
making body and meets annually to decide on Minister visited India and held bilateral Meetings and
how to implement the OIC’s general policies. agreed to deepen defence ties.
Note:
What are the Key Highlights of the Visit? India is Israel’s third-largest trade partner in Asia
and seventh largest globally.
¾ Joint Declaration:
z Israeli companies have invested in India in
The two Ministers presented a joint declaration
energy, renewable energy, telecom, real estate,
marking 30 years of Israel-India relations.
water technologies, and are focusing on setting
The declaration reiterated the commitment of both
up R&D centers or production units in India.
the countries to deepen defence ties.
India is also in dialogue with Israel for concluding
¾ India-Israel Vision on Defense Cooperation: a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Both sides adopted the India-Israel Vision on
¾ Defence:
Defense Cooperation to further strengthen the
India is the largest buyer of military equipment
existing framework of the Indo-Israeli defense
from Israel, which, in turn, is the second-largest
cooperation architecture.
defence supplier to India, after Russia.
¾ A Letter of Intent was Exchanged:
The Indian armed forces have inducted a wide array
A Letter of Intent on enhancing cooperation in
of Israeli weapon systems over the years, which
the field of futuristic defence technologies was range from Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning And
exchanged. Control Systems) and Heron, Searcher-II and Harop
Bilateral Cooperation will be in line with Prime drones to Barak anti-missile defence systems and
Minister Modi’s Make in India vision. Spyder quick-reaction anti-aircraft missile systems.
¾ Military-To-Military Activities: The acquisitions also include a host of Israeli
Both countries reviewed the existing military-to- missiles and precision-guided munitions, from
military activities which have increased despite Python and Derby air-to-air missiles to Crystal
the challenges due to Covid-19 pandemic. Maze and Spice-2000 bombs.
They discussed ways to increase cooperation in all At the 15 th Joint Working Group (JWG 2021)
domains with a focus on Research & Development meeting on Bilateral Defence Cooperation,
in future technologies and defence co-production. countries agreed to form a Task Force to formulate
¾ Acknowledgement of Mutual Security Challenges: a comprehensive Ten-Year Roadmap to identify
Both the Ministers acknowledged mutual security
new areas of cooperation.
challenges and their convergences on a number ¾ Cooperation in Agriculture:
of strategic and defence issues. In May 2021, “a three-year work program
They expressed commitment to work together to agreement” for development in agriculture

enhance cooperation in all forums. cooperation, was signed.
The programme aims to grow existing Centres of
How has the India-Israel Relations been So Far? Excellence (CoE), establish new centers, increase
¾ Diplomatic Ties: CoE’s value chain, bring the Centres of Excellence
into the self-sufficient mode, and encourage private
Though India officially recognised Israel in 1950,
sector companies and collaboration.
the two countries established full diplomatic ties
only on 29th January 1992. As of December 2020, ¾ Science & Technology:
India was among 164 United Nations (UN) member Recently, experts from India and Israel deliberated
states to have diplomatic ties with Israel. on widening the scope of India-Israel Industrial
¾ Economic and Commercial Relations: R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) at
From USD 200 million in 1992, bilateral merchandise its 8th Governing Body meeting.
trade stood at USD 4.14 billion (excluding defence) They approved 3 joint R&D projects worth 5.5
during the period April 2020 – February 2021 million USD and suggested measures to create
with the balance of trade being in India’s favour. a broader India-Israel collaborative ecosystem.
z Trade in diamonds constitutes about 50% of z I4F is a cooperation between the two countries
bilateral trade.. to promote, facilitate and support joint industrial
Note:
R&D projects between companies from India ¾ Economic Relations:

and Israel to address the challenges in the Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in
agreed ‘Focus Sectors’. the sub-continent with the total bilateral trade
between the two nations standing at USD 9.5 billion
India-Bangladesh (2019-20), down compared to the previous fiscal
(2018-19), having crossed USD10 billion.
Railway Links Restored India’s exports to Bangladesh account for more
than 85% of the total bilateral trade.
Why in News? In December 2020, to further boost the bilateral
Two years after train services were stopped due to trade cooperation, an India-Bangladesh CEO’s
the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, passenger train Forum was launched.
services between India and Bangladesh resumed recently. Bangladesh has appreciated the Duty-Free and
¾ The following trains have been flagged off after the Quota Free access given to Bangladeshi exports to
resumption of train services: India under South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
Bandhan Express from Kolkata to Khulna since 2011.
Maitree Express from Dhaka to Kolkata. ¾ Cooperation in Connectivity:
Mitali Express from New Jalpaiguri to Dhaka In March 2021, Maitri Setu–a 1.9 km bridge built
over Feni River joining Sabroom in India and
What are other Important Rail Ramgarh in Bangladesh was inaugurated.
Links Between India and Bangladesh? Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT).
¾ Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh), Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor
¾ Gede (India)-Darshana (Bangladesh), Vehicles Agreement is in pipeline.
¾ Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh), ¾ Partnership on Multilateral forums:
¾ Radhikapur (India)-Birol (Bangladesh), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
¾ Haldibari (India)-Chilahati (Bangladesh). (SAARC).
¾ Agartala (India)- Akahaura(Bangladesh) z Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Indo-Bangladesh ties z Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
¾ Historical Ties: ¾ Other Developments:
Fifty years ago, the Bangladesh Liberation War in
1971 had added the colours of victory for India Line of Credit:

as it led the charge towards the formation of the z India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LOC) to
new nation of Bangladesh. Bangladesh in the last 8 years amounting to
¾ Defence Cooperation: USD 8 billion for development of infrastructure
Joint exercises: in sectors including roads, railways, shipping
z SAMPRITI (Army).
and ports.
Covid-19 Support:
z TABLE TOP (Air).
z Bangladesh is the biggest recipient of Made-
z IN-BN CORPAT (Navy).
in-India Covid-19 vaccine doses, accounting
z Exercise Bongosagar (Navy).
for 16% of the total supplies.
z SAMVEDNA (Multinational Humanitarian
z India also offered collaboration in therapeutics
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise
with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and UAE) and partnership in vaccine production.
Border Management: India and Bangladesh
¾ Emerging Disputes:
share 4096.7 km. of border, which is the longest Bangladesh has already raised concerns over roll
land boundary that India shares with any of its out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in
neighbours. Assam, an exercise carried out to identify genuine
Note:
Indian citizens living in Assam and weed out illegal country to the United Nations Organisation
Bangladeshis. Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic
Currently, Bangladesh is an active partner of the of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that Delhi has not More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of
signed up to. the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established
In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a major around the world since 1948.
recipient of Chinese military inventory, including India has a long tradition of sending women on
UN peacekeeping missions.
submarines.
In 2007, India became the first country to deploy
an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping
The International Day mission.
Despite its presence in several countries as part
of UN Peacekeepers
of the Peacekeeping missions, India has routinely
expressed its displeasure at a similar mission
Why in News? headquartered in Srinagar and Islamabad.
International Day of UN (United Nations) z The United Nations Military Observer Group in
Peacekeepers is observed globally on 29th May. India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was established
¾ Theme for 2022: People. Peace. Progress. The Power
in January, 1949 to supervise the ceasefire
between India and Pakistan.
of Partnerships.
z India has reiterated that the mission has “outlived
What is UN Peacekeeping? its relevance” after the Simla Agreement was

signed by India and Pakistan in July 1972 and
¾ About: the establishment of the LoC (Line of Control).
UN Peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN
Security Council authorized the deployment of
UN military observers to the Middle East. China’s Expansion in the
UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the Pacific Island Countries
difficult path from conflict to peace.
It deploys troops and police from around the world, Why in News?
integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to The Foreign Minister of China is currently on a visit
address a range of mandates set by the UN Security to ten Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and has co-hosted
Council (UNSC) and the General Assembly. with Fiji the Second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign
¾ Composition: Ministers Meeting.
UN peacekeepers (often referred to as Blue Berets ¾ However, China’s effort to push through a comprehensive
or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets framework deal failed to gain consensus among the
or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, PICs at the meeting.
and civilian personnel. ¾ In April 2022, China signed a controversial security
Peacekeeping forces are contributed by member
deal with the Solomon Islands, which raised regional
concerns.
states on a voluntary basis.
Civilian staff of peace operations are international What are Pacific Islands Countries?
civil servants, recruited and deployed by the UN
¾ The Pacific Island Countries are a cluster of 14 states
Secretariat. which are located largely in the tropical zone of the
¾ UN Peacekeeping and India: Pacific Ocean between Asia, Australia and the Americas.
India has been among the largest troop-contributing ¾ They include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of
countries to the UN peacekeeping missions. As of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia
November 2021, India is the second-highest military (FSM), Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa,
(1,888) and fifth-highest (139) police-contributing Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Note:
What are the Implications ¾ Areas of Cooperation:

of China’s Latest Move? Blue Economy:
¾ May Drag PICs into Major power Conflicts: z The PICs with their resource-rich EEZs can be
attractive sources of natural resources like
The PICs as a collective did not agree to China’s
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrocarbons
extensive and ambitious proposals, and therefore
to fuel India’s growing economy and can also
China failed to get a consensus on the deal.
provide new markets.
z Signing the economic and security deal proposed
z India can engage with these countries particularly,
by China, could have negative implications for
given its own emphasise on the idea of ‘Blue
the sovereignty and unity of PICs and may drag
Economy’.
them into major power conflicts in the future.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development:
¾ Made Traditional Powers in the Region More Cautious:
z The geography of these island countries makes
The intensification of China’s diplomacy towards
them vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate
the Pacific Islands have made the powers who have
challenges.
traditionally controlled the regional dynamics like
The increasing soil salinity due to the rising
the US and Australia more cautious.
sea level threatens the low lying island
The US has started revisiting its diplomatic priority
states, also giving rise to the problem of
for the region ever since the China-Solomon displacement.
Islands deal.
z Therefore, climate change and sustainable
The role played by the US in mobilising opposition
development are crucial areas of concern
against China’s proposed deal could not be ruled where a closer partnership can be developed
out as the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for effective and concrete solutions.
is the only country which recognises China and
Disaster Management:
at the same time is part of the Compact of Free
z Most of the Pacific Island countries are
Association with the US.
prone to a variety of natural disasters, with
z The Federated States of Micronesia is a country
widespread social, economic and environmental
spread across the western Pacific Ocean consequences.
comprising more than 600 islands.
z India can assist in building capacities of Disaster
What are the Highlights Risk Resilience.

z In September 2017, India launched Climate
of the India-PICs Relations?
Early Warning Systems in seven PICs.
¾ About:
India’s interaction with the PICs is still largely
driven by the presence of sizeable Indian Diaspora Trincomalee Port of Sri Lanka
in the region.
Why in News?
z Nearly 40% of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin
Sri Lanka plans to develop Trincomalee port into an
and about 3000 Indians living in Papua New industrial hub that would spark global interest.
Guinea at present.
¾ The proposal is a long-standing plan to monetise
In terms of institutional engagements, India
land that belongs to the Sri Lanka Port Authority,
participates in the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) as by getting foreign and local investment for a special
one of the key dialogue partners of the Forum. economic zone, an industrial park, or an energy hub.
The most important development in facilitating
India’s interaction with the PICs in recent years has What are the Key Highlights?
been the formation of an action-oriented Forum ¾ About Trincomalee Port:
for India and Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Trincomalee harbour is on the northeastern
z FIPIC, a multinational grouping, was launched coast of Sri Lanka. It is situated on a peninsula in
in 2014. Trincomalee Bay—formerly called Koddiyar Bay.
Note:
Trincomalee is the nearest port to Chennai, India. LeadIT members subscribe to the notion that

¾ Significance of the Port: energy-intensive industry can and must progress

Geopolitical and Strategic Significance: The
on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-
location of this port in Indian ocean has strategic zero carbon emissions by 2050.
significance, it has been of interest to several ¾ Members:
countries, including India, Japan and the US. The total membership of LeadIT is 37 including
z Japan commissioned the 2020 ADB (Asian countries and companies together.
Development Bank) study on the development z Japan and South Africa, the latest members of
of Trincomalee port. the initiative.
Dedicated Port Terminal: Trincomalee already
has several dedicated port terminals —it has What are the Highlights
Lanka Indian Oil Company facility, Tokyo Cement of India - Sweden Relations?
facility, and grain facility for a flour factory, and
a tea terminal.
Diplomatic relations were established in 1948 and
z There is also a jetty for bulk cargo such as coal,
steadily strengthened over the decades.
gypsum and cement.
The first India-Nordic Summit (India, Sweden,
Decongest Other Ports: This development will
decongest and help in offloading operations at Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark) took place
Colombo Port which will increase the supply chain. in the year 2018 in Sweden.
Sweden also participated in the First India Nordic
Non-Containerised Cargo Traffic: This would
also entail the development of the port for non- Baltic (including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)
containerised cargo traffic, such as cement, coal Conclave co-chaired by India in November 2020.
or other industrial raw material. In May 2022, the Prime Minister of India held a
series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts
from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and
Industry Transition Dialogue Finland.
between India and Sweden ¾ Multilateral Engagement:
In the 1980s India and Sweden worked together on
Why in News?
nuclear disarmament issues within the framework
Recently, India and Sweden hosted the Industry of the ‘Six Nation Peace Summit’ (that also included
Transition Dialogue in Stockholm, as a part of their joint Argentina, Greece, Mexico and Tanzania).
initiative i.e. Leadership for Industry Transition (LeadIT).
At the UN General Assembly, India and Sweden
¾ This high level dialogue has contributed to the UN
present an annual Joint Statement on Humanitarian
Conference ‘Stockholm+50’ and set the agenda for
Affairs.
COP27 (Climate Change).
In 2013, during the Swedish Presidency, India
What is LeadIT? joined the Arctic Council as an Observer at the

Kiruna Ministerial Meeting.
¾ About:
¾ Economic and Commercial relations:
The LeadIT initiative lays specific focus on hard to
India is Sweden’s third-largest trade partner after
abate sectors that are key stakeholders in the global
climate action and require specific interventions. China and Japan in Asia.
Trade in goods and services has increased from
It gathers countries and companies that are
committed to action to achieve the Paris USD 3 billion (2016) to USD 4.5 billion (2019).
Agreement. ¾ Defence and Aerospace (Sweden-India Joint Action
It was launched by the governments of Sweden
Plan 2018):
and India at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 It highlights collaboration on space research,
and is supported by the World Economic Forum. technology, innovation, and applications.
Note:
¾ Simulators and a Monetary Grant:

India Vietnam Partnership India will gift two simulators and a monetary
grant towards setting up of Language and IT
Why in News? (Information Technology) Lab at the Air Force
Recently, Indian Defence Minister visited Vietnam, Officers Training School for capacity building of
where he signed some Defence Agreements, which will the Vietnamese Armed Forces.
significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing
How has been the India-Vietnam Relations?
defence cooperation.
¾ India and Vietnam are marking 50 years of the ¾ Background:
establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. While defence cooperation has been one of the most
¾ Earlier, India and Vietnam signed a Letter of Intent significant pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic
(LOI) to collaborate in the field of digital media, paving Partnership initiated by the two countries in 2016,
the way for further strengthening the partnership the relationship between the two countries was
between the two countries. established much earlier.
z India had established the Consul General’s office
What are the Key Highlights of the Visit? in Hanoi as early as 1956.
¾ India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030: Vietnam established its diplomatic mission
Both the Defence Ministers signed the ‘Joint in 1972.

Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence India had stood by Vietnam in opposing US
Partnership towards 2030’ to bolster bilateral intervention in that country at the cost of embittering
defence cooperation. Indo-US relations.
¾ Defence Line of Credit: The relationship was further strengthened when
The two ministers agreed on the finalisation of the India, in the early 1990s, initiated its “Look East
USD 500 million Defence Line of Credit extended Policy” with the specific objective of economic
to Vietnam with implementation of the projects integration and political cooperation with Southeast
under it adding substantially to Vietnam’s defence Asia and East Asia.
capabilities and furthering the government’s vision ¾ Areas of Cooperation:
of ‘Make in India, Make for the World.’ Strategic Partnership:
¾ Mutual Logistics Support: z India and Vietnam agreed to strengthen their
Both inked a Memorandum of Understanding strategic partnership “in line with India’s
(MoU) on Mutual Logistics Support. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the
This is a major step towards simplifying procedures ASEAN’s Outlook on Indo-Pacific to achieve
for mutually beneficial logistic support and is the shared security, prosperity and growth for all
first such major agreement which Vietnam has in the region.”
signed with any country. Economic Cooperation:
India has signed several logistics agreements z Trade and economic relations for mutual benefit,
including all Quad countries, France, Singapore which have significantly improved over the years
and South Korea beginning with the Logistics particularly after the ASEAN- India Free Trade
Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with the Agreement was signed.
U.S. in 2016. z India realises that Vietnam is a potential regional
Logistics agreements are administrative power in South East Asia with great political
arrangements facilitating access to military stability and substantial economic growth.
facilities for exchange of fuel and provisions on z India is investing in development and capacity
mutual agreement simplifying logistical support assistance for Vietnam through quick impact
and increasing operational turnaround of the projects (QIP), proposals in the area of water
military when operating away from India. resource management in Vietnam’s Mekong
Note:
Delta region, Sustainable Development Goals People-to-People Contacts:
(SDGs), and digital connectivity. z The year 2019 was celebrated as the ASEAN-
Trade relations: India Year of Tourism. Both countries have
z During the Financial Year (FY) April 2020 – facilitated a simplified visa regime to promote
March 2021, bilateral trade between India and bilateral tourism.
Vietnam reached USD 11.12 billion. z The Embassy of India organised various events
Indian exports to Vietnam amounting to USD to celebrate Mahatma@150 in 2018-19. These

4.99 billion and Indian imports from Vietnam include Jaipur artificial limb fitment camps, which
at USD 6.12 billion. were organised in four provinces of Vietnam,
Defence Cooperation: benefitting 1000 people, under the ‘India for
Humanity’ initiative of the Government of India.
z While Vietnam is interested in modernising its
armed forces, India is interested in developing
defence capabilities of its South-East Asian Israel Signs Free
partners sufficiently to maintain peace in the
strategic region. Trade Deal with UAE
z Vietnam is interested in India’s Akash surface-
to-air systems and Dhruv advanced light Why in News?
helicopters and Brahmos missiles. Recently, Israel signed a free trade deal with the
Apart from this, the defence relations include United Arab Emirates, its first with an Arab country,
capacity building, dealing with common building on their US-brokered normalization of relations
security concerns, training of personnel, and in 2020.
cooperation in defence R&D. ¾ The UAE was the first Gulf country to normalize ties
Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan undertook a visit with Israel and only the third Arab nation to do so
to Ho Chi Minh City in 2020 to deliver flood after Egypt and Jordan.
relief materials for the people of Central
Vietnam (Mission Sagar III). What are the Key Highlights?
It also participated in the PASSEX Exercise ¾ Trade between the Two Countries: In comparison to
with the Vietnam People’s Navy. 2020, Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics recorded
The China factor also weighs heavily in the more than a 30% increase in import and export of
respective strategic calculus of India and goods, excluding diamonds, to and from the United
Vietnam. Arab Emirates.
Both countries had fought wars with China and Two-way trade in 2021 totaled some USD 900
both have border problems with that country. million.

China aggressively continues to encroach in Non-oil trade surpassed reached USD 1.06 billion in
the territories of the two countries. the first three months of 2022 - a fivefold increase
Hence, it is natural for both the countries from the same period last year.
to come closer with a view to restrain China ¾ Significance of the Free Trade Deal:
from its aggressive actions. Builds on the US-brokered Normalisation of
Cooperation at Multiple Fora: Relations: The deal shows the durability of a
z At the UN Security Council, both India and series of diplomatic deals in 2020 known as the
Vietnam are serving concurrently as non- Abraham Accords, which normalized relations
permanent members in 2021. between Israel and four Muslim countries—the
z India and Vietnam closely cooperate in various
U.A.E., Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
regional forums such as East Asia Summit, Great Economic Potential:
Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe z Israel’s relationship with the UAE has great
Meeting (ASEM). economic potential due to the geographic and
Note:
cultural proximity between the peoples, as well They are pursuing a constructive agenda focused
as the UAE’s unique characteristics. on the economy, especially infrastructure projects.
z The UAE is the second largest economy in the
Arab world (after Saudi Arabia), with significant What is a Free Trade Agreement?
weight placed on technology products and ¾ FTAs are arrangements between two or more
advanced solutions, where Israel holds a relative countries or trading blocs that primarily agree to
advantage. reduce or eliminate customs tariff and non-tariff
barriers on substantial trade between them.
Faster Access to Markets and Lower Tariffs:
¾ FTAs normally cover trade in goods (such as
z Businesses in both countries will benefit from
faster access to markets and lower tariffs as agricultural or industrial products) or trade in services
these nations work together to increase trade, (such as banking, construction, trading etc.).
create jobs, promote new skills and deepen ¾ FTAs can also cover other areas such as intellectual
cooperation. property rights (IPRs), investment, government
z The deal abolishes customs duties on 96% of
procurement and competition policy etc.
the products exchanged between the two sides. ¾ Example: India has negotiated FTA with many
z The agreement also relates to regulatory and
countries e.g. Sri Lanka and various trading blocs
standardisation issues, customs, collaboration, as well e.g. ASEAN.
government procurement, e-commerce and ¾ FTAs can be categorised as Preferential Trade
intellectual property rights. Agreement, Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
¾ Boost up Trade: Agreement, Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA).
This deal will push the value of non-oil bilateral
trade between Israel and the UAE beyond $10 billion.
UAE-Israel trade will exceed $2 billion in 2022, Australia India Water
rising to around $5 billion in five years, bolstered
by collaboration in renewables, consumer goods,
Security Initiative (AIWASI)
tourism and the life sciences sectors.
¾ Israel can Gain foothold in International Market: Why in News?
A long-term hope for both countries is that Israeli The Union Cabinet has approved a MoU
companies will set up manufacturing in the U.A.E., (Memorandum of Understanding) between India
which serves as a hub for the Middle East, Asia and Australia on Technical Cooperation for
and Africa—markets where Israel has struggled
Australia –India water Security initiative (AIWASI).
to gain a foothold.
What is AIWASI?
What is the Significance for India?
¾ AIWASI is a project Under South Asia Water Security
¾ This agreement, jointly with the Comprehensive
Initiative (SAWASI) of Department of Foreign Affairs
Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed
and Trade (DFAT), Australia.
between India and the UAE, has the potential for
extensive trilateral cooperation and business ¾ It aims to work towards the Water Sensitive City
partnerships. vision which is based on holistic management of the
integrated water cycle.
¾ It has also further created opportunities for
collaborations in different fields with the US. ¾ AIWASI will strengthen India’s water governance and
These were made possible by the Abraham Accords,

undertake investments that provide urban water
which have been a significant turning point in services,
promoting peace and prosperity for all. ¾ support to disadvantaged communities to access
Israel, India, the UAE, and the US are also part reliable, safe water and sanitation services.
of a new grouping, West Asian Quad which was ¾ The project will undertake and deliver a Water Sensitive
established as a forum for economic cooperation. Urban Design (WSUD) demonstration project.
Note:
¾ This AIWASI project is also a ‘living laboratory’ with Greece absorbed the islands of Limnos, Samothrace,
multiple educational, social and environmental Lesvos, Samos, Chios and Ikaria from the Ottoman
benefits like water literacy of students and the Empire in the Balkan Wars of 1912-13.
community, creation of green spaces, improved z It was officially awarded sovereignty over them
air quality from blue-green infrastructure and in the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923.
rejuvenation of degraded water bodies and aquifers. Another treaty drawn up in London in 1914 had
made Greek possession of the islands conditional
What is water security? on their demilitarisation.
¾ The definition of water security proposed by UN-Water z According to Turkey, the Lausanne Treaty makes
– The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable reference to the 1914 treaty, it implies the same
access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality conditionality.
water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, Greece rejects that interpretation.
and socio-economic development, for ensuring
protection against water-borne pollution and water- What are the Key
related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in Highlights about the Aegean Sea?
a climate of peace and political stability. ¾ Aegean Sea an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, located
between the Greek peninsula on the west and Asia
Minor on the east.
Aegean Sea ¾ The Aegean is connected through the straits of the
Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus
Why in News? to the Black Sea, while the island of Crete can be
taken as marking its boundary on the south.
Recently, Turkish President warned Greece to
demilitarize islands in the Aegean Sea.
China’s Presence
What is the Dispute?
in the Horn of Africa
¾ Turkey’s Stand:
Turkey says Greece has been building a military
Why in News?
presence in violation of treaties that guarantee
Recently, first “China-Horn of Africa Peace,
the unarmed status of the Aegean islands.
Governance and Development Conference.” was held.
z It argues the islands were ceded to Greece on
¾ This is the first time China aims “to play a role in the
the condition they remained demilitarised.
area of security”.
¾ Greece Stand:
¾ The conference held in Ethiopia witnessed the /
Greece maintains Turkey has deliberately participation of foreign Ministries from the following
misinterpreted the treaties and says it has legal countries of the Horn: Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan,
grounds to defend itself including a long-standing Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
threat of war if Greece extended its territorial
waters. What is Horn of Africa?
Greek-Turkish differences are not presently about
¾ The Horn of Africa is a peninsula in Northeast Africa.
land, but water. ¾ Located on the easternmost part of the African
z They currently each have six nautical miles
mainland, it is the fourth largest peninsula in the
(11km) of territorial water in the Aegean. world.
¾ It lies along the southern boundary of the Red
z The UN Convention on the International Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS), concluded in 1982 and Sea and extends hundreds of kilometres into the
Guardafui Channel, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.
ratified by 158 countries, says states may claim
up to 12 miles (about 20km). ¾ The Horn of Africa is equidistant from the equator
and the Tropic of Cancer.
¾ Related Treaty:
Note:
¾ The Horn contains such diverse areas as the highlands z The FOCAC promotes China’s role in the
of the Ethiopian Plateau, the Ogaden desert, and infrastructural and societal development of
the Eritrean and Somalian coasts. the Horn.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, China donated
¾ The Horn of Africa denotes the region containing
over 3,00,000 vaccines to Ethiopia and Uganda,
the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and
and 2,00,000 vaccines to Kenya and Somalia.
Somalia.
Sudan and Eritrea have also benefited from China’s
¾ The area has experienced imperialism, neo- vaccine diplomacy.
colonialism, Cold War, ethnic strife, intra-African
conflict, poverty, disease, famine and much else. What are China’s
Primary Interests in the Region?
What are the Recent Chinese Projects?
¾ Infrastructure:
¾ In January 2022, China asserted its three objectives
in Africa: controlling the pandemic, implementing One of its landmark projects was fully funding
a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) the USD 200 million African Union headquarters
outcomes, and upholding common interests while in Addis Ababa.
fighting hegemonic politics. China has also invested in the Mombasa-Nairobi
¾ In the 2021 forum, the entire region of the Horn rail link in Kenya, and has already delivered on
participated, and four resolutions were adopted: railway projects in Sudan.
The Dakar Action Plan: It also has a viable military hardware market
z The two sides commend the development

in Ethiopia and has built over 80 infrastructural
of relations between China and Africa, and projects in Somalia, including hospitals, roads,
believe that over the past 21 years since its schools and stadiums.
inception, the Forum has strongly promoted the In Djibouti, 14 infrastructural projects are funded
development of relations between China and by China.

Africa, and become an important benchmark ¾ Financial Assistance:
for international cooperation with Africa. Ethiopia, is one of the top five African recipients
China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035: of Chinese investments, and also has a debt of
z It was formulated to determine the directions almost USD 14 billion.
and objectives of mid- and long-term cooperation China accounts for 67% of Kenya’s bilateral debt.
and promote a closer community with a shared In 2022, China promised to provide USD 15.7
future for China and Africa. million assistance to Eritrea.
Sino-African Declaration on Climate Change: ¾ Natural Resources (Oil and Coal):
z It is aimed at enhancing coordination and
China is also interested in minerals such as gold,
cooperation in the multilateral process on iron-ore, precious stones, chemicals, oil and natural
climate, and jointly safeguard the legitimate gas in Ethiopia.
rights and interests of China, Africa and other
South Sudan, a source for petroleum products, has
developing countries.
had continued Beijing investment in the industry
Declaration of the Eighth Ministerial Conference
since the latter’s initial entry in 1995.
of FOCAC:
¾ Maritime Interests:
z Under the theme “Deepen China-Africa
China’s first and only military base outside its
Partnership and Promote Sustainable
mainland is in Djibouti.
Development to Build a China-Africa Community
with a Shared Future in the New Era” and In 2022, China hinted its willingness to develop
committed to the development of FOCAC and to Eritrea’s coast which would connect to China’s
the deepening of the China-Africa comprehensive investments in land-locked Ethiopia.
strategic and cooperative partnership, both The U.S. has speculated that China wishes to build
adopted by consensus the Dakar Declaration another military base in Kenya and Tanzania,
of the Eighth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC. thereby increasing its military presence in the region.
Note:
What is the China is looking to expand its presence in the Indian

Significance of Horn of Africa for India? Ocean, and is building ports and other infrastructure
in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
¾ Africa has been a Growing Interest:
¾ Expanding through OBOR:
Africa has been of growing interest to India for
The Indian Ocean figures prominently in China’s
political, economic and security reasons, especially
ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative
the sub-region - the Horn of Africa.
to build a new Silk Route.
¾ Proximity to Oil Producing Region:
India has kept away from OBOR as its centrepiece.
The Horn of Africa is strategically important
since it is close to the oil-producing region of
the Middle East. WTO’s Appellate Body
Approximately 40% of the oil produced in the
Middle East crosses through the shipping lanes Why in News?
of Red Sea.
There was no discussion to revive the World Trade
¾ Shipping Routes: Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body (AB), which has
Djibouti is the choke point on this shipping route. been redundant since 2019, at the recently concluded
It is due to this reason thssat countries like the
12th ministerial conference.
United States, France, and China have a military
base in Djibouti. What is WTO’s Appellate Body?
With the new reliance on the sea lines of
¾ About:
communication for India’s economic growth, Delhi
declared that its national interests were no longer WTO was established to provide a platform for

limited to the Subcontinent but stretched from negotiations for liberating trade and creating rules,
the “Aden to Malacca”. as well as to monitor and administer multilateral
trades.
What is India’s Concern over China’s presence? One of the key objectives was also to address the
¾ Dominance in the Indian Ocean: grievances between its members by acting as a

court for global trade.
Situated on the north-western edge of the Indian
¾ The Appellate Body, set up in 1995, is a standing
Ocean, Djibouti could become another of China’s
“string of pearls” of military alliances and assets committee of seven members with a limited four year
ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar term that presides over appeals against judgments
and Sri Lanka. passed in trade-related disputes brought by WTO
members.
China has stepped up activity in the Indian Ocean,
¾ Disputes arise when a member country observes
which India considers within its sphere of influence,
in recent days, citing anti-piracy patrols and that another member government is breaching a
freedom of navigation. It has forced the Indian commitment or a trade agreement made at the WTO.
Navy to tighten surveillance of the strategic waters.
¾ Structure:
¾ China seeks to control over Vital Shipping Routes:
The Appellate Body is composed of seven Members
The Indian Ocean shipping lanes carry 80% of the who are appointed by the Dispute Settlement
world’s oil and a third of the global bulk cargo. Body (DSB) to serve for four-year terms.
China is looking to secure its energy and trade The DSB has authority to establish dispute
transportation links along the vital shipping route. settlement panels, refer matters to arbitration,
¾ Influencing Indian Ocean Countries: adopt panel, Appellate Body and arbitration reports,
The Indian Ocean is also emerging as the playground maintain surveillance over the implementation
for countries eyeing a bigger role in world affairs. of recommendations and rulings contained
China is looking to generate goodwill and influence in such reports, and authorize suspension of
in the Indian Ocean countries by investing in concessions in the event of non-compliance with
projects such ports, roads and railways. those recommendations and rulings.
Note:
Each person may be reappointed for another

¾ Countries may refuse to comply with the order of the
four-year term. panel on the ground that it has no avenue for appeal.
¾ Appointment:
It will run the risk of facing arbitration proceedings
initiated by the other party in the dispute.
Each member of the Appellate Body is required
to be a person with demonstrated expertise in ¾ This also does not bode well for India, which is
law, international trade and the subject-matter facing a rising number of dispute cases, especially
of the covered agreements generally. on agricultural products.
They are also required to be unaffiliated with any ¾ In the backdrop of rising trade tension between the
government and are to be broadly representative US and China, the overall weakening of the WTO
of the membership of the WTO. framework could have the effect of undoing over
A Chairman is elected among the Members to two decades of efforts to avoid protectionism in
serve a one-year term, which can be extended global trade.
for an additional period of one year.
He is responsible for the overall direction of
What are the
Appellate Body business. Disputes Involving India at the WTO?
The current Chairperson is Hong Zhao of China. ¾ The disputes where India is a complaining party are
A Division of three Members is selected to countervailing duty by the US on Indian steel products;
hear each appeal and each division elects a measures by America concerning non-immigrant
Presiding Member. visas; renewable energy programmes of the US;
and import duties imposed on steel and aluminium
What are the Issues? products by America.
¾ Stopping of the Judges’ Appointment: ¾ WTO disputes where India is a responding party
The United States stopped the process of include prohibition by India on import of poultry and
reappointing judges, after their terms expired in poultry products filed by the US, and import duties on
2017. In December 2019, the number of judges in certain information and communication technology
the court fell below three — the minimum required. goods filed by the EU, Japan and Taiwan.
z It believes the WTO is biased against it, and has ¾ In January 2022, India appealed against a ruling
criticised it for being “unfair”. of WTO trade dispute settlement panel which ruled
At least three people are required to preside over that the country’s domestic support measures for
an appeal, and if new members are not appointed sugar and sugarcane are inconsistent with global
to replace the two retiring ones, the body will trade norms.
cease to be relevant.
Very Less Efficient at Rulings:
¾
I2U2 Initiative
Over 600 cases reached the body since its formation
in 1995 and rulings were issued in some 350.
Why in News?
It has even blamed that the AB has failed to issue
rulings within the 90-day deadline. As part of I2U2 initiatives, India, Israel, UAE, and the
US will hold its first virtual summit in July 2022.
What are the Implications?
¾ With the Appellate Body unable to review new
What is I2U2 Initiative?
applications, there is already great uncertainty over ¾ Background:
the WTO’s dispute settlement process. I2U2 was initially formed in October, 2021 following
¾ If the body is declared non-functional, countries may the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE,
be compelled to implement rulings by the panel even to deal with issues concerning maritime security,
if they feel that gross errors have been committed. infrastructure and transport in the region.
Note:
At that time, it was called the ‘International
z
Forum for Economic Cooperation’. India-Malaysia
That was referred as the ‘West Asian Quad’. Defence Cooperation
¾ About:
I2U2 initiative is a new grouping of India, Israel, Why in News?
USA and UAE. Recently, Indian Defence Minister interacted with
In the grouping’s name, ‘I2’ stands for India and his Malaysian counterpart to deepen Defence Cooperation
Israel, whereas ‘U2’ stands for USA and the UAE. between the two countries.
This is a great achievement which tells the ¾ The Malaysian air force has been looking for 18 new
geopolitical changes that happen in the region. light fighter jets with several nations, including South
This will not only revitalize and re-energize the
Korea, Pakistan, China and Sweden, making a pitch.
system of alliances and partnerships around the The Indian offer is for the LCA Mk1A version.
world, but also stitch together partnerships that ¾ India has offered a dual package for the indigenous
did not exist previously or were not utilized to fighter jets as well as maintenance of the Russian
their full extent. origin Su30 MKM aircraft being operated by Malaysia.
¾ Significance: What are the Highlights of the Meeting?
Security Cooperation:
¾ Both countries highlighted the areas in which Indian
z This will help the countries in exploring security defence industries could assist Malaysia. India invited
cooperation among the four nations within the senior officers from Malaysia to India to get a first-
framework of these new groupings. hand experience of the facilities and products of
Technological Hubs: Indian defence industry.
z Each of these countries is a technological hub. ¾ Malaysia expressed the need for inducting women
Biotechnology, of course, is prominent in
personnel in peace keeping missions. Both sides
agreed to engage each other on this issue.
each of these countries as well.
¾ Both countries agreed to upgrade capability for
Food Security:
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
z This initiative offers an opportunity to discuss
operations.
food security. ¾ Both sides discussed the existing defence cooperation
Work Together in Different Fields: activities and framework between the two countries,
z These countries could cooperate on a number of and ways to further enhance them under the existing
levels, whether it’s technologies, trade, climate, Malaysia India Defence Cooperation Meeting
fighting against Covid-19, or even security. (MIDCOM) framework.
The next MIDCOM is scheduled to held in July
What will be the Significance of I2U2 for India? 2022, and it was decided to use this platform for
¾ Advantage from Abraham Accords: a deeper engagement in defence.
India will get advantage of the Abraham Accords
What are the Key
to deepen engagement with Israel without risking
Points of India-Malaysia Relations?
its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.
¾ India established diplomatic relations with Malaysia
¾ Benefit Market:
in 1957.
India is a massive consumer market. It’s a massive
¾ Economic Relation: India and Malaysia have signed
producer of high-tech and highly sought-after Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
goods as well. India will benefit from this grouping. (CECA). CECA is a kind of Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
¾ Alliances: India has also signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
It will help India in building alliances — political in services and investments with the 10-member
alliances, social alliances. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Note:
z Malaysia is the third largest trading partner What are the Key Highlights of the Summit?
in ASEAN.
¾ Adopting the Beijing Declaration:
z Bilateralssss trade between India and Malaysia
It states that BRICS supports talks between Russia
is significantly biased in favour of Malaysia.
and Ukraine.
Defence & Security Cooperation: Joint military
The grouping is willing to support the United
exercises “Harimau Shakti” are held annually
between the two countries. Nations’ and the International Committee of the
Traditional medicine: India and Malaysia
Red Cross’s (ICRC) efforts to deliver humanitarian
have signed a MoU on cooperation in the aid to Ukraine.
field of Traditional Medicine in October 2010. Countries also expressed concerns about the
z The Government of Malaysia has been working situation in Taliban-held Afghanistan.

to popularize AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and ¾ Discussions on the Issues: ss
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine:
systems in Malaysia.
z Concerns over the humanitarian situation in and
z AYUSH systems are practiced in Malaysia.
around Ukraine and expressed their support to
Recent Developments: efforts of the UN Secretary-General, UN Agencies
z In 2020, India resumed purchases of Malaysian and International Committee of the Red Cross
palm oil after a gap of four-month following (ICRC) to provide humanitarian assistance in
a diplomatic row between the two countries. accordance with the basic principles of humanity,
z The former Prime Minister of Malaysia had neutrality and impartiality.
criticised India’s Citizenship Amendment Act Terrorism:
(CAA) which was considered as an interference
z While discussing terrorism and terror cooperation,
in the internal matter of India.
the BRICS countries said that only the UN Security
What is the Significance of Malaysia for India? council has the authority for imposing sanctions.
¾ As a country where 7.2 % of the population is of z On Afghanistan, BRICS countries called for
Indian origin, Malaysia assumes an important place “Afghanistan authorities to achieve national
in India’s foreign policy. reconciliation through dialogue and negotiation,
Surrounded by busy sea lines of communications and to establish a broad-based and inclusive and
such as the Strait of Malacca and the South China representative political structure”, adding that
Sea, Malaysia is also a key pillar of India’s Act East Afghan territory must not be used to shelter
policy and critical to India’s maritime connectivity terrorists or attack any other country.
strategies. Initiative on Denial of Safe Haven to Corruption:
z The BRICS Initiative on Denial of Safe Haven
14th BRICS Summit to Corruption aims to further strengthen

anti-corruption capacity building through
education and training programs and enhance
Why in News? anti-corruption exchanges and cooperation
Recently, Prime Minister of India attended the 14th within multilateral frameworks.
BRICS summit which was virtually hosted by China. Framework for Consumer Protection in E-commerce:
z The declaration welcomed the establishment

¾ Theme of the 14th BRICS Summit: Foster High-quality
BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global of the Digital Economy Working Group by
Development. upgrading the E-commerce Working Group.
¾ BRICS Plus virtual conference was also held as part z And the BRICS nations have agreed to promote
of the main meeting with ministers from countries, consumer protection in e-commerce by advancing
including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, the implementation of BRICS Framework for
Indonesia, Argentina, Nigeria, Senegal, and Thailand. Consumer Protection in E-commerce.
Note:
More Focus on Combating Transnational Drug z The arrangement is aimed at forestalling
Trafficking: short-term balance of payments pressures,
z The summit also expressed concern over the provide mutual support and strengthen
serious drug situation in the world. BRICS financial stability of the BRICS nations.
declaration appreciate BRICS Anti-Drug Working BRICS Payment System:
Group’s active role in combating transnational
z BRICS countries are trying to create a
drug trafficking and promoting global drug
payment system as an alternative to the
governance and will further strengthen drug
SWIFT payment system.
control cooperation.
z This has taken on a new urgency as post Ukraine
What is BRICS? war, Russia has been frozen out of SWIFT.

¾ About: Customs Agreements:
BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of z Customs agreement were signed to coordinate
the world’s leading emerging economies, and ease trade transport between BRICS
namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South countries
Africa. Launched of Remote Sensing Satellite:
In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined z A Remote Sensing constellation of satellites
the term BRIC to describe the four emerging has been launched – with 6 satellites including
economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. 2 from India, 2 from China, 1 from Russia,
The grouping was formalised during the first and 1 Brazil-China collaboration
meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers’ in 2006.
South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December
2010, after which the group adopted the acronym 24th ASEAN-India Meeting
BRICS.
¾ Share of BRICS: Why in News?
The BRICS brings together five of the largest
Recently, the 24th ASEAN-India Senior Official’s
developing countries of the world, representing
Meeting (SOM) was hosted in Delhi.
41% of the global population, 24% of the global
GDP and 16% of the global trade. ¾ India and ASEAN celebrated the 30th anniversary of
Chairmanship: their Dialogue Relations.
The chairmanship of the forum is rotated ¾ Earlier, the 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers’ (ADGMIN)
annually among the members, in accordance Meeting with India held, where two sides finalized
with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. India-ASEAN Digital work plan 2022 for future
India is the chair for 2021. collaboration in the field.
¾ Initiatives of the BRICS:
What is Association of Southeast Asian Nations?
New Development Bank:
¾ About:
z During the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza
(Brazil) in 2014, the leaders signed the
Agreement establishing the New Development
It was established in August 1967 in Bangkok,
Bank (NDB - Shanghai, China).
Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration
z It has so far approved 70 infrastructure and
(Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of
sustainable development projects worth. ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
Contingent Reserve Arrangement: Singapore and Thailand.
z In 2014, the BRICS governments had signed Its chairmanship rotates annually, based on
a treaty on the setting up of the contingent the alphabetical order of the English names of
reserve arrangement Member States.
Note:
ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 urgent area of convergence has been balancing
million people and a combined Gross Domestic China’s rise.
Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion. It is India’s z Both India and ASEAN aim to establish a
rules-based security architecture for peaceful
4th largest trading partner with about USD 86.9
development in the region, in contrast to China’s
billion in trade.
aggressive policies.
¾ Members:
¾ Areas of Cooperation:
ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian
Economic Cooperation:
states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, z ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner.
Thailand and Vietnam – into one organisation. z India signed FTA (Free Trade Agreement) in goods
in 2009 and an FTA in services and investments
What are the Key Highlights?
in 2014 with ASEAN.
¾ The SOM reviewed the ASEAN-India strategic z India has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation
partnership and its future direction. Agreement (CECA) with various countries of the
¾ The leaders made their assessment on the progress ASEAN region which has resulted in concessional
of cooperation under three pillars of Partnership – trade and a rise in investments.
Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural.
Political Cooperation:
¾ The meeting deliberated on the steps for further
z ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) was established
implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action
to undertake policy research, advocacy and
(2021-2025).
networking activities with organizations and
¾ The two sides exchanged views on regional and think-tanks in India and ASEAN.
international issues of mutual interest including
Financial Assistance:
the Covid-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery.
z India provides financial assistance to the
¾ Underlining the India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific,
ASEAN nations through various mechanism
emphasized the implementation of the ASEAN-India
Joint Statement on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook like ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-
on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) to strengthen the ASEAN-India India S&T Development Fund and ASEAN-India
Strategic Partnership. Green Fund.
¾ The ASEAN side appreciated India’s support to ASEAN Connectivity:
and ASEAN-led architecture in the region. z India has been undertaking several connectivity
projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral
How has Been the ASEAN-India Relations? (IMT) Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal
¾ About: Project.
ASEAN, a 10-nation grouping, is considered one of z India is also trying to establish a Maritime
the most influential groupings in Southeast Asia. Transportation Agreement with ASEAN and
India and several other countries, including the
also Plans for a Railway link between New Delhi
US, China, Japan and Australia, are its dialogue in India to Hanoi in Vietnam.
partners. Socio-Cultural Cooperation:
The ASEAN-India dialogue relations started with z Programmes to boost People-to-People
the establishment of a sectoral partnership in 1992. Interaction with ASEAN are organized, such
This graduated to full dialogue partnership in as inviting ASEAN students to India, Special
December 1995 and summit-level partnership Training Course for ASEAN diplomats, Exchange
in 2002. of Parliamentarians, etc.
Traditionally the basis of India-ASEAN ties has been Defence Cooperation:
trade and people-to-people ties due to shared z Joint Naval and Military exercises are conducted
historical and cultural roots, a more recent and between India and most ASEAN countries.
Note:
z Vietnam has traditionally been a close friend and whose foundation was laid in 2018 and which is
on defense issues, Singapore is also an equally set for completion by 2023 has helped build faith in
important partner. India recently.
¾ During the Indian PM’s visit to Nepal in 2014, he had
said India must start executing its projects timely.
West Seti Power Project: Nepal
¾ Nepal’s Constitution has a provision under which any
treaty or agreement with another country on natural
Why in News? resources will require Parliament’s ratification by
India will be taking over West Seti Hydropower at least a two-thirds majority. That will also mean
Project nearly four years after China withdrew from it, homework will be required before any hydro project
ending a six-year engagement between 2012 and 2018. is signed and given for execution.
¾ Earlier, the Indian Prime Minister visited Lumbini, ¾ Nepal has a massive power shortfall as it generates
where he celebrated 2566 th Buddha Jayanti only around 900 MW against an installed capacity of
nearly 2,000 MW. Although it is currently selling 364
celebrations, also Nepal invited India to invest in
MW power to India, it has over the years importing
West Seti Hydropower Project.
from India.
What is the West Seti Power Project? How have been
¾ It is a proposed 750-megawatt Hydropower Project, India-Nepal Diplomatic Ties?
which is to be built on the Seti river in far-western
¾ After a standoff between Nepal and India led to the
Nepal, which has remained on the drawing board for
economic blockade of 2015, equations changed after
the last six decades.
the new PM Deuba took over Oli, who visited India
¾ Lately, the government has remodeled the project recently where he decided to establish Fraternal Ties
as West Seti and Seti River (SR-6), a joint storage with India.
project, with the capacity to generate 1,200 megawatts ¾ Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies
of electricity. special significance in its foreign policy because of
¾ This storage or reservoir will fill up during the monsoon the geographic, historical, cultural and economic
season and the water will be drawn to generate linkages/ties that span centuries.
power during peak hours each day in the dry season. ¾ India and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism
Its success is expected to restore India’s image in and Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini
Nepal and give it weightage in future considerations located in present day Nepal.
for hydropower projects, when competition is ¾ The two countries not only share an open border
bound to be tough. West Seti, therefore, has the and unhindered movement of people, but they also
potential to be a defining model for Nepal India’s have close bonds through marriages and familial ties,
power relations in future. popularly known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.
¾ The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of
How have been India-Nepal Power relations?
1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations that
¾ Nepal is rich in power sources with around 6,000 exist between India and Nepal.
rivers and an estimated potential for 83,000 MW. ¾ Rivers originating in Nepal feed the perennial river
¾ Mahakali treaty was signed back in 1996, to produce systems of India in terms of ecology and hydropower
6,480 MW, but India has still not been able to come potential.
out with the Detailed project Report. ¾ However, the border issue erupted in November
¾ The Upper Karnali project, for which the multinational 2019 when Nepal had released a new political map
GMR signed the contract, has not made any headway that claims Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of
for years. Uttarakhand as part of Nepal’s territory. The area of
¾ India’s success in executing the 900-MW Arun Susta (West Champaran district, Bihar) can also be
Three project in eastern Nepal’s Sankhuwa Sabha, noted in the new map.
Note:
infrastructure projects to developing and middle-

48th G-7 Summit income countries.
¾ LiFE Campaign:
Why in News? Indian Prime Minister highlighted Global Initiative
Recently, at the 48th G7 Summit, Indian Prime Minister for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign.
The goal of this campaign is to encourage an eco-
invited the G7 Nations to tap into the huge market for
clean energy technologies emerging in the country. friendly lifestyle.
¾ Stand on Russia-Ukraine Crisis:
¾ Germany holds the presidency of the G7 in 2022.
Russia-Ukraine crisis has pushed the energy prices
¾ The German Presidency has invited Argentina, India,
to a record high, Indian Prime Minister addressed
Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa to the G7 Summit. the need for equal energy distribution amongst
the population of rich and poor nations.
What is Group of Seven (G7)?
On Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister reiterated
¾ It is an intergovernmental organisation that was
formed in 1975. his stand that there must be an immediate end to
the hostilities and a resolution should be reached
¾ The bloc meets annually to discuss issues of
by choosing the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
common interest like global economic governance,
international security and energy policy. What is Clean Energy Technology?
¾ The G7 countries are the UK, Canada, France,
¾ About:
Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.
It refers to any process, product or service that

¾ All the G7 countries and India are a part of G20.
reduces negative environmental impacts through
¾ The G7 does not have a formal charter or a significant energy efficiency improvements,
secretariat. The presidency, which rotates among sustainable use of resources or environmental
member countries each year, is in charge of setting protection activities.
the agenda. Sherpas, ministers and envoys hammer Clean energy technologies also endure economic
out policy initiatives before the summit. growth by enhancing the supply of energy demand
¾ As of 2022, G7 countries make up 10% of the world’s and tackling environmental challenges and their
population, 31% of global GDP, and 21% of global impacts due to the use of other conventional
carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Summit sources of energy and their impacts due to the use
website. China and India, the two most populous of other conventional sources of energy.
countries with among the largest GDP figures in Clean technology includes a broad range of
the world, are not part of the grouping. technology related to recycling, renewable energy
¾ In all G7 countries, annual public sector expenditure (Wind power, solar power, biomass, hydropower,
exceeded revenue in 2021. Most G7 countries also geothermal, biofuels, etc.), information technology,
had a high level of gross debt, especially Japan green transportation, electric motors, green
(263% of GDP), Italy (151%) and the US (133%). chemistry, lightning, greywater, etc.
¾ The G7 countries are important players in global ¾ Emerging Market for Clean Technology in India:
trade. The US and Germany in particular are major Governmental Regulations:
export nations. Both sold goods worth well over a z With a more active media and awareness of
trillion US dollars abroad in 2021. people towards the environment, India is driven
towards adopting a pro-environment stance in
What are the Other Highlights of G7 Summit? all its development strategies.
¾ PGII: Adopting Newer & Cleaner Technologies:
G7 announced the collective mobilization of z The adoption of newer and cleaner technologies
600 billion dollars by 2027 under Partnership will help India in leap frogging into the
for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) sustainable growth pathway as the Indian
to deliver “game-changing” and “transparent” economy grows at an unprecedented rate.
Note:
Global Climate Negotiations:
¾ The PGII is being seen as the G7’s counter to China’s
The current global negotiations on climate
z multi-trillion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to
change have put pressure on rapidly developing build connectivity, infrastructure, and trade projects
economies like India to adopt green technologies. in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
¾ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
What is Partnership for
The Indian market offers strong business prospects
for foreign investors. Global Infrastructure and Investment?
z India’s growing economy and surging demand ¾ About:
for clean power to strengthen energy security PGII is a “values-driven, high-impact, and
and reduce pollution, as well as ongoing transparent infrastructure partnership to meet
sector reforms, is making India one of the the enormous infrastructure needs of low and
most attractive destinations in the world for middle-income countries
environmentally-friendly investments. z And support the United States and its allies
¾ Low-carbon Technologies: economic and national security interests.
India is particularly well placed to become a global z Under the PGII, G7 will mobilize 600 billion
leader in renewable batteries and green hydrogen. dollars by 2027 to deliver “game-changing”
Other low-carbon technologies can create a market and “transparent” infrastructure projects to
worth up to 80 billion dollars in India by 2030. developing and middle-income countries.
¾ Development in India: z U.S. President announced the country’s pledge
India has achieved the target of 40% energy- to channel 200 billion USD in grants, public
capacity from non-fossil sources and 10% Ethanol- financing, and private capital over the next five
blending in petrol. years for the PGII.
India has the world’s first fully solar power z The European Commission President declared
operated airport. Europe’s pledge of mobilizing 300 billion euros
India is one of the largest energy producing countries for the partnership over the same period.
from renewable sources. In the electricity sector, ¾ Pillars of PGII:
renewable energy (excluding large hydro) accounted First: G7 grouping aims to tackle the climate crisis
for 20% of the total installed power capacity. and ensure global energy security through clean
energy supply chains.
Partnership for Global Second: The projects will focus on bolstering digital
Information and Communications technology
Infrastructure and (ICT) networks facilitating technologies such as 5G
Investment (PGII) and 6G internet connectivity and cybersecurity.
Fibre-optic cable project to link Europe and Latin
Why in News? America.

Recently, at the 48th G-7 Summit, the U.S. along with ¾ Third: The projects aim to advance gender equality
G7 allies unveiled the ambitious Partnership for Global and equity.
Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). ¾ Gender Equality: It requires equal enjoyment by women
and men of socially-valued goods, opportunities,
What is the Background? resources and rewards.
¾ The U.S. along with its allies had announced the launch ¾ Gender Equity: It recognizes that each person has
of the Build Back Better World (B3W) in 2021 with the different circumstances and allocates the exact
aim of narrowing the 40 trillion dollar infrastructure resources and opportunities needed to reach an
gap in the developing world. equal outcome.
Partnership for Global Infrastructure and ¾ Fourth: The project stresses upgrading global health
Investment is therefore a relaunch of the B3W plan. infrastructure.
Note:
¾ The U.S International Development Finance One is post-pandemic economic recovery, and
Corporation (DFC), along with the G7 nations and the other is the ongoing war between Ukraine
the EU are disbursing a 3.3 million USD technical and Russia.
assistance grant to build a vaccine facility in Senegal. ¾ Besides economy, trade and investment, the summit
¾ The European Commission’s Global Gateway initiative can be seen from the perspective of the concept of
is also undertaking projects supporting the PGII such the welfare state that goes along with capitalism and
as mRNA vaccine plants in Latin America. democratic practices, blending the welfare model
¾ Benefits to India: with the market economy.
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation ¾ India invited Nordic companies for investing in the
(DFC) will invest up to USD 30 million in Omnivore blue economy sector, especially in Sagarmala Project.
Agritech and Climate Sustainability Fund. India’s Arctic Policy provides a good framework
Climate Sustainability Fund: It is an impact venture

for expansion of India-Nordic cooperation in the
capital fund that invests in entrepreneurs building Arctic region.
the future of agriculture, food systems, climate, ¾ The Nordic countries reiterated their support for
and the rural economy in India. India’s permanent membership of a reformed and
The Fund seeks to invest in companies that
expanded United Nation Security Council.
increase food security and promote both climate ¾ At the inaugural edition of the summit in 2018,
resilience and climate adaptation in India and it the focus of the leadership was on global security,
will also improve the profitability and agricultural economic growth, innovation and climate change while
productivity of smallholder farms. emphasizing innovation and digital transformation
Omnivore Agritech: It is a technology driven
as a driver of growth.
agricultural practice that will increase agricultural The first summit sought to explore an extension of
prosperity and transform food systems to make the application to New Delhi’s flagship programmers
farming more resilient and sustainable. like Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and
z It includes farmer platforms, precision agriculture,
Clean India, besides the support of the Nordic
countries’ Sustainable Cities Project to India’s
Agri-biotech etc.
Smart Cities project.
At the first summit, the Nordic countries welcomed
India-Nordic India’s application for membership in the Nuclear
Countries Bilateral Talks Suppliers’ Group.

Why in News?
¾ India-Denmark: Discussed a wide range of issues of
Recently, the Prime Minister of India held a series of mutual interest to boost bilateral relations, including
bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Denmark, the war in Ukraine, the India-European Union (EU)
Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. free trade deal and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.
¾ At the meetings, a discussion was made regarding Agreed to further strengthen the Green Strategic
ways to further deepen bilateral ties and views were Partnership with a focus on green hydrogen,
exchanged on regional and global developments. renewable energy and wastewater management.
¾ The meeting was organized on the sidelines of the ¾ India-Norway: Both leaders discussed the potential
second India-Nordic Summit in the Danish capital, for deepening engagement in areas like Blue Economy,
Copenhagen. renewable energy, green hydrogen, solar and wind
projects, green shipping, fisheries, water management,
What is the Background rainwater harvesting, space cooperation, long term
of Second India-Nordic Summit? Infrastructure investment, health and culture.
¾ The second edition held against the backdrop of the Indian PM asserted that Norway is a key pillar of
two most significant events that affected the world. India’s recently announced Arctic Policy.
Note:
¾ India-Sweden: During the meeting, the two leaders ¾ The Danish Prime Minister confirmed Danish accession
took stock of the progress in the Joint Action Plan to the Global Digital Health Partnership on India’s
and appreciated the expanding scope of the jointly invitation to improve public health and well-being
launched Leadership Group on Industry Transition through evidence-based digital technologies.
(LeadIT) initiative.
This was an India-Sweden joint global initiative to What is the
set up a Leadership Group on Industry Transition Status of India-Denmark Ties?
(LeadIT) in September 2019 at the UN Climate ¾ Background: The diplomatic relations between India
Action Summit to help guide the world’s heaviest and Denmark, established in September 1949, are
greenhouse gas emitting industries toward a low- marked by regular high-level exchanges.
carbon economy.
Both countries share historical links, common
During the 2018 visit of Prime Minister Modi to
democratic traditions and a shared desire for
Sweden, the two sides adopted a wide-ranging regional, as well as international peace and stability.
Joint Action Plan to take forward a wide range
Bilateral relations were elevated to the level of
of initiatives in defense, trade and investment,
“Green Strategic Partnership” during the Virtual
renewable energy, smart cities, women’s skill
Summit held in 2020.
development, space and science and healthcare etc.
¾ India-Iceland: Both leaders discussed ways to further What is Green Strategic Partnership?
strengthen economic cooperation especially in the ¾ The Green Strategic Partnership is a mutually
sectors of geothermal energy, Blue Economy, Arctic, beneficial arrangement to advance political
renewable energy, fisheries, food processing, education cooperation, expand economic relations and green
including digital universities, and culture. growth, create jobs, and strengthen cooperation on
Discussions also took place on expediting the addressing global challenges and opportunities; with
India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) a focus on an ambitious implementation of the Paris
trade negotiations. Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable
¾ India-Finland: Discussions were done regarding Development Goals.
opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields
¾ India and Denmark both have ambitious goals
of new and emerging technologies like Artificial
within the climate agenda.
Intelligence, quantum computing, future mobile
technologies, clean technologies and smart grids. ¾ India is the world’s third-largest CO2 emitter and
Indian PM invited Finnish companies to partner by 2030, the country is expected to have doubled
with Indian companies and take advantage of the its carbon emissions.
enormous opportunities that the Indian market ¾ The Danish government has the ambition to reduce
presents, particularly in telecom infrastructure
and digital transformations. CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 and aims to undertake
international leadership on SDG 7 on affordable
and clean energy.
India and Denmark ¾ By partnering, India and Denmark will demonstrate
to the world that delivering on ambitious climate
Why in News? and sustainable energy goals is possible.
During the Indian Prime Minister’s Visit to Denmark, ¾ Commercial and Economic Relations: Bilateral trade
India and Denmark agreed to further strengthen the Green in goods and services between India and Denmark
Strategic Partnership with a focus on green hydrogen, has grown by 78%, from USD 2.8 billion in 2016 to
renewable energy and wastewater management. USD 5 billion in 2021.
¾ Further, India conveyed its acceptance of the The major export items from India to Denmark
Danish invitation to join the International Center are textiles, apparels and yarns related, vehicles
for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) as a and components, metal goods, iron and steel,
Mission Partner. footwear, and travel goods.
Note:
Major Danish exports to India are medicinal/

pharmaceutical goods, power generating machinery, Indian PM’s Visit to
industrial machinery, metal waste and ore, and
organic chemicals.
European Countries
¾ Cultural Exchange: India’s 75th Independence Why in News?
Day was celebrated in Copenhagen with a great
The Prime Minister (PM) of India is on visit to three
enthusiasm with a flag hoisting ceremony and European countries namely, Germany, Denmark and
vibrant Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, France. This foreign visit comes at a time Europe is
attended by a large number of the diaspora. witnessing the Russia-Ukraine War.
Indian community in Denmark include IT ¾ The visit of Indian PM highlights the importance India
professionals, doctors and engineers. attaches to its ties with Europe.
Important streets and public places have been
named after Indian leaders which include the What is the Significance of the Visit?
Gandhi Plaene (Gandhi Park), Copenhagen and ¾ India-Germany Relations:
a Nehru Road near Aarhu University in Aarhus.
Background: Germany is one of India’s most
International Center for important partners in Europe, with deep bilateral

Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) relations, and because of its key role in the
¾ The idea of an international independent research European Union.
and knowledge centre focusing on intervention z India was among the first countries to establish
and implementation research in low- and middle- diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of
income countries was fostered through talks Germany after World War II (WWII).
between Denmark and the World Bank during fall z India and Germany have a ‘Strategic Partnership’
2017 and spring 2018. since May 2000, and it has been strengthened
¾ At a meeting in March 2018, it was agreed that with the launch of the Inter-Governmental
there was an unmet need in this area, and that it Consultations (IGC) in 2011 at the level of heads
was important to pursue the idea further, exploring of government.
whether Denmark could initiate and host such a z India is among a select group of countries with
centre given its long history of working in One which Germany has such a dialogue mechanism.
Health. Significance: Germany has made key strategic
¾ In November 2018, the Danish Government formally choices in the Russia-Ukraine war.
announced its ambition to establish ICARS. z It has promised to reduce its energy dependence
Global Digital Health Partnership on Russia and decided to increase defence
¾ The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is spending — a significant move, given its post-
an international collaboration of governments, WWII posture.
government agencies and multinational organisations z With India too dependent on Russia for
dedicated to improving the health and well-being defence supplies, it will be important for India
of their citizens through the best use of evidence- and Germany to exchange notes on strategic
based digital technologies. choices — and moving away from Russia for
¾ It was established in February 2018, to provide an their respective needs.
opportunity for transformational engagement ¾ India-Denmark Relations:
between its participants.
Background: Bilateral relations were elevated to
¾ Australia was the host country for the inaugural
the level of a “Green Strategic Partnership” during
summit in 2018. the Virtual Summit held in September 2020.
¾ The ‘4th Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’
z The first India-Nordic Summit took place in
was held in February, 2019 in New Delhi.
April 2018 to explore new areas of cooperation.
Note:
z This format is special; the only other country z A Cooperation Agreement signed in 1994
with which the Nordic countries — Sweden, broadened the relationship to include ministerial
Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland — have meetings and a political dialogue.
this kind of engagement is with the US. z These ties have expanded to include political and
Significance: Nordic countries are pioneers in security issues, climate change and clean energy,
innovation, clean energy, green technologies, information and communications technology,
education, health-care, human rights, rule of space and nuclear, health, agriculture and food
law. This presents enormous opportunities for security, and education and culture.
India to expand its own strengths by collaborating Significance of the Visit: The visit to Europe is likely
with these countries. to set the stage for the India-EU summit and a
z Also, India presents an ideal opportunity to boost in Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which
have been ongoing for a decade and a half now.
these countries because of its large market.
z Many new flagship schemes have been launched
by India — like Make in India, Smart Cities Twin Hurdles
Mission, Start-up India, Clean Ganga etc — in Hinder India’s Maritime Role
which Nordic countries can take active part and
provide their expertise.
Why in News?
¾ India-France Relations:
Recently, QUAD grouping consisting of India,
Background: India and France have traditionally
Australia, Japan and the US rolled out an Indo-Pacific
had close relations.
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) initiative for
z In 1998, the two entered into a Strategic information sharing and maritime surveillance across the
Partnership, with defence & security cooperation, Indo Pacific region.
space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation ¾ But Infrastructure constraints and continued delay
being its pillars. in posting Indian liaison officers limit India’s ability
z India and France also have a robust economic to further expand its role.
partnership, and are increasingly engaged in
new areas of cooperation. What is the Indo Pacific Maritime
z France was among the few western countries to Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA)?
not condemn India after the 1998 Pokhran tests. ¾ The IPMDA initiative was announced at the Quad
z It has continued to support India’s claim for Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022 to track “dark
permanent membership of the United Nations shipping” and to build a “faster, wider, and more
Security Council. accurate maritime picture of near-real-time activities
z France’s support was vital in India’s accession in partners’ waters” integrating three critical regions
to the Missile Technology Control Regime, in the Indo-Pacific — the Pacific Islands, Southeast
Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group. Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Dark ships are vessels with their Automatic
z France continues to support India’s bid for
Identification System (AIS) - a transponder system
accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
- switched off so as not to be detectable.
z France has also supported India’s requests to
¾ It will also allow tracking other tactical-level activities,
block attempts by Pakistan to enlist Indian citizens
such as rendezvous at sea, as well as improve partners’
under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee.
ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events
¾ India-Europe Relations: and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many
Background: India in 1962 had been one of the Indo-Pacific economies.
first countries to establish diplomatic relations ¾ The IPMDA will help QUAD countries as well as littoral
with the European Economic Community — the states in the backdrop of expanding Chinese naval
precursor of the European Union. presence across the region.
Note:
¾ This will further increase the existing role of Indian established by the Government of India at Gurugram
Liaison Officers in building linkages with various in December 2018 to further Maritime Safety and
agencies in their home countries. Security in the Indian Ocean Region.
What are the Two ¾ IFC-IOR was envisaged to address the very need
to promote collaboration for maritime safety and
Issues that Limit India’s Role?
security in view of the region’s importance with
¾ Infrastructure Constraints: This includes not only respect to world trade and security.
shipbuilding and ship repair but also modernisation ¾ Since its inception, the Centre has established
and hinterland connectivity through rail and road working level linkages with more than 50 nations
network for integrated development of both the and multinational/ maritime security centers.
coastal and the interior regions of India.
It also includes coastal shipping. Due to infrastructure
constraints, India cannot induct the postings of Chinese Bridge
International Liaison Officers (ILO) at the Indian on Pangong Tso
Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean
Region (IFC-IOR). Why in News?
z India has signed white shipping exchange
Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed
agreements with 22 countries and one multi- that China is building a second bridge on the Pangong
national grouping. Tso lake.
¾ The site of the bridge is around 20 km east of Finger
z The white shipping information refers to an
8 on the lake’s north bank – where the Line of Actual
exchange of relevant advance information on
Control (LAC) passes.
the identity and movement of commercial non-
military merchant vessels. ¾ However, the actual distance by road is more than 35
km between the bridge site and Finger 8.
z Ships can be classified into white (commercial
ships), grey (military vessels), and black (illegal What are the Key Points?
vessels).
¾ The construction site is just east of Khurnak Fort,
z It is not just important to have ILOs in India, but
where China has major frontier defence bases.
also equally important that Indian Navy officers
¾ China calls it Rutong Country.
be posted at similar centers in other countries.
¾ It has a frontier defence company at the Khurnak
¾ Continued Delay in Posting Indian Liaison Officers
Fort, and further east, a water squadron deployed
at other facilities and centers in the region:
at Banmozhang.
Proposals to post Indian Naval Liaison Officers
¾ Although it is being built in territory that is under
(LO) at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion China’s control since 1958, the exact point is just west
Centre (RMIFC), Madagascar, and the Regional of India’s claim line.
Coordination Operations Centre, Seychelles, have
¾ The Ministry of External Affairs considers the area as
been pending for more than two years.
illegally occupied by China.
Another proposal to post an LO at the European-
led mission in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASOH) Pangong Tso
in Abu Dhabi has also not been approved so far. ¾ Pangong Tso is a 135-km long landlocked lake
There is a delay in continuing the present LOs as located at an altitude of over 14,000 feet i.e., 4350
well. For instance, India has had an LO at the IFC m above sea level.
in Singapore since 2009. ¾ Indian and China have around one-third and two-
thirds of Pangong Tso Lake respectively.
What is the Information India has around 45 km of Pangong Tso under
Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)? its control while approximately 60% of the lake,
¾ The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean in terms of length, lies in China,
Region (IFC-IOR) hosted by the Indian Navy, was The eastern end of Pangong Tso lies in Tibet.
Note:
The lake, a glacial melt, has mountain spurs of the
¾
Chang Chenmo range jetting down, referred to as
Nagorno-Karabakh Region
fingers.
¾ It is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world Why in News?
that is filled with saline water. Recently, protests against possible concessions by
However, even though it is a saline water lake, Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh which is disputed with
Pangong Tso freezes completely. neighboring Azerbaijan, have increased.
The brackish water of this region has very low ¾ In September 2020, clashes broke out that rapidly
micro-vegetation. escalated to become the deadliest since the 1990s.
No aquatic life or fish, except crustaceans during
What is Nagorno-Karabakh Region?
winters are found.
¾ It is a kind of endorheic basin, which implies that
¾ About:
it retains its water and does not allow outflow of Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous and heavily
its water to other external water bodies, such as forested region that under international law is
oceans and rivers. recognised as part of Azerbaijan.
z However, ethnic Armenians who constitute
¾ Pangong Tso is popular for its changing colour ability.
the vast majority of the population there reject
Its colour changes from shades of blue to green
Azeri rule (the legal system of Azerbaijan).
to red.
After Azerbaijan’s troops were pushed out of the
Why does China region following a war in the 1990s, these ethnic
Armenians have been in administrative control of
choose this Location?
Nagorno-Karabakh, with support from Armenia.
¾ The constructions are a direct outcome of the ongoing ¾ Strategic Significance:
standoff that began in May 2020.
The energy-rich Azerbaijan has built several gas
¾ The location is the consequence of an operation and oil pipelines across the Caucasus (the region
conducted by the Indian Army in August 2020 where between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea) to
Indian troops outmaneuvered the People’s Liberation Turkey and Europe.
Army to occupy the heights of Kailash Range in the Some of these pipelines pass close to the conflict
Chushul sub-sector on the south bank of Pangong Tso. zone (within 16 km of the border).
¾ The positions allowed India to dominate the strategically In an open war between the two countries, the
significant Spanggur Gap, which could be used to pipelines could be targeted, which would impact
launch an offensive as China had done in 1962. energy supplies and may even lead to higher oil
¾ Also, India got a direct view of China’s Moldo Garrison prices globally.
(China’s military base). This was a cause of immense
concern for the Chinese. What is the Genesis of the Conflict?
¾ After this operation, the Indian Army also readjusted ¾ Background of the Conflict: The conflict can be
on the lake’s north bank to position themselves above traced back to the pre-Soviet era when the region
Chinese positions. was at the meeting point of Ottoman, Russian and
the Persian empires.
¾ The north bank was one of the first friction points to
Once Azerbaijan and Armenia became Soviet
have come up in May 2020.
Republics in 1921, Russia (erstwhile Sovient Union)
During this jostling, warning shots were fired for gave Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan but offered
the first time by both sides, a first in over four autonomy to the contested region.
decades. In the 1980s, when the Soviet power was receding,
¾ New bridge will allow Chinese troops to slash travel separatist currents picked up in Nagorno-Karabakh.
time from around 12 hours at the moment to around In 1988, the national assembly voted to dissolve
four hours. the region’s autonomous status and join Armenia.
Note:
However, Azerbaijan suppressed such calls, which Why are Sweden and
led to a military conflict. Finland Not NATO Members?
z Flash Point of Conflict: The self-declaration
¾ Finland:
of independence by Nagorno-Karabakh in
It has stayed out of such alliances because it always
September 1991 in the backdrop of an imminent
wanted to maintain cordial relations with its
collapse of the USSR resulted in a war between
neighbour, Russia.
Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh — supported
For a long time, the idea of not joining NATO or
by Armenia.
getting too close to the West was a matter of
z Ceasefire: This clash lasted till a ceasefire
survival for the Finns.
agreement was reached in 1994, mediated
z However, the change in perception and an
largely by Russia. Since then, the Organization
overwhelming support to join NATO came about
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Minsk Group co-chaired by the USA, Russia and
¾ Sweden:
France have engaged Azerbaijan and Armenia
extensively to resolve the conflict. Unlike Finland, whose policy stance was a matter
of survival, Sweden has been opposed to joining
By that time, Armenia had taken control of Nagorno-
the organisation for ideological reasons.
Karabakh and handed it to Armenian rebels.
What would a Membership
What is the Role of India?
mean and will it Benefit NATO as well?
¾ With Armenia, India has a friendship and cooperation
treaty (signed in 1995), which, incidentally, would ¾ Give Security Guarantee:
prohibit India from providing military or any other Being a member of NATO will give the nations a
assistance to Azerbaijan. security guarantee under the alliance’s “Article
5” on collective defence.
¾ In the case of Azerbaijan, ONGC/OVL has made
z The article essentially guarantees a military
investments in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan and
GAIL is exploring the possibilities of cooperation in LNG. response and protection by NATO countries if
any member of the organisation comes under
Azerbaijan also falls on the International North
attack.
South Transport Corridor (INSTC) route, connecting
¾ Strengthen the Alliance’s Position:
India with Russia through Central Asia.
Finland’s geographical location plays in its favour
It can also connect India with Turkey and beyond
as once it becomes a member, the length of borders
through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars passenger and
Russia shares with NATO would double and it
freight rail link.
would also strengthen the alliance’s position in
¾ Armenia extends its unequivocal support to India on the Baltic Sea.
Kashmir issue whereas Azerbaijan not only opposess
¾ Counter Russia’s Aggression:
but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative on this issue.
More sovereign powers siding with the west and
¾ India does not have a publicly articulated policy for
increasing its strength is a direct blow to Russia.
the South Caucasus — unlike “Neighbourhood First”,
If Sweden and Finland do join NATO, especially
“Act East” or “Central Asia Connect”.
under these circumstances, “it would show Russia
The region has remained on the periphery of its
that the war is counterproductive and it only
foreign policy radar. strengthens Western unity, resolve and military
preparedness”.
NATO Membership How have Russia and other Countries Reacted?
for Finland and Sweden ¾ Russia:
Why in News? Russia threatened to take military measures if the
Recently, Finland and Sweden have shown interest membership goes through and warned Finland
to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). to be aware of the consequences of this move.
Note:
¾ European and US: Political objectives: NATO promotes democratic
European Nations and the United States have
values and enables members to consult and
welcomed the announcement. cooperate on defense and security-related issues
z Norway and Denmark have said they will push to solve problems, build trust and, in the long
for NATO admission faster. run, prevent conflict.
z Until the membership is formally accepted, the Military Objectives: NATO is committed to the
US stated it is prepared to provide any necessary peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic
defence support or address any concerns. efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake
¾ Turkey: crisis-management operations.
Turkey opposes Finland and Sweden joining NATO. z These are carried out under the collective
The Turkish government claimed that it could use

defence clause of NATO’s founding treaty
its membership in the Western alliance to veto - Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or
moves to admit the two nations. under a United Nations mandate, alone or
in cooperation with other countries and
The Turkish government cited Sweden and other
international organisations.
Scandinavian countries for supporting Kurdish
z NATO has only once invoked Article 5, on 12th
militants and other groups it considers terrorist.
September 2001 following the 9/11 attacks
What is NATO? on the World Trade Center in the US.
¾ It is a military alliance established by the North
Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty)
of April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and
WHO Reforms
several Western European nations to provide
collective security against the Soviet Union. Why in News?
¾ There are currently 30 member states. Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the Second
Its original members were Belgium, Canada, Global Covid Virtual Summit of the World Health
Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Organisation (WHO), where he emphasized on WHO
the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Reforms.
Kingdom, and the United States. ¾ The Indian government has repeatedly raised the
Joining the original signatories were Greece and need to reform WHO at multilateral forums such as
Turkey (1952), West Germany (1955, from 1990 the G20 and BRICS this year (2021-22). India’s calls
as Germany), Spain (1982), the Czech Republic, for WHO reforms, especially after the body’s initial
Hungary, and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, have been backed
Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia by countries around the world.
(2004), Albania and Croatia (2009), Montenegro
(2017), and North Macedonia (2020). What are the Reforms Suggested by India?
France withdrew from the integrated military ¾ Strengthening the Public Health Emergency of
command of NATO in 1966 but remained a International Concern (PHEIC) declaration process:
member of the organization, it resumed its It is important to devise objective criteria with
position in NATO’s military command in 2009. clear parameters for declaring PHEIC.
¾ Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
The emphasis must be on transparency and
¾ Headquarters of Allied Command Operations: promptness in the declaration process.
Mons, Belgium. A PHEIC implies a situation that is:
What are the Objectives of NATO? z Serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;

¾ NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard z Carries implications for public health beyond
the freedom and security of all its members by the affected State’s national border; and
political and military means. z May require immediate international action.
Note:
¾ Funding: outbreaks the role of the Independent Oversight

Most of the financing for Programmatic Activities of and Advisory Committee (IOAC), responsible for
the WHO comes from extra budgetary contributions, the performance of the WHO Health Emergencies
which though voluntary in nature, are normally Programme (WHE), becomes extremely crucial.
earmarked. The WHO enjoys very little flexibility It is important that the member States have a
in the use of these funds. greater say in the functioning of the WHO, given
There is a need to ensure that extra budgetary or that it is the States which are responsible for
voluntary contributions are unearmarked to ensure implementation on the grounds of the technical
that the WHO has the necessary flexibility for its advice and recommendations coming from the WHO.
usage in areas where they are required the most. There is a need to devise specific mechanisms like
There is also a need to look at increasing the a Standing Committee of the Executive Board to
regular budget of the WHO so that most of the ensure effective supervision by member States.
core activities of the WHO are financed from it, ¾ Improvement in IHR Implementation:
without putting an overwhelming financial burden The Member States have a self-reporting obligation
on developing countries. under IHR (International Health Regulations) 2005.
¾ Ensuring transparency of funding mechanism and However, review of IHR implementation is voluntary.
accountability framework: z IHR (2005), represents a binding international
There is no collaborative mechanism wherein legal agreement involving 196 countries across
the actual projects and activities are decided in the globe, including all the Member States of
consultation with member states, there is no review the WHO.
with respect to value for money and whether z Their aim is to help the international community
projects are being done as per the member states prevent and respond to acute public health
priorities or if there are abnormal delays. risks that have the potential to cross borders
Establishing strong and robust financial accountability and threaten people worldwide.
frameworks will enable maintaining integrity in z The review of the IHR implementation should
financial flows. continue to be on a voluntary basis.
It is also crucial to establish a significant amount z It is critical to accord priority to enhance
of transparency with respect to data reporting and international cooperation, which should be
disbursement of funds for increased accountability. directed at aiding developing countries in areas
¾ Enhancement of the Response Capacities of the which they have been identified as lacking the
WHO and Member States: necessary capacity to implement the IHR.
Implementation of the IHR 2005 has highlighted ¾ Access to Therapeutics, Vaccines and Diagnostics:
critical gaps in the basic health infrastructure of It has been felt that the TRIPS flexibilities provided
member States. This has become more evident in for public health, under Doha Declaration, may not
their dealing with COVID 19 pandemic. be sufficient to deal with crises such as Covid-19
It is important that the programmatic activities pandemic.
carried out by the WHO, under its General It is important to ensure fair, affordable, and
Programme of Work, should focus on building equitable access to all tools for combating
and strengthening capacities in member states as Covid-19 pandemic and, therefore, the need to
required under IHR 2005, which are found lacking build a framework for their allocation.
or deficient on the basis of the self-reporting on ¾ Creation of Global Framework for Management of
IHR 2005 done by the Member States. Infectious Diseases & Pandemics:
¾ Improvement of the WHO’s Governance Structure: There is a need to create a monitoring mechanism
Being a technical Organisation, most of the work in and support to member states on International
WHO is done in Technical Committees composed Health Regulations, preparedness of infrastructure,
of independent experts. Moreover, considering the human resources and relevant health systems
growing risks associated with emergence of disease capacities such as testing and surveillance systems.
Note:
Enhancement of capacities of countries in
¾ India has progressively continued decoupling economic
preparation for and response to infectious diseases growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
of pandemic potential, including guidance on ¾ Ambitious implementation of climate actions by
effective public health and economic measures for developing countries is contingent on the ambitious
health emergencies by leveraging a multidisciplinary and adequate delivery of climate finance, technology
approach which includes social science alongside transfer, and other implementation support, as
health and natural sciences. mandated by the United Nations Framework
¾ Role of Hosted Partnerships in Pandemic Management: Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the
The risks imposed on humankind by new influenza
Paris Agreement.
viruses causing more disease outbreaks are very real. ¾ BRICS nations expressed optimism towards the delivery
of climate finance as per the Glasgow decision and
There is an urgent need for the global community
the Climate Finance Delivery Plan released by the
to address this issue by making bold efforts and
COP 26 Presidency.
ensuring vigilance and preparedness in our
healthcare systems. ¾ BRICS Environment Ministers expressed commitment
to strengthen collaboration on climate change and
The primary objective should be to improve capacity
broaden and deepen the contents of cooperation.
for global pandemic prevention, preparedness,
and response, and strengthening our ability to ¾ Further, the countries agreed to carry out policy
exchanges and cooperation in areas of environment
fight back any such pandemic in future.
and climate change.
BRICS High Level What is BRICS?

¾ BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s
Meeting on Climate Change leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia,
India, China, and South Africa.
Why in News? In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined
Recently, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest the term BRIC to describe the four emerging
and Climate Change participated in the BRICS high-level economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
meeting on Climate Change where he highlighted the The grouping was formalised during the first
relevance of the forum to jointly address climate change, meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers’ in 2006.
to explore approaches to accelerate low-carbon and South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December
resilient transition, and to achieve sustainable recovery 2010, after which the group adopted the acronym
and development. BRICS.
¾ The Meeting was chaired by People’s Republic of ¾ The BRICS brings together five of the largest
China and was attended by Environment Ministers developing countries of the world, representing
of BRICS nations including Brazil, Russia, India and 41% of the global population, 24% of the global
South Africa. GDP and 16% of the global trade.
¾ The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually
among the members, in accordance with the
¾ India underscored its commitment to strong climate acronym B-R-I-C-S.
action including the promotion of sustainable lifestyles
India was the chair for 2021.
based on mindful consumption and reduction of waste.
¾ During the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza (Brazil) in
¾ India is today leading by example by taking several
2014, the leaders signed the Agreement establishing
robust steps in the field of renewable energy, sustainable
the New Development Bank (NDB - Shanghai,
habitats, creation of carbon sinks through additional
China). They also signed the BRICS Contingent
forest and tree cover, transition to sustainable
Reserve Arrangement to provide short-term liquidity
transport, E-mobility, mobilizing the private sector
support to the members.
to make climate commitments, etc.
Note:
It envisages joining forces to counteract emerging

SCO ‘Regional Anti-Terrorist challenges and threats, and enhance trade, as well
Structure (RATS)’ Meeting as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan,
China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were
Why in News? members of the Shanghai Five.
Recently, a meeting held between the member z Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of
nations of the SCO under the framework of the SCO’s border demarcation and demilitarization talks
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). It is the first which the four former Soviet republics held
such meeting in India since Russia’s evasion of Ukraine with China to ensure stability along the borders.
and China’s transgression along the Line of actual control. Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the
¾ In the SCO-RATS meeting agenda to boost cooperation organization in 2001, the Shanghai Five was
in fighting different global and regional security renamed the SCO.
challenges have been discussed.
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered
¾ India was the chairman of the Council of Regional into force in 2003. The SCO’s official languages are
Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO). Russian and Chinese.
z SCO has two Permanent Bodies:
What is the Agenda Discussed in the Meeting?
z SCO Secretariat in Beijing,
¾ Situation of Afghanistan and security concerns raised
Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-
due to the fall of Afghanistan in the hands of the
Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
Taliban was the main agenda of the meeting.
Member Nations: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan,
¾ India has expressed a strong desire to strengthen its
Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan.
security cooperation with the SCO and its Regional
Anti-Terrorism Structure, which focus on security Recently, Iran’s bid to become a full member of
and defence matters. the SCO has been approved.
What is Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure-SCO?

Investment
¾ SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the Sanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO). Incentive Agreement (IIA)
¾ It is promoting coordination and interaction between
the SCO member states as per as fight against terrorism, Why in News?
extremism and separatism are concern. Recently, India and the United States signed an
¾ The main functions of SCO-RATS are information Investment Incentive Agreement (IIA) at Tokyo, Japan.
sharing.
¾ As a member, India has actively participated in the What is an Investment
activities of SCO-RATS. Incentive Agreement (IIA)?
¾ India’s permanent membership would enable it to ¾ About:
generate greater understanding among members This IIA supersedes the Investment Incentive
for its perspective. Agreement signed between both the countries
in the year 1997.
What is the
There have been significant developments since the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization? earlier IIA was signed in 1997, such as the founding
¾ About: of a new organization called Development Finance
SCO was created in 2001. Corporation (DFC).
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) z DFC as a successor agency of the erstwhile
was established as a multilateral association to Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
ensure security and maintain stability across the after the enactment of a recent legislation of
vast Eurasian region. USA, the BUILD Act 2018.
Note:
¾ Purpose: India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership
To keep pace with the additional investment was launched at the Leaders climate summit 2021.
support programmes, offered by the DFC, such ¾ Defence Cooperation:
as debt, equity investment, investment guaranty, Defence relationship has emerged as a major
investment insurance or reinsurance, feasibility pillar of India-US strategic partnership with the
studies for potential projects and grants. signing of ‘New Framework for India-US Defense
The Agreement is the legal requirement for DFC, Relations’ in 2005 which was further updated for
to continue providing investment support in India. 10 years in 2015.
It is expected that signing of IIA would lead India and US inked important defence pacts in the
to enhanced Investment support provided by last few years and also formalised the four nation
DFC in India, which shall further help in India’s alliance of QUAD (India, US, Japan and Australia).
development. z The alliance is seen as an important counter to
China in the Indo-Pacific.
What is the Status of DFC in India?
The Malabar exercise in November 2020 portrayed
¾ DFC or their predecessor agencies have been active in a high point in Indo-US strategic ties, it was the first
India since 1974 and have so far provided investment time in 13 years that all four countries of QUAD
support worth USD 5.8 billion of which USD 2.9 billion came together sending a strong message to China.
is still outstanding.
India now has access to American bases from
¾ Proposals worth USD 4 billion are under consideration Djibouti in Africa to Guam in the Pacific. It can
by DFC for providing investment support in India. also access advanced communication technology
¾ DFC has provided investment support in sectors that used in US defence.
matter for development such as Covid-19 vaccine India and US have four foundational defence
manufacturing, healthcare financing, renewable energy, agreements:
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) financing,
z Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement
financial inclusion, infrastructure etc.
for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).
What is the current z General Security of Military Information
Status of India-US Relations? Agreement (GSOMIA).

z Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
¾ About:
(LEMOA).
India-US bilateral relations have developed into
z Communication Compatibility and Security
a “global strategic partnership”, based on shared
Agreement (COMCASA).
democratic values and increasing convergence of
interests on bilateral, regional and global issues. India-US Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Initiative
In 2015, both the countries issued a Delhi

was signed in 2010 to expand collaboration
Declaration of Friendship and adopted a Joint on counter-terrorism, information sharing and
Strategic Vision for Asia-Pacific and the Indian capacity building.
Ocean Region. A tri-services exercise– Tiger Triumph- was
¾ Civil-Nuclear Deal: conducted in November 2019.

The bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement Bilateral and regional exercises include: Yudh
was signed in October 2008. Abhyas (Army); Vajra Prahar (Special Forces);
¾ Energy and Climate Change:
RIMPAC; Red Flag.
¾ Trade:
As a priority initiative under the PACE (Partnership
to Advance Clean Energy), the US Department of The US is India’s second largest trading partner
Energy (DOE) and the Government of India have and a major destination for India’s exports of
established the Joint Clean Energy Research and goods and services.
Development Center (JCERDC) designed to promote The US replaced Mauritius as the second largest
clean energy innovations by teams of scientists source of foreign direct investment into India
from India and the United States. during 2020-21.
Note:
The previous US government ended India’s special

economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness
trade status (GSP withdrawal) and also imposed in the Indo-Pacific region.
several bans, India also retaliated with bans on The IPEF was launched with a dozen initial partners
28 US products. who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
¾ Science & Technology: ¾ Opportunity for Indo-Pacific Region:
Indian Space Res India’s Prime Minister participated It is a declaration of a collective desire to make the
in an event in Tokyo to launch the Indo-Pacific Indo-Pacific region an engine of global economic
Economic Framework (IPEF). growth.
earch Organization (ISRO) and National Aeronautics ¾ An Economic Vision:
and Space Administration (NASA) are working The Indo-Pacific covers half the population of the
together to realize a joint microwave remote world and more than 60% of the global GDP and
sensing satellite for Earth observation, named the nations who will join this framework in the
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Ape future, are signing up to work toward an economic
rture Radar (NISAR). vision that will deliver for all people.
¾ Focus Areas: Unlike traditional trade blocs, IPEF won’t
negotiate tariffs or market access, and the framework
Indo-Pacific will focus on integrating partner countries in four
Economic Framework areas which include:
z Trade: It intends to build high-standard, inclusive,
Why in News? free, and fair-trade commitments and develop

new and creative approaches in trade and
Recently,This economic initiative came a day before technology policy that advance a broad set of
the second in-person summit of the Quad leaders (India, objectives that fuels economic activity and
the US, Australia and Japan) in Tokyo. investment, promotes sustainable and inclusive
economic growth, and benefits workers and
What is QUAD?
consumers.
¾ It is the grouping of four democracies –India,
z Supply Chains: IPEF is committed to improving
Australia, the US, and Japan.
transparency, diversity, security, and sustainability
¾ All four nations find a common ground of being
in supply chains to make them more resilient
democratic nations and also support the common and well-integrated.
interest of unhindered maritime trade and security.
z To coordinate crisis response measures; expand
¾ The Quad is billed as four democracies with a shared
cooperation to better prepare for and mitigate
objective to ensure and support a “free, open and the effects of disruptions to better ensure
prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. business continuity; improve logistical efficiency
¾ The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese and support; and ensure access to key raw and
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the processed materials, semiconductors, critical
idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out minerals, and clean energy technology.
of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure. Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure:
¾ Finally in 2017, India, Australia, the US, and Japan, In line with the Paris Agreement goals and
came together and formed this “quadrilateral” efforts to support the livelihood of peoples and
coalition. workers, it plans to accelerate the development
and deployment of clean energy technologies to
What is the Significance of IPEF? decarbonize our economies and build resilience
¾ About: to climate impacts.
It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen z This also involves deepening cooperation on
economic partnership among participating countries technologies, on mobilizing finance, including
to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, concessional finance, and on seeking ways
Note:
to improve competitiveness and enhance The exercise is aimed at developing a high

connectivity by supporting the development degree of interoperability and joint operational
of sustainable and durable infrastructure and skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum
by providing technical assistance. of maritime exercises and operations between
Tax and Anti-Corruption: It is committed to the two navies.
promoting fair competition by enacting and ¾ Participants in the Third Edition:
enforcing effective and robust tax, anti-money Participating in the exercise are Indian Naval Ships
laundering, and anti-bribery regimes in line with Kora, a guided missile corvette, and Sumedha, an
existing multilateral obligations, standards, and offshore patrol vessel.
agreements to curb tax evasion and corruption
Bangladesh Navy is being represented by BNS
in the Indo-Pacific region.
Abu Ubaidah and Ali Haider, both Guided Missile
z This involves sharing expertise and seeking ways
Frigates.
to support the capacity building necessary to
advance accountable and transparent systems. What are the other
What is India’s Related Exercises between two Countries?
Vision for Indo-Pacific Region? ¾ Bilateral:
¾ India’s trade in this region is growing rapidly, with SAMPRITI: Military Exercise
overseas investments being directed towards the ¾ Multinational:

East, e.g., the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Bangladesh’s Military exercise ‘Shantir Ogroshena’.
Agreements with Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, TABLE TOP (Air)
and the Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN
IN-BN CORPAT (Navy)
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Thailand.
SAMVEDNA (Multinational Air Exercise with
¾ India has been active in championing a Free and Open
Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and UAE).
Indo-Pacific. The US, Australia, and the members of
the ASEAN have all expressed a common view that
India plays a greater role in the region. India-Canada Science and
¾ India, along with its Quad partners, is upping its game
in the Indo-Pacific.
Technology Cooperation
¾ India’s view is to work with other like-minded countries
in the Indo-Pacific region to cooperatively manage a Why in News?
rules-based multipolar regional order and prevent Recently, two memorandums of understanding
any single power from dominating the region or its (MoUs) were renewed at the 7th India-Canada Joint Science
waterways. and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC) meeting.
¾ The MoUs were signed by the Indian Ministry of
Bongosagar Exercise Science and Technology with the Natural Sciences

and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
and National Research Council Canada (NRC),
Why in News? respectively, under the 2005 Agreement for Scientific
Recently, the third edition of Exercise Bongosagar, and Technological Cooperation.
bilateral naval exercise between India and Bangladesh, ¾ Earlier, India and Canada held the fifth Ministerial
commenced at Port Mongla, Bangladesh. Dialogue on Trade & Investment (MDTI), where
Ministers agreed to formally re-launch the negotiations
What are the Key Highlights of the Exercise? for India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership
¾ About: Agreement (CEPA) and consider an Interim Agreement
It is an annual exercise. Second edition of the or Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) that could
exercise, held in Northern Bay of Bengal in 2020. bring early commercial gains to both the countries.
Note:
What are the Highlights of the Meeting? ¾ Economic:

¾ The focus areas of the collaboration include national Bilateral trade between India and Canada stands
missions, quantum computing, artificial intelligence at USD 5 billion.
(AI), and cyber-physical systems, among others. More than 400 Canadian companies have a presence
A large number of Indian students studying in India, and more than 1,000 companies are
in Canadian universities will benefit from the actively pursuing business in the Indian market.
collboration. Indian companies in Canada are active in the field
¾ India and Canada benefit from strong bilateral relations such as Information Technology, software, steel,
and are committed to deepening ties, with science, natural resources and banking sectors.
technology, and innovation being key pillars of the India’s exports to Canada include pharma, iron
relationship. and steel, chemicals, gem and jewelry, nuclear
¾ Under the terms of the agreement made in 2005, reactors and boilers.
the JSTCC meets every two years to review ongoing Energy has been a primary area of our focus,
collaborations between Canadian and Indian considering that Canada is an ‘energy superpower’
researchers and set priorities for the next period in with one of the world’s largest resources of uranium,
fields like agriculture and food security, healthcare natural gas, oil, coal, minerals and advanced
and healthtech, clean technologies and environmental technologies in hydropower, mining, renewable
research, marine and polar research, quantum energy and nuclear energy.
tech and AI, and human capacity development and
¾ Science and Technology:
researcher mobility.
Indo-Canadian Science and Technology cooperation
¾ Both countries agreed to continue monitoring progress
on key priorities in bilateral science, technology, and has been primarily focused on promoting Industrial
innovation projects (STIP) during the 2022-2024 period. R&D (Research and Development) which has
potential for application through development
¾ India plays an active role in the global technology
of new IP (Intellectual property) processes,
research and development ecosystem by facilitating
academic and scientific relationships with other prototypes or products
countries. Department of Biotechnology under IC-IMPACTS
program implements joint research projects in
How is India-Canada health care, agri-biotech and waste management.
Cooperation in Various Spheres? z IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for
¾ Political: Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to

India and Canada share commonalities in
Accelerate Community Transformation and
Parliamentary structure and procedures. After the Sustainability) is the first, and only, Canada-
general election in October 2019, Mr Raj Saini, MP India Research Centre of Excellence established
from the House of Common has been appointed through the Canadian Networks of Centres of
as the Chair of the Canada-India Parliamentary Excellence (NCE) as a Centre dedicated to the
Association. development of research collaborations between
As of 2020, the House of Common in Canadian
Canada and India.
Parliament (total strength of 338) has 22 Members z Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada
of Indian origin. have started a programme for exchange of

In India, Canada is represented by the High
knowledge and scientific research on Cold
Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Canada also Climate (Arctic) Studies.
has Consulates General in Bengaluru, Chandigarh ¾ Space:
and Mumbai, as well as trade offices in Ahmedabad, India and Canada are pursuing successful
Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata cooperative and commercial relations in the field
India is represented in Canada by a High Commission of Space since 1990s mainly on space science,
in Ottawa and by consulates in Toronto and earth observation, satellite launch services and
Vancouver. ground support for space missions.
Note:
ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have signed Bilateral trade between the US and India stood at
MOUs in the field of exploration and utilisation USD 119.42 billion (2021-2022) as against USD
of outer space. 80.51 billion in 2020-21.
ANTRIX, the Commercial arm of ISRO, has. launched Exports to the US increased to USD 76.11 billion
several nanosatellites from Canada in 2021-22 from USD 51.62 billion in the previous
fiscal year, while imports rose to USD 43.31 billion
ISRO in its 100th Satellite PSLV launched in 2018,

as compared to about USD 29 billion in 2020-21.
also flew Canadian first LEO (Low earth Orbit)
America is one of the few countries with which
satellite, from Indian spaceport Sriharikota.
India has a trade surplus.
¾ Security and Defence:
In 2021-22, India had a trade surplus of USD 32.8
India and Canada collaborate closely in international
billion with the US.
fora particularly through the UN, Commonwealth
and G-20. ¾ Bilateral trade with China during the Same Period:
During 2021-22, India’s two-way commerce with
A Statement of Intent (SoI) on Cooperation
between DRDO and Canada’s Defence Research China aggregated at USD 115.42 billion as compared
and Development Council has been signed in 2015. to USD 86.4 billion in 2020-21.
Exports to China marginally increased to USD
The security cooperation was further enhanced
with the Framework for Cooperation between 21.25 billion last FY 2021-22 from USD 21.18
India and Canada on Countering Terrorism and billion in 2020-21.
Violent Extremism signed by the National Security On the other hand, imports from China jumped
Advisor of India and the National Security and to USD 94.16 billion from about USD 65.21 billion
Intelligence Advisor of Canada in 2018. in 2020-21.
There is substantial engagement on counter The trade gap (Import - Export) rose to USD 72.91
terrorism issues particularly through the framework billion in 2021-22 from USD 44 billion in the
of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter previous fiscal year.
Terrorism.
What Factors made
the US Largest Trading Partner?
India’s Trade with the USA
¾ India is emerging as a trusted trading partner and
global firms are reducing their dependence on China
Why in News? for their supplies and are diversifying business into
Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry other countries like India.
has released the data, which showed that the US has ¾ India has joined a US-led initiative to set up an Indo-
surpassed China becoming India’s top trading partner Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and this move
in 2021-22. would help boost economic ties further.
¾ Major export items from India to the US include ¾ The US has consistently been India’s largest market
petroleum, polished diamonds, pharmaceutical for services exports, but the recent overseas sales of
products, jewellery, frozen shrimp, whereas major merchandise goods to that country overtook China,
imports from the US include petroleum, rough making it the largest bilateral trading nation of India.
diamonds, liquified natural gas, gold, coal, waste India’s total merchandise exports touched a record
and scrap, almonds and so on. USD 418 billion in 2021-22, exceeding the Center’s
¾ The data showed that China was India’s top trading target by about 5% and clocking a 40% growth
partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18 and also in 2020-21. over the previous year.
¾ Before China, the UAE was the country’s largest
trading partner. How have been
India’s Relations with the US Lately?
What are the Key Points? ¾ India-US bilateral partnership today encompasses
¾ Bilateral Trade with the US: a whole host of issues including the response to
Note:
Covid-19, economic recovery post-pandemic, The other issues that are challenging India-US
the climate crisis and sustainable development, relationship include India’ ties with Iran and India’s
critical and emerging technologies, supply chain purchase of S-400 from Russia.
resilience, education, the diaspora, and defence The US’ call for India to distance itself from Russia
and security. may have a far-reaching consequence to South
The breadth and depth of Indo-US ties remain Asia’s status quo.
unmatched and the drivers of this partnership
¾ US’ policy in Afghanistan:
have been growing at an unprecedented rate.
India is also concerned over the US’ policy in
The relationship remains unique insofar as this is
Afghanistan as it is jeopardizing India’s security
driven at both levels: at the strategic elite as well
and interest in the region.
as at the people-to-people level.
¾ Although India and the US have quite contradictory
responses towards the Russia-Ukraine crisis. US-Taiwan Relations
¾ India and the US have underscored their commitment
to continue to build on the momentum of recent Why in News?
years and not lose sight of the larger strategic picture.
Ahead of the Quad summit in Japan, the US President
made a controversial statement giving affirmative reply
What are the
in response to a question with regards to providing
Associated Challenges of India-US Ties?
military aid to Taiwan in case of China’s invasion.
¾ Tariff Imposition: In 2018, the US imposed a 25%
¾ This has raised questions about whether the US is
tariff on certain steel products and a 10% tariff on
shifting from its long-standing policy of strategic
certain aluminum products from India.
ambiguity over Taiwan to that of strategic clarity.
India retaliated in June 2019, by increasing tariffs
¾ Quad grouping includes India, the US, Australia and
on 28 products worth about USD 1.2 billion on
Japan.
US imports.
However, after the imposition of the Section 232
What is the Taiwan Issue?
tariffs, steel exports to the US declined by 46%
year-on-year. ¾ China-Taiwan Relations:
¾ Misunderstanding Self-Reliance as Protectionism: The
Taiwan is an island territory across the Taiwan
Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign has exacerbated the Strait, located off the coast of mainland China.
view that India is increasingly becoming a protectionist The ruling Kuomintang (Nationalist) government
closed market economy. of China fled to Taiwan after being defeated by
¾ Exemption from US’ Generalised System of the communist forces in the Chinese civil war of
Preferences: Effective since June 2019, the USA 1945-1949.
decided to withdraw duty-free benefits to Indian Following the split of China and Taiwan in the
exporters under the GSP programme. civil war, the Republic of China (ROC) government
Consequently, special duty treatment on USD 5.6 was relocated to Taiwan. On the other hand, The
billion worth of exports to the US was removed, Communist Party of China (CPC) established the
affecting India’s export-oriented sectors such as People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the mainland.
pharmaceuticals, textiles, agricultural products z Since then, the PRC observes Taiwan as a traitor
and automotive parts. province and awaits reintegration with Taiwan,
¾ US’ Hostility towards Other Countries: if possible, by peaceful means.
Some of the differences between India and the US Simultaneously, the United Nations
are not direct consequences of India-US relationship membership was continued by the ROC
but due to US’ hostility towards third countries maintaining its permanent seat at the UN
like Iran and Russia – the traditional allies of India. Security Council (UNSC).
Note:
PRC allied itself with the Union of Soviet
Such investments would help in creating resilient

Socialist Republics (USSR) and ROC with supply chains and would be mutually beneficial.
the US in the cold war further straining the ¾ India appreciated that Japanese companies are
China-Taiwan relations. increasing their investments in India and that 24
Consequently, two Taiwan Strait crises of Japanese companies had successfully applied under
the 1950s happened. the various Production Linked Incentive schemes.
¾ Reconciliation of the US with China and the Subsequent ¾ Both Countries noted the progress in implementation
Events: of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project and
The US and China reconciled in the 1970s due to welcomed the signing of exchange of notes of the
the Cold War’s shifting geopolitics, so that the 3rd tranche of loan for this project.
growing influence of the USSR could be countered. ¾ Agreed to encourage greater collaboration between
z This was followed by the visit of the then US private sectors of both sides in the development of
President to the PRC in 1972. next generation communication technologies.
z Subsequently, ROC was displaced by the PRC ¾ Also agreed to deepen cooperation in the area of
as the official representative at the UN. Clean Energy including green hydrogen.
z Then, “One-China Principle” came into picture. ¾ Took note of the progress in implementation of the
¾ One-China Principle and its Impact: Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) programme and
This means that the nations who want to have agreed to further scale up this programme, boosting
diplomatic relations with the PRC have to recognize people to people linkages.
the PRC but not the ROC as China, breaking the ¾ Concurred that the India-Japan Act East Forum was
relations with ROC. useful in prioritising development of India’s North
z Simultaneously, China evolved as a multi-party East Region.
democracy alongside the reformation of its
economic system. What are other Recent
z Since then, the two countries became Developments between India and Japan?
economically entangled and continuously ¾ In March 2022, the Japanese Prime Minister was on
competing.
an official visit to India for the 14th India-Japan Annual
Summit between the two Countries.
Bilateral Security ¾ Earlier, the Indian PM virtually inaugurated a Japanese
‘Zen Garden - Kaizen Academy’ at the Ahmedabad
and Defence Management Association (AMA) in Gujarat.
Cooperation: Indo-Japan ¾ Recently, India, Japan and Australia have formally
launched the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)
Why in News? in a move to counter China’s dominance of the supply
chain in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recently, India and Japan agreed to further enhance
Bilateral Security and Defence Cooperation, including ¾ In 2020, India and Japan signed a logistics agreement
in defence manufacturing. that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate
closely in services and supplies. The agreement
What are the Highlights of the Meeting? is known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing
¾ Both sides should work jointly towards implementing Agreement (ACSA).
their decision to have 5 trillion yen in public and ¾ In 2014, India and Japan upgraded their relationship
private investment and financing from Japan to India to ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’.
in the next five years. ¾ The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership
¾ India highlighted the steps taken by it to improve Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011
ease of doing business, logistics through the ‘Gati covers trade in goods, services, movement of natural
Shakti’ initiative and urged Japan to support greater persons, investments, Intellectual Property Rights,
investments by Japanese companies in India. custom procedures and other trade related issues.
Note:
Japan is India’s 12th largest trading partner, and pandemic. India called for diversifying trade basket,
trade volumes between the two stand at just a particularly in the sectors of Agriculture, Oil & Gas,
fifth of the value of India-China bilateral trade. Health, Railways, Mining, Defence, green energy etc.
¾ Defence Exercises: India and Japan defence forces In view of the large number of phosphates imported
organize a series of bilateral exercises namely, JIMEX by India from Senegal, Indian companies, especially
(naval), SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and Dharma those producing heavy earth moving equipment,
Guardian (Army). Both countries also participate can offer their expertise in this area.
in Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise) with the USA ¾ Upgradation of Entrepreneurial Training &
and Australia. Development Centre:
¾ Both India and Japan are members of Quad, G20 Phase II of the upgradation of Entrepreneurial
and G-4. Training & Development Centre (CEDT) at Dakar
¾ They are also member countries of the International was approved.
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The CEDT was set up in Dakar in 2002 under Indian
grant assistance and every year around 1000
youth, though mainly from Senegal, but many also
India and Senegal from 19 other African countries, get trained in six
different disciplines at the Centre.
Why in News? ¾ ITEC Course:
Recently, the Indian Vice President visited Senegal Noting that Senegal, being a French speaking
and three MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) for country, is not able to avail various training/
cultural exchange, cooperation in youth matters and capacity building programmes under ITEC (Indian
visa free regime were signed. Technical and Economic Cooperation) which are
¾ Both countries are celebrating 60 years of their in English language, India offered a Special ITEC
diplomatic relations. Course on the English training for Senegalese public
servants for 20 persons at a time.
What are the Highlights of the Recent Visit? ¾ E-Vidya Bharati and E-Aarogya Bharati initiative:
¾ Visa-Free Regime: Recognizing that many African students come to
The first MoU pertains to visa-free regime for

India for higher studies, India called for enhanced
diplomatic and official passport holders which cooperation with Senegal in implementing the
would strengthen cooperation between the two E-Vidya Bharati and E-Aarogya Bharati (E-VBAB)
countries through seamless travel of officials/ initiative (tele-education and tele-medicine) for
diplomats. the larger benefit of Senegalese students.
¾ Cultural Exchange Programme:
¾ Issue of Indian Nationals Detained:
India took up the issue of four Indian nationals,
MoU for Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for
the period 2022-26 was renewed. crew members of ship M.V. Asso-6, who have
been detained in Senegal since June 2021 on
With the renewal of the CEP, there will be more
alleged drug trafficking charges and requested
cultural exchanges, thereby strengthening people-
the Senegalese government to expedite their
to-people contacts.
trial so that if released, they could return to their
Bilateral Cooperation in Youth Matters: anxious families.
Recognizing that both India and Senegal have ¾ India’s permanent UNSC membership:
a relatively young population, this MoU will be Appreciating Senegal’s support for India’s permanent
mutually beneficial to both the countries through UNSC membership, India reiterated India’s
sharing of information, knowledge and good unwavering support to the Common African
practices, and youth exchanges. Position, enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus
¾ Diversification of Trade Basket: and the Sirte Declaration and underscored the
Indo-Senegalese trade saw a 37% increase to USD need to rectify the historical injustice done to the
1.5 billion during last one year despite Covid-19 African continent.
Note:
zThe Ezulwini Consensus (2005) is a position on Some of the Indian cultural events organized in
international relations and reform of the United 2019 Senegal included TIRANGA 3.0 – the 3rd edition
Nations, agreed by the African Union. of Festival of India in Senegal, Dakar; Tiranga Holi,
¾ Non-Aligned Movement:
4th International Day of Yoga; and, and various
India called for re-energizing and re-invigorating
events related to 150th Mahatma Gandhi Birth
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and making it more
Anniversary celebrations.
responsive to contemporary issues of relevance
India also offers 10 ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural
to the developing world.
Relations) Scholarships.
India sought Senegalese support for early adoption
of the Comprehensive Convention on International ¾ Indian Diaspora:
Terrorism (CCIT) under the UN umbrella, terming The Indian community numbers around 500 (five
it vital to combat the menace of cross-border hundred). Most of them are working for Indian
terrorism. companies including those executing development
¾ Presidency of African Union:
projects under Lines of Credit extended by India.
Some of them are running their own businesses.
India congratulated Senegal on its assumption of
the Presidency of African Union.
Security Deal between
What are the
Key Points of India-Senegal Relations?
China and Solomon Island
Why in News?
Diplomatic relations between the two countries
were established at Ambassadorial level in 1962, A recent leaked document has revealed that the
Solomon Islands in the South Pacific has reached a deal
with a resident Indian Mission in Dakar.
with China which outlines an unprecedented level of
z Both countries enjoy warm and friendly bilateral
security cooperation.
relations sharing common values of democracy,
¾ This is the first deal of its kind for China in the region,
development and secularism.
which is not yet signed and it is not fully known whether
z They are both members of the Non-Aligned
the provisions mentioned in the leaked document are
Movement and G-15 and that of International present in the final draft.
Solar Alliance.
z G-15 was essentially conceived as an economic What are the
forum designed to foster South-South Provisions under the Proposed Deal?
cooperation.
¾ The document explicitly enables China to send its
¾ Commercial Relations: “police, armed police, military personnel and other
Major items of export from India include textiles, law enforcement and armed forces” to the islands
food items, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. on the latter government’s request, or if the former
Major items of import from Senegal are phosphoric sees that the safety of its projects and personnel in
acid and raw cashew. the islands are at risk.
¾ Development Assistance Programmes: It also provides for China’s naval vessels to utilise
India has extended Lines of Credit to Senegal in the islands for logistics support.
such sectors as agriculture and irrigation, transport,
rural electrification, fisheries, women poverty What are the Reasons
alleviation, IT training and equipment, medical, for China’s Interest in the Solomon Islands?
railways etc. ¾ Role of Taiwan:
India supplied 250 e-Rickshaws with lithium-ion The Pacific islands are among the few regions
batteries to Senegal. in the world where China has competition from
¾ Cultural Cooperation: Taiwan for diplomatic recognition.
Note:
z China considers Taiwan to be a renegade ¾ In February 2022, India and Australia announced that
territory awaiting reunification, and opposes they were going to sign such an agreement.
its recognition as an independent state on the ¾ The negotiations for India-Australia ECTA were formally
international stage. re-launched in September 2021 and concluded on a
z Hence, any country which has to officially
fast-track basis by the end of March 2022.
establish relations with China will have to break
diplomatic ties with Taiwan. What is the Economic
The Solomon Islands was one among the six Pacific
Cooperation and Trade Agreement?
island states which had official bilateral relations
with Taiwan. ¾ It is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India
However, in 2019, the Solomon Islands, along with
has signed with a major developed country in over
Kiribati, switched allegiance to China. Now, only a decade.
four regional countries backing Taiwan, mostly In February, India signed an FTA with the UAE and
belonging to the Micronesian group of islands is currently working on FTAs with Israel, Canada,
which are under the control of the US. UK and the European Union.
Potential Vote Banks for Mobilising Support: ¾ The Agreement encompasses cooperation across the
z The small Pacific island states act as potential vote entire gamut of bilateral economic and commercial
banks for mobilizing support for the great powers relations between the two friendly countries, and
in international fora like the United Nations. covers areas like:
Presence of Large Maritime Exclusive Economic
Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin.
Zones:
Trade in Services.
z These Pacific island states have disproportionately
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
large maritime Exclusive Economic Zones when
compared to their small sizes. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Presence of Reserves of Timber and Mineral Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons.
Resources: Telecom, Customs Procedures.
z Solomon Island in particular has significant
Pharmaceutical products, and Cooperation in
reserves of timber and mineral resources, along
other Areas.
with fisheries.
¾ ECTA provides for an institutional mechanism to
¾ Strategic Significance:
encourage and improve trade between the two
The islands in the Pacific are strategically located
countries.
for China to insert itself between America’s military
bases in the Pacific islands and Australia. ¾ The ECTA between India and Australia covers almost
z This is especially significant in the current
all the tariff lines dealt in by India and Australia
scenario, given the emergence of the AUKUS respectively.
(Australia, the UK and the US) which seeks to India will benefit from preferential market access
elevate Australia’s strategic capabilities vis-à-vis provided by Australia on 100% of its tariff lines.
China through Anglo-American cooperation. This includes all the labor-intensive sectors of
export interest to India such as Gems and Jewellery,
India-Australia Textiles, leather, footwear, furniture etc.
Economic Cooperation On the other hand, India will be offering preferential
access to Australia on over 70% of its tariff lines,
and Trade Agreement including lines of export interest to Australia which
are primarily raw materials and intermediaries
Why in News? such as coal, mineral ores and wines etc.
Recently, India signed a historic trade agreement with ¾ Under the agreement, Indian graduates from STEM
Australia, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Trade Agreement (Ind- Aus ECTA). will be granted extended post-study work visas.
Note:
Australia will also set up a programme to grant India’s merchandise imports from Australia were

visas to young Indians looking to pursue working USD 15.1 billion in 2021, consisting largely of raw
holidays in Australia. materials, minerals and intermediate goods.
¾ India and Australia are partners in the trilateral Supply
What is the Significance of the Agreement? Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) arrangement along
¾ It will provide zero-duty access to 96% of India’s exports with Japan which seeks to enhance the resilience of
to Australia including shipments from key sectors such supply chains in the Indo-Pacific Region.
as engineering goods, gems and jewellery, textiles, ¾ Further, India and Australia are also members of the
apparel and leather. QUAD grouping (India, the US, Australia and Japan),
¾ It will boost bilateral trade in goods and services to also comprising the US, and Japan, to further enhance
USD 45-50 billion over five years, up from around cooperation and develop partnership across several
USD 27 billion, and generate over one million jobs in issues of common concern.
India, according to a government estimate.
¾ It will also give about 85% of Australia’s exports zero-
duty access to the Indian market, including coal, sheep India, Turkmenistan
meat and wool, and lower duty access on Australian Bilateral Meet
wines, almonds, lentils, and certain fruits.
How has been the Why in News?

India-Australia Trade Relation so far? Recently, the Indian President for the first time visited
¾ India and Australia enjoy excellent bilateral relations Turkmenistan, where he signed four agreements, including
that have undergone transformational evolution in in financial intelligence and disaster management and
recent years, developing along a positive track, into agreed to expand bilateral trade and energy cooperation
a friendly partnership. to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership.
¾ This is a special partnership characterized by shared ¾ Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
values of pluralistic, parliamentary democracies, signed between India and Turkmenistan on Cooperation
Commonwealth traditions, expanding economic in the field of Disaster Management.
engagement, long standing people-to-people ties
and increasing high level interaction. What are the Highlights of the Bilateral Meet?
¾ The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ¾ Highlighted the significance of the International North
initiated during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat
Summit held in June 2020 is the cornerstone of Agreement on International Transport and Transit
IndiaAustralia multifaceted bilateral relations. Corridor.
¾ Growing India-Australia economic and commercial ¾ The Chabahar port built by India in Iran could be used
relations contribute to the stability and strength of a to improve trade between India and Central Asia.
rapidly diversifying and deepening bilateral relationship ¾ Discussing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-PakistanIndia
between the two countries. (TAPI) pipeline, India suggested that issues related
¾ India and Australia have been each other’s important to the security of the pipeline and key business
trading partners. principles may be addressed in Technical and Expert
Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India level meetings.
and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner. ¾ India expressed its readiness to partner with
India-Australia bilateral trade for both merchandise Turkmenistan in its drive towards digitalisation and
and services is valued at USD 27.5 billion in 2021. noted that Space can be another area of mutually
India’s merchandise exports to Australia grew 135% beneficial cooperation.
between 2019 and 2021. India’s exports consist ¾ Underlined the importance of holding regular cultural
primarily of a broad-based basket largely of finished events in each other’s territory since both countries
products and were USD 6.9 billion in 2021. share centuries-old civilisational and cultural linkages.
Note:
¾ Emphasized on the need for both countries to cooperate ¾ Recently, the 3rd meeting of the India-Central Asia
closely on the effective management of the Covid-19 Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
pandemic that has affected their population. It is a ministerial-level dialogue between India and
¾ Agreed to further enhance cooperation under the the Central Asian countries namely Kazakhstan,
framework flowing from the India-Central Asia Summit. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
¾ India thanked Turkmenistan for its support to India’s Turkmenistan possesses very large reserves of
permanent membership in a reformed and expanded natural gas.
UN Security Council as well as for India’s initiatives Turkmenistan is also strategically placed in Central
as a non-permanent member of UNSC for the period Asia and connectivity is something on which India
of 2021-22. feels a partnership with Turkmenistan will pay
¾ Both share a broad ‘regional consensus’ on the issues dividends.
related to Afghanistan, which includes formation of
a truly representative and inclusive government,
combating terrorism and drug trafficking, central 4th India- US ‘2+2’ Dialogue
role of the UN, providing immediate humanitarian
assistance for the people of Afghanistan and preserving Why in News?
the rights of women, children and other national
Recently, the fourth ‘2+2’ dialogue between India
ethnic groups and minorities.
and the United States took place in Washington DC, US.
What are the Key India’s External Affairs and Defence Ministers meet with
Points of India -Turkmenistan Relations? their American counterparts.
¾ This meeting was held on the sidelines of a virtual
¾ Turkmenistan shares borders with Kazakhstan in the
meeting between the Prime Minister of India and the
north, Uzbekistan in the north and North-east, Iran in
President of the US.
the South and Afghanistan in the Southeast.
¾ India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy 2012 envisages What are the
deeper mutual relations with the region and energy Key Points of this Meeting?
linkage is an important component of the policy.
¾ Space Situational Awareness Arrangement: India
¾ India has joined the Ashgabat agreement, which
and the US have signed a bilateral space situational
envisages setting up of an international transport and
awareness arrangement.
transit corridor linking central Asia with the Persian
Gulf to significantly ramp up trade and investment. ¾ This lays the groundwork for more advanced
¾ India considers the TAPI pipeline (Turkmenistan, cooperation in space.
Afghanistan, Pakistan and India) a ‘key pillar’ in its ¾ Inaugural Defense Artificial Intelligence Dialogue:
economic relations with Turkmenistan. They also agreed to launch an inaugural Defense
¾ In 2015, Hindi Chair was established in Azadi Institute Artificial Intelligence Dialogue, while expanding joint
of World languages, Ashgabat where Hindi is being cyber training and exercises.
taught to university students. ¾ Military Supply Chain Cooperation: The US asserted
¾ India provides training for Turkmen nationals under that it supports India as a defense industry leader
ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) in the Indo-Pacific and a net provider of security in
programme. the region.
¾ Turkmenistan supports India’s permanent position ¾ In this context, new supply chain cooperation measures
in the UN Security Council. were launched that will let both countries more swiftly
¾ Turkmenistan is a USD 40 billion plus economy, but the support each other’s priority defense requirements.
bilateral trade with India is below its potential. India ¾ Observing Crisis in Ukraine: They agreed to maintain
can increase its economic presence in Turkmenistan, close consultations on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine,
particularly in the Information and communication including on humanitarian assistance efforts, and
technologies (ICT) sector. This would help maintain echoed support for an independent investigation
the future balance of trade. into the brutal violence deployed against civilians.
Note:
What is the Status of ¾ The strengthening of the mechanisms of cooperation
India’s 2+2 Dialogue with the US? between the two militaries are of significance in the
context of an increasingly aggressive China.
¾ The US is India’s oldest and most important 2+2 talks
partner.
What is
¾ The first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries
the 2+2 Dialogue?
was held during the Trump Administration in 2018.
¾ India and the US have signed a troika of “foundational
¾ 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional
pacts” for deep military cooperation: mechanism between the two countries.
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
¾ It is a format of dialogue where the defense/foreign
(LEMOA) in 2016 ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts
Communications Compatibility and Security
from another country.
Agreement (COMCASA) after the first 2+2 dialogue ¾ India has 2+2 dialogues with four key strategic partners:
in 2018 the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement Besides Russia, the other three countries are also
(BECA) in 2020. India’s partners in the Quad.
nnn
Note:
Key Points Details
Summary
Key Points Details
Summary

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Drishti IAS Presents...

I nternational R elations (March 2022 — March 2023)

¾ Historical Relations: of education by way of scholarships, exchange of

along with US, Japan, and Germany and a “spiritual Elephant.

¾ Diplomatic Relations: week-long joint training exercise called the Khaan

¾ Sri Lanka needs assurance from the Paris Club and

What is Why in News?

India emphasised its reforms to promote fair

IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for

and chronic conditions. warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles

Implications. States of America and the Russian Federation on

What is the Vision Document all About?

 India and Germany share a long history of ¾ Submarines:

¾ Green Hydrogen: diaspeiro, which means dispersion. The Indian

now in different stages of implementation: during the financial year Or;

z Ghana: Developing Bamboo-Based Enterprises a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan,

Myanmar, Malaysia, Kuwait and Canada. fishing on sea-turtle populations.

recipient countries. protection

How are India’s Trade Ties with the US?

 Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy.

¾ Grant Assistance: RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority was signed

 A number of socio-economic development projects

How has India’s Relations with Maldives been?

The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner

z Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge

¾ Economic & Commercial Relations:

 India is among Oman’s top trading partners.

China. diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level was

etc. Egypt identified political-security cooperation,

¾ The Mabja Zangbo River flows into Nepal’s Ghaghara

making body of the Arrangement. of cutting-edge technologies – countries like

December. in less sophisticated production that is more

 In 2018 the Plenary Chair was held by the United

presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the and 10 non-permanent.

 World Employment and Social Outlook

¾ Institutional framework to support transitions towards

 India’s strategic autonomy precludes New Delhi to

 The Consulate General in Mumbai re-opened its

19th ASEAN-India Summit What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations?

Forum (EAMF). z ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner.

 The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion

z Ministerial Meeting an adequate supply of grains, thereby limiting

countries, in the context of meaningful mitigation

expressed climate goals. in promoting global security, stability, and

z The Convention has an almost universal

India has abstained from a UNSC resolution sponsored

 Biological weapons use microbiological agents

 Ambit: Indo-Pacific Regional

z Trade-Connectivity and Maritime Transport Why in News?

development goals. rifts such as the tensions between the US and

¾ About: Major Ports.

¾ Participating Countries: How is India’s Presence in IORA?

What is the Status of Indian Trade

What Causes law which states that a person fleeing persecution

What Happened After

z Blue Helmets are the military personnel of the

and fifth-highest police contributing country to Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand.

 However, the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist

They also discussed the present security situation in New Zealand.

the Federal Government of Ethiopia declared an outcome document of IADD 2022.

People’s Liberation Front). training in all areas of mutual interest by:

¾ Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of long-term defence forces of Africa,

a Special Strategic Relation. constructed within the scope of the Russia-India

India and Germany share a long history of ¾ Submarines:

Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy.

A number of socio-economic development projects

The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner

India is among Oman’s top trading partners.

In 2018 the Plenary Chair was held by the United

World Employment and Social Outlook

India’s strategic autonomy precludes New Delhi to

The Consulate General in Mumbai re-opened its

The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion

Biological weapons use microbiological agents

Ambit: Indo-Pacific Regional

However, the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist

It requires countries to give up any present or

Japan and India had committed to build a High-

the Japanese ICT sector. Digital public infrastructure and tech-enabled

Clean Energy Partnership: development in areas ranging from health,

Committee on Economy and Investments

¾ Initiatives: National Coordination Committees: India and

Bilateral merchandise trade between India and select sectors.

Connectivity: z Signing of an USD80-million contract for the

It focuses on vigorous regional diplomacy by a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure

¾ History: And do support Taiwan in the form of

After the communists led by Mao Zedong won the

This series of ships include “space tracking

If this comes through, there is potential for the ¾ Significance:

They expressed commitment to work together to agreement” for development in agriculture

Both the Defence Ministers signed the ‘Joint in 1972.

Indian exports to Vietnam amounting to USD to celebrate Mahatma@150 in 2018-19. These

These were made possible by the Abraham Accords,