Regional & Global groupings & agreements

Model Answer

Introduction

The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a significant phase in the group’s evolution. This expansion is an attempt to enhance BRICS’ global influence, but it also brings challenges related to differing national interests and governance systems.

Strengths of BRICS in the Present Scenario

1. Demographic and Economic Weight

BRICS now accounts for almost 46% of the global population, offering immense demographic leverage. Economically, its share of world GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) has increased from 31.6% to over 35.6%, strengthening its global economic clout.

2. Strengthened Global Governance

With BRICS countries holding three consecutive G20 presidencies (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025), the bloc can push its agenda more effectively in global governance.

3. Voice of the Global South

The expansion is seen as a step towards promoting solidarity and strategic partnerships in the Global South, advancing multilateralism and inclusive global governance.

4. Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar

BRICS aims to reduce its reliance on the US dollar by encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions.

Weaknesses of BRICS in the Present Scenario

1. Heterogeneous Group

The group is ideologically and economically diverse. While some members, like Russia and China, have current account surpluses, others like India and South Africa face deficits. Additionally, the political regimes within BRICS vary, with some members being democracies and others authoritarian.

2. Limited Trade Integration

Despite the bloc’s large share in global exports (25%), intra-BRICS trade is limited, accounting for only 3.7% of global trade in 2021.

3. Fragile Geopolitical Unity

Geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing India-China territorial disputes, create divisions within the bloc, affecting its ability to act cohesively on global issues.

4. Dominance of China

China’s overwhelming economic influence, contributing to over 50% of BRICS’s GDP, risks overshadowing the goals of other members and may lead to prioritizing China’s geopolitical interests.

Conclusion

BRICS represents both a powerful collective force and a complex coalition. While it enhances global influence, the group must navigate internal divisions and differing interests to make a meaningful impact on global governance.

Model Answer

Introduction: India-China BPTA, 1993

The India-China Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA), signed in 1993, aimed to ensure peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China. The agreement sought to reduce the risk of unplanned confrontations and provide a framework for managing border tensions.

Role in Reducing Border Tensions

Establishment of Framework

The BPTA laid out fundamental principles for maintaining peace along the LAC. It emphasized no use of force or threats, mutual non-aggression, and keeping military forces at a minimum level. This framework helped in reducing the likelihood of direct military confrontations between the two nations.

Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

The BPTA served as a foundation for various Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). Notable among them was the Confidence-Building Measures Agreement (CBMA) of 1996, which prohibited large-scale military exercises and mandated prior notification of brigade-level troop inductions and de-inductions. These measures were crucial in ensuring transparency and trust-building between the two nations.

Military-to-Military Contacts and Standard Operating Procedures

BPTA facilitated military-to-military contacts between India and China. This paved the way for mechanisms such as the Working Mechanism for Coordination and Cooperation on India-China Border Affairs (2012), which aimed at resolving border incidents promptly and peacefully. The Protocol on Modalities for Implementation of CBMs in the Military Field (2005) further detailed steps to avoid escalation during border situations.

Disengagement Platforms

To aid in disengagement during tensions, specific points along the LAC—such as Spanggur (Western sector), Nathu La (Sikkim sector), and Bum La (Eastern sector)—were designated as Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points, allowing personnel from both sides to engage in dialogue and resolve issues peacefully.

Conclusion

While the BPTA has contributed significantly to reducing border tensions, challenges like different perceptions of the LAC and incidents such as the 2020 Galwan Valley clash persist. However, through continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts, these disputes can be managed effectively.

Model Answer

Introduction

The transition from the “Asia-Pacific” to the “Indo-Pacific” framework highlights the evolving geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal. This shift has positioned BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as a critical mechanism for fostering regional integration and addressing shared challenges in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Significance of the Bay of Bengal

1. Regional Connectivity
   • Despite hosting 23% of the global population, the Bay of Bengal is among the least integrated regions worldwide.
   • BIMSTEC can address logistical bottlenecks and transit inefficiencies to facilitate smoother trade flows.
2. Economic Potential
   • Trade among BIMSTEC members stands at USD 40 billion, significantly lower than the estimated potential of USD 250 billion.
   • An expedited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), pending for over 18 years, is essential for unlocking this potential.
3. Energy Resources
   • The region holds vast energy reserves, including coal, oil, and natural gas, and a renewable energy potential of 1,359 GW, aligning with Indo-Pacific energy demands.

Role of BIMSTEC in Promoting Stability

1. Addressing Terrorism
   • Joint efforts in maritime security and information sharing can combat threats like terrorism and human trafficking.
   • Several BIMSTEC members rank high on the Global Terrorism Index, underlining the region’s vulnerability.
2. Maritime Security
   • The Bay of Bengal serves as a vital maritime corridor connecting South and Southeast Asia.
   • Tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, such as in the Palk Strait, is critical for regional stability.
3. Disaster Management
   • Between 1891 and 2018, the Bay of Bengal experienced 41 severe cyclonic storms, resulting in 317,000 deaths and the displacement of 16 million people.
   • BIMSTEC can reduce disaster impacts through coordinated mitigation strategies.

Conclusion

BIMSTEC’s relevance in the Indo-Pacific framework hinges on adopting the “3Cs” approach: Complementarities with ASEAN initiatives, enhanced Connectivity through sub-regional economic corridors, and better Coordination among member states. Strengthening BIMSTEC will be pivotal in addressing regional challenges and ensuring sustainable growth and stability.

Model Answer

Enhancing Regional Connectivity:

India’s ‘Look West’ policy plays a crucial role in improving regional connectivity, particularly through infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This initiative aims to develop cost-effective cross-border transit routes by combining maritime and rail networks, enhancing economic integration across the region.

Trade and Economic Integration:

The policy has significantly boosted trade ties between India and West Asia. For example, after the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, bilateral trade saw a 27.5% increase. This trade partnership fosters economic growth, benefiting both regions through expanded market access and investment opportunities.

Energy Infrastructure:

Energy cooperation is another key area, with initiatives like the India-Saudi Arabia power grid linkage. This collaboration not only strengthens India’s energy security by facilitating resource imports but also contributes to regional economic development.

Fostering Strategic Cooperation:

India’s strategic cooperation in West Asia is vital for counterterrorism efforts and security. Joint military exercises with countries like the UAE and Oman enhance India’s intelligence-sharing and maritime security capabilities. Additionally, technological partnerships, such as the collaboration with Israel on space systems, underline India’s growing presence in high-tech sectors.

Challenges in India’s Engagement

Balancing Multiple Interests:

India faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with diverse countries in the region. For instance, maintaining ties with both Israel and Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran requires careful diplomacy due to their complex geopolitical conflicts.

Energy Security:

India’s heavy dependence on West Asian oil exposes it to risks from price volatility and regional instability. Conflicts in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Iraq further threaten the stability of energy supply routes.

Rising Influence of China:

The increasing presence of China in the region, especially in sectors like technology, challenges India’s strategic objectives. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are developing closer ties with China, complicating India’s efforts to assert its influence.

In conclusion, India’s ‘Look West’ policy is pivotal in fostering economic growth and strategic cooperation, though it must carefully navigate regional complexities and emerging global dynamics.

Model Answer

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) plays a crucial role in fostering economic cooperation and regional integration among its 23 member states through various initiatives:

Trade and Investment Facilitation:

IORA promotes trade liberalisation by reducing barriers to the free flow of goods, services, investment, and technology. The IORA Action Plan (2017-2021) set targets like promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and creating an online trade repository for member businesses to enhance economic integration.

Fisheries Management:

Recognising the importance of the Blue Economy, IORA has prioritised fisheries cooperation. The IORA Fisheries Support Unit leads efforts to address critical issues related to fisheries, ensuring sustainable resource management among its members.

Tourism and Cultural Exchanges:

A dedicated Core Group on Tourism works to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges, setting policy directions and facilitating cooperation to strengthen regional ties and promote people-to-people contact.

Disaster Risk Management:

Given the region’s vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters, IORA emphasizes multi-stakeholder cooperation in disaster risk management, involving governments, NGOs, and the private sector to reduce regional vulnerabilities.

Maritime Security:

To safeguard the strategic maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, IORA members cooperate on issues like piracy, maritime terrorism, and illegal fishing through initiatives like the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security.

Challenges Faced by IORA

Despite its efforts, IORA faces several hurdles in achieving its objectives:

1. Economic Disparities: The diverse economic status of IORA’s members, from wealthy nations like the UAE and Singapore to developing countries such as Mozambique and Seychelles, results in unequal participation and benefits, leading to potential tensions.
2. Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts between major powers, such as the US-Iran, China’s regional disputes, and India-Pakistan tensions, have hindered effective cooperation within IORA.
3. Overlapping Regional Organisations: IORA competes with other regional bodies like SAARC, ASEAN, and GCC for resources and attention, which can dilute its influence.
4. Secretariat Issues: Frequent staff changes at the IORA Secretariat and its limited monitoring powers hinder the association’s institutional memory and effectiveness in executing its projects.