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Home/upsc: bilateral relations/Page 6

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Sanjay Tiwari
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Sanjay TiwariLearner
Asked: June 11, 2024In:
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The bilateral partnership between France and India is essential for maintaining a stable and sustainable global order as well as for opening up synergies with the European Union. Do you concur? (250 words)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Ram Lal
    Ram Lal Begginer

    Answer: India and France enjoy a traditionally close and friendly relationship. In 1998, they entered into a "Strategic Partnership" based on the convergence of views on various international issues. For India, France could act as a doorway to the European Union (EU). The bilateral relationship coulRead more

    Answer: India and France enjoy a traditionally close and friendly relationship. In 1998, they entered into a “Strategic Partnership” based on the convergence of views on various international issues. For India, France could act as a doorway to the European Union (EU). The bilateral relationship could help India in deepening its engagement with the EU in the following ways:

    • As the President of the Council of EU: Recently, France has taken over the Presidency of the Council. As the President, France will be instrumental in steering the economic, strategic, and security decisions of the EU. This could result in greater convergence between India and the EU in these areas, as India and France share common values and visions.
    • The impact of Brexit: The United Kingdom’s departure has left enormous political and financial gaps in the EU thereby shifting the centre of gravity towards other Eurozone members especially Germany and France. With France looking at Brexit as an opportunity for a “European Renaissance and a change in dispensation in Germany, the case for EU balance shifting in favour of France gets strengthened. Thus, a strong bilateral relationship with France will be in India’s interest to take the India-EU relationship to the next level.
    • Convergence over the Indo-Pacific: The EU’s strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be formally adopted during the French presidency. This is expected to result in greater convergence between India and the EU on the question of the Indo-Pacific, as both India and France firmly share the vision of freedom and rules-based order in the region.
    • Facilitate greater trade engagement: India and the EU are presently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). India’s successful trade relationship with France (despite the pandemic, bilateral trade stood at US $8.85 billion in 2021) could help in generating greater synergies between India and the EU and could help arrive at a consensus regarding the FTA.

    The bilateral relationship between India and France is not only crucial for unlocking the synergies between India and the EU but it is also crucial for sustainable and stable world order, because of the following reasons:

    • International forums: In the UN Security Council and other international forums, where competing and complex sets of interests affect choices of members, France has been a reliable, strong and consistent partner of India.
    • Development cooperation in other regions: Indo-French partnership is critical for India to safeguard its interests, including the security of the sea lanes, freedom of navigation and the protection of the marine commons. It also works jointly to uphold international law and support the organic evolution of a rules-based regional architecture and for development in other regions, for instance, Indo-French cooperation for development in Africa.
    • Cooperation for environment protection and sustainability: The Indo-French cooperation for sustainable development is crucial. Together, they have taken various steps such as declaring the year 2021-22 as the Indo-French Year of the Environment, formation of the International Solar Alliance, etc.
    • Space cooperation: India and France have a rich history of cooperation in the field of space. They have issued a “Joint Vision for Space Cooperation” and both advocate peaceful and constructive development of the space sector. The two countries have also cooperated for various space programmes such as Gaganyaan, GSAT-11, etc.
    • Cooperation for strategic autonomy and multilateralism: India sees France as a resident power in the Indo-Pacific and considers France to be indispensable for ensuring peace and stability in the region. Both countries not only share the vision of free and rules-based conduct in the Indo-Pacific region but also the vision of strategic autonomy and a multi-polar world.

    Thus, India’s strong bilateral relations with France will not only be a fundamental anchor in shoring up the Brussels-India dynamic during its presidency but it is also crucial for protecting the commons and upholding international law and multilateralism.

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Kalpna Mehara
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Kalpna MeharaLearner
Asked: June 8, 2024In:
  • 1

India has so far been able to successfully preserve its favorable bilateral ties with both countries while prioritising its own interests, despite the obvious tensions between the USA and Russia. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Mansi Gautam
    Mansi Gautam Learner

    Answer: Presently, USA-Russia relationship stands apart largely due to differences over issues such as nuclear disarmament, Iran crisis, Ukrainian crisis, Afghan fiasco, geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific and climate negotiation. These differences are promoting strategic apprehension from both the sideRead more

    Answer: Presently, USA-Russia relationship stands apart largely due to differences over issues such as nuclear disarmament, Iran crisis, Ukrainian crisis, Afghan fiasco, geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific and climate negotiation. These differences are promoting strategic apprehension from both the sides and contributing to the ongoing strategic impasse. India has good relations with both Russia and the US and siding with one of these countries could cost India its relationship with the other. However, that has not been the case so far as India seems to have taken a neutral approach and has maintained its relationship with Russia and the US independent of each other by not letting either of them dictate its foreign policy, as witnessed recently: India’s relations with Russia:

    • Despite the growing tensions between the USA and Russia, India hosted the Russian President for the Indo-Russian annual bilateral summit in 2021. Also, India and Russia held their first ever 2+2 Ministerial dialogue, indicating that Russia is as important to India as its QUAD partners.
    • Notwithstanding the possibility of American sanctions through CAATSA, India not only decided to go ahead with the deal for S-400 missile defence systems, but also finalized a fresh deal worth INR 5,000 crores for the manufacture of 7.5 lakh AK 203 Russian assault rifles.
    • Similarly, India abstained from the procedural vote at the UNSC ahead of a meeting to discuss the current tensions around Ukraine and called for a peaceful resolution, keeping in mind the interests of all parties involved.

    India’s relations with USA:

    • In spite of Russia’s staunch disapproval, India has been working closely with the US in the Indo-Pacific through regular engagements within and outside the QUAD. It shows that India can primarily act according to its own interests.
    • The enhanced partnership between Russia and China has raised doubts amongst policymakers in India about Russia’s effectiveness in balancing China. Therefore, India is now fast-tracking manifold its multifaceted cooperation with the US, mainly to balance a belligerent China.
    • India has a robust defence partnership with the US through institutional arrangements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), Industrial Security Annex (ISA), Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), Defense Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI). Further, India has also accorded the status of a ‘Major Defence Partner’ to the USA.

    Both the USA and Russia as veto-wielding powers in the United Nations support India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council as well as support India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Since a permanent seat in the UNSC and NSG membership are seen as pivotal to India’s aspirations of projecting itself as a major global power, a strategic relationship with the USA and Russia becomes even more paramount. India has successfully maintained ties with its major strategic partners, and is making its own foreign policy decisions irrespective of the stance of Russia or the USA.

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Abhishek Singh
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Abhishek SinghLearner
Asked: June 8, 2024In:
  • 0

Stressing the importance of Central Asia to India, talk about the difficulties in enhancing ties between the two regions. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Manoj Singh
    Manoj Singh Learner

    Answer: The office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) maintains a list of countries that it classifies as developing, developed and least-developed. Countries that are classified as developing are allowed to export certain goods to the US without punitive tariffs that are usually imposRead more

    Answer: The office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) maintains a list of countries that it classifies as developing, developed and least-developed. Countries that are classified as developing are allowed to export certain goods to the US without punitive tariffs that are usually imposed on goods from developed countries. The ‘developing country status’ owes its origin to the US Trade Act of 1974, which authorized the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to help poor countries develop faster. These benefits were extended further under the WTO wherein rich countries agreed to grant trade benefits to countries that classified themselves as poor. About two-thirds of countries that are members of the WTO classify themselves as developing countries and avail benefits. Recently, the US removed more than a dozen countries including India, from its list of developing countries. The US administration has repeatedly accused fast growing economies like India and China of wrongly claiming trade benefits and wants to make these deals fairer to the interests of the US. Implications of this action are as follows:

    • Higher tariffs: India has been one of the largest beneficiaries under the GSP with tariff exemptions amounting to $260 million in 2018. Now the Indian goods will have to face higher tariffs as compared to other developing countries which will negatively impact the exports of goods to the US and will hamper India’s export potential.
    • Loss of exemptions: India was eligible for the 2 percent de-minimis standard under WTO rules, which exempted India from countervailing duty (CVD) investigation. Duty investigations for India will now be conducted. It would be easier for the US to penalize the country if it harms US industries with unfairly subsidized exports.
    • Access to global market: Many other developed nations give India the GSP which might also be under consideration that would impact India’s market access globally and decrease its export competitiveness.
    • Impact on agriculture: Due to WTO, India gets more subsidies than developed countries, and this includes agricultural subsidies. If it is designated as a developed country, these subsidies will be halved, if not more. It will have serious implications on agriculture and the farming community.

    India is a unique economy wherein, a small part of the country seems like a developed country, but a large part of the nation is less developed or even under-developed. At the current stage of development, any attack on India’s status as a developing country will have a serious impact on its overall development. India needs to rebalance things and bring the USA on the negotiation table to turn things in its favour.

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Abhishek Singh
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Abhishek SinghLearner
Asked: June 8, 2024In:
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Talk about the ramifications for trade benefits if the United States removes India from its list of nations designated as “developing nations.”(Answer in 150 words)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. radhika bathla
    radhika bathla Begginer

      The USA's removal of India from its list of "developing nations" for trade benefits has significant implications: 1. Reduced trade advantages: India will lose preferential treatment in certain trade agreements, potentially making its exports less competitive in the US market. 2. Economic impaRead more

     

    The USA’s removal of India from its list of “developing nations” for trade benefits has significant implications:

    1. Reduced trade advantages: India will lose preferential treatment in certain trade agreements, potentially making its exports less competitive in the US market.

    2. Economic impact: Sectors like textiles, jewelry, and engineering goods may face challenges, affecting jobs and export revenues.

    3. Diplomatic relations: This move could strain US-India relations, especially if seen as unfair treatment by Indian policymakers.

    4. WTO considerations: It may affect India’s stance in WTO negotiations, where it has traditionally aligned with developing nations.

    5. Domestic reforms: This could push India to accelerate economic reforms and improve competitiveness to offset lost benefits.

    6. Foreign investment: It might signal India’s economic progress to global investors, potentially attracting more foreign direct investment.

    7. Self-reliance focus: This change could reinforce India’s push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in various sectors.

    8. Global perception: It may enhance India’s image as an emerging economic power, but also increase expectations for its global contributions.

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Abhishek Singh
  • 0
Abhishek SinghLearner
Asked: June 8, 2024In:
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The conduct of foreign affairs is an outcome of a two-way interaction between domestic compulsions and prevailing international climate. Talk about the assertion in light of India’s 1960s foreign policy. (Answer in 250 words )

upsc: bilateral relations
Sujata Gautam
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Sujata GautamBegginer
Asked: June 7, 2024In:
  • 0

Some have referred to the expanding strategic partnership between China and Russia as the “most consequential undeclared alliance in the world.” How might this partnership affect the interests of the Indian people? What measures should India take to safeguard its ...

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Suraj Singh
    Suraj Singh Learner

    Answer: The altering war in Ukraine and the lackluster military performance of Russia throughout the year has increased its dependence on China. A bulk of Russian energy exports are going to China, and the Chinese Yuan has emerged as an alternative currency for the payments to Russia. Also, recentlyRead more

    Answer:
    The altering war in Ukraine and the lackluster military performance of Russia throughout the year has increased its dependence on China. A bulk of Russian energy exports are going to China, and the Chinese Yuan has emerged as an alternative currency for the payments to Russia. Also, recently both countries signed two key agreements, Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership for the New Era and the Pre-2030 Development Plan on Priorities in China- Russia Economic Cooperation.
    This increasing proximity between China and Russia, which is described by some experts as the ‘most consequential undeclared alliance in the world’, can have significant impact on India’s national interests as mentioned below:

    • India-China border dispute: Both countries are locked in a border standoff in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. India’s military arsenal mainly consists of Russian weapons and China is also receiving advanced Russian weapons and technologies.
      • The deepening Russia-China alliance may hamper India’s interests, as Russia will be unwilling to put pressure on China or even take a supportive stand towards India in the border confrontation.
    • India’s geopolitical trajectory: China-Russia alliance will influence the geopolitics of Eurasia as well as the Indo-Pacific and present difficult dilemmas for India as it is member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as well as the US-led Indo-Pacific initiatives like the Quad.
    • India-Pakistan: If Russia and China become true strategic partners, the possibility that Russia will get closer to Pakistan under China’s influence and the possibility of transfer of Russian arms/military technology to Pakistan via China cannot be ruled out.
    • India’s interest in Central Asia: India’s economic and strategic interests in Central Asia and Afghanistan require an understanding of Chinese and Russian positions and possible coordination with both.
    • UNSC Seat: On the question of UN reforms and India’s candidature for a UNSC seat, if Russia and China oppose it together, there would be a deadlock and India’s chances of a permanent seat on the UNSC will be hampered.

    The Russia-China alliance and their competitive relationship with the West are reshaping the world around India. India needs to draw up following strategies to protect its interests.

    • Relations with Russia: India needs to broaden and strengthen its relations with Russia as it is an important balancer vis-à-vis China. This can be done by expanding cooperation at the political, strategic, and economic levels. There are several areas where the two countries can cooperate such as Afghanistan, Central Asia and West Asia.
    • Use multiple groupings: India needs to follow a policy of multiple alignments and multiple partnerships, engaging Russia and China both bilaterally and multilaterally in groupings like BRICS. Also, it needs to engage with other countries from Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Global South in forums like ASEAN, SCO, G20, to balance Russia-China dominance.
    • Diversification of defence supplies: India should diversify its military equipment sourcing from western countries like USA, France, etc. while also focusing on defence indigenization to increase self-reliance.

    While some argue that India needs the USA to balance the rising Chinese power, yet by cooperating with China on specific issues and maintaining its military ties with Russia, it should be able to achieve its national interests.

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Sujata Gautam
  • 0
Sujata GautamBegginer
Asked: June 7, 2024In:
  • 0

India’s burgeoning ties with Latin American nations are now a vital component of India’s foreign policy. Analyze. (Answer in 150 words.)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Rohan saini
    Rohan saini Begginer

    Answer: The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a commitment to democracy and upholding the rules-based international system. Both have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity. EcRead more

    Answer:

      • The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a commitment to democracy and upholding the rules-based international system.
      • Both have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.
    • Economic Relations:
      • The U.S. has emerged as India’s biggest trading partner in 2022-23 on account of increasing economic ties between the two countries.
      • The bilateral trade between India and the U.S. has increased by 7.65% to USD 128.55 in 2022-23 as against USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22.
        • Exports to the U.S. rose by 2.81% to USD 78.31 billion in 2022-23 as against USD 76.18 billion in 2021-22, while imports grew by about 16% to USD 50.24 billion.
    • International Cooperations:
    • Defence Cooperation:
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Pankaj Gautam
  • 0
Pankaj GautamLearner
Asked: June 6, 2024In:
  • 0

There are significant issues that need to be resolved even if the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations aims to strengthen ties between the two nations. Examine. (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: bilateral relations
  1. Prateek
    Prateek Learner

    Answer: The '2030 roadmap for India-UK future relations' is a joint framework for future relations adopted by both governments as part of a "common vision of a new and transformational comprehensive strategic partnership". The UK India Roadmap 2030 is set out over the following five areas, which wilRead more

    Answer: The ‘2030 roadmap for India-UK future relations’ is a joint framework for future relations adopted by both governments as part of a “common vision of a new and transformational comprehensive strategic partnership”. The UK India Roadmap 2030 is set out over the following five areas, which will revitalize the relationship between the two countries:

    • Connecting the two countries and their people: By upgrading institutional mechanisms to strengthen avenues for people-to-people connections in education, research and innovation, employment, and culture.
    • Trade and prosperity: By creating shared prosperity delivering leadership in global economic governance and unlocking the potential for the dynamic private sectors of India and UK.
    • Defense and security: By working together in a strategic partnership to tackle cyber, space, crime, and terrorist threats and develop a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.
    • Climate: By being committed to building a more environmentally sustainable future achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and mobilizing investment and climate finance.
    • Health: By using their combined research and innovation strength to address the biggest global health challenges, save lives, and improve health and well-being. address

    Major challenges in India- UK relations:

    • Political turmoil in the U.K.: In the space of four months, the country saw three Prime Ministers creating one of the most dramatic and tumultuous years in modern British politics.
    • Trade irritants: There has been a mini ‘tariff war’ underway between India and the UK. India proposed a retaliatory additional duty of 15 percent on 22 imported items from the UK, as a response to restrictions imposed by the UK on 15 Indian steel products.
    • Not able to finalize the Free Trade Agreement: Issues like the mobility of skilled labor and entrepreneurs challenge the British immigration policy and domestic public opinion whereas reduced tariff on Scotch whiskey continues to haunt the negotiators on both sides.
    • The complexities of diaspora politics: Non-aligned interests of British Indians, unlike British Pakistanis who regularly hold lawmakers to account on Pakistani causes. Thus, the immediate prize of British Pakistani votes outweighs the more distant benefits of a stronger partnership with India.
    • Not committed to India’s candidature for UNSC: No British UN ambassador has made a statement in support of India on the floor of the UN.
    • Extradition of fugitive offenders: The UK has been a go-to place for Indian fugitives and they enjoy their lavish lives evading justice. The reason behind such a brazen lifestyle is the UK investment visa (tier 1), which is commonly known as the “Golden Visa” and the international law principle of “Dual Criminality”.
    • Differing views on terrorism and Kashmir: An unsubstantiated report on Kashmir was published by a London-based unit. India has rightly questioned the veracity of the report, calling it overtly prejudiced a way to build a false narrative, and an attempt to violate the sovereignty of India.

    As India seeks to carve out a new role for itself in the evolving global order as a leading power’ and the U.K. recalibrates its strategic outlook post-Brexit, this is a unique moment in India-U.K. ties. In an increasingly unstable world threatened by autocratic states with contempt for the rules-based international system, it is more important than ever before that the UK and India support each other and our mutual allies.

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