India’s perception as a hegemon and the rise of nationalistic fervor in Nepal suggest that the relationship between the two countries has to be fundamentally reset. Examine.
Model Answer Dependable Partner in the Indian Ocean Region India's strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) positions it as a central player in ensuring regional stability. The IOR is crucial, encompassing a diverse array of countries and holding significant global resources, including 40Read more
Model Answer
Dependable Partner in the Indian Ocean Region
India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) positions it as a central player in ensuring regional stability. The IOR is crucial, encompassing a diverse array of countries and holding significant global resources, including 40% of the world’s oil and gas reserves. India engages actively in multilateral organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, aiming to foster peace and prosperity among littoral states .
India’s commitment to a rule-based order is evident in its adherence to international maritime laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tribunal’s award regarding maritime boundaries with Bangladesh . Furthermore, India has consistently provided humanitarian assistance, demonstrating its reliability. Notable instances include water aid to the Maldives in 2014 and vaccine support to IOR countries during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 .
Role as a Net Security Provider
India’s potential to serve as a net security provider in the IOR is underscored by several initiatives:
- Strengthening Maritime Security: India can enhance the maritime capabilities of neighboring states by exporting defense equipment and providing naval training. The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, initiated by India, facilitates collaboration among regional navies .
- Disaster Relief Assistance: India regularly conducts Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises, sharing expertise and enhancing regional disaster response capabilities .
- Rule-Based Policy Framework: Guided by the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India promotes trust and adherence to maritime norms among IOR nations .
- Protection of Sea Lanes of Communication: India’s strategic presence allows it to secure vital maritime chokepoints, ensuring the safety of crucial Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) .
- Collaboration with Major Powers: Through platforms like the Quad, India can collaborate with other powers to address maritime security challenges in the IOR .
Challenges and Conclusion
Despite these strengths, India faces challenges from an assertive China and non-state threats like piracy and drug trafficking. Addressing these issues and formulating a coherent IOR strategy will be vital for India to solidify its role as a net security provider in the region. By enhancing its capabilities and fostering cooperation, India can effectively contribute to peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
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India and Nepal share historical, cultural, and religious ties dating back to the era of Gautam Buddha. These ties continued in the modern era too, reinforced by the 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty, economic and strategic compulsions, and people to people relations, commonly called Roti-Beti relatRead more
India and Nepal share historical, cultural, and religious ties dating back to the era of Gautam Buddha. These ties continued in the modern era too, reinforced by the 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty, economic and strategic compulsions, and people to people relations, commonly called Roti-Beti relations. However, from the past couple of years, Indo-Nepal relations are under severe strain with the Kalapani territorial dispute being the recent one in a long list of grievances Nepal has against India.
Reasons For Raising Nationalistic Fervor In Nepal
Why India Is Perceived As Hegemon By Nepal
The rise of Anti-Indian sentiments and nationalism in India was mainly because Nepal is considering India as a hegemon and irked by its big brother attitude. Recent incidents between these two countries have contributed a lot to this sentiment.
Fundamental Reset In Relations
Apart from the rise of nationalism and India’s perceived hegemony, there are also other reasons for the downturn of relations between these two countries. India is unhappy about closer ties between China-Nepal. Nepal’s developing economy needs huge investments which China is providing, whereas there are extraordinary delays in the completion of infrastructure projects by India, the territorial disputes between the two countries all caused a downturn in the relationship which at this point in time needs a fundamental reset.
India in accordance with its neighbour’s first policy must have deeper and meaningful engagement with its smaller neighbours, to understand their fears and concerns, and try to address them in a responsible way.
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