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Indo-Nepal relations have witnessed a shift in recent times due to multiple factors. Discuss. What measures can India take to strengthen its relationship with Nepal?
Answer: Founded on the age-old connection of history, culture, tradition and religion, Indo-Nepal relations are close, comprehensive and more pronounced in political, social, cultural, religious and economic engagements with each other. However, in recent past, India-Nepal relations have been in a sRead more
Answer: Founded on the age-old connection of history, culture, tradition and religion, Indo-Nepal relations are close, comprehensive and more pronounced in political, social, cultural, religious and economic engagements with each other. However, in recent past, India-Nepal relations have been in a state of flux marked by:
Meanwhile, China has been heavily investing in Nepal in several connectivity projects like the Trans Himalayan-Multi dimensional Connectivity Network. But given the vast distance from China’s coasts, inhospitable terrain and high cost of rail-freight transportation, trading through Chinese ports is physically and economically not viable. Further, China’s debt trap policy has raised concerns in India-Nepal relations. India should therefore focus on reviving its geopolitical, geo-economic significance by focusing on the following areas:
There is a need to revitalize the recognition of Indo-Nepal strategic relationship, for this will be vital to shape and impact India politically, diplomatically, culturally and economically.
See lessThe unveiling of Pakistan's New Security Policy raises critical questions for India, especially from our national security perspective. Discuss.
Answer: Recently, Pakistan unveiled its New Security Policy which aims to define its security priorities between 2022 to 2026, including relations with India. It stresses on human security, geoeconomics, regional connectivity, prosperity, trade, and investment. It also mentions that Pakistan, underRead more
Answer: Recently, Pakistan unveiled its New Security Policy which aims to define its security priorities between 2022 to 2026, including relations with India. It stresses on human security, geoeconomics, regional connectivity, prosperity, trade, and investment. It also mentions that Pakistan, under its policy of peace at home and abroad, wishes to improve its relationship with India. Critical questions it raises for India’s national security:
India-Pakistan peace processes have a prolonged history of false starts. To kick-start the dialogue process, Pakistan will need to take concrete steps on the ground showing accountability in actions rather than merely stating that it desires peace with India. Till then, India should adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy vis-à-vis the NSP and evaluate its implementation.
See lessChina's increasing influence in India's neighborhood has necessitated a more proactive implementation of its neighborhood first policy. Discuss.
Answer: India has traditionally enjoyed a pre-eminent position in South Asia due to its territorial size, economy, cultural links, and historical factors. However, this position is being challenged by China's expanding economic and political footprint. Impact on India's interests due to increasing iRead more
Answer: India has traditionally enjoyed a pre-eminent position in South Asia due to its territorial size, economy, cultural links, and historical factors. However, this position is being challenged by China’s expanding economic and political footprint. Impact on India’s interests due to increasing influence of China in the region:
In this context, India’s ‘neighborhood first policy is an attempt to further consolidate this position in the South Asian region. This policy actively focuses on improving ties with India’s immediate neighbours by creating peaceful relations and collaborative synergetic co-development framework. India has taken the following steps to boost its ‘neighbourhood first’ policy:
Thus, the ‘neighborhood first policy provides an opportunity to India to counter both the narrative of ‘big brother’ and China’s expansionism. Moreover, the initiatives taken so far have started showing favorable outcomes for India. Thus, it is important that this proactiveness and momentum is sustained in the future to make them long lasting and immune to outside influences.
See lessIndia is a reliable partner in the Indian Ocean Region and can take on the role of being the net security provider in the region. Discuss.
Answer: Indian Ocean Region (IOR) forms an important part of oceanic commons consisting of littoral states of the Indian Ocean marked by a glaring cultural, social, political and economic diversity. It is home to one-third of the world's population, 25% of the world's landmass and 40% of the world'sRead more
Answer: Indian Ocean Region (IOR) forms an important part of oceanic commons consisting of littoral states of the Indian Ocean marked by a glaring cultural, social, political and economic diversity. It is home to one-third of the world’s population, 25% of the world’s landmass and 40% of the world’s oil and gas reserves. India as a reliable partner of the Indian Ocean Region:
India as the net security provider in the IOR:
However, in order to emerge as the net security provider in the region, certain challenges need to be addressed such as rapidly emerging and assertive China, relatively inadequate existing military hardware of India, challenges from non-state forces such as piracy, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, illicit weapons trafficking, etc. In this context, formulating a coherent IOR strategy and capability enhancement of IOR nations can go a long way in consolidating India’s position in the region.
See lessWest Asia is an important strategic region for India with profound geo-political and geo- economic significance. Discuss.
Answer: India and West Asia share deep civilizational contacts, cultural exchange and historical linkages. Also, India's policy of non-alignment found tremendous support and strength in the region to face the challenges of the Cold War influences. Geo-political and geo-economic significance of WestRead more
Answer: India and West Asia share deep civilizational contacts, cultural exchange and historical linkages. Also, India’s policy of non-alignment found tremendous support and strength in the region to face the challenges of the Cold War influences. Geo-political and geo-economic significance of West Asia for India:
The strategic significance of the West Asian region for India cannot be overstated. However, the region is infested with multi-layered conflicts and rivalry such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) crisis, Iran- Saudi relations, Iran-Israel conflict, Iran-US conflict and their proxies in Syria, Yemen, etc. India is a strategic partner to the major power aspirants in the region (such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel) and with its soft power, it is better placed than the Western powers to mitigate hostility and conflict in the region and protect its economic and strategic interests.
See lessThe repercussions of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka extend beyond its borders. Discuss with specific reference to India. Also, mention the steps that India has taken to assist Sri Lanka tide over the crisis.
Answer: Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The country has amassed $51 billion in foreign debt, inflation has soared past 17%, and its debt-to-GDP ratio has escalated from 86.9 percent in 2019 to 100.6 percent in 2020, aRead more
Answer: Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1948. The country has amassed $51 billion in foreign debt, inflation has soared past 17%, and its debt-to-GDP ratio has escalated from 86.9 percent in 2019 to 100.6 percent in 2020, and 105.6 percent in 2021. The reason for the present scenario can be summed up in six key economic challenges: the state of the domestic economy, Balance of Payments (BOP) crises, successive IMF loans, unwarranted agricultural reforms contributing to FOREX scarcity and soaring inflation, downfall of the tourism sector, and the country’s historical fetishism for sovereign debts. The economic crisis has turned in to a political chaos, which has repercussions on India as well. These include the following:
In this context, a speedy recovery of Sri Lanka is in India’s interest. India has taken the following steps to help Sri Lanka during the economic crisis:
With other crises unfolding in India’s neighbourhood, for instance in Nepal and Pakistan, diplomatic efforts need to be stepped up to contain any second order effects on India.
See lessDespite certain challenges, the mutual understanding between India and Bangladesh has allowed the 'Golden Chapter' of the two countries to continue. Discuss
Answer: In recent years, the India-Bangladesh relationship has witnessed unprecedented cooperation with both countries successfully resolving several old problems such as the exchange of conclaves and the conclusion of long-pending land and maritime boundary agreements. However, certain challenges rRead more
Answer: In recent years, the India-Bangladesh relationship has witnessed unprecedented cooperation with both countries successfully resolving several old problems such as the exchange of conclaves and the conclusion of long-pending land and maritime boundary agreements. However, certain challenges remain, such as:
Notwithstanding the continued existence of the aforementioned issues, the two countries have been able to move forward and strengthen their relationship through several measures, including:
Thus, notwithstanding some persisting challenges in the bilateral relationship, the two countries have shown maturity in moving forward on other issues, which has been termed as the “Golden Chapter” in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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