mgp cc - ir Flashcards
(142 cards)
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1 What is the background of India Bangladesh relations?
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- Partition – East and West Pakistan; India facilitated Bangladeshi independence (1971 war) Established diplomatic relations immediately after its independence; During war— Provide shelter to 10 mn Ban refugees; 1st independent govt of Bang was formed & Administered from Theatre road in Kolkata; Post-Independence— Bangladesh passed through different regimes, so relations oscillated; 2. 1971-75 →LBA 1974, connectivity Treaty; 1975 — Mujibur Rehman killed, Awami League (pro or balanced towards India), Jamat-e-Islami helped military in martial law; Power taken by Zia-Ur-Rehman & assassinated in 1981; New political party—Bangladesh Nationalist party (radical, ISI influenced, anti-India) →wife of Zia-ur-Rehman Begum Khalida Zia; 1996, 2008 →Awami league, Ganga Water Treaty, LBA;
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2 What is the importance of India Bangladesh relations?
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- Moved from Historical & cultural to trade, connectivity, energy & defence 2. Bangladesh - India biggest trading partner in south Asia; Solved border issue peacefully - ratifying LBA in 2015; Sheikh Hasina uprooted anti India insurgency elements from its borders; Both nation support—SDG, CC conventions, Migrants Right protection; Both support grouping of SAARC & BIMSTEC; Bangladesh chairman of IORA; Security of Bay of Bengal; Keeping check on Chinese influence in Bay of Bengal; connectivity to North East;
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3 What are the irritants in India Bangladesh relations?
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- Water →54 common rivers; Teesta water— Bangladesh want fair & equitable share on lines of Ganga water treaty 1996, Bangladesh wants 50 percent of the Teesta’s waters between December and May every year; Tipaimukh dam—On Barak River.; 2. Growing extremism→2016 Coffee attack, ISI growing links; Illegal Migration—Rohingya issue, Bangladesh raised concerns over NRC in Assam &CAA; 3. Border management → Drug Trafficking, narcotics; Trade –ban by India on cattle exports; rise in killing at India-Bangladesh border by BSF; early release of 25 bang fisherman in Assam custody 4. China → Biggest trading partner of Bangladesh; Recently declared zero duty on 97% imports from Bangladesh Partner of BRI; Major recipient of Chinese military inventory particularly submarines; China cheque book diplomacy; Recent Chinese threat to not Join QUAD
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4 What is the current trends in India Bangladesh relations?
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- Relations on upswing; But could change with arrival of BNP; 2. Connectivity → Recently inaugurated 3 projects Use of Bangladesh Teesta River for water supply to Tripura, use of Chattogram & Mongla port; Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT); 3. P2P - 2021—50yrs of India-Bangladesh relations, release of India-Bangladesh friendship stamps to commemorate; Mar 2021– India conferred Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; 4. Trade and Economy → Inaugurated 3 border haats— nalikata-Saydabad, Ryngku-bagan Bari, Bholagunj-Bholagunj; Rooppur power evacuation project; Inaugurated Passenger train service Mitali express 5. Counter Chinese → $5 billion in loans for Bangladesh in 2017; Seeking TEJAS sale; joint military exercises (Sampriti, Milan); 6. Supply of COVID vaccines; seek to resolve Rohingaya crisis;
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1 How did Act East Asia policy evolve?
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- Evolved in two phases: 2. Phase1 (Look East)→ end of Cold war; Historical relations rejuvenation; Chinese Assertion forced to look to India; Observer Status in ASEAN; Admitted to EAS, FTA, CECA; India ASEAN Business Council; 1998 ARF criticized India Nuclear Blast; 3. Phase 2 (Act East)→ deployment of Indian Navy in SCS since 2001; 2016-Field training exercise - Force 18; 2018 → India Singapore signed partnership & naval exercise; Provide weapons to Vietnam & Brahmos negotiation; Train Vietnam sailor for kilo submarine;
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2 What is Look East policy?
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- Engaging South east Asia after collapse of USSR; Opening doors for North-east; focus on maritime diplomacy; competing China; 2. LEP : 1992- 2001 → Relation was largely economic; 1996 onwards → Political and strategic; 3. ASEAN (Political) 1996 → India dialogue partner, 2002 Summit level partner, 2012-strategic partner; Eco Integration → 2010-signed FTA with ASEAN, active participant in EAS, ARF etc. 4. Strategic: 2001 → Indo-ASEAN treaty of peace and Amity; (a) Bilaterally → India and Singapore signed naval co-operation agreement, Regular naval exercises; (b) Multilateral →ASEAN, Observer - Dialogue - summit level partner; (c) Sub-regional → BIMSTEC, Mekong Ganga, BCIM, SAFTA, EAS, ASEAN; 5. Connectivity → Trans Asian highways from Singapore to Istanbul passing through India; Trans Asian railway from Delhi to Hanoi; 800 km tans Natural Gas pipeline b/w Myanmar, Bangladesh, India;
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3 What is the need of Act East Policy?
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- Announced in 2014, promote economic, strategic & cultural relations; Focus on ASEAN + Economy + EAC + Security; 4C → Culture, commerce, connectivity, capacity Building; 2. Initiatives → kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, Trilateral Highway Project with Myanmar & Thailand; India Japan Act East Forum, construction of road & bridges, Medical supply to ASEAN countries during pandemic; Scholarship offered at IIT for PHD students of ASEAN countries; Implementing Quick Impact Projects in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam → provide development assistance to grass-root level communities;
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4 How is Act East Policy different from Look East Policy?
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- LEP → Focus on boosting economic cooperation; Looking for alternatives of USSR; boosting Trade & Investment; Less focus on NE, developing infra, defense cooperation; 2. AEP→ (a) Focus on economy, infrastructure, strategic & security ties; to tackle geo political scenario because of china dominance in SCS, IO; (a) Geographical extension → South east to East Asia & Australia, Pacific island nations; Focusing more on historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious ties; (b) NE → gateway to South East Asia; (c) defense → Vietnam, Singapore (Changi port), Military exercise (SIMBEX), Military sales (Brahmos to Philippines); Delhi declaration (25 years of India ASEAN relations); Indo pacific strategy;
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5 What is the future of Act East Policy?
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- Concerns → Trade deficit, RCEP negotiations, China influence, Limited economic engagement; QUAD – ASEAN reluctance; Indo-Pacific – ASEAN centrality; 2. Bright prospects → Indo-Pacific; QUAD; Chinese assertion; Post COVID – resilient supply chain initiative; Economic engagement – FTA; Technology (5G); capacity building etc.
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1 What is the history of India-Afghanistan relations?
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- Linked to Indus valley civilization; seat of Taxila; Buddhist culture; Mauryan empire; Many invaders like Ghaznavids, Gaurids, Khalji, Suri, Mughals; 2. The great game → British invasion of Afghanistan to safeguard India from Russia; Anglo-Afghan wars; 3. Partition → creation of Pakistan; geographical linkage to Afghanistan broken; jolt to ties; improved later;
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2 Why is Afghanistan important to India?
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- Location → Gateway to central Asia; Key to push Pakistan strategically out of South Asian politics; 2. Security → Security of Karakorum corridor; Stabilizing Eurasian region against terrorism; Energy security through energy trade with central Asia; 3. Economic → Mineral reserves – Hajigak & Aynak mines, access Afghani and central Asian markets; Sandwich Pakistan; India provides duty free access to Afghanistan goods; 4. Internal security – restoring normalcy in Kashmir, De-radicalization; 5. Geostrategic – double encirclement of Pakistan; Reduce Pakistan to a regional player; ensure vacuum created by USA withdrawal is not filled by China; India signed Strategic partnership agreement in 2011;
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3 How has India contributed to development of Afghanistan?
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- Evolution → Initially humanitarian; 2nd phase economic and capacity building; 3rd defence relations; 2. Humanitarian → food supply, grains, Indira Gandhi multispecialty hospital; cold storages, ware houses; 3. Economic → infrastructure – SALMA dam; Afghani parliament; Garland highway; SAIL steel plant, hydro-power plants; 4. Defense → Training ANSF; providing surveillance equipment, military training; providing attack helicopter → Mi25 Hind; assisting in conducting elections;
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4 What are the challenges in India-Afghanistan relations?
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- Landlocked – Pakistan blocked Indian access, Iran slipping in Chinese sphere; security and safety of Indian personnel’s; drug trafficking; India not party to peace processes; Rising influence of Taliban; Pakistan desire to ouster India from Afghanistan; 2. Pakistan’s soft power in Afghanistan – religion ideology, madrasas; increasing Chinese influence – e.g. Hajigak mines, CPEC extension; Russian stance on Taliban;
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5 What is the future of India-Afghan relations?
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- Chabahar port – reduces Afghan’s dependence on Pakistan; Soft power – Bollywood to capacity building; goodwill – humanitarian assistance; USA- favoring India’s role in Afghanistan; Indian investment - >2 BN in Afghanistan; Trade – wheat from India to dry fruits from Afghanistan; 2. Indian presence is deep and commands goodwill; Iran provides physical access and USA facilitated seat at high table; relations on upswing with great economic and social potential; 3. USA’s withdrawal : a. Challenges → possible destabilization of Afghanistan; resurgence of Taliban; security challenge in Kashmir; drug problem in Punjab; radicalization of Indian youth; arms trade; threat to Indian investment in Afghanistan; increased role of China; b. Opportunity → USA facilitating India in peace process; increased dependence of ANSF on India; increased role of SCO for counter terrorism; increased regional and global profile of India.
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1 What is the background of relations with West Asia?
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- Historically limited, passive player; During cold war years →maintained close economic coop with both Saudi Arabia & Iran (rivals); Post-Soviet world→bidirectional approach expanded to tri directional foreign policy→Saudi Arabia, Iran Israel; 2. Focus → balance all 3 power centers of West Asia–Sunni(Saudi), Shia(Iran), Jew (Israel); 3. Evolution-2 phases: a. Pre 1991→Political distance, Cold war politics, India relation with Israel frozen because of pro Palestine positions b. Post 1991→end of cold war, disintegration of soviet; India’s growing demand for oil & gas; moving away from its traditional NAM approach;
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2 Why West Asia is important for India?
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- Diaspora → 11 Mn Indian working; > 50BN remittance; Energy security - 70% of India’s oil imports; 2. (a) Integral part of Indo Pacific maritime domain; (a) Internal security → counter terrorism; organized crime – drugs; To counter radicalization; (b) Connectivity → Gate way to Central Asia, regional connectivity – INSTC through Iran; (c) Defense → defense cooperation; defense deal and trade; defense/naval ports eg. Duqm, Oman; (d) Culture & Religion→ India hosts 2nd largest Muslim population in world; pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia; 2nd largest Shia population outside Iran; (e) Geostrategic Imp→reduce influence of China in west Asia & Arabian Sea; (f) Trade & economy → UAE in top 3 trading partners over the decade; seeking investment e.g. Saudi Arabia plan to invest $100BN in India;
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3 What is the recent trend in relations with West Asia? (from economic to strategic)
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- USA pivot to ASIA, power vacuum - created space for India; Indian LOOK West Policy in 2005;1st Ministerial Meeting of Arab-India Cooperation Forum (2016 in @Bahrain) 2. India-Saudi-Arabia → Largest supplier of Crude Oil, cooperation in Counter terrorism & Intelligence sharing, 2010- Riyadh declaration cooperation in economic, defense & Security sphere; Modi received King Abdulaziz Sash Award of Saudi Arabia in 2016; Issue→Saudi historical ally of Pak; Saudi-Iran rivalry, aggressive Saudi foreign policy in West Asia; 3. India-UAE→ Strategic relationship; agreed to fight radicalization & Misuse of religion; both work towards adoption of India proposed comprehensive convention on international terrorism in UN; support India bidding for permanent seat in UNSC; Modi received Order of Zayed UAE Highest civil decoration in 2019; 4. India-Qatar→ Cooperation in tourism, Health, Youth & sports, Skill Dev & recognition of Qualification; Mutual Assistance in Custom Matters, money laundering, Terrorism Finance & related crimes; 5. India-Bahrain→ Modi received King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’, the third-highest civilian order of Bahrain in 2019. (Iran and Israel covered in separate lectures)
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4 What is the future of India west Asia relations?
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- # 5 Challenges in west Asia: (a) Pol Instability—Internal security situation in Syria, Iraq & Yemen (operation Rahat), maltreatment of migrants; Proxy wars, Involvement of extra regional players like USA & Russia; GCC Iran Rivalry, Saudi Iran Rivalry, Shia Sunni conflict, fear of rise of religious radicalism; (b) Terrorism—Rise of ISIS; (c) India close relation with Israel; (d) Pakistan & IOC, Kashmir; (e) China factor 2. Opportunity : good ties with UAE, Saudi, Israel; USA treating India as ally in West Asia; West Asian countries diversifying economy; countries looking for investment; increasing defense tie ups, military exercises, access to military bases, improved relations with Israel (Abraham accord)
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23
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1 What is the interest of various stakeholders in Afghanistan?
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- India → (a) Gateway to Central Asia; Kashmir; (b) terrorism and internal security; (c) sandwich Pakistan from both sides; (d) reduce Pakistan to marginal player in South Asia; (e) regional peace and stability; (f) counter terrorism; (g) access to rich natural resources – Iron ore, Copper etc.; 2. USA → (a) de-radicalization and counter terrorism; (b) extraction of natural resources; (c) counter Iran’s influence in region by surrounding it from 2 sides; 3. China → (a) fill vacuum created by USA’s withdrawal; (b) expanding BRI & CPEC; (c) check terrorism in Xinjiang and Uighurs issue; (d) reduce Indian footprint in the region; (e) investment in mining and other projects; (f) strengthen its linkages with Iran; 4. Russia → (a) reduce the presence of USA and NATO forces around its borders and allies; (b) counter terrorism emanating from Afghanistan which disturbs caucus region, Chechen region; (c) increase its influence in South Asia and West Asia; 5. Pakistan → (a) Strong Afghanistan and army might pose border challenge amidst Durand line issue; (b) strategic depth of ISI in the region; (c) uses Taliban to gain leverage over USA; (d) check Indian influence on its western borders; (e) cultivate Taliban; pedal drugs into India; (f) export arms and terrorism into India;
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2 What will be Impact of USA’s withdrawal?
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- Taliban → increased role in in politics, increased violence, ; Pakistan - strategic depth, USA needs Pakistan for logistics support, increased refugee flow, increased terror attacks inside Pakistan (bad Taliban); China - increase role in in market, increased terrorism impacting Uighurs, CPEC extension to Afghanistan; 2. India → seeks ‘Afghan led, afghan owned, afghan controlled’ peace process, ‘double peace’ – peace within and in Afghanistan’s neighborhood, increased vulnerability to Taliban attack, reduced footprint in Afghan polity and society; probable rise of Taliban and deterioration in India-Afghanistan relations; rise in terrorism, terror funding and arms export to Kashmir terror groups; increased drugs infiltration particularly around regions bordering Pakistan; 3. USA → reduced footprint in the region; more focus on Indo-pacific; increased dependence on Pakistan and it’s military bases; 4. China → increased role in the region; increased investment and attempts to pull Afghanistan into its sphere of influence; 5. Domestic Stakeholders →strengthen position of Pashtuns vis-à-vis other tribes; Political turmoil between Ghani and Abdullah might intensify; democracy may suffer; chances of another civil war; drugs trade may intensify; ANSF will weaken, desertion in army;
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#3 What is the way forward to peace?
1. Intra Afghan talks; permanent ceasefire between warring parties; setting up regional security architecture – through multilateral mechanism like SCO; economic development of Afghanistan; strengthen ANSF, Afghan army to tackle Taliban and enforce rule of law; Related Concept Classes – USA Afghan exit, Afghan peace process, Afghan India relations
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#1 What is the background of USA-Taliban issue?
1. Religious homogeneous → Islamic; ethnically divided into numerous tribes; Pashtuns are the largest tribal group; Northern alliance - Tajiks , Uzbeks; Internal conflict – Pashtuns vs Northern alliance; 2. Politically → no centralized rule or government; tribal loyalties; lack of Central army or police; inter-tribal conflicts; 3. Economically → very poor – 12% land cultivable; resource rich but under developed; human capital- under developed; resort to poppy, arms trade, terror financing; 4. Ethnic composition →Pashtuns → most dominant group - 42%; Greek scholar Herodotus mentions → Pactyans; Tajik → second largest group - 27%, Persian speaking; Herat, mazar-e-sharif, Kabul; Hazara → Central Afghanistan; Shia Muslims; Uzbek → Turkik origin; Baloch → around Balochistan;
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#2 What is Taliban and what is/was America's war on terror?
1. USSR 1979; supported Northern alliance; USA along with Pakistan supported Mujahedeen's; USSR withdrawal; 2. USA left Taliban unattended; supported by Pakistan Taliban gained Power; Osama bin laden joined hands with Taliban; Taliban further radicalized by Al Qaeda; 3. Post 9/11 → ultimatum to Taliban to hand over Osama bin Laden; direct attack on Afghanistan; ousted Taliban government with the support of Northern alliance; 4. caretaker government installed; elections held; ISAF - coalition force of 43 countries; 5. ANSF → Afghan army; Taliban began to regroup and consolidate; 2011 Osama bin Laden killed; 2014 ISAF declared withdrawal; 2021 - American withdrawal;
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#3 What is the ground situation in Afghanistan?
1. Taliban → resilient; resurgent; proved it is permanent player in Afghan polity; claims stake in political power; rise in violence; gradually expanding territory under its control; created government in exile; 2. USA → seeks honorable exit; spent more than 2 trillion dollars; more than 2,000 soldiers; war fatigue; other prominent threat like China and Russia entering Afghan peace process; graveyard of empires – USA doesn't want Afghan to become it's graveyard; 3. USA-Taliban peace deal (Qatar) → USA - withdrawal of forces, remove sanctions on Taliban leaders; Taliban – ceasefire, political solution, release prisoners; 4. Issues with deal → one sided; not sanctioned by Afghan government; Taliban seeks Islamic caliphate, Sharia law; violence continues; internally divided into semi-autonomous groups; Intra Afghan crisis (Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah); ethnic fissures → Pashtuns vs Tajiks;
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#1 What is the background of India Russia relations?
1. Cold war era → strong strategic relations; Nehru & Nikita Khrushchev visit 1955; Post Sino-India war helped in military modernization; brokered 1965 India-Pak peace; 1971 reportedly held off 7th fleet of USA – Indo Soviet treaty of friendship and cooperation – 20 years; Post collapse of USSR Russia inherited relations; 2. Big power politics since 1950's - global politics interplay of QUADRILATERAL (and will continue to be so) of USA-RUSSIA-CHINA-INDIA → relations and equations dynamic → only constant has been India-Russia (USSR) relations; 1950 & 1960 → USSR + China vs USA , India neutral; 1970's to 1990's → USA (China sided with USA) vs Russia (India seen in USSR camp, but neutral); 2000's → USA vs CHINA ( Russia and India neutral); Current (post Crimea) USA vs CHINA + Russia (India seen tilting towards USA, but India Russia relations still good);
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#2 What are the pillars of India Russia relations?
1. 5 major components: politics, defense, civil nuclear energy, anti-terrorism co-operation and space 2. (a) Defense → since 1972 war – Mig airplanes, T 72 tanks; Coproduction of Sukhoi 31; Joint development of Brahmos; transfer of cutting edge technology like nuclear submarine; (b) Nuclear → Kudankulam nuclear plants; 16 to 18 new reactors in pipeline; reliable supplier despite 1998 nuclear tests; (c) Space → Aryabhatta launched by USSR; Rakesh Sharma; (d) Cooperation on GLONASS, Chandrayaan-2;
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#3 Why do some scholars points that India Russia relations are weakening?
(a) Geopolitical differences → Syria issue, Iran Nuclear Deal; (b) China → Russian economy dependent on Chinese investment, increasing high end military sale – Su 35, S 400; deteriorating USA & Russia relations - CAATSA; (c) Afghanistan → Russian engagement of Taliban, not inviting India to peace talks; (d) Pakistan → supplying arms to Pakistan, joint military drills, recent high level visits; (e) Defense → India buying western weapons, reduced defense engagement; costly maintaince of Russian equipment; issues in joint production e.g. FGFA project; lower technology compared to western systems e.g. Rafale (f) Economy → underutilized potential, poor business linkages; $10 Bn trade; (g) people to people contacts → low and reducing;
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#4 India Russia relations have strengthened and transformed?
1. Earlier India was rising power and dependent; now – itself one of the pole; has to secure its interest; relations – guided by strengthening Indian position and influence 2. Bilateral → Special strategic partnership; dedicated technical and economic cooperation groups; provided arms to India during Indo-China standoff; annual presidential visits; 3. Defense → India diversifying relations and not reducing Russian arms; moving from buyer seller to joint production and development e.g. Brahmos; Still high end deals – S 400; 4. Multilateral engagement → RIC platform; facilitated Indian entry into SCO; Invited India to Eurasian economic forum; BRICS – NDB etc. 5. Geopolitical → Supports India's place in UNSC; supports multipolar world; balancing USA and Chinese hegemony; Relations grown; become multifaceted and transformed;
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#5 What is the future course of India Russia relations?
1. (a) Shared common interest – Multipolar world; preventing USA or Chinese hegemony; (b) counter terrorism and peace in Afghanistan; (c) economic development; Energy security – India investing in Russian Far East – Sakhalin oil fields; (d) Nuclear energy; USA factor – Russia needs India to balance USA and China; (e) China factor – to balance China in central Asia – SCO, INSTC; (f) multipolar world – India Russia relations constantly good, both powers need each other in future; 2. Need: (a) Energy cooperation – Sakhalin oil fields; (b) economic engagement e.g. Chennai Vladivostok corridor; (c) p2p contacts; (d) joint defense production e.g. Ka-226T; central Asia e.g
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#1 What is the background of India-Iran relations?
1. Historical Persian empire; cultural exchanges through silk route; Mughals and Persian influence; about 70,00 Parsis in India; Sufism; Shia Muslim population; 2. Post-Independence Partition – Pakistan propped up, separated Persian and Indus civilization; India NAM vs Iranian proximity to USA; 1979 Iranian revolution (improved); Iran Iraq war (soured);
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#2 What is the Importance of Iran to India?
1. Strategic location One of the three power blocks in West Asia (Shia-Sunni-Jews); golden gate way to energy rich Central Asia; strategic neighbour of Pakistan and Afghanistan; counter terrorism and regional security; 2. Peripheral diplomacy counter encirclement of China; engaging Central Asia - counter BRI; Connectivity to Russia - INSTC; 3. West Asia balance West Asia foreign policy; diaspora in West Asia 8 million; 4. Energy security second largest oil supplier till 2010; largest known reserves of gas; provides best price, cheap insurance, low sulfur oil suited for Indian refineries, easy repayment terms; agreed for Rupee exchange program through UCO bank; 5. Geo-political withdrawal of USA; power vacuum in West Asia; increasing Chinese foray; access under developed Central Asian markets;
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#3 What is JCPOA or Iran nuclear deal?
1. Background Signed Obama 2015; withdrawn Trump 2018; Biden may rejoin; Maximum pressure technique - forced onto negotiation table; 2. Terms Constrained enrichment; verification by IAEA; reduce uranium stockpile; reduce enrichment levels; reduce number of centrifuges; 3. Reasons for USA pull out Israel lobby; Iran just one year away from nuclear weapon; deal expires in 2030; doesn't address terrorism like Hamas and Hezbollah; doesn't address Iran's ballistic missiles program; 4. EU response INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges)- limited trade deal, barter mechanism; Indian - restricted trade with Iran; China continued trade;
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#4 What is the recent trend of India-Iran relations?
1. USA sanctions; Iran unhappy with India following USA sanctions; reduced Iranian oil imports; 2. Chinese deal : 25 years , 400 billion dollars; energy investment security and military; port at Jask, strait of Hormuz; 5000 security personnel; 3. delayed projects – companies reluctant to violate USA sanctions; Chbahar project – behing schedule; Delaram-Zaranj railway line – stuck, Iran decided to develop it itself; Farzad B gas field – taken away from India;
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#5 What are the Issues that India faces in relations with Iran?
1. USA USA Iran hostility; Iranian nuclear program; support to HAMAS & Hezbollah; threat to Persian gulf; Sanctions and payment to Iran – rupee mechanism through UCO bank; 2. China Increasing footprint; strategic deal; reduced Indian projects; Iranian policy change; 3. Israel and Saudi Arabia doesn't recognize Israel; Hostile to Saudi; both good partners of India; 4. Structural issues reduced Indian capacity to deliver on projects;
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#6 What is the future trajectory of India-Iran relations?
1. Expected JCPOA revival; Reduced USA sanctions; increased oil trade; better political and economic relations; India to increase delivery capacity; garner US support for Iran; 2. Increasing Chinese influence; reduced scope of India's strategic depth in Iran; 3. Iran : not put all eggs in Chinese basket; seek to balance relation with major powers including India
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#1 What is UNSC?
1. UN → United Nations - intergovernmental organization - international peace and security; 1945 HQ New York City; 2. UNSC - security Council - 1 of the 6 principal organs; 3. Objectives → ensuring international peace and security; admission of new UN members; approving any changes to the UN Charter; 4. Powers → p5 Veto; establishing peacekeeping operations; enacting international sanctions; authorizing military action; authority to issue binding resolutions; 5. Structure → permanent and non-permanent members; permanent - p5; temporary - 6; 1965 expanded to 10; 2 year term; rotational basis on basis of region;
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#2 Why does India deserve a UNSC permanent seat?
1. (a) Current structure undemocratic; (b) responsible nuclear power; (c) Proved leadership role in NAM; (a) peace - maintain peace in neighborhood; (d) UNSC → served as non-permanent member; (e) Economy →third largest economy by PPP, economic contribution doubled in last 60 years; (f) Military → 4th largest military; (g) peacekeeping → UNPKF 49/71 missions, more than 2L troops;
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#3 Why do some countries oppose Indian selection to UNSC?
1. Non responsible nuclear power - not signed CTBT and NPT; 2. Non peaceful - history of wars with China Pakistan; 3. Big brother attitude (regional hegemon)- Internal interference in Sri Lanka Nepal; 4. Leadership - failure to even lead SAARC; 5. Internal issues - human rights violations; 6. Other issues – no clarity on criteria for granting seats; p5 countries not explicit for support on paper at UNSC meetings; amending UNSC charter is onerous process; may open Pandora's box for other countries demanding it;
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#4 Should India seek permanent UNSC seat?
1. NO: Defunct body; members work in self-interest; India spent enough diplomatic capital; Chinese veto; 2. Yes : Shape global rules; contribute to global peace; secure own and regional interest; institutionalize India global position; counter Chinese influence; can defend sanctions against India e.g. Kashmir issue
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#5 What steps has India taken to work for UNSC permanent seats?
1. Bilaterally – seeking support from p5; humanitarian assistance in Africa and small Island nations; UNPKF; calling UNSC reforms; 2. UN - raising opinion; calling for text based negotiations; 3. Multilateral – forming groups like G4 (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil)- opposed by UFC or coffee club; Related Concept Classes – UN reforms; UNSC reforms, India @ UNSC, etc.
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#1 What is the background of India-Iran relations?
1. Historical → Persian empire; cultural exchanges through silk route; Mughals and Persian influence; about 70,00 Parsis in India; Sufism; Shia Muslim population; 2. Post-Independence → Partition – Pakistan propped up, separated Persian and Indus civilization; India NAM vs Iranian proximity to USA; 1979 Iranian revolution (improved); Iran Iraq war (soured);
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#2 What is the Importance of Iran to India?
1. Strategic location → One of the three power blocks in West Asia (Shia-Sunni-Jews); golden gate way to energy rich Central Asia; strategic neighbour of Pakistan and Afghanistan; counter terrorism and regional security; 2. Peripheral diplomacy → counter encirclement of China; engaging Central Asia - counter BRI; Connectivity to Russia - INSTC; 3. West Asia → balance West Asia foreign policy; diaspora in West Asia 8 million; 4. Energy security → second largest oil supplier till 2010; largest known reserves of gas; provides best price, cheap insurance, low sulfur oil suited for Indian refineries, easy repayment terms; agreed for Rupee exchange program through UCO bank; 5. Geo-political → withdrawal of USA; power vacuum in West Asia; increasing Chinese foray; access under developed Central Asian markets;
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#3 What is JCPOA or Iran nuclear deal?
1. Background → Signed Obama 2015; withdrawn Trump 2018; Biden may rejoin; Maximum pressure technique - forced onto negotiation table; 2. Terms → Constrained enrichment; verification by IAEA; reduce uranium stockpile; reduce enrichment levels; reduce number of centrifuges; 3. Reasons for USA pull out → Israel lobby; Iran just one year away from nuclear weapon; deal expires in 2030; doesn't address terrorism like Hamas and Hezbollah; doesn't address Iran's ballistic missiles program; 4. EU response → INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges)- limited trade deal, barter mechanism; Indian - restricted trade with Iran; China continued trade;
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#4 What is the recent trend of India-Iran relations?
1. USA sanctions; Iran unhappy with India following USA sanctions; reduced Iranian oil imports; 2. Chinese deal : 25 years , 400 billion dollars; energy investment security and military; port at Jask, strait of Hormuz; 5000 security personnel; 3. delayed projects – companies reluctant to violate USA sanctions; Chbahar project – behing schedule; Delaram-Zaranj railway line – stuck, Iran decided to develop it itself; Farzad B gas field – taken away from India;
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#5 What are the Issues that India faces in relations with Iran?
1. USA → USA Iran hostility; Iranian nuclear program; support to HAMAS & Hezbollah; threat to Persian gulf; Sanctions and payment to Iran – rupee mechanism through UCO bank; 2. China → Increasing footprint; strategic deal; reduced Indian projects; Iranian policy change; 3. Israel and Saudi Arabia → doesn't recognize Israel; Hostile to Saudi; both good partners of India; 4. Structural issues → reduced Indian capacity to deliver on projects;
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#6 What is the future trajectory of India-Iran relations?
1. Expected JCPOA revival; Reduced USA sanctions; increased oil trade; better political and economic relations; India to increase delivery capacity; garner US support for Iran; 2. Increasing Chinese influence; reduced scope of India's strategic depth in Iran; 3. Iran : not put all eggs in Chinese basket; seek to balance relation with major powers including India
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#1 What is UNSC?
1. UN → United Nations - intergovernmental organization - international peace and security; 1945 HQ New York City; 2. UNSC - security Council - 1 of the 6 principal organs; 3. Objectives → ensuring international peace and security; admission of new UN members; approving any changes to the UN Charter; 4. Powers → p5 Veto; establishing peacekeeping operations; enacting international sanctions; authorizing military action; authority to issue binding resolutions; 5. Structure → permanent and non-permanent members; permanent - p5; temporary - 6; 1965 expanded to 10; 2 year term; rotational basis on basis of region;
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#2 Why does India deserve a UNSC permanent seat?
1. (a) Current structure undemocratic; (b) responsible nuclear power; (c) Proved leadership role in NAM; (a) peace - maintain peace in neighborhood; (d) UNSC → served as non-permanent member; (e) Economy →third largest economy by PPP, economic contribution doubled in last 60 years; (f) Military → 4th largest military; (g) peacekeeping → UNPKF 49/71 missions, more than 2L troops;
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#3 Why do some countries oppose Indian selection to UNSC?
1. Non responsible nuclear power - not signed CTBT and NPT; 2. Non peaceful - history of wars with China Pakistan; 3. Big brother attitude (regional hegemon)- Internal interference in Sri Lanka Nepal; 4. Leadership - failure to even lead SAARC; 5. Internal issues - human rights violations; 6. Other issues – no clarity on criteria for granting seats; p5 countries not explicit for support on paper at UNSC meetings; amending UNSC charter is onerous process; may open Pandora's box for other countries demanding it;
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#4 Should India seek permanent UNSC seat?
1. NO: Defunct body; members work in self-interest; India spent enough diplomatic capital; Chinese veto; 2. Yes : Shape global rules; contribute to global peace; secure own and regional interest; institutionalize India global position; counter Chinese influence; can defend sanctions against India e.g. Kashmir issue
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#5 What steps has India taken to work for UNSC permanent seats?
1. Bilaterally – seeking support from p5; humanitarian assistance in Africa and small Island nations; UNPKF; calling UNSC reforms; 2. UN - raising opinion; calling for text based negotiations; 3. Multilateral – forming groups like G4 (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil)- opposed by UFC or coffee club; Related Concept Classes – UN reforms; UNSC reforms, India @ UNSC, etc.
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#1 What are the factors behind Arab Israel hostility?
(1) Two state solution – UN 1947 Resolution 181 – Palestine into (a) Arab State; (b) Jewish State; (c) Jerusalem; (2) Arab League – Arab liberation army; Britain withdrew, 1948; Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948;
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#2 What is the history of Israel-Palestine/Arab conflict?
(1) Arab Israeli war 1948: Israel gained 50% more territory; Jordan → west bank and Eastern Jerusalem; Egypt → Gaza strip; (2) Arab Israeli war: 1967, 6 day Arab-Israeli war; Israel →Golan heights from Syria; West bank and East Jerusalem → Jordan; Gaza strip and Sinai Peninsula →Egypt; (3) Yom Kippur War 1973: Stalemate; Israel able hold onto its gains
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#3 What were the impacts of these wars on the Palestine Issue?
(1) Perspectives: (a)Israel: can't infinitely maintain military domination; (b) Arabs – can't attain military solution; (c) Palestine – Arab interest reduced; (d) Palestine – disillusionment, rise of terror groups (2) Impetus to political negotiations - 1975: Uno grants observer status to PLO; 1978: Camp David accords; 1987: founding of Hamas; 1993: Oslo accords; (3) Progress: 2005: Israel begins unilateral withdrawal news from Gaza strip; 2006: Hamas scores victory in Palestinian elections; 2007: Palestinian movement split into Hamas (Gaza strip), and Fatah (West Bank)
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#4 What are the current issues?
(1) Borders of Israel: Palestinian view → Israel not demarcating borders; Israel → (a) non-committal on two state solution; (b) unwilling to give up strategic points like Golan Heights; (c)wants tight control on border crossings and checkpoints. (2) Jerusalem - 3 Abrahamic faiths; Christians → no political claim; , Others two religions →political claim; Israel → sovereignty over Jerusalem; Palestinians: 2 state solution with East Jerusalem as its capital (3) Palestinian refugees: During wars millions displaced; Israel → unwilling to accept return of refugees to the original properties – alters its demography; Palestinians → refugees should be allowed to return to their original land; (4) Illegal Israeli settlements in Gaza and West Bank; Threat of eviction from Sheikh Jarrah; Hamas Gaza attack (5) Terrorism: Fatah → denounces violence; Hamas→uses violence; Israel → military response to any violent act; disproportionate use of force; abuse of human rights; UN sanctions
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#5 What is the current status and what are probable solutions?
(1) Stakeholders: (a) Arab world – national interest; (b) Palestinian cause – divided; (c) UN – 2 state solution; (d) Israel – controls Palestine; unwilling for 2 state solution; (e) USA – largely supports Israel; (f) Turkey and China – recent entrants into the regional geopolitics (2) Possible solutions: (a) Unification of Palestinian movement; (b) politically negotiated peace between Israel and Palestine; (c) CBM's; (d) Eventual negotiated 2 state solution;
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#1 What are the Major friction points between Israel and Palestine?
(1) Conflicts: Political, Historical, religious, ideological (2) Current conflicts : (a) Borders of Israel; (b)Jerusalem; (c) Refugee problem; (d) Communal tension; (3) Jerusalem → holy to all 3 Abrahamic faiths - holy sites of temple mount → Jews; Holy church of Sepulchre → Christianity; Al Aqsa mosque → Islam
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#2 What is the Historical background of evolution of conflict?
(1) Israel → Mediterranean coast → Abrahamic faiths; Jewism → Small kingdoms - Kingdom of Israel, Judah; - Hebrew Bible - warfare between the Israelites and Philistines (2) Jerusalem → Old Testament - King David → Jerusalem as capital → Zion; Solomon → 1st temple in Jerusalem; Invasions → Surrounded by Mesopotamia and Egypt → Raided by Babylonian – Persians, Cyrus 1→ temple was rebuilt - Torah written.
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#3 What gave religious color to this conflict?
(1) Rise of Christianity: Romans – Pompeii, Julius Caesar; Bible – Jesus, Bethlehem; Christianity → kingdom of Judah; Roman Jew wars - banned from Jerusalem - Rome adopted Christianity – Constantine; Helena - pilgrimage - Church of Holy Sepulchre. (2) Rise of Islam: Conquest by Arabs → Jerusalem; persecution of Christians; ban on Jews lifted; Prophet Muhammed taken to be the Temple Mount; Al-Aqsa Mosque; Ramallah was built; (3) Crusades → 1099 1st Crusade took Jerusalem; Muslims and Jews massacred – Saladin(1187) took Jerusalem - 13th Century → rise of Mamluks and later the Ottoman empire; (4) Semitism: collapse of crusades; death of Christ; Black Death; favored the Islamic kings → Persecution and expulsion of Jews all over Europe.
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#4 What is Zionism and political basis of the conflict?
(1) Zionism: Age of nationalism; Create a Jewish land in Israel - currently Palestine, Ottomans; development of distinct Palestinian nationality; Development of Hebrew language; 1896 Theodor Herzl - Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State) (2) World war 1; Central powers and allies; Balfour declaration - Sykes picot agreement - ( Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine ) - Jordan and Palestine under British mandate (3) Post World War 1 - Nazi party - German pride and anti-Semitism - Hitler and rising anti-Semitism; concentration camps (4) Increasing hostility between Jews and Arabs – 1929, temple wall and mount; 1947: British approached UNO → UNO - two state solution → Palestinian Arabs and state of Israel for Jews, Jerusalem to be under UN
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#1 What is the utility of theories of IR?
(a) Based on scholarly research and work, not abstract debates; (b) provide structured understanding; (c) Provide framework to explain past events; (d) Provide framework to predict future events; (e) guide foreign policy makers in designing foreign policy
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#2 What prominent theories which are useful for IR and GS?
(a) Idealism (b) Realism (c) Heartland theory (d) Rimland theory
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#3 Idealism
Perpetual peace and cooperation; Depend on moral values; oppose war; advocate reform of international institutions and law; e.g. UN, UNPKF, NAM
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#4 Realism
Emphasis on security dilemma; Conflict and competition; advocate strong military and war; e.g. NATO, Col war
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#5 Heartland theory
Given by Mackinder, 1904; Theory of global domination; World is divided into – world Island (includes heartland), offshore Islands and Outer island; whoever rules east Europe command heartland → command world island → commands the world;
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#6 Rimland theory theory
Given by Spykman; Criticized Mackinder; Rimland consists of European coast, Arabia-Middle east, Asiatic monsoon land; Whoever rules east Europe command heartland → command world island → commands the world;
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#7 What is the relevance of these theories today?
(a) USA has security architecture in place across entire Rimland; (b) Chinese BRI – Maritime silk route secures Rimland, Land route cuts across Heartland; (c) Chinese assertion, 9' line to secure Rimland; (d) India neighborhood first policy. Net security provider;
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#1 What is Cheque book diplomacy?
Type of diplomacy based on debt in the bilateral relations → creditor country extends excessive credit to another debtor country → intention of extracting economic or political concessions.
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#2 What allows China to pursue such diplomacy?
(1) Economic behemoth →estimated $16 TN GDP → Forex 3 Tn (2) Expertise in Infrastructure development → Allows rapid completion of projects (3) Buttressing repressive regimes → high rate loans (4) Entering secret negotiations → non-competitive pricing – requiring contracts go to Chinese State owned companies. (5) Massive diplomatic manoeuvres → BRI
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#3 What are the impacts of such foreign policy
(1) Using predatory geo-economics for geopolitical gains → ASEAN silent on PCA verdict, 2016 (2) Acquiring strategic real estate for dual use – SL Hambantota Port (3) Silencing critiques, securing votes in UN → African and Caribbean nations (4) Able to keep competition out → Kenya, silenced the Joint Indo-Japan Africa Asia growth corridor (5) Secure natural resources to dominate global production → Afghanistan, Africa
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#4 Places which have witnessed Chinese Debt trap
(1) Asia : Pakistan : investing $56 billion in CPEC - total debt burden of $90 billion to be repaid in 30 years; → Sri Lanka : invested about $9 billion – Hambantota port leased out for 99 years (2) Africa: Debt is acute in Zambia, → Djibouti and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Djibouti: Debt at 80% of GDP, Lions share by China (3) Middle East: Oman: China to invest $10 billion to build an industrial park by 2022, stake at strategic Duqm port.
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#5 India Vs Chinese Model of development: Africa
(1) Chinese – (a) Debt oriented; high rate of interest; (b) invests in large infrastructure projects; (c) Contracts should go to Chinese companies; (d) brings its own workers; (e) seen as neo-colonial and exploitative (2) India – 'empower rather than extract' - (a) Development oriented; (b) also invests in rural projects; (c) human development – training – skilling; (d) large grants are also provided; (e) project are demand based and cater to local needs e.g. 194 projects in 37 countries with outlay of $ 11 BN, DTF for LDC's, Pan Africa e-Network, e-VidhyaBharati, e-ArogyaBharti.
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Question,Answer
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What is Blue Water Navy?,
1. Indian navy vision document 2005 : Make India a blue water navy; 2. Project over bigger maritime area than its maritime borders; can operate far off from shore for extended durations; project power across multiple continents; ability to replenish surface and subsurface vessels at sea; 3. Threaten assets of other countries far off from shore; protect its assets from surface, sub-surface and aerial threats;
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What are the ingredients of Blue water Navy?,
1. Naval assets → Aircraft carriers; nuclear powered ships; nuclear submarines; foreign logistic bases; interoperability with other Navy; resupply ships; 2. Allies → access to foreign naval bases – LEMOA (USA); alliances - QUAD; logistics agreements;
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What is the meaning of Net Security Provider (NSP)?,
1. Tackles its own security concerns by enhancing the mutual security of more than one country; 2. The state of actual security, upon balancing prevailing threats; 3. Cooperative instead of competitive security; comprehensive rather than merely military security;
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What are the ingredients of a becoming a Net Security provider?,
1. Capacity building → training of foreign forces; patrol vessels; coastal surveillance radars; 2. Military diplomacy → military visits; exercises; 3. Military assistance → selling of weapons; India is ambivalent; 4. Direct deployment of military forces → military operation; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR);
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What are the steps taken by India to become NSP in IOR?,
1. Defense indigenization → domestic production; technology advancement; 2. Military engagement → Sale and transfer of military equipment → Brahmos to Philippines; Access to foreign bases – Changi (Singapore), Duqm ( Oman), Assumptions islands (Seychelles); 3. Military exercises → SIMBEX; SLINEX; Joint naval patrols – Arabian sea; 4. Regional cooperation → Multilateral engagement; IOR, Indian Ocean naval symposium; LEMOA – USA; ACSA (Acquisition and cross service agreement) – Japan; Related Concept Classes – Indo Pacific, Indian Ocean region etc.
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What is the background of political relations?,
1. April 1 1950; first non-communist country to recognize PRC or mainland China; 1954 Zhou Enlai visit → Panchsheel agreement; Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai era; Nehruvian vision of Asian century; 2. 1957 Aksai Chin issue; Dalai Lama took refuge in India; Nehru’s forward policy; 1962 war - LAC; 1967 skirmish; 1980’s Arunanchal standoff; 1988 Rajiv Gandhi visit; thawing of relations; Political and economic engagement; Border agreements;
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What is the economic aspect of the relationship?,
1. Economic ties → backbone of India-China relations; Trade - 2000 3 BN to 100Bn; deficit 60Bn; strategic economic dialogue (SED) → advancement of economic engagement; 2. Joint economic group on science and technology; seeking Chinese investment and technology;
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What are the issues in India China relations?,
1. Border dispute → hesitancy in quick resolution; border encroachment and salami slicing; 2. Pakistan → CPEC and POK - violates Indian sovereignty; Terrorism → Masood Azhar - advocates technical hurdles; 3. Economic → trade deficit; market access to Indian Pharma and IT; dumping in Indian market; 4. Regional → support to Pakistan; encirclement in neighborhood; internal security challenges; 5. Geo-strategic → string of pearls, Himalayan QUAD; foray in IOR; Russia-China alliance; NSG membership - non supportive; UNSC membership - non-committal; 6. Others : Water → Brahmaputra; Dams; Water data sharing; diversion of rivers; Cyber threat → Cyber-attacks; security of critical infrastructure; Hardware dependence;
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Why India China relations are important?,
1. Vision of Asian century - shifting power balance and center of economic activity; development of underdeveloped South Asian region; infrastructure and technology advancement; 2. Global issues →environment, WTO; 3. Global governance → democratizing global institutions, UN reforms; WTO and IMF reforms; 4. Multilateral → BRICS and SCO- regional cooperation and regional integration; counter terrorism and peace in Afghanistan; development in Central Asia 5. Indian foreign policy → Strategic autonomy; extract maximum out of USA-China; regional stability; India’s internal security – insurgency in North-east;
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What is the future course of India China relations?,
1. Rivals at regional and sub regional level; competition and cooperation at global level; 2. Diplomatic progress → Identify areas of cooperation; CBM; Dispute resolution 3. Economic → Economic decoupling; resilient supsply chain; reduce trade deficit; 4. Global and multilateral → continued engagement to further India’s interest → SCO, BRICS, UN; Indo-Pacific initiative; QAUD engagement; increased military tie ups; counter encirclement; 5. Political level → continued diplomatic engagement; Political rivalry in the region; 6. Military → rapid infrastructure building across Northern borders; Credible deterrence against China & punitive deterrence against Pakistan;
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Question | Full Answer
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What is the historical background of the dispute?
1. British security architecture; two level - Tibet and Himalayan States; 2. 1954 China took over Tibet; made China as India's neighbour; 1957 - took over Aksai Chin; Mao and 5 fingers theory;
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What is the dispute and what are disputed regions?
1. 3 sectors; West, Central and East; (1600, 500,1300 km) 2. West: a. Tripartite Shimla agreement 1914; McMohan line ; China refused to sign; b. Tibet is not sovereign country; China claims entire Arunachal Pradesh- Tibet of 11th century not 1914; 3. East : a. Johnson line (1865); McDonald line (1893); 1957 Aksai Chin; 1962 LAC; Shaksgam Valley; CPEC; b. Recent sovereignty claim over Ladakh;
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What are the reasons for current stand off?
1. Article 370; Gilgit Baltistan and CPEC; Infrastructure in Ladakh (DSDBO) ; Indo Pacific &QUAD; Internal Chinese politics – COVID mishandling, leadership struggle; Salami slicing; 2. Chinese Salami slicing; Doklam stand-off: Tri-junctional of India-Bhutan-China; Strategic chicken neck corridor;
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What steps have been taken to resolve the border dispute?
1. 1993 - border peace and tranquility agreement; 2003 special representative mechanism; 2005 political parameters for negotiations; 2. 2012 - working mechanism for Consultation and Coordination; 2013 border defense cooperation agreement; Wuhan (2018) & Mahabalipuram summit (2019);
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What is the way forward?
1. Indian view: border agreement vital for good relations 2. Chinese view: border agreement outcome of good relations 3. Scholars : keeping the option open to check India 4. UPSC: diplomacy; Bilateral agreements and Wuhan Spirit; Related Concept Classes –India China relations, South China sea dispute etc.
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What is the background of India Israel relations?
(1) Post 1947 two state solution, (2 state theory); recognized Israel in 1950; one of the 1st non-Arab countries to recognize PLO; (2) Factors: (a) India → NAM; (b) Israel → NATO; (c) Pakistan's plan to isolate India over Kashmir; (d) India's energy dependence over Gulf; (e) Indian diaspora sn middle-east; (3) Improvements: 1962 war; 1965 war supplied ammunition; 1990's - breakup of USSR; Full diplomatic relations - 1992; 1990's → first gulf war → PLO sided with Saddam, lost its clout; 1998 Kargil war; Didn’t condemn India's 1998 nuclear tests; Cooperation in SNT and agriculture;
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Why some scholars say India’s stand is changing?
(1) 2015 Presidential visit; Prime minister’s visit; (2) 2015 → abstained from voting against Israel; 2018 → link West policy, de-hyphenate Israel Palestine relation; 2019 → voted in favor of Israel which against resolution which granted observer status to a Palestinian NGO; increasing defense deals;
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Why ties with Israel are important to India?
(1) Defense deals: SIPRI 3rd largest defense supplier; (2) National security and counter-terrorism: backs India’s defence against terror; didn’t condemn India’s nuclear tests in 1998; Mumbai attack, 2008 JWG; Border security; (3) Water and agriculture: foremost technology superpowers; desalination; dryland agriculture; river polluted abatement; (4) Commercial trade: diamond traders in Gujarat; $200 Mn to $5 Bn; SnT, Agri, biotech, space; (5) Tourism: P2P relations; Young Israelis wanting to unwind after their compulsory military service; (6) Start-ups: Israel nearly 4,500 start-ups and 140 incubators/accelerators. (7) Israel : Defense; UN support; Economy, trade and market;
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What is the significance of Defense cooperation with Israel?
(1) Nature: From buyer-seller to joint development & production; military modernization 7 commercialization; Important for Israel – India buyer of costly high tech weapons; (2) Reliable supplier or 'no questions asked supplier'; transfer of most advanced technology; joint design and development; Upgrading platforms; Platforms → UAV - Herons; Bombs - SPICE 2000; Barak 8 Missile defence systems;
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Has India really given up on Palestinian cause?
(1) Co-sponsored draft resolution on Palestinian right of self-determination; 1967 & 1973 - declared Israel as aggressor; Voted for Palestine to become a full member of UNESCO in 2011; (2) Contributing material and technical assistance; budgetary assistance - US$ 30 Mn; library in AlAzhar University; USD 1.25 million to the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees; (3) Capacity building; scholarships under the ITEC; (4) UN: 2014, UNHRC resolution for probing HR violations; 2018, opposing Trumps recognition of Jerusalem; Recent: support just Palestinian cause, 2 state solution, did not oppose actions of Israel
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What should be India’s policy going forward: Continuity with change?
(1) Subsiding support for Palestinian cause; divided Palestinian cause; Indian national security and national interest; Iran Turkey support Palestinian cause and Hamas; Saudi and UAE de-facto allies of Israel; USA is losing its significance; Chinese gaining ground; Iran increasing its influence; (2) Political negotiation - Sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital; Related Concept Classes – India middle east, India Palestine, etc.
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#6 What needs to be done?
1) B.P. Jeevan Reddy Committee [2005] → (a) AFSPA be repealed; (b) UAPA Act → amended to deal with terrorism; (c) AFSPA → “become an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and highhandedness” 2) Santosh Hegde committee [2013] → (a) declared encounters in Manipur → “not genuine” & “disproportionate force”; (b) AFSPA gave → “sweeping powers” to men in uniform; (c) greater restrain+ stricter mechanism to prevent its misuse. 3) 2nd ARC [5th Report] on public order → repeal AFSPA (being opposed by Army) 4) Other reforms – (a) Dialogue with insurgent groups; (b) build credibility → put details of all court-martials vis-à-vis human rights violations under AFSPA → in public domain; (c) Govt. → reduce → districts under AFSPA → long term → repealing AFSPA.
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#1 What is Integrated Guided Missile Development Program?
1) IGMDP→ (i) To attain self-sufficiency in Missile technology; (ii) Promoting R&D→Comprehensive range of missiles; (iii) Converging the knowledge→Scientific institutions. 2) Missiles developed under IGMDP: (i) Prithvi→Short range surface to surface missile; (ii) AGNI→Intermediate to Intercontinental range surface to surface ballistic missile; (iii)Trishul→ Short range Surface to Air missile; (iv) Akash→Medium range Surface to Air missile; (v) Nag→Anti-tank missile.
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#2 What is meant by AGNI series and list down their characteristic features?
1) AGNI series→Range: Medium to Intercontinental range; Nuclear warhead capable; Segment: Surface to Surface ballistic missiles. 2) AGNI-I: (i)Two stage→1st stage solid propellant; (ii)Payload capacity:1000KG/Nuclear capable; (iii)Operational range:700 to 900KM; (iv)Launch pad→Road/Rail mobile platforms. 3) AGNI-II: (i)Two stage→Only solid propellants; (ii)Payload capacity:1000KG/Nuclear capable; (iii)Operational range:2000 to 3000KM; (iv)Part of Credible deterrence apparatus. 4) AGNI-III: (i)Two stage→Only solid propellants; (ii)Payload capacity:1.5 Tonnes/Thermo nuclear or Boosted fission; (iii)Operational range:3500KM; (iv)Highly lethal than AGNI-II. 5) AGNI-IV: (i)Two stage→Only solid propellants; (ii)Payload capacity:1Ton/Thermo nuclear or Boosted fission; (iii)Operational range:4000KM; (iv)Searing temperature→3000 Celsius. 6) AGNI-V: (i)Three stage→Two stages solid propellants + Composite third stage; (ii)Payload capacity:1.5Ton/Nuclear capable; (iii)Operational range:5500KM [Intercontinental ballistic missile]; (iv)High Operational flexibility: Canister based launch; (v)India→Completed Nuclear triad.
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#3 What is the significance of AGNI series missile developments?
1) (i) Successful testing of AGNI V→India entered elite ICBMs club; (ii)Canister based launch system→Highly agile & operational readiness; (iii)Ensures credible minimum deterrence→Against Nuclear attack; (iii)Facility of MERVs→Neutralizing multiple targets; (vi) Development of composite material→Applications in Infrastructure & Development; Prosthetics etc.; (v)Hassle free targeting→Up to Northeastern China [AGNI-V]
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#4 What are the challenges are there for AGNI missiles?
1) (i) Being Exo-atmospheric trajectory→Anti-ballistic missile defence system: Easy to Track & shoot it down; (ii) Absence of Self destruction facility; (iii) Trajectory of missile path→highly predictable; (iv)Thermal heating on reentry→Prone to deteriorate the Chemical/Biological warheads; (v)Because of massive size of ICBM→Locating through satellite images are trouble-free.
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#5 What are the recent initiatives which are taken in the AGNI segment?
1) AGNI-VI: (i) 4-stage ICBM;(ii) Payload delivery range:12000 KMs; (iii) Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle→Up to 10 warheads; (iv)Sleekly & easily transportable→Versatility in operations. 2) AGNI-P: (i) 2 stage-Medium range ballistic missile; (ii) Operational range-1000 to 2000KMs; (iii) Maneuverable reentry vehicle; (iv) Composite motor casing +Canister based launch systems.
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#1 What is meant by Ballistic Missile systems?
1) Ballistic missile→Principle: Travels in Ballistic trajectory towards target→ Capable to deliver multiple warheads: To neutralize the target. 2) Guided→Only for brief periods; Majority of trajectory→Unpowered. 3) Components: (i)Missile guidance; (ii)Flight system; (iii)Engine; (iv)Warhead. 4) Two major variants: (i)Short range ballistic missile→Travel within Earth’s atmosphere; (ii)Intercontinental Ballistic Missile→Exo atmosphere trajectory. 5) Example: (i) Agni series; (ii) Prithvi series etc.
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#2 What is the significance of Ballistic Missile systems?
1) (i) Due to its trajectory path→Attack range is extreme high [Example: AGNI V-5000KM]; (ii)Unpowered trajectory phase→ Hefty Payload carrying capacity; (iii)One shot multiple kill principle: carrying multiple payloads→Neutralizing large area in one shot; (iv)Mid-air warhead ejection→Enable the targeting of multiple cities; (v) Canister based launch: Broadened the launch platforms→Ensures credible minimum deterrence; (vi) Requirement of Fewer logistics→Than war planes.
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#3 What are the drawbacks in Ballistic Missile systems?
1) (i) Missile system embedded with Jet engine→Effortless to track & shoot; (ii)High altitude trajectory+ sub sonic speed→Easy to shoot with the help of ABM; (iii)High cost:10 times that of cruise missile→Manufacture & maintenance; (iv) Shelf life is poor→prone to deteriorate to varied climatic conditions; (v) Targets cannot be varied in trajectory; (vi) No self-destructive mechanism→Mission can’t be aborted in mid-air.
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#4 What is meant by Cruise missile systems?
1) (i) Cruise missile→Guided missile against terrestrial targets; (ii) Major portion of travel: Constant speed; 2) Components: (i) Guidance system → (a) Radar altimeter; (b) Barometric altimeter; (c) Satellite guidance; (d) Terrain contour matching [TERCOM]; (ii) Engines → (a) Jet engine; (b) Turbofan engine; (iii) Payloads→Conventional & Nuclear warheads. 3) Multiple variants based on speed: (i) Subsonic speed; (ii) Super-sonic speed; (iii) Hyper sonic speed. 4) Example: (i) Tomohawk; (ii) Brahmos; (iii) Nirbhay etc.
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#5 What is the significance of Cruise missile systems?
1) (i) Ground hugging flight profile→evade from radar systems; (ii) Low probability of intercept→Unpredictable flight path; (iii) Varied speed options availability→Enlarged footprint in operations; (iv) Wartime readiness is higher that of ICBMs; (v)Self destructive capability →Option to abort the mission in mid-air; (vi) Cost effective: Make & fire→Than Ballistic variants.
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#6 What are the drawbacks in Cruise missile systems?
1) (i) Operational attack range: Maximum of 2400KM→Lower than ballistic variant; (ii)Fraction of warhead to total size→Extreme bottom end; (iii) Submarine launch→Reveals the location of Underwater submarines; (iv) Complexity→In aerodynamics; (v) Requires multiple testing→Before operational readiness. [Example: Nirbhay]
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What is the significance of Cruise missile systems?
(i) Ground hugging flight profile→evade from radar systems; (ii) Low probability of intercept→Unpredictable flight path; (iii) Varied speed options availability→Enlarged footprint in operations; (iv) Wartime readiness is higher that of ICBMs; (v)Self destructive capability →Option to abort the mission in mid-air; (vi) Cost effective: Make & fire→Than Ballistic variants.
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What are the drawbacks in Cruise missile systems?
(i) Operational attack range: Maximum of 2400KM→Lower than ballistic variant; (ii)Fraction of warhead to total size→Extreme bottom end; (iii) Submarine launch→Reveals the location of Underwater submarines; (iv) Complexity→In aerodynamics; (v) Requires multiple testing→Before operational readiness. [Example: Nirbhay]
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What were the factors that led to decolonization?
[1] growth of nationalism [2] struggles of the peoples of the colonies [3] weakening of imperialist power post WW2 [4] rise of Soviet Union [5] promotion to ideology of democracy and freedom [5] anti colonial sentiments [6] birth of UN [7] cooperation among 3rd world countries.
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How important Asian countries got decolonized?
[1] India [2] Burma: British Colony → WW2 → Japanese control → 1944, the Anti-fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL) → Post WW2 → British tried to colonize again → freedom movement → independence in 1948. [3] Indonesia: Dutch colony → WW2 → Japanese control → British + Dutch quest for reconquering → resistance movement under Sukarno → India support + global opinion → Holland declared independence. [4] Philippines: American colony → WW2 → Japanese control→ 1946 US granted independence. [5] Malaysia: British colony→ WW2→ Japanese control→ reestablishment of British rule post WW2→ 1957, independence.
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What was the Chinese Civil war?
[1] revolution of 1911→ end of Monarchy→ establishment of republic→ failure of republic→ era of warlords (1916-1927) → Student’s pro democratic struggle→ formation of two parties Sun Yat-sen’s National People’s Party (Kuomintang) & Chinese Communist Party→ joint front against imperialism + warlordism → Sun’s death in 1924 → Kaishek became head of Kuomintang. [2] breaking up of the joint front → Kaishek forces attacked on communist→ communist retreated to remote areas and continued Guerrilla warfare → Civil war.
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How communism prevailed in China?
[1] Japan attacked Manchuria (1934) [2] Kaishek focused on eliminating Communist and not Japanese incursion [3] Kaishek forces suffered heavy losses against Japanese→ weakening of Kaishek + Surge in communist popularity [4] Japanese surrender in 1945 → resumption of Civil war → defeat of Kaishek → fled to Taiwan [5] Mao Zedong became head of new communist republic → End of Civil war. Outcome: [1] Taiwan → Republic of China + Member of UN; Mainland China→ People’s Republic of China [2] PRoC became UN member in 1971 [3] Communist Government in China.
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What were the reasons for victory of Communist over Nationalists?
[1] maladministration of Kaishek [2] Japanese war [3] Guerrilla warfare used by Communists [4] popular support of workers and Peasants [5] leadership of Mao.
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What were the important events in communist China?
1) The Hundred Flowers campaign (1957): 'Let a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend'→ based on constructive criticism→ criticism of Mao policy and communist ideology increased→ Mao called off this campaign→ imposed restriction on freedom of expression. 2) The Great Leap Forward (1958-62): collective farming+ small scale industries. 3) Cultural revolution (1966-76): to lead China on pure Maoist philosophy.
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How Israel State was created?
Persecution of Jews across world→ Zionist movement 1897→ Influx of Jews into Palestine→ Sykes-Picot Agreement→ Balfour declaration→ 2nd WW and Jews persecution by Nazis→ More influx of Jews in Palestine→ UN resolution 1947 for two nations→ India voted against resolution.
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What is the Arab-Israel conflict?
1) 1st Arab- Israel War 1948: Egypt + Jordan+ Iraq + Syria Vs. Israel→ Israel won→ expansion of territories→ Palestine refugee crisis→ formation of PLO. 2) 2nd Arab- Israel War 1967: called 6 days war→ Israel won→Expansion→ Golan Heights from Syria+ West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan+ Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt. 3) 3rd Arab- Israel War 1973: Yom Kippur War→ Sinai Peninsula returned to Egypt. 4) Rise of Insurgency: Hamas and Fatah as terror groups.
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What was role of Global community in resolving this dispute?
1) Oslo Peace Accord 1993→ US+ Russia mediated→ concept of two-state solution→ PLO accepted to recognize Israel+ Israel will leave occupied territories 2) Camp David Summit (2000)→ failed→ uprising. 3) Gaza Expulsion plan: Israel left Gaza and few territories of West Bank.
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What are various conflicting demands?
1) Palestine: independent Palestine state in West Bank and Gaza+ East Jerusalem as capital + return to pre-1967+ return of refugees. 2) Israel: Israel as a Jewish State+ end of Palestinian insurgency + control over Jerusalem.
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What can be likely solution for this conflict?
[1] creation of two nation [2] democratization of Palestine [3] place in UNGA [4] multistakeholder approach (Israel-Arab perspective).
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What were the Opium wars?
1) China a prosperous civilization→ no demand for British goods → smuggling of opium from India into China in return of gold and silver→ China ban on opium import. 2) 1st Opium war 1839→ defeat of China; Outcome: Treaty of Nanjing [1] war reparation fine [2] Hongkong→ Britain [3] tariff free British import. 3) 2nd Opium War 1860→ Between China Vs. Britain+ France; Reason: Pretext of murder of Christian missionary; Outcome: Treaties of Tianjin [1] Freedom of movement for Christian missionaries. [2] Residence for foreign envoys [3] access to Chinese ports [4] unrestricted entry of Foreign traders + free trade in China.
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How China was colonized?
1st Sino Japan War 1894 over Korea→ defeat of China→ to pay war damage to Japan→ China borrowed from Western countries→ division of China as exclusive trade zones→ Cutting of Chinese melon→ USA ‘me too’ policy.
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What was the Boxer rebellion?
1) Uprising against foreign dominance. 2) Cause of uprising: [1] economic exploitation [2] defeats in Opium wars [3] loss of sovereignty [4] Christian missionaries [5] corruption in own Government. 3) Outcome: [1] combined forces of British, French, Japanese, Russian, German, and Americans crushed the rebels→ China as international colony.
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How South East Asia was Colonized?
1) Burma: French won right to build railways→ British fear of French influence→ British attacked and colonized Burma. 2) Sri Lanka: Portuguese→ Dutch→ British; introduction of Rubber plantation 3) Malaysia and Singapore: British to control strait of Malacca. 4) Indochina: Laos + Cambodia + Vietnam→ French control. 5) Philippines: Spanish control→ revolt of natives→ American colony.
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136
What was the Afghanistan War?
1) Background: Saur Revolution 1978→ pro-Communist government under Nur Muhammad Taraki→ modernization efforts→ resistance from conservative groups→ Brutal suppression by Government→ rise of insurgency→ assassination of Taraki by Hafizullah Amin → USSR intervention.
2) Soviet invasion: invasion of Kabul 1979→ execution of Amin→ installing pro-soviet puppet government → retaliation of insurgency groups called the Mujahideen→ support of US+ Pakistan+ Iran+ Saudi Arabia to insurgents→ Mikhail Gorbachev came to power1985→ decided to withdraw troops.
3) Aftermath of Soviet withdrawal: [1] Mujahideen took control of Afghanistan→ disagreement on power sharing→ civil war. [2] Taliban vs Mujahideen fight for control→ Mujahideen+ Northern Alliance resisted Taliban takeover→ Taliban emerged victorious 1996→ Sharia law imposed in Afghanistan. [3] US attacked Afghanistan in 2001 and dethroned Taliban→ establishment of democratic government→ withdrawal of US led alliance 2021→ Taliban seize control.
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How cold war ended?
1) Birth of USSR: Russian Revolution of 1917→ ended the Russian empire→ Russian Civil War→ formation of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1922.
2) Status of affair in USSR: repressive regime under Stalin+ totalitarianism+ lack of civil rights + Statism + One party system (communist)+ Dominance of Russia + Arm race depleting Russian economy.
3) Disintegration of the USSR: Gorbachev became Premier 1985→ reforms introduced by Gorbachev → revolution of 1989→ fall of Berlin wall→ → split in Communist bloc→ attempt of coup→ foiled under leadership of Boris Yeltsin→ decision of disbanding Soviet Union.
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What were the reasons for disintegration of USSR?
[1] Rise of nationalism in Soviet nations [2] Centralization of power into Russia. [3] Lack of development W.R.T western World [4] The fall of berlin wall [5] Political Un-accountability: corruption, nepotism and lack of transparency. [6] Gorbachev’s reforms: a) glasnost→ openness→ lifted ban on press→criticism of Government→ people realized faltering Soviet model b) Perestroika→ economic restructuring→ move towards capitalism model→ food shortage end economic turmoil in USSR. c) policy of non-intervention in Soviet bloc d) decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.
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What were the outcome of USSR disintegration?
[1] end of cold war [2] victory of capitalism over socialism [3] unipolar world [4] US as hegemon [5] WB and IMF forced reform→ shock therapy of Soviet economy→ mass distress+ hyperinflation + inequality + bank meltdown + sale of Industries [6] LPG reforms in India.
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What were major military blocks?
1) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): military alliance of North American and European countries→ collective security doctrine.
2) South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) 1954→ prevent communism from gaining ground in South-East Asia.
3) Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) or Baghdad Pact 1955→ contain soviet expansion in middle east.
4) Warsaw pact 1955→ military alliance of communist bloc.
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What was Suez canal crisis?
1) about Suez canal: constructed by French; controlled by French + British governments→ nationalisation by Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser 1965.
2) Outbreak of the war: [1] French+ British+ Israel attacked Egypt [2] USSR supported Egypt+ threaten for Nuclear attack on European countries [3] USA was against attack on Egypt.
3) Aftermath of the crisis: [1] aggressor nations withdraw from Egypt [2] first use of a United Nations peacekeeping force & United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) [3] end of Britain and France as superpowers [4] US and USSR emerged as superpower [5] estranged ties between US and France [6] hastened decolonisation [7] Nasser a powerful hero [8] rise of Arab nationalism [9] Egypt and Israel tension continued leading to Six-Day war of 1967.
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What was the Vietnam War?
1) Background: Indo-China region was French colony→ Liberation movement under leftist intellectuals→ 1st Indo-China War 1946-54 (US support to France)→ defeat of France→ Geneva peace agreement (1954)→ Indo-China broke into Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia+ Vietnam split into North and south→ North under Ho Chi Minh (Pro Communist) & South under Ngo Dinh Diem pro US→ Insurgency in South Vietnam→ formation of Viet Cong.
2) Onset of the war: [1] threat of communist takeover+ Gulf of Tonkin incidence→ Entry of USA [2] civilian casualties + war crimes by US forces (Mai Lai massacre) + USA attacked on Laos and Cambodia→ global outcry→ Paris Peace Accord (1973)→ ceasefire and USA exit from Vietnam.
3) Aftermath of US exit: [1] North took over South→ Vietnam as sovereign communist Nation & Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City [2] US President Johnson lost to Nixon.
