International Relations: January 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024

Context

In 2024, the Haj Pilgrimage will see 175,025 pilgrims from India approved to participate. Among them, 140,020 out of the total will be facilitated by the Haj Committee of India, while the remaining 35,005 will be authorized to proceed through Haj Group Operators.

What is Hajj?

• Hajj (pilgrimage made to Kaaba)  is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia,  the holiest city for Muslims.
• The rites of pilgrimage are performed over five to six days, extending from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
•  It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah (oath that one believes there is no god but Allah (God)),  salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving) and sawm (fasting of Ramadan).
• Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

Annual Exchange of Nuclear Installation Lists: India and Pakistan

Context

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.

India Pakistan Exchange List of Nuclear Installations Under 1988 Agreement

• Bilateral Pact Governing Atomic Facility Security: The India Pakistan Exchange list of Nuclear Installations took place under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.
• 33rd Consecutive Exchange: This is the 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.

What is the 1988 Agreement Between India and Pakistan?

• The agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities was signed on December 31, 1988, by the then Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi. 
• The treaty came into force on January 27, 1991.
• The agreement mandates both countries to inform each other about any nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the agreement on the first of January of every calendar year, providing a confidence-building security measure environment.

Issue of Indians Jailed Abroad

Context

As India boasts the largest expatriate community globally, over 9,500 Indian nationals find themselves incarcerated in foreign prisons. Of these, three out of every five are held in Middle Eastern jails, with Qatar hosting the third-largest number of Indian inmates in the region.

Where are Most Indian Prisoners Lodged?

• Total Indians Jailed Abroad: As many as 9,521 Indians are lodged in jails in 89 of the 210 countries where diaspora from the country is based.
• Middle East: More than 62% are lodged in the Middle East, followed by Asia.
• The highest number of Indian prisoners — 2,200 — are lodged in Saudi Arabia, followed by the United Arab Emirates.
• Qatar has 752 Indian prisoners followed by Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
• Asia: In Asia, a little over 23% of the total 1,227 prisoners are in Nepal followed by Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Singapore, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
• Europe: In Europe, the majority of Indian prisoners are lodged in the United Kingdom (278) followed by Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

What Happens When an Indian is Imprisoned Abroad?

• Monitor:
  • Indian Missions and Posts abroad closely monitor incidents of Indian nationals being jailed for alleged violation of local laws, according to the MEA’s Standard Operating Procedure.
  • As soon as information about the detention or arrest of an Indian national is received by the Mission or Post, it gets in touch with the local Foreign Office and other local authorities to get consular access to such individuals.
• Ensure Welfare and Consular Assistance:
  • MEA officials then ascertain the facts of the case, confirm Indian nationality, and ensure the welfare of such individuals in various ways, such as extending all possible consular assistance, assistance in providing legal aid wherever needed, and approaching local law enforcement agencies to complete judicial proceedings at the earliest possible.

What are the Government Steps to Provide Assistance to the Prisoners Abroad?

• Legal Assistance:
  • Indian Missions and Posts maintain a local panel of lawyers in countries where the Indian community is based in sizable numbers.
  • No fee is charged for the facilities extended by the Embassy.
  • The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is set up at Missions and Posts abroad to assist overseas Indian nationals in distress situations in deserving cases.
  • The support extended under ICWF includes financial assistance for legal aid as well as travel documents and air tickets during repatriation.
• Repatriation of Indian Nationals:
  • The government follows up the issue of release and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons during consular and other consultations with countries.
• Pardon and Reduction in Prison Sentences:
  • Some countries grant pardon or reduction of sentence to inmates of various nationalities from time to time but do not share the data with the countries concerned.
  • Since 2014, 4,597 Indian nationals have received pardon or reduction of their sentences by foreign governments due to efforts by the Indian Government through various channels.
• Agreement(s) on Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP):
  • India has signed Agreement(s) on TSP with 31 countries under which Indian prisoners lodged in foreign countries can be transferred to India to serve the remainder of their sentence and vice-versa.
  • These include Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, Estonia, France, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom and Vietnam.
  • India has also signed two multilateral conventions on transfer of sentenced persons — the Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad and Council of Europe Convention on Transfer of Sentenced Persons — under which sentenced persons of member states and other countries which have acceded to these can seek transfer of prisoners.
  • From 2006 till January 2022, 86 prisoners were transferred under the TSP; these included 75 imprisoned Indians transferred to India and 11 foreign prisoners transferred to their respective countries.

Way Forward

• There is a need to strengthen the resources and capabilities of Indian missions abroad to provide consistent and robust consular assistance to imprisoned nationals.
• There is a need to create awareness among the Indian diaspora about local laws and customs in countries they reside in, possibly through outreach programs or information campaigns.
• There is a need to enhance diplomatic efforts and negotiations with other countries to streamline the process of transferring prisoners and ensuring fair treatment for Indian nationals in foreign jails.
• Continuously reviewing and updating policies related to Indian nationals imprisoned abroad, potentially amending existing agreements or creating new ones to facilitate smoother repatriation or sentence transfers.

Global Geopolitical Intricacies and Opportunities for India

Context

Despite India's emphasis on the notion that "this is not the era of war," the year 2023 witnessed a surge in conflicts. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip emerged as some of the most devastating conflicts in recent memory. These events, coupled with China's assertive actions, present significant challenges and hinder diplomatic endeavors, leading to concerns not only in the West but also in India.

What is the Overview of 2023 Global Geopolitical Trends and Challenges for India?

• Crisis in the Middle East:
  • Two years of sustained effort to normalize ties between Israel and the Arab world was disrupted by the Hamas attack in which more than 1,200 civilians and military personnel were killed, and more than 230 taken hostage.
  • Israel’s angry and disproportionate response has so far killed more than 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza — which has attracted criticism from even the US. The Israeli-Arab reconciliation process has been derailed for now, and the future of Gaza is unknown.
  • India backed a two-state solution to resolve the decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict and bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
• Stress in India-US Ties:
  • After successful visits by the Indian and President Joe Biden to each other’s capitals, bilateral ties are facing headwinds over allegations of an Indian official link to an assassination plot against a Khalistani separatist in the US.
  • India’s response has been different from the way it reacted to Canada when it suggested an Indian government link to the murder of another Khalistani in that country.
  • India has expressed India’s “commitment to the rule of law”, and promised to “look into” the role of Indian citizens in the alleged US plot if information is provided.
• Russia-Ukraine War:
  • As the war drags on, the West is facing funding challenges. Ukraine hopes to get Euro 18.5 billion from the European Union and more than USD 8 billion from a US package that also contains vital military assistance.
  • But the assistance has been blocked — by Republicans in the US Congress and by Hungary in the EU — so far.
  • Meanwhile, Putin’s re-election as Russia’s President is a foregone conclusion. The Russian economy has been resilient despite sanctions, and proximity between Moscow and Beijing worries the West.
• India’s Maldives Challenges:
• The government of President Mohamed Muizzu, who rode an “India Out” campaign to power, has asked India to withdraw military personnel stationed in the Maldives, and conveyed its intention to terminate a water survey pact. The Muizzu establishment is considered close to China.
• China’s Behaviour:
  • China continues to be India’s biggest worry and strategic challenge. The Border Standoff is in its fourth year, with the force posture being maintained to rival the Chinese military presence. The dependence of Moscow, India’s strategic defence partner, on Beijing for economic survival, and the Maldives getting closer to China in the Indian Ocean have added to the concern.
• G-20 and Global South:
  • India’s success in negotiating a joint declaration at the G20 summit came as a surprise for many in the international community.
  • A big takeaway from the G20 process was New Delhi’s mobilisation of developing and less developed countries under the umbrella of the Global South.
  • The idea of leading the Global South is seen as taking forward the legacy of India’s Non-Alignment leadership, only adapted to the 21st century.
• Engagement with Taliban:
  • There has been a change of guard in the Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi, with the incumbent ambassador leaving and that country’s diplomats in Mumbai and Hyderabad stepping in to take charge.
  • To India’s relief, they have assured they won’t fly the Taliban flag or have Taliban nomenclature in their official correspondence.

What are the Upcoming Challenges for India in 2024?

• US & Canada Relations:
  • Resolving the US 'assassination plot' issue is a challenge. The US President's absence at Republic Day caused irritation, delaying the Quad summit.
  • Canada's allegations also strain ties, but public support backs India's response. Different approaches are needed for US and Canada issues, as both countries hold distinct importance for India.
• Pakistan Relations:
  • Since 2019, when the Indian government was re-elected and the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir were affected, ties with Pakistan have been at a low.
  • The change of guard in Islamabad and Rawalpindi did not make much difference, and India kept to its doctrine of indifference towards Pakistan.
  • Elections are now due in Pakistan, and there could be a new government there after February 2024.
• Bangladesh Elections:
  • Bilateral ties have gained positive momentum in the last 15 years of the Sheikh Hasina government, and Indian will be keen to see her return to power in the elections due early in the new year.
  • Security imperatives guide India’s choice in Dhaka; the Bangladesh opposition is viewed with suspicion and animosity, going by the track record of the Khaleda Zia government in the early 2000s.
• China Border Standoff:
  • The border standoff is ongoing since 2020, and any fresh escalation will impact both the security environment and India’s domestic political atmosphere.
  • India will be extra careful in its response to a challenge from its biggest adversary. That imperative will frame India’s diplomacy towards China in the next few months, and even later.
• West Asia Dynamics:
  • India's evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the nuanced diplomatic positioning in the region present complex challenges.
  • Balancing Interests between Russia and US:
  • Balancing interests between imports of Russian oil and pressure from the US amid the ongoing war shapes India's foreign policy strategy.

Way Forward

• India will be looking to move the efforts at improving connectivity between its Northeast and Bangladesh to a higher gear, which will benefit the region and both countries.India aims for continuity in positive bilateral ties with Sheikh Hasina's government while navigating potential shifts in power.
• India must continue evolving its diplomatic stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict, aiming for a balanced approach between supporting Israel and addressing concerns of the Global South. Seeking ways to contribute positively to peace-building efforts and advocating for humanitarian aid could be crucial.
• The free trade pacts with the UK and European partners are said to be at a critical stage. Elections to the EU parliament, and possibly in the UK, are due in 2024— and this shrinks the policy space and flexibility for negotiators. Even so, 2024 may see these major economic diplomacy initiatives come close to fruition.
• The dialogues with the US and EU on technology and trade, to remove the barriers for India to access high tech in AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity, will be a related policy space to look out for.

India-Italy Migration and Mobility Agreement

Context

The Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy was recently given ex-post facto approval by the Union Cabinet.

What is Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy?

• About:
  • The agreement is set to strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration while bolstering people-to-people ties between India and Italy.
  • It facilitates mobility for various segments, including students, skilled workers, businesspersons, and young professionals, fostering exchange and collaboration.
• Key Provisions:
  • Temporary Residence for Indian Students: Graduates seeking professional exposure in Italy post-academic or vocational training can secure temporary residency for up to 12 months.
  • Reserved Quotas for Workers: The agreement outlines quotas for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers, with a reserved quota range over the years 2023-2025 under the existing Flows Decree.
  • The Italian government's annual "Flow Decree" (Decreto Flussi) sets the maximum number of non-EU citizens who can enter Italy for work and self-employment
• Implementation:
  • The agreement will remain in force for 5 years, with automatic renewal unless terminated.
  • A Joint Working Group (JWG) will oversee its implementation, convening periodically to evaluate progress and propose supportive measures for effective execution.

What are the Other Areas of Cooperation Between India and Italy?

• Historical Ties:
  • India and Italy are ancient civilizations but young states. Italian port cities were important trading posts on the spice route.
  • The Venetian merchant Marco Polo, during his travels to the east, also traveled to India in the 13th century and wrote about his experiences.
• Political:
  • Political relations between India and Italy were established in 1947.
  • In March 2023, India and Italy elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
• Economic:
  • The bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at USD 14.25 billion in 2022-23.
  • Italy is among India's top 5 trading partners in the European Union.
  • Main items of Indian exports to Italy are ready-made garments, leather, iron ore, motor vehicles, textiles, chemicals, gems & jewelry.
  • The main items of import from Italy are general and special purpose machinery, machine tools, metallurgical products, and engineering items.
• Security:
  • The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) is a forum established to boost defense cooperation between the both countries.
• Other Initiatives Involving India and Italy:
  • India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
  • Global Biofuel Alliance
  • Blue-Raman project

Red Sea and Panama Canal

Context

On January 26, 2024, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) voiced apprehension regarding the escalating disruptions in global trade attributed to climate change and warfare's influence on shipping in three crucial maritime routes: The Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Panama Canal.

Black Sea

• Location:
  • The Black Sea, also known as the Euxine Sea, is a prominent inland sea located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
  • The region surrounding the Black Sea is commonly known as the Black Sea Region.
  • It is bordered by the Pontic, Caucasus, and Crimean Mountains to the south, east, and north respectively.
  • The Turkish straits system, consisting of the Dardanelles, Bosporus, and Marmara Sea, acts as a transition zone between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
  • The Strait of Kerch connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.
  • Countries bordering the Black Sea include Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania.
  • The Black Sea flows into the Mediterranean Sea via the Aegean Sea and various straits.
• Straits:
  
  • Kerch Strait: Links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, situated between the Crimean peninsula of Kerch and the Russian peninsula of Taman.
  • Bosphorus Strait: Connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
  • Dardanelles Strait: Joins the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
• Oxygen Levels:
  
  • The deeper waters of the Black Sea have lower oxygen levels due to its distinct geological and hydrological conditions.
  • This oxygen deficiency creates a unique environment, making it one of the world's largest anoxic basins with areas of very little dissolved oxygen.
  • Islands: The Black Sea contains several islands, including Snake Island (Ukraine), Giresun Island (Turkey), and St. Ivan Island (Bulgaria).
• Trade:
  
  • As a vital crossroads between Europe and Asia, the Black Sea serves as a crucial route for commodity transportation.
  • It facilitates the transport of crude oil, refined oil, agricultural products, iron, and steel.
  • According to a Bloomberg report, Ukraine and Russia account for over a quarter of the world's wheat trade, nearly a fifth of its corn trade, and a significant portion of its sunflower oil trade.
    

Red Sea

• Location: 
  • The Red Sea stretches southeastward from Suez, Egypt, for approximately 1,930 km to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, linking it to the Gulf of Aden and ultimately the Arabian Sea.
  • It is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean situated between the continents of Africa and Asia, known for being one of the world's warmest seas.
  • The Sinai Peninsula bifurcates the northern portion of the Red Sea into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, connecting it to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.
• Geology: 
  • The Red Sea was formed by the splitting of the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa through the movement of the Red Sea Rift.
• Salinity: 
  • With high evaporation and low precipitation and no significant rivers or streams draining into it, the Red Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water globally. Its narrow connection to the Gulf of Aden contributes to its high salinity.
• Ecosystem: 
  • The Red Sea boasts rich biodiversity, partly due to its extensive coral reef system spanning approximately 2,000 km along its coastline. It also features numerous offshore reefs, including several true atolls.

• Bordering Countries
  • To the east, the Red Sea is bordered by Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
  • Egypt lies to the north and west of the Red Sea, while Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti border it to the west.
  • With a surface area of approximately 438,000 km², the Red Sea stretches about 2,250 km in length.
  • Its maximum width reaches 355 km, and its deepest point, the central Suakin Trough, plunges to 3,040 m, with an estimated average depth of 490 m.
  • Notable islands in the Red Sea include Tiran Island, situated near the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, and Shadwan Island, positioned at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez.
• Panama Canal
  • Located in Central America, the Panama Canal is a lock-type canal owned and managed by the Republic of Panama.
  • It serves as a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
  • Constructed as a lock-type canal, it features a system with gates at each end that allow for the adjustment of water levels to raise or lower boats.
  • The Panama Canal, facilitating maritime passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, played a crucial role in global trade expansion during the 20th century.
  • Opened in 1914 after initial construction efforts by France starting in 1881, the canal was later taken over by the United States in 1904.
  • The canal comprises artificial lakes, various improved and artificial channels, and three sets of locks. Additionally, it includes Alajuela Lake (formerly known as Madden Lake during the American era), which serves as a reservoir for the canal.
  • By providing a direct route through Central America, the Panama Canal significantly reduces the need to circumnavigate South America for maritime travel.
• Recent Developments:
• The disruption in global trade commenced on February 24, 2022, with the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces following President Vladimir Putin's directives. Subsequently, Russia initiated a blockade of key Ukrainian Black Sea ports such as Odessa and Mykolayiv, crucial choke points for the export of wheat, sunflower oil, and maize to global markets via the Straits of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, ultimately reaching the Mediterranean and beyond.
• A significant milestone occurred when Russia and Ukraine, under the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey, signed the Black Sea Grain Initiative in Istanbul on July 22, 2022, aiming to resume Ukrainian grain exports from Black Sea ports. However, in July 2023, Russia declined to renew the initiative upon its expiration.
  
• The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to notable shifts in oil and grain trading dynamics, altering established trade routes. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal, a critical artery for global trade, is confronting challenges due to reduced water levels, resulting in a substantial 36 percent decline in total transits over the past month compared to the previous year. 
• Concerns about the long-term effects of climate change on the canal's capacity are prompting apprehensions regarding enduring impacts on global supply chains.
  
• In the Red Sea, which links the Mediterranean (via the Suez Canal in the north) and the Indian Ocean (through the Bab El Mandeb Strait in the south), global trade has also been disrupted. The crisis in the Red Sea, characterized by Houthi-led attacks disrupting shipping routes, has introduced additional complexities. As a response, major players in the shipping industry have temporarily halted Suez transits.
  

India and Saudi Arabia Relations

Context

First India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ‘ officially began from January 29th to February 10th, 2024 in Rajasthan.

SADA TANSEEQ: A Joint Military Exercise Between India and Saudi Arabia

The Royal Saudi Land Forces are represented by a contingent of 45 personnel, while the Indian Army’s contingent, also consisting of 45 personnel, hails from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry). 

Key Focus Area

• Objective: To train troops from both nations for Joint Operations in semi-desert terrain, aligning with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. 
• During the exercise, both sides will exchange their expertise in tactics, techniques, and procedures related to operations in the sub-conventional domain. 
• To enhance interoperability, foster camaraderie, and share best practices.