UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 2 with Solutions - 2 | UPSC Previous Year Question Papers and Video Analysis PDF Download

Q.11. Indian Constitution exhibits centralizing tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)

Unitary Features of the Constitution
A strong centre – The Union Government becomes all powerful in certain times like emergencies. Article 200 of the Constitution of India demands that the States must comply with the central laws. Other features include

• Single Constitution
• Single citizenship
• Flexibility of Constitution
• Integrated judiciary
• Appointment of the Centre
• All India Services
• Emergency provisions

Why is India called a quasi-federal?

Article 1 of the Constitution of India states that ‘India that is Bharat shall be a union of states’.
Indian federation was not a product of coming together of states to form the federal union of India. It was rather a conversion of a unitary system into a federal system.
It is a compromise between two conflicting considerations such as autonomy enjoyed by states within the constitutionally prescribed limit (State List) and the need for a strong centre in view of the unity and integrity of the country (Union List).
Constitution of India has deviated from the traditional federal systems like US, Switzerland and Australia and incorporated a large number of unitary or non-federal features, tilting the balance of power in favour of the Centre. This has prompted the Constitutional experts to challenge the federal character of the Indian Constitution. Thus, KC Wheare described the Constitution of India as “quasi-federal”. He remarked that “Indian Union is a unitary state with subsidiary federal features rather than a federal state with subsidiary unitary features.”
Thus, Paul Appleby characterises the Indian system as “extremely federal”. Morris Jones termed it as a “bargaining federalism”. Ivor Jennings has described it as a “federation with a strong centralising tendency”. He observed that “the Indian Constitution is mainly federal with unique safeguards for enforcing national unity and growth”. Alexandrowicz stated that “India is a case sui generis (i.e., unique in character). Granville Austin called the Indian federalism as a “cooperative federalism”. He said that though the Constitution of India has created a strong Central government, it has not made the state governments weak and has not reduced them to the level of administrative agencies for the execution of policies of the Central government. He described the Indian federation as “a new kind of federation to meet India’s peculiar needs”.

Disaster Management Act

• The Central government followed a mostly top-down approach in tackling the covid pandemic.
• The Centre has issued guidelines from time to time, ostensibly under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, containing varying restrictions on public activity and commerce which the States were expected to enforce.
• The Centre directed the State governments to scrupulously enforce the set of guidelines.
• This centralised approach was counterproductive, has put the federal structure of India under strain, and is in fact beyond the powers of the Central government.

In Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court laid down that the Constitution is federal and characterised federalism as its ‘basic feature’. It observed: “The fact that under the scheme of our Constitution, greater power is conferred upon the Centre vis-a-vis the states does not mean that the states are mere appendages of the Centre. The states have an independent constitutional existence. They are not satellites or agents of the Centre. Within the sphere allotted to them, the states are supreme. The fact that during emergency and in certain other eventualities their powers are overridden or invaded by the Centre is not destructive of the essential federal feature of the Constitution. They are exceptions and the exceptions are not a rule. Let it be said that the federalism in the Indian Constitution is not a matter of administrative convenience, but one of principle—the outcome of our own process and a recognition of the ground realities”.

Q.12. Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)

The concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originated and developed in the USA in the 1960s. In the USA, it was designed to provide legal representation to previously unrepresented groups and interests.

In India, the PIL is a product of the judicial activism role of the Supreme Court. It was introduced in the early 1980s. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati were the pioneers of the concept of PIL.

PIL is also known variously as Social Action Litigation (SAL), Social Interest Litigation (SIL) and Class Action Litigation (CAL).

The introduction of PIL in India was facilitated by the relaxation of the traditional rule of ‘locus standi’. Under the PIL, any public-spirited citizen or a social organisation can move the court for the enforcement of the rights of any person or group of persons who because of their poverty or ignorance or socially or economically disadvantaged position are themselves unable to approach the court for the remedies.

SC in Janata Dal v. H.S. Chowdhary, 1992 has defined the PIL as “a legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest or general interest in which the public or a class of the community have pecuniary interest or some interest by which their legal rights or liabilities are affected.”

PIL is absolutely necessary for maintaining the rule of law, furthering the cause of justice and accelerating the pace of realisation of the constitutional objectives. In other words, the real purposes of PIL are:

• vindication of the rule of law,
• facilitating effective access to justice to the socially and economically weaker sections of the society, and
• meaningful realisation of the fundamental rights.

Any citizen can file a public case by filing a petition:

• Under 32 of the Indian Constitution, in the Supreme Court.
• Under 226 of the Indian Constitution, in the High Court
• Under 133 of the Criminal Procedure Code, in the Court of Magistrate.

Features of PIL

The various features of the PIL are explained below:

• PIL is a strategic arm of the legal aid movement and is intended to bring justice within the reach of the poor masses, who constitute the low visibility area of humanity.
• PIL is intended to promote and vindicate public interest.
• PIL demands that violations of constitutional and legal rights of large numbers of people who are poor, ignorant or in a socially or economically disadvantaged position should not go unnoticed and unredressed.
• PIL is essentially a co-operative effort on the part of the petitioner, the State or Public Authority, and the Court to secure observance of the constitutional or legal rights, benefits and privileges conferred upon the vulnerable sections of the community and to reach social justice to them.
• In PIL, litigation is undertaken for the purpose of redressing public injury, enforcing public duty, protecting social, collective, diffused rights and interests or vindicating public interest.
• In PIL, the role held by the Court is more assertive than in traditional actions; it is creative rather than passive and it assumes a more positive attitude in determining acts.
• Though in PIL court enjoys a degree of flexibility unknown to the trial of traditional private law litigations, whatever the procedure adopted by the court it must be procedure known to judicial tenets and characteristics of a judicial proceeding.
• In a PIL, unlike traditional dispute resolution mechanism, there is no determination on adjudication of individual rights.

Advantages of PIL

• Accessible legal redressal for all, especially poor and marginalised, balance of law and justice.
• Allows access to justice for economically challenged sections, and provides a platform for them to advocate for their rights.
• Implements judicial review concept.
• Ensures judicial monitoring of state institutions (transparency, inter se checks and balances between wings of the government).
• Democratizes justice; protects human rights.
• Raises awareness on important issues.
• Allows judicial monitoring of state institutions.

Disadvantages of PIL

• Problem of competing rights, wherein the recognition or grant of rights to one section of the society leads to disadvantage to another section of marginalized population.
• Frivolous cases can be filed by parties with vested interest without heavy court fees, leading to the time and attention of the Court being diverted from genuine and crucial matters.
• Potential for judicial overreach, which violates the doctrine of separation of powers.
• Inordinate delays in the disposal of PIL cases.

Landmark PIL cases

• Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (Considered first PIL case in India – focused on the inhuman conditions of prisons and under trial prisoners).
• C. Mehta v. Union of India (Several cases for environment preservation were initiated by way of PILs).
• Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (The Supreme Court laid down guidelines for prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
• Parmanand Katara v. Union of India (The Supreme Court held in this case that it is a paramount obligation of every member of medical profession to give medical aid to every injured citizen as soon as possible without waiting for any procedural formalities).

Q.13. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘functions , functionaries and funds’ to the contemporary stage of’ functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)

The 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution, which aimed at a fundamental shift in the nature of governance, were passed in 1992 and came into effect in 1993 with great hope and anticipation. However, the past experience of over a decade shows that creating structures of elected local governments and ensuring regular elections do not necessarily guarantee effective local empowerment.

The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well is called functionality.

• 73rd Amendment was that the transfer of various governance functions—like the provision of education, health, sanitation, and water was not mandated.
• PRIs cannot govern unless they are given the authority to actually perform functions related to governance.
• 73rd Amendment is the lack of finances for PRIs. Local governments can either raise their own revenue through local taxes or receive intergovernmental transfers. The 73th Amendment recognized both forms of public finance, but did not mandate either

Despite the mandatory constitutional injunctions, it took years, and in some cases a decade, to even constitute local governments and hold elections.

• Even when local governments are constituted and elections are held, States often postponed the subsequent elections on some pretext or other. Each time it is an uphill task to ensure compliance in some States, even with the mandatory provisions of the Constitution.
• There has been no linear development or evolution in respect of democratic decentralisation.
• State Governments, legislators and civil servants are in general reluctant to effectively empower local governments. Only the bare minimum required to implement the strict letter of the Constitution prevails in many States. What is implied by the spirit of the Constitution and principles of democracy is often ignored.
• Even mandatory provisions likethe constitution of District PlanningCommittees and Metropolitan Planning Committees have been ignored in many States.
• Where the Panchayats have been constituted and elections held regularly, they are still left at the mercy of State Legislatures and State Executive. Although local governments have a long tradition of autonomy, the fact that Union and State Governments have an established tradition of centralisation for nearly four decades, means that strong vested interests have developed over time disallowing devolution of power.
• Some legislators at times tend to act as ‘executives’, intervening in transfers and postings, sanctioning of local bodies’ contracts and tenders, crime investigation and prosecution – all of which are therefore often at the mercy of the local legislator. Given the compulsions of survival, the State Government which depends on the goodwill and support of legislators, does not usually intervene except where the Constitution specifically and unambiguously directs it.

Q.14. Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supportive organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Rajya Sabha is the second chamber of the Parliament or also called Upper house. It recently completed 100 years of existence as it was formed from the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919.

Transformation from “Useless Stepney tyre” to supportive organ:
Initial decade saw the chambers predominantly seen as a rahabilitatory chamber for politicians. It di not perform much other than a dilatory role most of the times. However, changed structure and dynamics of Indian federation has made its role important as envisaged in the Constitution: Check against hasty, defective, and ill-considered law; Represent states; representation to eminent persons.

Areas where change is visible

• Law making: Majority in Rajya Sabha became important for parties in power to ensure passage of laws in recent times.
• Deliberation: The discussion on bills like Triple Talaq bill and Citizen Bill as reflective of society’s reaction was only possible due to RS as it easily passed in LS.
• Fixing accountability and addressing the challenge of majoritarianism: Balance of power in Rajya Sabha is such that no party in power can have its way easily due to rising say of regional parties in Rajysabha (Ex- Big reginal players like AIADMK, AITMC, BJD etc. have become significant player)
• Expert nomination has given it an upper hand in having quality membership. Ex- Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley and others are being brought in to effectively represent parties position.
• Productivity: Except few instances the Rajyasabha has consistently seen longer hours of discussion for law making.
• Rajya Sabha elections becoming visible and event of significance now

Factors for change

• One party dominance giving way to coalitions: This has made role of smaller regional players important in Parliament with government almost always needing support of some regional parties in Rajya Sabha.
• Evolution of Federalism: Federalism in India has evolved over the years with necessary influence on Rajya Sabha’s role
• Prominent members contributing to its dignity: From Indira Gandhi to Manmohan Singh to Arun Jaitley has raise the dignity and quality of Rajya Sabha debates.
• Increased role of Opposition: Initial years post-independence saw either poor presence of opposition or absence. But, today situation is different and opposition sees Rajya Sabha as an effective place to put across their views and fix accountability of the government

Thus, Rajya Sabha in recent times has seen qualitative change. Though few issues like walkout, unruly behaviour or low productivity have also accompanied it and needs major disciplinary role of chairperson. Yet, it has been a welcome change for Indian federalism.

Q.15. Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the national commission for woman would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words). 15 Marks

Introduction
Directly talk the basic process involved in Constitutionalization.
Constitutionalization of a commission in India requires passing of a Constitutional Amendment bill under art. 368. It gives important powers and authority making body strong and more autonomous as authority is directly from the Constitution.

Body: 

1. First talk of steps involved in Constitutionalization

• Once the demand or need for constitutionalization arises than a Constitutional amendment bill is introduced in any of the two houses of the Parliament under article 368. Ex- 123rd amendment bill for NCBC
• It either inserts any new article or amends existing one to create or give Constitutional status to the commission. Ex- 123rd amendment bill added art 338 B and amended art 342 a and art 366.
• The bill needs to be passed in first house through a special majority ie.,
  (i) 2/3rd of the members presents and voting, and
  (ii) Absolute majority of the house
• The bill once passed in first house is sent to the second house and same procedure with need for special majority is repeated.
• Finally, bill is sent to the President for assent and once he/she grants assent the Commission becomes a Constitutional body.

2. Now talk about if you think Constitutionality to the NCW will impart greater gender justice and empowerment of women in India with supporting arguments.

The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.

Supporting constitutionality:

• Grievance redressal: Constitutionality on the lines of NCSCT, NCST, NCBC will make NCW a more effective grievance redressal body.
• Autonomy: Deriving authority from government will make it more autonomous.
• Accountable to Parliament: As report of a constitutional body will need to be given more attention and give reasons for non-acceptance of recommendation.
• Empower NCW: Currently it can at max it can hear cases and recommend actions to the officials. Constitutionality may lead to power of a civil court thereby strengthening body.

These things make NCW a more stronger body in fulfilling its role mandated in NCW, Act 1990 leading to gender justice and empowerment. These roles are:

• review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women ;
• recommend remedial legislative measures ;
• facilitate redressal of grievances and
• advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women

3. talk also it may not be sufficient in achieving gender justice and empowerment as:

• Lack of effectiveness of Constitutional bodies like NCSC, NCST.
• Gender justice and empowerment is a multi-dimensional factor and NCW through grievance redressal, and suggestion to government forms just one aspect. There are other areas like patriarchy, discrimination against women, poor social indicators, lack of political and economic power etc.

Conclusion
Thus, Constitutionality to NCW will certainly be a big step towards gender justice and empowerment, But, it may need much more in other areas as well.

Q.16. “Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Incidence of multidimensional poverty is the proportion of people who are poor according to the MPI (those who are deprived in at least one third of the weighted indicators). Intensity of multidimensional poverty is the weighted average number of deprivations poor people experience at the same time. MPI is calculated by multiplying these two-giving ideas of multidimensional poverty.

Analysing latest UN MPI report

1. Incidence and intensity determining poverty based on income is evident when high multi dimensionally poor areas are also one with lowest income globally.
   • About 84.3% of multidimensionally poor people live in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
   • 67% of multidimensionally poor people are in middle-income countries:
2. More than half of multi-dimensional poor are children below 18 years wit low or no income support.
3. Out of 1.3 billion poor more than 80% are deprived in at least five of the ten indicators used to measure health, education and living standards in the global MPI showing overall income poverty of this group.
4. Positive for India: It lifted 270 million people put of poverty between 2005-06 and 2015-16 which accompanied high wealth creation during the decade showing positive relation between income and incidence and intensity of poverty.
5. The poverty levels will be set back by almost 3 to 10 years in different countries in the wake of Cobvid-19 which led to fall in income.
6. India is 62nd among 107 countries with an MPI score of 0.123 and 27.91% incidence of poverty which is nearer to its income based estimation of 22%.

The MPI measurement with 10 indicators like nutrition, health, education etc. is a clear reflection of incidence and intensity of poverty determining poverty based on income alone. Thus, a approach has to be based on SDG goal 1 of eradicating poverty by targeting these 10 parameters which will effectively improve standard of living and hence income.

Q.17. “Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)  15 Marks

SHGs are informal associations of people (mainly women) coming together to find ways to make their living conditions better with saving of members forming basis of SHGs. It gives a character of participatory community organisation and acts as a social and economic capital for poor, particularly women promoting asset creation and income in the process.

Success of SHGs in achieving twin aims of asset creation and income security and empowerment of women:

• Asset creation: Success of SHG Bank linkages programme in India which as per NABARD by 2020 included more than 102 lakh SHGs(group of 10 to 20) with access to credit invested in rural cottage industries or self-employment oppurtunities
• Success of SEWA in Gujrat, TANWA in Tamil Nadu etc. which not only provided income security to women through sewing, embroidery, but also helped develop assets for them in rural India with self employment oppurtunities.
• Credit support pushing self-employment: Ex- Ajeevika Express Yojna saw many rural SHGs undertaking role as provider of transport services in area with boost in income to them and creation of transport services assets for region.
• Jeevika didi of Bihar (Through SHGs) made Rs 40 lakhs within 4 months during covid-19 by making mask with Mithila painting on it.
• Women as major beneficiary: Total number of SHGs saving linked with banks is 102.43 lakhs with 88.32 lakhs exclusively women SHGs (NABARD report as on 31september 2020).
• Empowering women not only economically but also socially and politically: EX- For the first time a SHG member was elected MP from Odisha in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
• Success of Kudumbshree program in Kerala: It emerged as one of the biggest poverty removal strategy led by SHG through asset creation and income security through employment. The scheme majorly included women as SHG member and is thus a perfect example of asset creation, income security as well as women empowerment through SHGs.

However few concerns were raised on SHGs role in micro-finance strategy by Malegam committee

• Ghost beneficiaries
• Individual as member of multiple SHGs raising loan and defaulting
• Lack of sufficient gap in disbursal of fund and first instalment makes fund available to members small.

Other issues

• Issues of sustainability, capacity and technology as very few SHGs are able to rise from micro-finance to that of micro-entrepreneurship (Ex- SEWA)
• Poor presence in northern and eastern states with more poor population.
• Gap in borrowing and delivery makes it tough for poor living on daily wages.

Conclusion
SHGs have truly been a vehicle of income security, asset creation and women empowerment in rural India. To transition it into next sage of entrepreneurship much support, timely delivery of fund and training and awareness of members is needed.

Q.18. National EDUCATION Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Introduction

NEP 2020 based on draft prepared by the K KASTURIRANGAN COMMITTEE seeks to bring it in conformity with the SDG 4 goal of “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning oppurtunities for all”.

Features of NEP to reorient and restructure education system in India and its positive aspects

• Aims to revise and revamp all aspects of national education in sync with SDH 4 and India’s development goals.
• Reforming school education:
• Universal access to early childhood care and education through Anganwadis and pre-schools.
• Quality improvement through National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
• Teaching in mother tongue to increase access
• Boost infrastructure, promote Open and distance learning to contain drop out.
• Vocational education from class 7th.

Promoting inclusivity

• Setting up Gender Inclusion Fund for female and transgender students.
• Special Education Zones (SEZs) for Large populations from SEDGs (socially and educationally disadvantaged Group) to be declared SEZs.
• Children with disabilities will be enabled to fully participate in the regular schooling process from the foundational stage to higher education
• Higher education:
• Institutional restructuring by dividing institutions in: Research Universities, Teaching Universities, Autonomous degree-granting colleges with different level of focus on research and teaching.
• Multidisciplinary education with multiple entry and exit provision to align education with learning and not mere exams
• Higher Education commission of India as umbrella body to regulate HE.

Inclusivity

• Earmark suitable Government funds for the education of SEDGs
• Set clear targets for higher GER for SEDGs
• Enhance gender balance in admissions to HEIs
• Enhance access by establishing more high-quality HEIs in aspirational districts
• Special Education Zones containing larger numbers of SEDGs
• Other reforms include teachers training, increasing education funding to 6% of GDP, national Research body etc.

Concerns in NEP

• Fear of Commercialisation and privatisation of education: Many argue that in the name of philanthropic schools and PPP, is laying the roadmap for entry of private players in education. Further National Admission Test for university entry will promote coaching, rote learning.
• Lack of evidence: Failure of 4-year programme in Delhi was not taken in account in new strategy for HE.
• Federal axis: Responsibility lies largely with the state and thus without their support NEP may be high on ideals.
• Funding: Target of 6% of GDP has been there for too long since Kothari committee, yet, it is not forthcoming.
• Poor early childhood care infrastructure and research might create roadblocks in initial stages plus people’s mindset where they are not prepared to send children to school before certain age particularly in villages.
• Centralising regulatory body for higher education may promote bureaucratic hurdles and autonomy of institutions.

Thus, NEP is a timely and much needed education policy almost after 34 years and is well though out one in line with the SDG 4. However, there is lot of ground to be covered for making it a reality.

Q.19. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Introduction
Briefly write what is quad (4 countries in it) and how it formed with the aim of containing the rise of China with it being largely seen as an Asian Nato i.e., military alliance. Post 2017 meet the Quad is trying to diversify from mere being a military alliance.

Body

• QUAD as a military alliance:
• Like minded countries with commonality of democracy.
• Common concern with the rise of China
• Geo-political alignment of the world with focus on Indo-Pacific necessitating realignment in region
• Participation in Naval exercises. Ex- Malabar (initially Australia was not part of it, but, recently it also participated)
• Transformation of Quad into a trade alliance:
• Need:
  (i) China being part of recently finalized 15-member RCEP in the region gives it a very strong position. TO counter this a strong economic agenda must be part of quad.
  (ii) Economy as the basis of close security cooperation
  (iii) Complex interdependence in current world order: Today, none of the relationship is one-dimensional, thus to be a sustainable relation it must be multi-dimensional.
  (iv) Countering growing perception about China’s essentiality in region in connectivity projects like MSR.

Examples of transformation

• Post-2017 meeting of QUAD (after 10 years of no development) focus was on strategic financing in infrastructure projects in the region.
• Need of free and open Indo-pacific for it sees one of the highest trade traffic
• Talks over cooperation in Blue Dot Network projects for developing infrastructure in region to diversify countries options for such projects
• Proposals like Supply Chain Resilient initiative by India, japan and Australia with the focus on countering BRI and other initiatives
• Developing into quad plus
• Deepening multilateralism when WTO is in shambles

QUAD is certainly undergoing transformation. But objective is still same i.e., security. But this diversification is wider acknowledgement of failure of a bloc in times of globalisation without an effective trading cooperation.

Q.20. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Context
CAATSA and India’s effort to balance its dies with the Russia, a traditional ally and USA, current natural partner in Indo-Pacific construct.

Introduction
In one line talk about Indo-Pacific and show in India’s construct how both USA, Russia is important (PM’s Shangri La dialogue speech) and recent trend has been more closeness with USA.

Body

1. Show some trends in defence deals with two countries in recent year Ex- US sale of defence equipment to India stands at $18 billion today. From 2008 to 2013, 76% of Indian defence imports were from Russia. From 2013 to 2018, this number dropped to 58%. In the meantime, imports from the US have increased significantly.
2. Now move on to show significance of Indo–US ties offers over Indo-Russia defence in Indo-Pacific construct. Discuss and explain below points
   • India’s need for advance warning capability, radar, reconnaissance and strategic capability hardware are likely to be American because the US has the latest technology.
   • Payback provision as part of nuclear deal
   • Diversification: In 1990, when around 80% of the inventory was Russian, the dissolution of the Soviet Union made India realise the risk of being dependent on a single nation for military hardware.
   • Strategic reasons to gain advantage in Indo-Pacific and counter China’s assertiveness
   • Russia-China strategic relations has made too much dependence on Russian defence equipment a concern.
   • CAATSA and India’s signing of foundational agreement with the USA like LEMOA, BECA etc.
3. Finally, also talk about India’s balanced approach as evident in India’s buying of S-400 defence system amidst CAATSA threat. This is also significant as Russia offers advantage for India’s existing arsenal consists of Russian import. Also, Russia offers even better Transfer of Technology and joint production (Ex- Brahmos)

Conclusion
Today’s world is too complex to have a one to one relationship. Rather, the approach has to be national interest and in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and Chinese border threat it is essential to boost defence arsenal and USA is seen as one with more advanced weapon system. At the same time Russia’s role as a traditional ally must be protected to develop multiple stakeholders in Indo-Pacific.