International Relations - 4 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India Maldives

Context

Maldives, situated south of India in the Indian Ocean, has recently elected a candidate perceived to be Pro-China as its next president. This development has raised concerns for India, given the historical context.

• Traditionally, Maldives operated under an Executive Presidency system from 1968 until the transition to a multi-party democracy in 2008. Since this shift, no incumbent president has been re-elected, marking a unique political landscape in the country. The current election outcome, with the election of a candidate seen as leaning towards China, has sparked apprehension in India about the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.

How has India’s Relations with Maldives been?

• Security Partnership:
  • Defense cooperation extends to the areas of Joint Exercises - “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield” (begun in 2021).
  • India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defense training requirements.
• Rehabilitation Centre:
  • Signing of contract for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project.
  • A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre in Addu built with Indian assistance.
  • The centre is one of 20 high impact community development projects being implemented by India in areas such as healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism, sports and culture.
• Economic Cooperation:
  • Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.
  • In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives which is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
  • India emerged as Maldives’ 3rd largest trade partner in 2021.
  • A Bilateral USD Currency Swap Agreement between RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority was signed on 22nd July 2019.
  • The India-Maldives relationship suffered a setback when Maldives entered into a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017.
• Infrastructure Projects:
  • Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project under an Indian credit line will add a brand-new terminal to cater to 1.3 million passengers a year.
  • In 2022, the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s External Affairs Minister.
    • NCPLE is the largest grant project executed by India in Maldives.
• Greater Male Connectivity Project:
  • It will consist of a 6.74 km-long bridge and causeway link between Male and nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. It will use renewable energy.
    • The project is funded by a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 400 million from India.
  • It is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall.

What is the Issue of China in India-Maldives Relations?

• Maldives, situated in the Indian Ocean, has received substantial infrastructure investments from China, similar to other nations in the region.
• It has actively participated in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with extensive Chinese funding and construction projects, including ports, airports, and bridges, aligning with the "String of Pearls" initiative.
• This pro-China stance signifies a departure from Maldives' historically closer ties with India, causing concerns in India about China's expanding influence in its neighboring regions and potential strategic implications.
• India has expressed worries over China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly in nations like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives. Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in these areas are viewed as challenges to India's strategic interests and regional security.
• In response, India has heightened its diplomatic and strategic engagement with Maldives and other Indian Ocean countries. Economic assistance, infrastructure projects, and expanded defense cooperation are part of India's efforts to reinforce its influence in the region, aligning with its "Neighborhood First" policy to counterbalance China's rising presence.
• The election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2018 marked a shift in Maldives' foreign policy towards a more balanced approach between India and China. Solih's government aims to maintain traditional ties with India while fostering a relationship with China.
• Maldives' strategic location along key maritime routes in the Indian Ocean remains of paramount importance for both India and China. Consequently, both nations are expected to closely monitor developments in Maldives, competing for influence in the region.

Way Forward

• India must play a key role within Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries.
  • The Indo-Pacific security space has been developed as a response to the growth of extra-regional powers (particularly China’s) in India’s maritime sphere of influence.
• At present, the ‘India Out’ campaign has support from a limited population but this cannot be taken for granted by the Indian government.
  • If the issues raised by the supporters of the ‘India Out’ are not handled carefully, the domestic political situation in the Maldives may set ripples in India’s currently favorable relationship with the country.
• India should adopt an accommodative stance in keeping with its age old tradition of promoting multi-polar and rule-based world order with respect to its neighbors.
• Project Mausam should provide sufficient space for Maldives to get benefits out of it and boost its economic and infrastructural reliance on India.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

Context

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has recently passed a resolution designed to intensify the examination of human rights violations occurring in Sudan.

About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
• Mandate: To promote “universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all” and “address situations of violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations thereon.”
• Establishment: It was founded in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR).
• Functions:
  • It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states.
  • It addresses important human rights issues such as freedom of expression, women's rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.
  • The UNHRC works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Membership:
  • The Council is made up of 47 Member States, which are elected by UN General Assembly through direct and secret ballot.
  • The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. African and Asia-Pacific states have 13 seats each, Latin American and Caribbean states have 8 seats, Western European and other states have 7 seats, and Eastern European states have 6 seats.
  • Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

India-United Kingdom (UK) Relations

Context

The relationship between the United Kingdom and India, highlighting the numerous opportunities it offers across diverse areas.

Various aspects of the India-UK relationship

Aspect: Political Relationship
Key Points:

• India’s political system influenced by the UK, sharing democratic values.
• Collaboration on global issues.
• Support from the UK for India's UN Security Council seat and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership.
• Joint declaration for annual Summits and meetings.

Aspect: Bilateral Institutions
Key Points:

• Regular Foreign Office Consultations.
• Dialogues on disarmament, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, UN policies, cyber issues, etc.
• Institutionalized economic mechanisms.

Aspect: Defence Collaboration
Key Points:

• Strategic partnership since 2004.
• Joint military exercises and cooperation in cyber security and maritime security.
• Involvement in India's "Make in India" campaign.
• Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indian Ocean.

Aspect: Nuclear Cooperation
Key Points:

• Civil Nuclear Cooperation Declaration (2010).
• Nuclear Collaboration Agreement (2015).
• Collaboration on energy and climate change.

Aspect: Terrorism and Extremism
Key Points:

• Cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
• Push for UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Aspect: Economic Relations
Key Points:

• Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) established in 2005.
• India-UK Free Trade Agreement talks.
• Bilateral trade worth £36 billion in 2022.
• India is the U.K.’s second-largest source of investment projects, and the U.K. has invested $34 billion in India as foreign direct investment.
• Rupee-denominated bonds.

Aspect: Trade and Investment
Key Points:

• Bilateral trade worth £36 billion in 2022.
• India is the U.K.’s second-largest source of investment projects, and the U.K. has invested $34 billion in India as foreign direct investment.
• Rupee-denominated bonds.

Aspect: Education and Research
Key Points:

• Science and Technology Agreement (1996).
• Science & Innovation Council.
• India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

Aspect: Climate and Environment
Key Points:

• Cooperation on climate-related issues.
• Green Growth Equity Fund for renewable energy and environment.

Aspect: Health Collaboration
Key Points:

• Health sector collaboration, pandemic preparedness, research, Ayurveda, and Yoga.

Aspect: Cultural Engagement
Key Points:

• Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation (2010).
• Nehru Centre for Cultural Outreach.
• Emphasis on the concept of a ‘living bridge’ to highlight dynamic exchanges between the two countries.

Aspect: People-to-People Contact
Key Points:

• Influence of the Indian diaspora in the UK.
• Indian student community in the UK.
• Shared interests in cricket, cuisine, yoga, and festivals.

Aspect: UK’s Significance for India
Key Points:

• Support for UNSC seat, NSG membership, and development objectives.
• Economic and technological partnership.
• Defense and security cooperation.

Aspect: India’s Significance for UK
Key Points:

• Role in "Global Britain" ambitions.
• Seizing opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.
• Economic ties, investments, and rejuvenation of the Commonwealth.

The current major bilateral issues between India and the UK include:

• Extradition of Indian Economic Offenders: The concern revolves around the extradition of Indian economic offenders who have sought refuge in Britain, exploiting the legal system to their advantage. Notable examples include individuals like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi.
• Umbilical Link with Pakistani Deep State: There is an observed link between certain individuals or groups in Britain and the Pakistani deep state. This connection sometimes results in British involvement in matters related to Jammu and Kashmir, leveraging support from Pakistan.
• Issues with Differing Expectations on FTA Talks: Divergent expectations in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks have become a point of contention between India and Britain, introducing challenges in negotiating terms that satisfy both parties.
• Taxation Disputes: Concerns have been raised by Britain regarding existing tax disputes involving companies like Vodafone Group Plc. and Cairn India Ltd with the Indian government, creating tensions in the economic relationship.
• Non-Acceptance of India’s Rise: Certain segments of white Britain, including elements in the media, may not fully acknowledge or accept India's emergence as a global power. This lack of recognition poses a challenge in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

Conclusion
With a historic foundation of culture, history, and language, there is a unique opportunity to further deepen the India-UK relationship, leveraging their strengths for mutual prosperity.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

Context

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has recently entered into an agreement aimed at bolstering its supply chain and ensuring compliance with labor regulations.

About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

• It is a regional arrangement to build cooperation and economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It was launched by United States President Joe Biden on May 23, 2022.
• This framework is intended to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for member economies.
• IPEF will seek to complement and build on existing regional architecture and support the global rules-based trading system.
• It currently includes 14 partner countries: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
• The economic framework broadly rests on four pillars:
  • Trade
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure
  • Taxes and anti-corruption measures
• The IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
• Indian and IPEF:
  • India has been actively participating in the IPEF, but not in all pillars.
  • India has decided to opt out of the trade pillar of the IPEF as most issues promoted by the IPEF do not align with India's trade policies.

Indo-Pacific Dialogue (IPRD-2023)

Context

The annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy, known as the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from November 15 to 17, 2023.

Details

• The IPRD is an annual apex-level international conference conducted by the Indian Navy.
• It serves as a platform to discuss and address holistic maritime security issues across the Indo-Pacific region.

Previous Editions

• 2018 & 2019: Held in New Delhi
• 2020: Canceled due to COVID-19
• 2021: Conducted online
• 2022: Resumed physical format in New Delhi

Organizers and Theme

• Organizers:
  • The National Maritime Foundation (NMF) serves as the primary organizer and knowledge partner for each edition of IPRD.
  • Established in 2005, the NMF is the nation's first maritime think-tank dedicated to independent and policy-relevant research on maritime affairs.
  • Its mission is to enhance maritime awareness among India's policymakers, intellectual circles, and civil society by conducting cutting-edge research and providing a platform for advocacy and discourse.
• Theme of IPRD-2023:
  • The central theme is "Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity."
  • Comparison with Goa Maritime Conclave:
  • While the Goa Maritime Conclave focuses on strategic-operational cooperation among maritime agencies in the Indian Ocean Region, IPRD addresses strategic-level international engagement concerning comprehensive maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
• Objectives:
  • Reviewing maritime trends in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Assessing regional opportunities and challenges.
  • Facilitating solution-oriented dialogue among key stakeholders.
• Sessions:
  • Nodes of Maritime Connectivity
  • China’s Impact on Indo-Pacific Maritime Connectivity
  • Maritime Connectivity through Shipping and Trade (Part 1)
  • Maritime Connectivity through Shipping and Trade (Part 2)
  • Role of Private Industry in Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Shipping Safety
  • Maintaining a Rules-based, Safe, and Secure Indo-Pacific
• Focus Areas:
  • Examination of geopolitical impacts on maritime trade and connectivity.
  • Exploration of diverse regional perspectives through expert discussions.
• Participants:
  • Involvement of speakers and delegates from 16 countries.
  • Representation from subject-matter experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and academia.
  • Engagement of students, scholars, military practitioners, diplomats, think tanks, and eminent citizens from India and abroad.

Conclusion
IPRD-2023 aims to foster a rules-based, safe, and secure Indo-Pacific by leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to address the multifaceted challenges concerning maritime trade and connectivity in the region.

ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus

Context

The Defence Minister participated in the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus (ADMM Plus) held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Key Address by the Defence Minister at ADMM Plus

• Commitment to International Laws: 
  • The Defence Minister said that India is committed to freedom of navigation, overflight, and lawful commerce.
  • Adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
• Terrorism as a Global Threat: 
  • Recognizing terrorism as a grave threat to international peace and security, the Defense Minister called for concerted efforts to address this global menace.
• Regional Security and Cooperation
  • ASEAN’s Centrality: Acknowledging ASEAN’s centrality, he advocated for regional security initiatives that are consultative and development-oriented. 
  • India expressed its commitment to fostering practical, forward-looking, and result-oriented cooperation with ADMM Plus, particularly aimed at enhancing regional maritime security.

What is ADMM Plus?

• ADMM Plus serves as a platform for The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its eight Dialogue Partners to enhance cooperation in security and defense for the promotion of peace, stability, and development in the region.
• ADMM Plus Composition:
  • Comprising 10 ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
  • India has been a Dialogue partner since 1992.
• Objectives of the ADMM Plus:
  • Promote mutual trust and confidence among defense establishments through increased dialogue and transparency.
  • Enhance regional peace and stability by fostering cooperation in defense and security, addressing transnational security challenges faced by the region.

About ASEAN

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at promoting economic growth and regional stability among its members.
• It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Membership: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam (10).