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India-Australia Security Partnership

Why in the news?

The Australian Government, in its National Defense Strategy (NDS) 2024, has recognized India as a "top-tier security partner" in the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR). The NDS emphasizes Australia's intent to enhance practical bilateral and multilateral cooperation, defense industry collaboration, and information sharing with India.

Concept of Indo-Pacific:

• The Indo-Pacific region is recognized as the global economic and strategic center, hosting over half of the world's population and nearly two-thirds of the global economy.
• India's interpretation of the "Indo-Pacific" extends from East Africa to the islands of the South Pacific.
• India's policy on the Indo-Pacific emphasizes inclusiveness, openness, and ASEAN centrality, clarifying that it is not aimed against any specific country.

Significance of India-Australia Partnership:

• Shared Strategic Interests: Both nations share a commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• Counterbalancing China: Although not directly stated, the partnership is viewed as a means to counter China's expanding influence in the region, aiming to preserve a balance of power.
• Addressing Non-Traditional Issues: Collaboration allows both countries to tackle issues like terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and climate change, thereby enhancing regional security and sustainability.
• Cooperation in New Initiatives: Australia has pledged support for India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which seeks to promote coordination and collaboration on maritime issues in the region.

Initiatives Taken to Enhance Security Partnership:

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP): Established in 2020, this partnership underscores strategic cooperation, including 2+2 Ministerial dialogues and a Joint Declaration on Maritime Cooperation.
• QUAD Partnership: India and Australia, along with the US and Japan, are collaborating to support a positive agenda for an open and resilient Indo-Pacific.
• Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA): This agreement deepens defense cooperation, facilitating sophisticated logistical support for military engagements and humanitarian responses.
• The first joint deployment of Indian Navy and Air Force aircraft to Australia's Cocos Keeling Islands in mid-2023 exemplified this defense cooperation.
• Military Exercises: Notable exercises include AUSINDEX (maritime), PITCH BLACK (air force), AUSTRAHIND (annual training), and the Malabar Exercise (Quadrilateral engagement).
• Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership (AIIPOIP): This initiative aims to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to support a rules-based maritime order.

Divergence in India-Australia Security Relations:

• Geopolitical Divergence: Australia's alliance with the US and India's strategic autonomy present challenges in fully aligning their geopolitical interests.
• Dynamics of the Indo-Pacific Construct: India has traditionally viewed itself as an Indian Ocean power, while Australia has focused more on the Pacific, leading to differing priorities.
• Asymmetric Priorities: Australia perceives the challenge posed by China across political, social, and economic dimensions, while India views China primarily as a military threat along its contested borders.
• Experts note that India's decision to refrain from participating in the US-Australia Talisman Sabre military exercise reflects its cautious stance towards alliances.

Measures to Strengthen India-Australia Security Relations:

• Mutual Expansion in Indo-Pacific: Australia can aid India's engagement in the South Pacific, while India should collaborate with Australia in the CDRI initiative in the Western Indian Ocean region.
• Deepen Technological Cooperation: Opportunities exist for joint production of armored vehicles, undersea sensors, radar systems, and other subsystems.
• Improve Interoperability: Enhancements in maritime domain awareness (MDA) and joint operations for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief can be pursued.
• Increased Australian participation in Indian defense exhibitions like DEFEXPO and Aero India would bolster collaboration prospects.
• Implementation of Agreements: Full implementation of the MLSA is essential for facilitating logistical support, tri-service exercises, and joint operations.

AUKUS

Why in News?

AUKUS members are considering cooperation with Japan on advanced capabilities projects. Japan’s inclusion in Pillar II (not a new full member yet) could enhance alliance partnerships, capability integration and standardisation, as well as potentially rationalise export control and information security regulations among the four countries. Japan already has a close bilateral defense partnerships with all three countries (Australia, the UK and US).

About AUKUS:

• Genesis: Announced in 2021
• Nature: It is a new three-way strategic defense alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US.
• Aim: To enhance defense capabilities, expedite technological integration, and grow the industrial capacity of the member nations.
• AUKUS partnership is composed of two pillars:
• Pillar I – Conventionally Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Under this pillar, the UK and the USA are assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
• Pillar II – Advanced Capability Development: This is focused on developing joint capabilities to improve interoperability, emphasizing cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.
• AUKUS primarily acts as a framework for advancing defense technologies rather than serving as a conventional defense alliance during conflicts.
• To facilitate the sharing of critical technology, a legally binding tripartite agreement known as the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) was signed in 2021.

Implications of AUKUS:

• Strategic implication for Indo-Pacific: By enhancing Australia’s defense capabilities, AUKUS aims to realize the vision of a free, open, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• Strengthened defense capabilities boost Australia’s role as a security partner, contributing to regional stability.
• USA’s Renewed push in Indo-Pacific: AUKUS represents the US’s strong commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
• Re-establish UK’s strategic footprint: AUKUS aims to reaffirm the UK’s long-term role in the security of the Indo-Pacific.
• Concerns related to AUKUS:
• The alliance lacks clarity in its narratives and strategic objectives.
• China opposes AUKUS, which may escalate regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
• Australia’s plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines has strained its relations with France, especially following the cancellation of the deal for diesel-electric Attack Class submarines.
• AUKUS has widened the rift in the trans-Atlantic relationship between France and the AUKUS states, particularly after the US’s unilateral decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.
• AUKUS is distinct from Quad: AUKUS focuses on defense partnerships, while Quad, which includes the US, Australia, India, and Japan, aims for broader strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and AUKUS:

• Importance of AUKUS for India:
• AUKUS complements the Quad: It would strengthen Quad efforts to address China as a common threat and maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• Strategic collaboration with France: AUKUS offers opportunities for strategic collaboration with France and deepening trust with European nations.
• Australia's shift from a diesel-powered submarine deal with France to AUKUS (where the US provides nuclear-powered submarines to Australia) has reshaped strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
• Concerns for India:
• The potential erosion of India’s regional influence in the Eastern Indian Ocean due to the increasing presence of nuclear attack submarines.
• AUKUS may shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, possibly diminishing the effectiveness and relevance of the Quad.

DAG HAMMARSKJOLD MEDAL

Why in news?

Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who served with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was honored posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal during a solemn ceremony on May 30 (International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers).

Details

• Dag Hammarskjöld served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961.
• He was celebrated for his strong commitment to diplomacy, peacekeeping, and resolving conflicts during his leadership.

Creation of the Medal:

• The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was instituted in December 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• This medal honors the legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld and acknowledges the sacrifices made by peacekeepers working towards global peace.

Criteria for Award:

• The medal is awarded posthumously to military, police, and civilian personnel who lose their lives while on UN peacekeeping missions.
• Recipients must exhibit exceptional bravery, dedication, and a commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.

Design and Symbolism:

• The medal features Dag Hammarskjöld's image on the front, surrounded by the phrase "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE."
• The back of the medal displays the UN emblem along with the recipient's name, rank, and mission details.
• Each medal is accompanied by a certificate signed by the UN Secretary-General.
• The recipients' names are inscribed in the UN's Book of Remembrance, ensuring their contributions to peacekeeping are honored and remembered.
• This recognition of peacekeepers' bravery serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue peacekeeping efforts.

What is the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission?

Initiation:

• The UN began its peacekeeping efforts in 1948 by deploying military observers in West Asia to oversee the Armistice Agreement between Israel and Arab nations.

Objective:

• The primary goal of these missions is to provide security, political support, and peacebuilding assistance to nations affected by conflict.

Principles Guiding U.N. Peacekeeping Missions:

• Consent of the Parties: Missions require the agreement of the involved parties.
• Impartiality: Peacekeepers must act neutrally in their decisions and actions.
• Non-use of Force: Force is employed only in self-defense or to uphold the mission's mandate.

'Blue Helmets':

• Definition: 'Blue Helmets' refers to UN military personnel who collaborate with UN Police and civilians to enhance stability and security.
• Origin: The term comes from the distinctive blue helmets or berets worn by these personnel.

Responsibilities of U.N. Military Personnel:

• Protecting Civilians: Their primary duty is to safeguard civilians and UN staff.
• Monitoring: They oversee disputed borders and peace processes in post-conflict regions.
• Security Provision: They ensure security in conflict zones and during electoral processes.
• Training and Support: They provide training and support to local military forces.

Enlistment Process:

• Recruitment: Qualified military officers from UN member states are recruited by the United Nations Office of Military Affairs.
• Secondment: Officers are seconded to serve under the UN flag for specific periods, typically up to one year in the field or longer at UN headquarters.

United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO):

• MONUSCO's mission is to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and human rights defenders while supporting the Congolese government in stabilizing the country.
• Pakistan leads in military contributions, while Senegal is at the forefront of police contributions.

India's Contribution to U.N. Peacekeeping

• More than 200,000 Indians have participated in 49 U.N. Peacekeeping missions since 1948.

Current Presence:

• Currently, 5,581 Indian personnel are engaged in various U.N. Peacekeeping missions.

Special Initiatives:

• In 2007, India made history by deploying the first all-women contingent to a U.N. Peacekeeping mission.

Concerns:

• UNMOGIP: India has raised concerns regarding the relevance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) following the 1972 Simla Agreement and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

Why in News?

Protestors in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are against rising costs of living exacerbated by Pakistan's economic crisis and trade disruptions with India.

Context:

• The demonstrations in PoK signify a tense situation driven by economic difficulties, feelings of neglect from the Pakistani government, and ongoing political disputes regarding the area's status.

Economic Crisis and Inflation

• Pakistan is grappling with persistent inflation, with consumer prices soaring above 20% and reaching a peak of 38% in May 2023. This inflation diminishes purchasing power, rendering essential goods and services increasingly expensive for citizens.

Rising Energy Costs:

• The surge in energy prices, including fuel and electricity, places additional pressure on household finances, worsening the cost of living. This economic downturn due to escalating energy costs impacts both businesses and households significantly, especially in areas like PoK.

Trade Disruptions and Economic Impact

• After the Pulwama terror attack in 2019, India imposed high customs duties (up to 200%) on goods from Pakistan, drastically reducing Pakistani exports to India. This has severely affected traders in PoK, who depended on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.

Cease of Trade with India:

• Pakistan's suspension of all trade with India following constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 has further hampered economic activities in PoK, leading to widespread hardships across various sectors.

Alleged Discrimination and Resource Allocation

Power Distribution Disputes:

• Leaders in PoK have voiced concerns regarding perceived discrimination in power distribution by the Islamabad central government. Issues like inadequate allocation of hydroelectric power generated from projects such as Neelum-Jhelum highlight broader issues concerning resource distribution and regional inequalities.

Budgetary Constraints and Mismanagement:

• The lack of additional resource allocation for government employee salaries and essential services points to financial constraints and potential mismanagement of funds, exacerbating local discontent and contributing to overall economic frustration.

Social Unrest and Protests

• The recent protests in PoK, ignited by the rising cost of living, showcase the increasing frustration among the local populace. Arrests of protestors and traders during strikes heighten tensions and reflect deeper economic grievances.

Broader Economic Context

Foreign Exchange Reserves Depletion:

• Pakistan's dwindling foreign exchange reserves, which fell from $20.1 billion in August 2021 to $2.9 billion in February 2023, indicate severe financial instability and susceptibility to external economic shocks.

IMF Assistance and Economic Outlook:

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected significant financing needs ($123 billion over five years), underscoring the urgency of tackling Pakistan's economic issues. The declining GDP and stagnant stock market reveal systemic problems that necessitate comprehensive structural reforms.

Current Status

• PoK is divided into two primary territories:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK):

• Administered by a civilian government with a president and a prime minister, but real authority is believed to rest with the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.

Gilgit-Baltistan:

• Formerly known as the Northern Areas, it was directly governed by Pakistan until 2009 when it received limited self-governing status.
• The legal status of both territories is contested, with India asserting claims over them.
• The Line of Control (LoC) acts as a de facto border between Indian-administered Kashmir and PoK.
• Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have reported human rights violations in PoK, including limitations on freedom of speech and assembly, torture, arbitrary detention, and discrimination against religious minorities.
• PoK's political framework is heavily influenced by Pakistan, making it difficult for political parties advocating for greater autonomy or independence to operate freely.

Strategic Importance

• PoK is strategically significant for both India and Pakistan due to its location.
• It shares borders with Afghanistan, China, and India's Jammu and Kashmir.
• Pakistan regards PoK as an essential link to China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and as a strategic buffer against India.
• The future of PoK remains uncertain and is closely linked to the broader Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
• Resolving this dispute will require dialogue and negotiation between the two nations, while also considering the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, including those in PoK.

BIMSTEC Charter

Why in news?

Recently, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) achieved a significant milestone with the charter of the grouping coming into effect on 20 May 2024.

What is the BIMSTEC Grouping?

• About: BIMSTEC is a regional organization formed in 1997, consisting of 7 member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Its primary aim is to promote diverse technical and economic cooperation among its member countries. This region is home to approximately 1.5 billion people and has a combined GDP exceeding USD 3.8 trillion.
• Origin: The initiative began with the Bangkok Declaration and initially included 4 member states. It was originally named BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation). In 1997, it was renamed BIMST-EC when Myanmar joined. The addition of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004 resulted in the current name, BIMSTEC.

What are the Key Features of the BIMSTEC Charter?

• International Recognition: The charter grants BIMSTEC official status as a legal entity, enabling direct interaction with other international organizations regarding diplomacy and cooperation.
• Shared Goals: It delineates BIMSTEC's objectives, emphasizing the establishment of trust and amicable relations among member states while fostering economic and social development in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Structured Organisation: The charter provides a clear operational framework for BIMSTEC, detailing regular meetings at various levels, including Summit, Ministerial, and Senior Officials' meetings.
• Expanding Membership: The charter allows for new countries to join BIMSTEC and permits other nations to engage as observers.
• Reconstitution: The number of cooperation sectors has been streamlined to 7, with each member state designated as the lead for specific sectors, such as Bangladesh in trade and investment, Bhutan in environmental issues, and India in security matters.

What is the Significance of BIMSTEC?

• Aligned with Act East Policy: BIMSTEC aligns closely with India's Act East Policy, bolstering India's trade and security influence in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
• Alternative to SAARC: Following India's strategic move to isolate Pakistan during the 2016 SAARC summit, BIMSTEC has emerged as a more favorable platform for regional cooperation in South Asia.
• Counter to China: With China's growing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, India sees BIMSTEC as a potential counterbalance to Chinese influence, promoting it as an alternative regional cooperation forum.
• Promotion of Intangible Culture: Initiatives such as India’s Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Nalanda University aim to enhance research on the art and culture of the region.
• Platform for Collaboration: BIMSTEC facilitates cooperation among South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, enhancing regional collaboration, particularly in security and humanitarian assistance.

How is BIMSTEC Different from SAARC?

What are the Challenges to BIMSTEC?

• Lack of Efficiency and Slow Progress: BIMSTEC struggles with inconsistent policy-making, infrequent meetings, and insufficient financial and human resources for its Secretariat.
• Limited Intra-Regional Trade and Connectivity: The BBIN connectivity project involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal has yet to be finalized. Although a Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2004, only two of the seven necessary agreements have been completed, with regional trade remaining low.
• Challenges in Maritime Trade and Fisheries: The Bay of Bengal, known for its rich fisheries, faces issues like illegal fishing, which poses a significant threat to sustainability.
• Other Issues Among Member States: Ongoing conflicts, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis and India-Nepal border disputes, as well as Myanmar's political instability, complicate cooperation.

Way Forward

• Finalising the BIMSTEC Charter: This legal framework is crucial for defining BIMSTEC's objectives and enhancing stability in cooperative efforts.
• BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity: This 10-year strategy aims to boost regional infrastructure, thereby facilitating trade and movement.
• BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime through improved information sharing.
• Need for Technological Initiatives: Projects like the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project are essential to combat illegal fishing and enhance sustainability.
• BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility (TTF): This facility in Sri Lanka will help bridge technological gaps among member states, fostering regional development.
• Cooperation between Diplomatic Academies: Enhancing ties among academic institutions will promote a shared understanding of regional challenges.
• Develop Institutional Framework: Establishing organizations to promote peace and prosperity in the region, similar to South Asian University under SAARC, is vital.
• Promote Citizen Engagement: Initiatives like a BIMSTEC Parliamentarians Forum and student exchange programs can strengthen regional ties.

Conclusion

The enactment of the BIMSTEC Charter signifies a crucial development for the grouping, endowing it with legal status and the ability to engage in systematic diplomatic dialogues. This advancement is pivotal for the economic and geopolitical integration of the Bay of Bengal region and is in line with India's objectives to enhance its neighborhood and Act East policy.

Arrest Warrants Against Israel and Hamas Leaders

Why in news?

Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for leaders of Hamas as well as the Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Israel, citing war crimes in Palestine.

What is the International Criminal Court?

• The ICC is the first permanent international criminal court established by an international treaty known as 'The Rome Statute.'
• Adopted in 1998 by 120 States, the Rome Statute aims to foster a more just global society.
• It became effective in 2002 after ratification by 60 states, officially establishing the ICC.
• The ICC has no retroactive jurisdiction, meaning it can only address crimes committed after its establishment.
• India, along with the US and China, is not a signatory to the Rome Statute.
• Currently, 124 countries are States Parties to the ICC, with Malaysia being the latest to join.

Jurisdiction and Working:

• The ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the gravest international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
• Crimes must be committed by nationals of a State Party, on the territory of a State Party, or in a State that has accepted the ICC's jurisdiction.
• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) can refer situations to the ICC, granting it jurisdiction through resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• The ICC is designed to complement national judicial systems rather than replace them.
• It only prosecutes cases when national systems are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate or prosecute.
• Although the ICC is not a UN organization, it has a cooperation agreement with the UN.
• Several countries, including Israel, the US, Russia, and China, do not recognize the court's jurisdiction over war crimes and other offenses.

What is a War Crime?

• War crimes refer to serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts.
• Examples include hostage-taking, willful killings, torture, inhumane treatment of prisoners of war, and child conscription.
• The concept is based on the premise that individuals can be held accountable for actions taken under state authority.

War Crime vs Crime Against Humanity:

• The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention distinguishes war crimes from genocide and crimes against humanity.
• War crimes are typically committed during armed conflicts between states or within a single state.
• In contrast, crimes against humanity can occur in times of peace or during aggressive military actions against unarmed civilians.

Geneva Conventions on War Crime:

• The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols (1949) are pivotal treaties that set essential rules to limit wartime brutality.
• These conventions protect individuals not participating in hostilities, such as civilians, medical personnel, and aid workers.
• They also safeguard those who can no longer fight, including the wounded, sick, shipwrecked soldiers, and prisoners of war.
• The first Geneva Convention focuses on the protection of wounded and sick soldiers on land.
• The second Geneva Convention extends this protection to military personnel at sea.
• The third Geneva Convention safeguards the rights of prisoners of war.
• The fourth Geneva Convention offers protection to civilians, particularly in occupied territories.
• India is a signatory to all four Geneva Conventions.