The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th July 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Common Goals

Why in News?

 Prime Minister Modi’s outreach underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties within the Global South. 

Introduction

On his journey to the BRICS Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strategically visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. These bilateral visits aimed at deepening ties in pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, digital cooperation, and food security, while reinforcing India’s leadership in the Global South and offering low-cost development solutions to address global inequities.

Prime Minister Modi’s Strategic Bilateral Visits En Route to BRICS Summit

• Countries Visited: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made sequential bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina on his way to Brazil for the BRICS summit.
• Purpose: The focus was on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as:
• Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
• Digital technology
• Food security
• Critical minerals

Key Outcomes of Each Visit

Ghana (Accra):

• India-Ghana ties were upgraded to a comprehensive partnership.
• India offered support to help Ghana emerge as a “vaccine hub” for West Africa.

Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain):

• A major MoU on Indian pharmacopeia was signed.
• Aim: To improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines from India.

Argentina (Buenos Aires):

• Discussions with President Javier Milei focused on:
  • Cooperation on critical minerals
  • India’s interest in Argentina’s shale gas and oil reserves
  • Promotion of Indian pharmaceuticals in the Argentinian market

Commitment to the Global South

• All visited countries belong to the developing world or Global South.
• The onward travel to Brazil and Namibia reflects India’s active efforts in building:
  • Alternative economic frameworks
  • Reducing dependency on the developed world or Global North

India’s Global Partnerships and Low-Cost Solutions

• India is promoting cost-effective global solutions to shared challenges.
• Offers include support for India-led multilateral initiatives like the:
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Diaspora Diplomacy and Cultural Connection

• In Port of Spain, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora, tracing back to 1845 when Indians were brought to the Caribbean by British colonial rulers.
• He recognized leaders of Indian origin such as:
  • President Christine Carla Kangaloo
  • Former PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar
• Stressed that the 35 million-strong Indian diaspora are India’s "pride".

Shared Historical and Political Legacy

• The visited countries share a colonial past under British, Spanish, Portuguese, or German rule.
• Several were part of or supported the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Common vision for:
  • Strengthening South-South cooperation
  • Advocating a more representative and just global order

India’s Multilateral Role and Aspirations

• India and Brazil were among the founders of:
  • BRICS (with Russia, China)
  • IBSA (with South Africa)
• Though not “anti-West”, these nations are:
  • Seeking alternatives to the current global governance model
  • Focused on creating systems that are more inclusive and equitable

Towards a Balanced Global Order

• The underlying theme of Modi’s 9-day tour is a shared aspiration to move beyond the existing global hierarchies.
• The emphasis is on a future world order that is:
  • More equal
  • More representative
  • More sensitive to the developmental needs of the Global South.

Conclusion

 PM Modi’s outreach reflects India’s ambition to reshape the global order through inclusive partnerships, especially with the Global South. By promoting South-South cooperation, leveraging diaspora diplomacy, and supporting alternative economic frameworks, India positions itself as a champion of a more representative, equitable, and development-sensitive world, distinct from the dominance of the Global North.

Pivot Away

Why is it News?

The recent tightening of U.S. student visa policies indicates the increasing influence of right-wing forces in shaping immigration and education policies.

Introduction

Recent policy changes in the United States, especially under the Trump administration, have created significant challenges for Indian students seeking to study there. These changes include stricter visa vetting processes, potential threats to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, and other hurdles that are reshaping the landscape of U.S. higher education for international students. As students face increased delays, uncertainty, and scrutiny, the long-standing appeal of the U.S. as a top choice for higher education is being called into question.

Visa Appointments and Extended Vetting

• U.S. consulates have begun scheduling new student visa interview appointments after a nearly month-long suspension.
• This suspension was due to the implementation of an extended vetting program involving thorough checks of applicants' social media activities.
• Despite the resumption of processing, many visa applications remain pending, and processing is approaching its seasonal conclusion.
• With classes set to start by late August or early September, and with long wait times still affecting applicants, many students may experience delays that extend right up to the deadline.

Barriers for Indian Students

• The extended vetting process is just one of the recent challenges facing Indian students hoping to study in the U.S.
• Several policy proposals from the Trump administration have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and deterrence:
• The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is under threat, as the administration's nominee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has pledged to eliminate it. This program is crucial for students seeking work experience, job opportunities, and eventual work visas or green cards.
• Plans to issue only fixed-tenure student visas further limit flexibility for international students.
• Funding cuts to higher education institutions have resulted in rescinded PhD admissions for Indian students.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests:
• Increased visa scrutiny, particularly regarding the rankings of institutions admitting students.
• A significant decline in visa approvals in various cities.

Political Climate and Shifting Sentiments

• Many Indian students started their applications before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, hoping to complete the process despite political uncertainties.
• However, the real impact on student inflow will become evident in the next academic cycle, particularly in 2026.
• Initial hopes that tech industry leaders would help moderate anti-immigration policies have diminished.
• In the past, large businesses played a role in promoting policies that were favorable to immigrant students and skilled workers, even during Republican administrations.
• The withdrawal of figures like Elon Musk from Trump’s advisory circle reflects a broader disengagement by tech leaders from the former president.
• The passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill ”, which reduces funding for green energy research, highlights the growing influence of far-right elements within the Trump administration. This shift is notably associated with individuals like Stephen Miller, known for his strict anti-immigration policies.

Broader Implications for India-U.S. Relations

• The decreasing attractiveness of the U.S. for Indian students may signal a larger strategic reevaluation of India’s relationship with the U.S.
• This rethinking could extend beyond education to areas like research, innovation, trade, and strategic partnerships.

Conclusion

 The tightening of visa policies, the decline of post-study work opportunities, and the ideological shifts in the U.S. suggest a waning of its appeal as an academic destination. As India navigates these changing dynamics, there may be a need to diversify educational partnerships and make strategic pivots. The future of educational ties between India and the U.S. now depends on the evolution of immigration and policy decisions in the coming period.