Oct-16IR Flashcards
Oct-16IR-Index
2.1. China-Pak Axis
2.2. India-Bhutan
2.3. India-Asean
2.4. India-Singapore
2.5. India-Russia
2.6. BIMSTEC
2.7. BRICS
-2.7.1. Eighth BRICS Summit
-2.7.2. BRICS Rating Agency
-2.7.3. MoU Between Exim Bank and New
Development Bank
2.8. Nuclear Disarmament
2.9. Disarmament and Security Committee
2.10. MoU between India and AARDO
2.11. Maldives Quits Commonwealth
2.12. International Criminal Court
2.13. UN Human Rights Council
2.1. CHINA-PAK AXIS
Key Concern Areas
UNSC and NSG Membership- China opposed India’s admission into the Permanent Membership of the UNSC and India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Whereas,it insisted Pakistan to be admitted to UNSC forgetting its reputation as a nuclear proliferator.
Infrastructure investment- China has been investing in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will connect Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province with the port of Gwadar in Pakistan.
Terrorism- China‘s has been shielding Pakistan’s notorious Jihadi terrorist outfit chief, Massod Azhar from being listed as a ‘Global Terrorist’ by the UN. It does not go along with China aspiring to be a Superpower and claiming to be a ‘responsible stakeholder’ in global security.
Encouragement to Military Adventurism- China is not only a part of the overall Pakistan problem for India but now with the CPEC as the prized strategic objective of China, the stakes for China to encourage Pakistan’s military adventurism against India gets considerably raised.
Way forward for India
Both India and China want a new international status that commensurate with their size, strength and potential.
To restore a semblance of equality in the relationship it is necessary to build up economic and security capabilities and begin to close the power gap with China.
Such cooperation between the two countries could allow them to rebalance global influences and develop a better negotiating position in the world.
India’s foreign policy formulations and perspectives on China and Pakistan need no longer be considered as separate foreign policy planning domains but viewed as one hyphenated strategic entity
2.2. INDIA-BHUTAN
Why in news?
The Union Cabinet approved a new agreement for a free trade regime between India and Bhutan.
The previous Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit between India and Bhutan was signed on July 29, 2006 for a period of ten years
About the new Agreement
The new agreement provides for
A free trade regime between two countries.
Duty free transit of Bhutanese merchandise for trade with third countries.
Bilateral trade between will continue to be transacted in Indian Rupees and Bhutanese Ngultrums.
The new agreement removed requirement of having an annual consultation between India and Bhutan for the transit of goods of both countries along with the goods originating in third country.
2.3. INDIA-ASEAN
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 14th Asean-India Summit and 11th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
History and Evolution of the India-
ASEAN Relations after its Independence in 1947, India followed a policy of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and became a champion of decolonisation, including in Southeast Asia.
However, during the 1970s, India’s perceived tilt towards the Soviet Union led Southeast Asia to drift away from India as both followed different economic and political ideologies.
In a major shift away from policies of the Cold War era, India adopted the “Look East Policy” (LEP) soon after economic liberalisation in 1991 to increase economic and commercial ties with East and Southeast Asian nations such as China. Over the years the policy has also concentrated on building closer ties on the strategic and security aspects in the region.
Phases of LEP-
Phase I lasted between 1991 and 2002, when the primary thrust was toward renewed political and economic relations with ASEAN countries.
During Phase II (2003 to 2012), the scope of the LEP was broadened to include China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
The new phase of LEP would focus on extensive economic and security issues, including joint efforts to protect the Sea Lanes of Communications and launch coordinated counter-terrorism activities.
One of the major consequences of India’s engagement with ASEAN has been the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA), which was seen as an essential step towards deeper economic integration.
Its initial framework was signed on 8 October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia and the final agreement was signed on 13 August 2009, coming into effect from 1 January 2010.
The FTA reduced tariff barriers to trade between India and the ASEAN countries, and included specific provisions for services trade and investment facilitation.
India was accorded full ASEAN Dialogue Partner Status in 1995, followed by its membership in the ASEAN Regional Forum. The India-ASEAN Relations soon broadened its cooperation into political as well as security arenas. India also joined the East Asian Summit (EAS) in 2005.
ASEAN has been a strategic partner of India since 2012. India and ASEAN have 30 dialogue mechanisms which meet regularly.
India’s engagement with the ASEAN and wider Asia-Pacific region has acquired further momentum following the enunciation of the ‘Act-East Policy’(AEP) at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit and 9th East Asia Summit in Myanmar in November 2014.
Under the AEP, India not only expected to bolster its economic engagements with the region; it yearned to emerge as a potential security balancer as well.
Commerce, Culture and Connectivity are the three pillars of India’s robust engagement with ASEAN.
Enhancing the connectivity in all its dimensions – physical,digital, economy, institutional and cultural- has been at the heart of India’s strategic partnership with ASEAN.
Importance of ASEAN for India-
Economically: India is one of the strategic partners of ASEAN. With a total population of 1.8 billion and a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion, ASEAN and India together form an important economic space in the world.
Geopolitically
India expects to benefit geopolitically as well from its
rejuvenated affinity with ASEAN and other regional
countries.
India has attempted to demonstrate its ability to play a
dynamic role in the region. India sent a strong signal to
China by mentioning the importance of maintaining
freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Maritime Importance: Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is essential for India in order to ensure that its sea-bound trade continues uninterrupted.
Sea lanes are “life lines of global trade.” India supports freedom of navigation based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
ASEAN is important for extending cooperation in areas such as maritime security including freedom of navigation, drug trafficking and cybercrime.
Security Aspect: There are diverse areas on which India and ASEAN are jointly working, e.g. non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrimes and piracy in the Malacca Straits, etc.
Connectivity Aspect
The envisaged highway (under construction) and rail connectivity to energy giants like, Nepal and Myanmar and further to Thailand, will improve people to people contact, thus enhancing the sphere of economic cooperation and interdependence.
The highly underdeveloped NE States of India, which lie at the gateway to a region offering unlimited economic opportunities, will witness an economic transformation.
Energy security
ASEAN countries, particularly Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia can potentially contribute to India’s energy security.
Oil and natural gas deposits in the South China Sea region.
Trade relation with ASEAN
Trade between India and ASEAN stood at US$ 65.04 billion in 2015-16 and comprises 10.12% of India’s total trade with the world.
The ASEAN-India economic integration process has got a fillip with the creation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area in July 2015, following the entry into force of the ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements.
Conclusion of a balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement will further boost our trade and investment ties with the region.
Important Issues Highlighted by PM during the EAS–
The two most significant issues highlighted by PM Modi during his address at EAS were: Recommending strongest action against those states that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and outlining India’s principled stand on the South China Sea issue.
PM Modi commented that most countries in the South Asian region were pursuing a peaceful path to economic prosperity “But, there is one country in India’s neighbourhood whose competitive advantage rests solely in producing and exporting terrorism.”
For India’s principled stand on the South China Sea issue, he said that the lanes of communication passing through the sea were “main arteries of global merchandise trade”.
India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.
Box–East Asia Summit (EAS)
The East Asia Summit is the premier leaders-led forum in the Asia-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in the strategic, geopolitical and economic evolution of East Asia.
Apart from the 10 ASEAN Member states, East Asia Summit includes India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Russia.
India, being a founding member of the East Asia Summit, is committed to strengthening the East Asia Summit and making it more effective for dealing with contemporary challenges.
2.4. INDIA-SINGAPORE
Why in news?
Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Lee Hsien Loong visited India recently.
Significance of Singapore for India-
India and Singapore has a wide ranging relationship that is as strategic as well as economic.
Singapore has been developing close links with Indian states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Hence, economic partnership is increasing.
Both countries are seeking to explore other areas such as tourism and skill development.
Singapore has been backing a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific region.
The landscape in ASEAN is changing. In such a situation, Singapore’s voice is likely to become even more crucial and the India-Singapore strategic partnership is likely to further strengthen.
Box–During the visit the following agreements were signed:
MoU in the field of Industrial Property Cooperation between Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.
MoU on Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the National Skill Development Corporation and ITE Education Services, Singapore.
MoU on Collaboration in the Field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the Government of Assam and ITE Education Services, Singapore.
The agreements were signed for “smart cities drive” and “skill India program” during the bilateral visit as Singapore has expertise in both the fields.
2.5. INDIA-RUSSIA
Why in news?
The Russian President visited India for the 17th bilateral summit between India and Russia.
PM Modi highlighted the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia by quoting that, “An old friend is better than two new friends.”
Key Highlights of the Bilateral Summit–
Cross Border Terrorism- Condemned unequivocally and sealed a deal on ‘information security’ to counter terrorism, drug trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities.
Defence Sector- Agreement to buy Russia’s most advanced S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-missile defence system, to manufacture Kamov-226T utility helicopters and four improved Krivak or Talwar class stealth.
Regional Integration and Trade- Emphasize on implementation of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Infrastructure and Technology- Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to invest in a sub-fund under the National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) of India.
Nuclear Power Project- Modi and Putin both jointed declared the second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Units 5 and 6).
Russian Largest FDI in India- Russian oil firm Rosneft and United Capital Partners signed an agreement to acquire Essar Energy Holdings Ltd’s refining and retail assets at $10.9 billion, making it Russia’s largest foreign direct investment in India.
2.6. BIMSTEC
Why in news?
The Summit was held in Goa in October 2016.
The next meeting will be held in Nepal for the
Fourth BIMSTEC Summit in 2017.
Focus Areas of Summit were Regional
connectivity, terrorism, development of the
region, Cooperation in various sectors, promoting
people-to-people contacts and tourism.
In this regard, BIMSTEC countries have issued
Leaders Retreat Outcome Document.
Key Highlights of document–
For countering terror
Strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in the region and called for strong measures for the states that encourage, support and provide sanctuary to terrorists.
Called for early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in combating International terrorism, criminal matters, transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.
Cooperation for Environment- Agreement on greater efforts towards the conservation of the mountain eco-systems, bio-diversity and agreed for implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Enhancing people to people contact- Proposed for establishment of BIMSTEC Buddhist Circuit and BIMSTEC Heritage Sites, decided to expedite the establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory in Bhutan.
Box–About BIMSTEC
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization.
It came into being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
It comprises of seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.
Five deriving from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.
Fisheries and Food Security- Cooperation in sustainable development of fisheries in Bay of Bengal region.
Eliminating Poverty- Reaffirmation to the commitment to effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Poverty Plan of Action.
For Trade- Commitment to the early conclusion of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area negotiations was renewed along with directing the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent agreements.
Exploring other areas of development-Agreement to explore ways to deepen cooperation in areas such as aquacultures, hydrography, seabed mineral exploration, coastal shipping, eco-tourism and renewable ocean energy with the objective of promoting holistic and sustainable development of the region.
Relevance of BIMSTEC
Earlier also, Bay of Bengal had emerged as a vehicle for regional cooperation as BBIN grouping - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India after Pakistan’s reluctance to sign on to the South Asian connectivity agreements at the SAARC summit, 2014.
Now, with the collapse of the SAARC summit in Islamabad, 2016 the Bay of Bengal has turned into a zone of regional cooperation.
Further, with rich history of maritime commerce across the Bay of Bengal and being high-end tourist destination there exist enormous possibilities for regional economic cooperation among the members of the BIMSTEC and SAARC (minus Pakistan).
Box–About BIMSTEC
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization.
It came into being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
It comprises of seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.
Five deriving from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.
- BRICS
- 2.7.1. EIGHTH BRICS SUMMIT
Why in news?
The Eighth BRICS Summit, held at Goa under the
theme “Building Responsive, Inclusive and
Collective Solutions.”
The summit concluded with adaptation of Goa
Declaration. The ninth BRICS Summit will be
hosted by China in 2017.
Key Highlights of Goa declaration-
On world Security- Strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, committed to increase effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism framework. Also, called for need for adaptation of Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly
On SDGs- Welcomed adoption of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
On UN Reforms- Reiterated urgent need to reforms of the United Nations, including International UN Security Council to increase representation of developing countries.
On New Development Bank- BRICS members were satisfied with the approval of the first batch of loans by the New Development Bank (NDB), particularly in renewable energy projects in BRICS countries.
BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement-
CRA, established in 2015 by BRICS member nations is now operational and the central banks of the grouping’s members are “fully ready to carry out” the transactions.
It is a framework for the provision of support through liquidity and precautionary instruments in response to actual or potential short-term balance of payments pressures.
Box–About BRICS
BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
It was established in2009. Originally it was known as BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2011.
The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
They are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs.
–Fig–
2.7.2. BRICS RATING AGENCY
Key Facts
BRICS have agreed to set up an independent rating agency based on market-oriented principles in order to further strengthen the global governance architecture.
BRICS institution-building is critical for transforming the global financial architecture to one based on the principles of fairness and equity.
The BRICS countries have already set up New Development Bank (NDB), which became operational last year, to meet funding requirements of the members.
There are concerns that the methodologies of the big three global agencies- S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service- is biased against developing countries, reflected by their poor rating of these economies.
Despite having deep capital buffers, the ratings of multilateral banks like the BRICS-promoted NDB are affected due to the parent countries’ sovereign ratings.
Further, under the present pricing model of rating agencies, the company or institution issuing bonds pays the rating agency to be rated, known as issuer-pays model. This is an ethical issue of moral hazard in this model of rating.
2.7.3. MoU BETWEEN EXIM BANK AND NEW DEVELOPMENT BANK
Why in news?
Union Cabinet signed a pact between Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and BRICS-promoted New Development Bank (NDB).
It is a non-binding umbrella agreement which aims at establishing a cooperation framework in accordance with the national laws and regulations, along with skills transfer and knowledge sharing amongst the signatories.
Benefits of MoU–
It will enhance trade and economic relations among the BRICS countries.
It is strategically relevant for cooperation for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
It will help India play an enhanced international role.
2.8. NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
Why in news?
The United Nations’ highest court rejected nuclear disarmament cases filed by the Pacific nation of the Marshall Islands against Britain, India and Pakistan. Reasons for rejection of the case.
Marshall Islands had failed to prove that a legal dispute over disarmament existed between it and the three nuclear powers. The court rejected it saying it that it lacks jurisdiction.
Arguments for Nuclear disarmament
Strategic excuse, most nations equipped with nuclear weapons claim that they rely on them for strategic defense, and they are vulnerable to various attacks without these destructive weapons which is not true in multipolar world.
Economically, nuclear weapons programs divert public funds from health care, education, disaster relief and other vital services. It is time to redirect money towards meeting human needs.
Environmentally, nuclear weapons are the only devices ever created that have the capacity to destroy all complex life forms on Earth.
Security concerns, nuclear weapons pose a direct and constant threat to people everywhere. Far from keeping the peace, they breed fear and mistrust among nations.
Humanitarian Issues, the abolition of nuclear weapons is an urgent humanitarian necessity. Any use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic consequences.
Nuclear Terrorism – There is danger that nuclear weapons in politically unstable countries like Pakistan or Russia may fall into the hands of rogue terrorist elements.
India’s Stand on Nuclear disarmament-
India attaches the highest priority to nuclear disarmament and shares common concerns with the co-sponsors, that the international community has not been able to take forward multilateral nuclear disarmament negotiations.
Way Forward
Nuclear disarmament will create moral suasion for nuclear weapons states to disarm, and establish an international norm prohibiting nuclear weapons’ development, possession and use.
The states having nuclear weapons should participate fully in the negotiations to come out with a better policy formulation for the world.
Box–Nuclear facts
There are 16,400 nuclear weapons on Earth today.
Five states are declared as nuclear weapon zones under the Non-Proliferation Treaty: US, UK, France, Russia and China.
Many other countries have been suspected of developing nuclear weapons including India, Pakistan, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria and Korea.
The only nuclear bombs ever to be used were by the US against Japan in 1945.
2.9. DISARMAMENT AND SECURITY COMMITTEE
Why in News?
Un general assembly’s disarmament and security
committee voted for negotiations to begin next year
on a new international treaty to prohibit nuclear
weapons.
Four of the five UN Security Council nuclear powers
- Britain, France, Russia and the United States —
voted against the draft resolution while China
abstained besides India and Pakistan.
Why is it important?
It moves diplomatic and legal action beyond the
veto power of nuclear-dependent governments that
want to keep their privileges under the Non-
Proliferation Treaty.
The new multilateral treaty will for the first time provide a comprehensive approach to prohibiting activities such as the use, deployment, production, transporting, stockpiling and financing of nuclear weapons.
It will also extend the NPT’s nuclear disarmament obligation by creating a clear, unequivocal legal obligation to eliminate existing arsenals that will apply to non-NPT as well as all NPT states.
Box–About NPT
Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
It came into being in 1970. In 1995 it was extended indefinitely.
The treaty recognises five permanent UNSC members: the US, Russia, the UK, France and China.
Four UN member states have never joined NPT: India, Israel, Pakistan and South Sudan.
2.10. MoU BETWEEN INDIA AND AARDO
Why in news?
The Cabinet approved MoU for the triennium 2015 – 2017, between India and the African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO).
About the MoU-
The capacity building programs in the field of rural
development will be organized every year during the
triennium at various Institutions in India.
The duration of each training programme shall be of two to three weeks.
Significance:
It will promote cooperation among African and Asian countries.
It will help in the direction of eradicating thirst, hunger, illiteracy, disease and poverty in the region.
Box–About AARDO
The AARDO is an autonomous, inter-Governmental organization established in 1962, headquarter in New Delhi.
AARDO currently has 31 countries of the African - Asian Region under its fold.
India is one of the Founder Members of the Organization and is the largest contributor among the members.
2.11. MALDIVES QUITS COMMONWEALTH
Why in news?
The Maldives quit Commonwealth over allegation
of corruption and deteriorating human rights.
The country becomes the latest to leave the
Commonwealth after Gambia which quit in
October 2013.
Background
Maldives government was put on notice thrice
and given six months to address concerns
including the detention and prosecution of
opposition leaders.
Evidences were found of curbing fundamental rights, targeted persecution of opposition leaders and misuse of state institutions (including the judiciary, legislature and the police) to restrict, crush and punish dissent.
Imprisonment of previous Maldives President was found illegal and the current president was ordered to pay him compensation.
Reasons to quit as given by Maldives
The foreign ministry claimed that it was treated “unjustly and unfairly” by the organization.
It was used “in the name of democracy promotion, to increase the Commonwealth’s own relevance and leverage in international politics”.
It argued that the decision to penalize the Maldives was unjustified, as the inquiry commission had found the transfer of power in the Maldives was consistent with the constitutional provisions.
Box–What is Commonwealth?
It an international association established in 1949 consisting of the UK together with states that were previously part of the British Empire, and dependencies.
Many countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific have joined the Commonwealth, current membership–52 counties.
Membership is based on free and equal voluntary co-operation.
The last two countries to join The Commonwealth are Rwanda and Mozambique.
2.12. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
Why in news?
Burundi, South Africa and Gambia have quit ICC. Kenya and Uganda now, intend to follow the suit.
Why is it important?
The withdrawal makes South Africa the first state to quit the 1998 Rome Statute that established the court.
South Africa’s proposed withdrawal from the International Criminal Court shows startling disregard for justice from a country long seen as a global leader on accountability for victims of the gravest crimes.
ICC: Areas of Concern
Lack of Jurisdiction- ICC does not have jurisdiction over some of the most powerful nations in the world such as US, Russia, China and Israel.
Narrow Mandate- It does not investigate rights violations of five permanent members of the UN Security Council: the US, Great Britain, France, Russia and China.
No free authority- its authority is dependent on the cooperation of the international community.
Politicized Prosecution and Unaccountable Prosecutors despite having safeguards in place against politically motivated prosecutions.
Ambiguity between State Sovereignty vs Universal Jurisdiction- Ambiguities arise in the relationship between the legal and political underpinnings of the ICC because the Court is weakened by policies that remain dominated by a sovereign model, despite operating principally within a universalist legal framework.
What needs to be done?
There are many ambiguities in Rome Statute which needs to be removed.
Support from permanent members of the UN Security Council which holds veto powers over the cases of the ICC.
Focus on increasing the capacity of the ICC to ensure that it can conduct its existing investigations and cases effectively.
A clear action plan with proper funding mechanism.
Strengthening investigation and prosecution with transparency and accountability measures.
Support for participation and effective representation of the victims.
Box–About ICC
It is the world’s first legal body with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The 124-member ICC is based in The Hague.
