International Relations

From warp speed to reset, the state of India-U.S. ties

Source: The Hindu

Context

• A year ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, several strategic and high-tech cooperation agreements, including the iCET initiative and technology transfer plans for jet engines, were announced, indicating a new phase in India-US relations.
• Despite ambitious plans, the progress in India-US relations has been slower than anticipated due to various external and internal challenges, including differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and logistical issues affecting multilateral cooperation.
• As the newly elected Indian Prime Minister prepares to engage with President Biden at the G-7 outreach summit and US officials visit Delhi, it is crucial to analyse the positive developments, ongoing challenges, and potential conflicts in the bilateral relationship.

Details

Key Points

• Strategic Trust and Military Cooperation:
  • India and the US have developed significant strategic trust, marked by foundational agreements, numerous military exercises, increased interoperability, and substantial military hardware purchases.
• Multilateral Engagements:
  • The two nations have engaged in various multilateral platforms, including the Quad, addressing shared concerns over China's aggression and other regional security issues.
• Critical and Emerging Technologies:
  • The iCET initiative has been a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, focusing on critical and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and space exploration.
• Climate and Energy:
  • Both countries have collaborated on climate change and green energy initiatives, aiming to address global environmental challenges.
• Economic and Trade Relations:
  • There have been efforts to enhance economic and trade ties, although challenges remain, such as trade imbalances and market access issues.
• Human Rights and Democracy:
  • Human rights and democracy have been contentious topics, with the US expressing concerns over issues in India, which has sometimes strained diplomatic relations.
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict:
  • The differing perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been a major area of contention, with the US focusing on international law and humanitarian principles, while India considers broader impacts on the Global South.
• Diplomatic Appointments and Visits:
  • Diplomatic engagements have faced logistical challenges, such as the absence of an Indian Ambassador in Washington and cancelled visits by US officials, affecting the momentum of bilateral initiatives.
• Diaspora and Security Issues:
  • Issues related to the Indian diaspora, particularly the alleged involvement of Indian officials in plots against diaspora members in the US and Canada, have introduced new tensions in the relationship.

Sources:

The Hindu

Environment

A push for more climate action

Source: The Hindu

Context

• On May 21, 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivered an advisory opinion on the obligations of parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding climate change mitigation, following a request from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS).
• This opinion is pivotal as it addresses the obligations of states concerning anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on marine pollution, setting a precedent for international climate litigation.
• The ITLOS opinion gains additional importance in light of upcoming advisory proceedings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the broader obligations of states in respect of climate change, highlighting the interconnectedness of international legal efforts to combat climate change.

Details

Key Points

• UNCLOS Obligations:
  • The ITLOS opinion specifies that UNCLOS parties have obligations to prevent, reduce, and control marine pollution from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, based on Article 194(1) of the convention.
• Recognition of Carbon as Pollutant:
  • The opinion clarifies that carbon dioxide released into the marine environment qualifies as a pollutant under UNCLOS, reinforcing scientific understanding of carbon's impact on ocean acidification and sea-level rise.
• Global Warming and Ocean Impact:
  • The opinion highlights the significant role of oceans in absorbing carbon dioxide and excess heat generated by global warming, contributing to ocean acidification, higher temperatures, and sea-level rise.
• Principle of Prevention or No Harm Rule:
  • The opinion extends the principle of prevention or no harm rule to climate change mitigation efforts, emphasizing collective interests and the need for stringent measures to address the risks of irreversible harm to marine environments.
• Standard of Due Diligence:
  • States are required to take necessary measures to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions with due diligence, guided by international agreements such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Climate Agreement, aiming for the 5°C temperature goal.
• Limitations and Equity Considerations:
  • The opinion acknowledges the limitations of states in implementing mitigation actions and emphasizes the principle of equity in determining the level of mitigation action based on states' means and capabilities.
• Legal Force and Political Influence:
  • While advisory opinions lack legal binding force, they hold significant political influence and contribute to the development of international environmental law and climate policy.
• Role of Judicial Pronouncements:
  • Judicial decisions, such as the ITLOS advisory opinion, play a crucial role in shaping legal interpretations and guiding state actions in addressing climate change, highlighting the importance of judicial involvement in climate governance.

Sources:

The Hindu

Polity

A new federal bargain

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The resurgence of coalition politics in India has brought the issue of federalism and Centre-state relations to the forefront of national discourse.
• Over the years, there has been a notable evolution in the relationship between the central government and states, marked by a mix of cooperative federalism and centralization tendencies.
• The current scenario presents both challenges and opportunities for federalism, with the potential for multiple power centres to counterbalance centralization, but also the risk of special-interest regional politics hindering broader federal cooperation.

Details

Key Points

• Historical Context:
  • Understanding the historical trajectory of federalism in India, from the framing of the Constitution to contemporary developments, provides insights into the complex nature of Centre-state relations.
• Constitutional Framework:
  • The Indian Constitution delineates the distribution of powers between the Centre and states, outlining provisions for financial relations, administrative responsibilities, and the role of key institutions like the Inter-State Council.
• Recent Reforms:
  • Recent reforms, including the establishment of Niti Aayog, the implementation of GST, and the abrogation of Article 370, have significant implications for federal dynamics and warrant careful analysis.
• Challenges in Federalism:
  • Tensions between the Centre and states, issues related to resource allocation, and debates over the autonomy of states versus the authority of the central government pose challenges to the functioning of federalism in India.
• Coalition Politics Impact:
  • The resurgence of coalition politics and the role of regional parties in Centre-state relations have a direct impact on federal dynamics, influencing decision-making processes and power structures.
• Policy Implications:
  • Changes in federalism have profound implications for governance, economic policies, social welfare programs, and inter-state relations, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their policy ramifications.
• Search for Solutions:
  • Addressing challenges in federalism requires innovative solutions, such as empowering institutions like the Inter-State Council, fostering dialogue between stakeholders, and exploring consensus-building mechanisms for contentious issues.

Sources:

Indian Express

Disaster Management

DRYING UP

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Urban areas in India are grappling with recurrent water crises due to factors such as reduced river flow, falling water tables, and increasing demand. This has led to emergencies like those seen in Bengaluru and Delhi, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.
• The government has emphasized providing tap water connections and addressing supply-side parameters to mitigate water deficits. However, neglect of aquifer health, inadequate coordination between relevant departments, and insufficient water-sharing arrangements between states remain significant challenges.

Details

Key Points

• Need for Long-term Policy:
  • Addressing water-related disasters requires a comprehensive, long-term policy framework that considers factors such as climate change, urbanization, and changing water usage patterns.
• Supply and Demand-side Management:
  • Effective disaster management in the context of water crises involves both supply-side measures like water infrastructure development and demand-side interventions focusing on water conservation, reuse and recycling.
• Inter-departmental Coordination:
  • Disaster management efforts must prioritize inter-departmental coordination to ensure seamless response and resource allocation during emergencies.
• Community Participation:
  • Engaging local communities in disaster preparedness and response is crucial for building resilience and ensuring effective management of water-related disasters.
• Data-driven Decision Making:
  • Access to accurate and up-to-date data on water availability, usage patterns and infrastructure is essential for informed decision-making and effective disaster management strategies.
• Policy Implementation and Enforcement:
  • Policies aimed at mitigating water-related disasters must be effectively implemented and enforced at both the central and state levels to ensure their efficacy.
• Climate Resilience:
  • Building climate resilience in water management infrastructure and practices is essential to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns on water availability and distribution.
• Capacity Building:
  • Investing in capacity building and training programs for disaster response teams, government officials, and local communities is vital for enhancing preparedness and response capabilities during water-related disasters.

Sources:

Indian Express