Central Idea

• Canada’s charge about India’s involvement in the killing of a Khalistani fugitive was backed by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

About Five Eyes Alliance

Five Eyes’ Response to Trudeau’s Remarks

• US Engagement: The US State Department confirmed close contact with Canadian counterparts regarding allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
• Critique: A US expert criticized Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the Khalistani leader’s killing as “shameless and cynical.”
• UK’s Stance: The UK government acknowledged the “serious allegations” but asserted that they wouldn’t impact ongoing trade negotiations with India.
• Australia’s Monitoring: The Australian Foreign Minister expressed concern about the killing and affirmed they were monitoring developments in partnership with their allies.

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Central Idea

• The Union Home Ministry recently reviewed the draft of the UN Cyber Crime Convention.
• The purpose of this review was to assess the necessary changes in India’s existing systems if the convention is signed and ratified by the country.

Why discuss this?

• India enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in August, ushering in a framework for personal data protection within the country.
• This legislation allows personal data to be processed in the interest of India’s sovereignty, integrity, and state security while fulfilling legal obligations.
• Notably, it also mandates that firms disclose to users the identity of other firms entrusted with their data for processing.
• However, the Act explicitly exempts firms from disclosing or sharing data in the case of lawful interception of data.

India’s position on the Convention

India put forth several key positions:

1. Deleting Data Transfer Clause: India advocated for the deletion of a clause that encourages state parties to “establish bilateral or multilateral arrangements” to facilitate the transfer of personal data. This underscores India’s emphasis on the sovereignty of its data and its desire to maintain control over cross-border data transfers.
2. Authorization for Data Transfer: India expressed its agreement with the clause stating that state parties may transfer personal data to a third country or an international organization only with the prior written authorization of the original transferring state party, subject to effective and appropriate safeguards. This reflects India’s commitment to ensuring data security and responsible handling.
3. Designation of Points of Contact: The draft convention outlines that each state party should designate a point of contact available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance for investigations, prosecutions, or judicial proceedings related to cyber criminal offenses. This demonstrates India’s commitment to effective cooperation in addressing cybercrimes.

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Central Idea

• PM’s recent announcement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor signifies an ambitious project aimed at enhancing physical and digital connectivity across a vast expanse of the Eurasian subcontinent.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

• The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor aims to establish connectivity across India, West Asia, and Europe, leveraging railway networks and shipping routes.
• The project was jointly unveiled by PM Modi, US President Biden, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Key Highlights of the project

• Scope and Ideology: This initiative, championed by the US and India, encompasses connectivity and infrastructure spanning India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union. It is hailed as a sustainable alternative to existing global connectivity initiatives.
• Extension to PGII: Additionally, it is part of the broader Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), introduced by G7 countries to provide a sustainable alternative to BRI and address global infrastructure needs.
• Congestion Mitigation: The corridor may potentially bypass the congested Suez Canal, offering a more efficient route for cargo ships.
• Trade and Economic Integration: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union Commission underscores the project’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, logistics, clean energy production, and economic cooperation.
• Historical Significance: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the corridor as “historic” and expressed enthusiasm about its potential.

Need for such project

• Transformative Infrastructure: The project envisions a railway line across the Arabian Peninsula, with rail and shipping connectivity between India and Europe. Future expansions could include energy pipelines and optical fiber links.
• Geopolitical Shifts: This initiative reflects emerging geopolitical trends, including India-US collaboration in the Middle East, breaking Pakistan’s veto, and evolving relations with Iran.
• Deepening Arabian Engagement: The corridor provides an opportunity to strengthen India’s strategic ties with the Arabian Peninsula, notably with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
• Historical Perspective: India’s historical role as a connector between Arabia and Europe is revitalized through this project.
• Promoting Intra-regional Connectivity: The corridor aims to reduce tensions in the Arabian peninsula by fostering intra-regional connectivity, contributing to the concept of “Infrastructure for peace.”
• Alternative to BRI: Positioned as an alternative to China’s BRI, the corridor’s success will depend on implementation speed and sustainability, both financial and ecological.
• European Engagement: European Union’s involvement in the project makes it a major stakeholder, enhancing India’s integration with Arabia and Europe.
• Trans-African Corridor: India’s growing engagement with Africa aligns with US and EU plans to create a Trans-African corridor, opening avenues for future collaboration.

Challenges and Uncertainties

• Official timelines for project completion and details regarding funding remain undisclosed.
• Clarity on the project’s alignment and the use of existing railway and port infrastructure in West Asia is awaited.

Global Implications

• The initiative aligns with US-led efforts to scale the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and address infrastructure financing needs in low- and middle-income countries.
• The project presents an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and could significantly strengthen connectivity between India and the Middle East.

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Central Idea

• At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, leaders from member countries reached a consensus and adopted the New Delhi Declaration.
• This declaration outlines significant commitments and agreements on various global issues.

Here are the key points from the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration:

[1] War in Ukraine

• Peaceful Resolution: The G20 countries emphasize the importance of peace and call on all states to uphold the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• Humanitarian Concerns: The declaration expresses deep concern about the human suffering and adverse impacts of wars and conflicts worldwide, specifically addressing the war in Ukraine.
• UN Charter Principles: It emphasizes that all states must act in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter, refraining from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition.
• Nuclear Disarmament: The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is deemed inadmissible.

[2] Countering Terrorism and Money Laundering

• Condemnation of Terrorism: The G20 condemns terrorism in all its forms, including those rooted in xenophobia, racism, and intolerance or carried out in the name of religion.
• Holistic Approach: A holistic approach based on international law is advocated to effectively counter terrorism, with an emphasis on strengthening international cooperation to deny terrorist groups safe haven, freedom of operations, and financial support.
• Illicit Trafficking: Concerns about illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons are addressed, with an emphasis on international cooperation among states to combat these phenomena.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF): The G20 leaders commit to supporting the resource needs of the FATF and FATF Style Regional Bodies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

[3] Economy & Climate

• Sustainable Growth: G20 leaders call for strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth in response to the uneven recovery from the pandemic.
• Climate Action: Trillions of dollars will be required for countries to meet their climate goals and invest in clean energy technologies.
• Reforming Financial Institutions: Reforms of international financial institutions are urged, along with efforts to manage debt vulnerabilities in low and middle-income countries.
• Crypto Asset Taxation: The exchange of tax-relevant information on crypto assets is set to begin by 2027.
• Energy Transition: The declaration calls for accelerated efforts to phase down unabated coal power and eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
• Financial Stability: Emphasis is placed on the need for well-calibrated monetary, fiscal, financial, and structural policies to promote growth, reduce inequalities, and maintain macroeconomic and financial stability.

[4] Global Growth

• Policy Coordination: The G20 leaders reiterate the need for well-calibrated monetary, fiscal, financial, and structural policies to promote growth, reduce inequalities, and maintain macroeconomic and financial stability.
• Central Banks Commitment: They also stress that central banks remain committed to achieving price stability in line with their respective mandates.
• Financial Stability Board (FSB): Initiatives by the FSB, Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs), and jurisdictions to examine lessons from recent banking turbulence are welcomed.

[5] Multilateral Development Banks

• Enhancing MDBs: G20 leaders emphasize the importance of delivering better, bigger, and more effective multilateral development banks (MDBs).
• Leveraging Private Capital: Financial institutions are encouraged to leverage private capital through innovative financing models and partnerships for maximum development impact.
• Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAFs): The roadmap for implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of MDBs CAFs is endorsed.

[6] Cross-border Payments

• Payment Improvements: The G20 reaffirms its commitment to achieving global targets for faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments by 2027.
• CBDC Discussion: Discussions on the potential macro-financial implications of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are welcomed, especially concerning cross-border payments and the international monetary and financial system.

[7] Education

• Digital Education: The G20 recognizes the importance of investing in human capital development and supporting digital technologies to bridge educational divides.
• Scientific Collaboration: The promotion of open, equitable, and secure scientific collaboration and mobility of students, scholars, researchers, and scientists is encouraged.
• Inclusive Education: Emphasis is placed on inclusive, equitable, high-quality education and skills training, with foundational learning as a primary building block.

[8] Agriculture

• Trade Facilitation: Rising commodity prices contributing to cost of living pressures are addressed.
• Rules-Based Trade: The G20 leaders commit to facilitating open, fair, predictable, and rules-based trade in agriculture, food, and fertilizers, in line with relevant WTO rules.
• Food Security: Support for developing countries’ efforts to address food security challenges is emphasized, aligning with the G20 Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023.

[9] Religion

• Religious Tolerance: The G20 strongly condemns acts of religious hatred against individuals, religious symbols, and holy books.
• Cultural Diversity: Emphasis is placed on promoting respect for religious and cultural diversity, dialogue, and tolerance.
• Rights Interdependence: The interdependence of freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion or expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of association is recognized as a means to combat intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief.

[10] Corruption

• Zero Tolerance: The G20 reaffirms its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption.
• International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation and information sharing for combating corruption is urged.
• Asset Recovery: The joint Declaration also called for strengthening asset recovery mechanisms for combating corruption.

Conclusion

• In essence, the New Delhi Declaration serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of G20 member countries in addressing global challenges and striving for a more prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable world.

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Central Idea

• The Black Sea grain deal lapsed on July 17. Turkey now seeks to resume the treaty.
• Russia though had not agreed to renew the deal, citing unmet promises and difficulties in its own agricultural exports due to Western sanctions.

Black Sea Grain Initiative

• The Initiative eased Russia’s naval blockade and saw the reopening of three key Ukrainian ports.
• The UN and Turkey brokered the deal in July 2022, allowing cargo ships to travel between Ukrainian ports and undergo inspections to ensure they were not carrying arms.
• The deal has been extended twice but is set to expire on July 17, 2023.
• The agreement created procedures to safely export grain from certain ports to attempt to address the 2022 food crisis.
• It provides a safe maritime humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports (particularly for food grains) from three of its key ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi in the Black Sea.

Outcomes of this deal

• Approximately 9.8 million tonnes of grains have been shipped so far since the deal was brokered as per International Grains Council (IGC) Projections.
  • The IGC is an intergovernmental organization established in 1949. Its primary purpose is to promote cooperation and consultation on grains trade and related aspects globally.
  • India is an exporting member of the IGC.
• The initiative has also been credited for having made a huge difference in the global cost of living crisis.

Why was this deal launched?

• Ukraine’s Role: Ukraine is a significant exporter of food grains, including wheat and corn, and contributes to the UN’s food aid programs.
• Impact of Russian Invasion: Russia’s invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports raised concerns about food security and soaring prices globally.

Russia’s Opposition and Reasons

• Claims of Unmet Promises: Russia argues that promises made under the deal have not been fulfilled, affecting its own agricultural exports and fertilizers due to Western sanctions.
• Obstacles to Agricultural Exports: Russia faces challenges with payment platforms, insurance, shipping, and logistics, even though there are no direct restrictions on its agricultural products.
• Frustration and Goodwill: Russian President expressed frustration and stated that Russia has shown goodwill in extending the deal but feels enough is enough.
• Shift in Grain Destinations: Russia claims the deal was meant to ensure global food security, but Ukraine has mainly exported to high- and middle-income countries, while the UN notes that food prices have cooled down, benefiting poorer nations.

Impact on Grain Exports and Production

• Russian Wheat Export Dominance: Russia remains the world’s top wheat exporter, primarily targeting the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
• Ukraine’s Declining Shipments: Ukraine’s grain shipments are projected to more than halve, with production at an 11-year low.
• Shifting Markets: Ukraine’s grain markets have shifted from Asia and North Africa to Europe, driven by ease of shipment, causing a glut of Ukrainian grain and protests from farmers in Eastern European countries.

International Grains Council

• The International Grains Council (IGC) is an intergovernmental organization that oversees the Grains Trade Convention and aims to promote cooperation in the global grain trade. Established in 1949 as the International Wheat Council, it was renamed in 1995 to reflect its expanded scope.
• India is a member of the International Grains Council (IGC), which is the intergovernmental organization that oversees the global grains trade.

Back2Basics: Black Sea

• Black Sea is bound by Ukraine to the north and northwest, Russia and Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west.
• It links to the Sea of Marmara through the Bosphorus and then to the Aegean through the Dardanelles.

Significance of Black Sea for Russia

• Black Sea has traditionally been Russia’s warm water gateway to Europe.
• For Russia, the Black Sea is both a stepping stone to the Mediterranean.
• It acts as a strategic buffer between NATO and itself.
• It showcases the Russian power in the Mediterranean and to secure the economic gateway to key markets in southern Europe.
• Russia has been making efforts to gain complete control over the Black Sea since the Crimean crisis of 2014.

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