Central Idea

• As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Washington, the US Senate is set to introduce legislation that aims to grant India ‘NATO plus five’ defence status.
• However, India’s External Affairs Minister has already rejected this framework for India.

What is NATO Plus?

• NATO Plus is a coalition consisting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and five countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
• The primary objective of this group is to enhance global defense cooperation.
• Membership in NATO Plus would offer several advantages to India, including seamless intelligence sharing among member countries, access to cutting-edge military technology without delays, and a strengthened defense partnership with the United States.

Why is the US keen to introduce India to NATO?

The US is keen to introduce India to NATO for these reasons:

• Counterbalancing China: India’s inclusion in NATO would help counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• Strengthening defense ties: It would deepen defense cooperation between the US and India.
• Enhancing regional stability: India’s participation would contribute to regional stability and improve defense capabilities.
• Expanding NATO’s reach: Including India would expand NATO’s global presence and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
• Promoting a rules-based order: It aligns with shared values of democracy, human rights, and freedom of navigation.

Benefits if India’s ever joins

Joining NATO + 5 would offer several advantages to India, including:

• Enhanced security cooperation: India would benefit from increased security cooperation and intelligence sharing with NATO and its five partner countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea.
• Access to advanced military technology: India would gain access to the latest military technologies and equipment through streamlined transfer processes, allowing for quicker modernization of its defense forces.
• Strengthened defense partnership: Becoming a member of NATO + 5 would further strengthen India’s defense partnership with the United States and other NATO allies, leading to closer collaboration on various defense initiatives.
• Improved regional security: India’s participation in NATO + 5 would contribute to regional security, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, by fostering cooperation among like-minded countries to address common security challenges.
• Enhanced deterrence against adversaries: Being part of this defense framework would enhance India’s deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, particularly in light of increasing security threats in the region.

Details of the Bill

• The proposed legislation seeks to upgrade India-U.S. defence ties by adding India to this arrangement, enabling the transfer of defence equipment with minimal bureaucratic interference.
• The move comes following a recommendation from a U.S. House of Representatives committee on China, suggesting India’s inclusion in the club.

India’s Response

• India’s External Affairs Minister stated that the proposed template does not apply to India, appreciating the sentiment but clarifying that it was not suitable for the country.
• The distinction between India and the proposed framework is well understood by the Biden administration.

Reasons for India’s Denial

India is unlikely to join ‘NATO-Plus’ for the following reasons:

• Non-aligned policy: India has traditionally pursued a non-aligned foreign policy, which prioritizes strategic autonomy and avoids formal military alliances.
• Regional partnerships: India prefers forging strategic partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region based on shared interests, rather than joining broad-based military alliances.
• Unique security challenges: India faces specific security challenges in its region and tailors its defense priorities accordingly, making a broad military alliance less suitable for its needs.
• Diverse foreign policy objectives: India pursues a multi-faceted foreign policy approach, focusing on a range of objectives beyond security alliances, such as economic cooperation and climate change.
• Avoiding provoking China: India seeks to manage its relationship with China pragmatically and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, making joining a US-led military alliance potentially provocative.

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Central Idea

• The launch of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) by the United Kingdom presents a significant opportunity for India and 65 other poor and developing nations.

Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)

• The DCTS is a preferential trading program introduced by the United Kingdom.
• It replaces similar arrangements that were in place during the UK’s membership in the European Union.
• The scheme aims to support trade and economic growth for 65 poor and developing countries.

Key Features:

• Tariff Reduction: DCTS removes or reduces tariffs on imports from eligible countries.
• Simplified Trading Rules: The scheme simplifies trade procedures to facilitate smoother transactions.
• Enhanced Market Access: It provides improved market access for participating countries’ products.
• Favorable Terms: UK businesses can save costs through reduced or eliminated tariffs on imports.
• Product Coverage: The scheme covers various goods, including clothing, food, and children’s toys.

Focus on Sustainability and Good Governance

• Responsible Trade Practices: Participating countries are expected to adhere to international conventions related to human rights, labor standards, anti-corruption measures, climate change, and environmental protection.
• Mutual Benefits: The scheme promotes sustainable development and creates a mutually beneficial partnership between the UK and developing countries.

Benefits for Participating Countries

• Trade Opportunities: DCTS creates opportunities for businesses and supports livelihoods.
• Job Creation: The scheme aims to generate employment by diversifying local and international supply chains.
• Economic Growth: It contributes to sustained economic growth in participating countries.
• Market Expansion: DCTS helps countries access the UK market and expand their export capacities.

Impact on India

• Trade Opportunities for India: The DCTS presents significant trade opportunities for India.
• Labour-Intensive Sectors: Indian exporters in sectors like textiles, leather goods, and metals can benefit.
• Market Access: The scheme reduces trade barriers and expands market access to the UK for Indian goods.
• Interim Measure: DCTS serves as an interim measure while negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India continue.
• Future Potential: The DCTS sets the stage for deeper economic ties and a future FTA between the UK and India.

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Central Idea

• China’s nuclear arsenal: China increased its nuclear arsenal from 350 warheads in January 2022 to 410 warheads in January 2023, according to SIPRI.
• Potential ICBM parity: SIPRI suggests that depending on how China structures its forces, it could have a comparable number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to the U.S. or Russia by the end of the decade.
• Concerns over stated aim: SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme questions the alignment between China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and its declared goal of maintaining minimum nuclear forces for national security.

India and Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal Growth

• India’s nuclear arsenal: SIPRI estimates indicate that India’s nuclear arsenal grew from 160 warheads in 2022 to 164 warheads in 2023.
• Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal: SIPRI estimates that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal increased from 165 warheads in 2022 to 170 warheads in 2023.
• Emphasis on longer-range weapons: India seems to be placing growing importance on longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, while Pakistan remains the primary focus of India’s nuclear deterrent.

Global Nuclear Weapons Inventory

• Total global inventory: As of January 2023, the global inventory of warheads reached 12,512.
• Warheads in military stockpiles: Approximately 9,576 warheads were held in military stockpiles for potential use, representing an increase of 86 warheads compared to January 2022.
• Dominance of Russia and the U.S.: Russia and the U.S. collectively possess nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons.
• Stability in nuclear arsenals: The size of Russia’s and the U.S.’ nuclear arsenals remained relatively stable in 2022, although transparency regarding nuclear forces declined due to the Ukraine conflict, as noted by SIPRI.

Reasons for increased stockpile

• Shifting power dynamics: China’s significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal has implications for global power dynamics, potentially challenging the traditional dominance of the U.S. and Russia in the nuclear arena.
• Regional security concerns: China’s increased nuclear capabilities raise concerns among neighboring countries, particularly those involved in territorial disputes or security rivalries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Global arms race: China’s nuclear arsenal growth may fuel an arms race in the region, leading to increased tensions and instability.

Nuclear Dynamics in South Asia

• Strategic rivalry between India and Pakistan: The nuclear arsenals of India and Pakistan continue to expand, reflecting the ongoing strategic competition and deterrence dynamics between the two countries.
• Escalation risks: The increase in nuclear capabilities in South Asia raises the potential for miscalculation and escalation, heightening the risk of a nuclear conflict in the region.
• Implications for regional stability: The growth of nuclear arsenals in India and Pakistan has wider implications for regional stability and the effectiveness of non-proliferation efforts.

Challenges to the Global Disarmament ideals

• Declining transparency: The decline in transparency regarding nuclear forces in Russia and the U.S., coupled with the overall increase in global warhead stockpiles, poses challenges to nuclear arms control and disarmament efforts.
• Erosion of trust: The lack of transparency and increased stockpiles undermine trust between nuclear-armed states, making it more difficult to achieve meaningful progress in disarmament negotiations.
• Need for renewed dialogue: The growing nuclear arsenals underscore the importance of revitalizing international dialogue on disarmament and strengthening existing arms control agreements.

Legacy issues

• Notion of Nuclear ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-Nots’: The proponents of disarmaments are themselves nuclear armed countries thus creating a nuclear monopoly.
• Concept of Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE): conducted for non-military purposes such as mining.

India’s commitment for de-nuclearization

• Universal commitment and non-discriminatory framework: India advocates for nuclear disarmament based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and global security.
• Working paper on Nuclear Disarmament: India submitted a working paper on Nuclear Disarmament to the UN General Assembly in 2006, presenting its perspectives and proposals for achieving global disarmament.
• Participation in Nuclear Security Initiatives: India actively engages in the Nuclear Security Summit process and supports efforts to enhance global nuclear security through participation in international conferences organized by the IAEA.
• Membership in the Nuclear Security Contact Group: India is a member of the Nuclear Security Contact Group, contributing to discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation on nuclear security.
• Support for Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT): India expresses readiness to support negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, considering it an important step towards disarmament by banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.
• Concerns regarding the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): India has not joined the CTBT due to several concerns, but it remains open to addressing these concerns and exploring possibilities for future accession to the treaty.
• Leadership in Preventing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Proliferation: India actively leads efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMDs, piloting an annual UNGA Resolution on “Measures to Prevent Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction” since 2002, which receives consensus adoption.

Way forward

• Strengthening non-proliferation efforts: The expansion of nuclear arsenals highlights the need for robust non-proliferation mechanisms and adherence to international agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Managing nuclear risks: As the number of nuclear-armed states increases, effective risk management and confidence-building measures become crucial to prevent accidental or intentional use of nuclear weapons.
• Balancing deterrence and disarmament: The international community faces the challenge of striking a balance between maintaining credible deterrence and pursuing disarmament goals to ensure global security.

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Central Idea

• India, as one of the largest troop-contributing nations to United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) operations, is taking steps to empower and support women personnel from Southeast Asia in peacekeeping efforts.

India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UNPK Operations

• Defence Minister proposed this initiative last year to strengthen India-ASEAN defence cooperation.
• Tailor-made courses for women peacekeepers from ASEAN member-states will be conducted at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India.
• Twenty peacekeepers, two from each country, will receive training in various aspects of peacekeeping.
• A “Table Top Exercise” focusing on UNPK challenges will be held in December, specifically designed for women officers from ASEAN.

India’s Training and Capacity Building

• The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, which trains over 12,000 troops annually in peacekeeping operations.
• The CUNPK hosts foreign delegations, shares best practices, and dispatches mobile training teams to Friendly Foreign Countries for capacity building in UNPK.
• India has deployed Female Engagement Teams, Women Military Police, and women staff officers and military observers in various UN missions.
• India has the second-largest women contingent in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.

What is United Nations Peacekeeping?

• UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
• UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.

UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:

1. Consent of the parties
2. Impartiality
3. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate

UNPKF in operation

• Since 1948, UN Peacekeepers have undertaken 71 Field Missions.
• There are approximately 81,820 personnel serving on 13 peace operations led by UNDPO, in four continents currently.
• This represents a nine-fold increase since 1999.
• A total of 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
• Currently, 72,930 of those serving are troops and military observers, and about 8,890 are police personnel.

Why UN Peacekeeping is needed?

• Conflict resolution: UN peacekeeping missions play a crucial role in assisting host countries in transitioning from conflict to peace.
• Burden sharing: UN peacekeeping utilizes a global coalition of troops and police to share the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability worldwide.
• Democratization: Peacekeepers provide security and political support to facilitate the early transition to peace and support democratic processes in post-conflict countries.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

• Largest troop contributor: India has a long-standing history of contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 253,000 Indians serving in 49 out of 71 missions.
• Current deployments: Approximately 5,500 Indian troops and police are deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, ranking India as the fifth-highest troop-contributing country.
• Women in Indian Peacekeeping: India has played a pioneering role in deploying women peacekeepers, starting with an all-women contingent to Liberia in 2007.
• Humanitarian services: Indian peacekeepers also provide medical care, veterinary support, and engineering services to communities in need.

Issues with UN Peacekeeping

[A] Issues for India

• Kashmir interference: India has expressed discontent with the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) operating in Kashmir, considering it irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement.
• Disregard for India-Pak ceasefire: UNMOGIP continues to observe hostilities and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, which India believes is unnecessary.

[B] Global Challenges

• Diverse security challenges: UN peacekeeping operations need to adapt to rapidly evolving security dynamics.
• Resource allocation: Mandates of peacekeeping missions should align with available resources.
• Greater involvement of troop-contributing countries: Countries providing troops and police should have a meaningful role in mission planning.
• Investment in peacebuilding: Adequate financial and human resources are required for post-conflict peacebuilding.

Way Forward

• UNSC reform: Reform the UN Security Council to reflect the changing global landscape.
• Multi-partner collaboration: Enhance effectiveness by involving actors beyond the UNSC in counterterrorism efforts.
• Modernization of peacekeeping: Strengthen UN Peacekeeping Forces through modernization and inclusivity.
• Human-centric decision-making: Promote accountability and transparency in the UNSC’s decision-making processes.

Conclusion

• India’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in UNPK operations underscores its dedication to global peace and security.
• These initiatives aim to enhance the capabilities and representation of women in peacekeeping, recognizing their valuable contributions to maintaining peace and stability worldwide.

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Central Idea

• India has stressed the urgent need for prioritizing reforms within the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• India has been advocating for WTO reforms and improved dispute settlement mechanisms during G20 discussions.

About WTO

Prioritizing WTO Reforms

• India’s Push for Reforms: India has been actively advocating for reforms within the World Trade Organisation.
• Better Dispute Settlement Mechanisms: Alongside reforms, India is pushing for improved dispute settlement mechanisms within the WTO.
• Reaffirming Foundational Principles: The discussions aim to reaffirm the principles enshrined in the Marrakesh Agreement and the multilateral trade agreements, emphasizing the importance of an open, fair, inclusive, and transparent WTO.

Reforms that India is seeking

• Structural Reforms: There is an urgent need for reforms within the WTO to address issues such as transparency, shorter time frames, the establishment of a permanent panel body, and special and differential treatment for developing countries.
• Benefit for Developing Countries: Developing countries, including India, can benefit from these reforms if proposals specific to their needs are accepted.
• Trade Facilitation for Services: While the WTO has made progress with the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) concerning goods, there is a need for reforms in trade facilitation for services. India, as a major service provider, stands to benefit from improved cross-border movement of people.
• Inclusivity: It is crucial to establish procedures and practices that are more inclusive, particularly for developing countries.
• Peace Clauses: Adoption of “peace clauses” for developing countries’ implementation of current agreements can formalize commitments by major trading powers to allow grace periods and exercise due restraint.
• Evolving Negotiation Modes: The single package approach used in the Uruguay Round is not effective in the Doha Round, necessitating the exploration of new negotiation modes.
• Strengthened Dispute Settlement Mechanism: The dispute settlement mechanism within the WTO requires strengthening and expediting to enhance its effectiveness.
• Separation of Political and Human Rights Issues: There is a need to separate political and human rights issues from trade disputes under Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) norms.

Crossroads for WTO

• Stalled Multilateral Trade Negotiations: The multilateral trade negotiations, including the Doha Round, have reached an impasse, with limited progress in overall rule-making.
• Challenges from Alternative Trade Pacts: Alternative trade pacts, such as mega-regional arrangements, have emerged and posed challenges to the position of trade multilateralism.
• Disagreements on Market Access and Protection: The impasse in the Doha Round primarily stems from differences between highly industrialized countries and large developing countries regarding market access and protection of vulnerable economic sectors.

Importance of Addressing WTO Reforms

• Vital Role of WTO: The Minister emphasized that addressing WTO reforms is of utmost importance as the organization plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and transparency in global trade.
• Backbone of Multilateral Trading System: The WTO forms the backbone of the multilateral trading system and its reforms are necessary to strengthen its functioning.

India’s Aspirations in International Trade

• Global Leadership Ambition: India has expressed India’s aspiration to emerge as a global leader in the international trade landscape.
• E-commerce Market Potential: India is poised to become the world’s second-largest e-commerce market, reflecting its transformation driven by open markets, global integration, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Way Forward

• The urgent need for WTO reforms necessitates concerted efforts and global attention to ensure the fairness, transparency, and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system.
• India’s active participation in advocating for reforms, along with its ambition to become a global leader in international trade, reflects its commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive global trade environment.
• It is essential for countries to collaborate and engage in constructive dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving global trade landscape.

Back2Basics: WTO Agreements and Accords

• General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): The GATT is the predecessor to the WTO and was in effect from 1948 to 1994. It aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote international trade through negotiations and tariff concessions.
• Agreement on Agriculture (AoA): This agreement aims to establish fair and market-oriented agricultural trading systems. It addresses issues such as market access, domestic support, and export subsidies related to agricultural products.
• Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS): The TRIPS agreement sets minimum standards for protecting intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
• Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs): This agreement prohibits certain investment measures that restrict trade or are inconsistent with the GATT’s principles.
• Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS): The SPS agreement sets out rules for food safety and animal and plant health standards to ensure that countries do not use sanitary and phytosanitary measures as unjustified trade barriers.
• Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT): The TBT agreement aims to ensure that technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.
• Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM): The SCM agreement regulates the use of subsidies and provides a framework for countervailing measures to address unfair trade practices arising from the use of subsidies.
• Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA): The TFA aims to simplify and streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in international trade, with a focus on reducing trade costs and facilitating cross-border trade.

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