THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 10 october 2019 (Towards a strategic partnership (The Hindu))

Towards a strategic partnership (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2: International Relation
Prelims level: India-Mexico ties
Mains level: Highlights of the India-Mexico ties

Context

  • Mexico and India have had 69 years of diplomatic relations based on mutual interest and understanding.
  • A new government began in Mexico last December and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reappointed to a new term in May, setting the stage for a broader and deeper collaboration upon our shared democratic values.

Background

  • This week we will hold senior official consultations. Mexico’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Julián Ventura, is in New Delhi heading a delegation that includes representatives of the private sector and academia.
  • In this context, it is necessary to understand India-Mexico bilateral relations and the way forward.

India-Mexico relations

Diplomatic

  • Mexico and India have had 69 years of diplomatic relations based on mutual interest and understanding. In 2007, a Privileged Partnership was established between both countries and we are now working towards a Strategic Partnership.

Shared values

  • Both countries have shared democratic values and a common goal: social development and inclusion.

Trade

  • The trade has increased more than $10 billion in 2018.
  • Mexico has become India’s top trading partner in Latin America and it is the top investor from the region in India, while India is now for the first time among Mexico’s top 10 commercial partners.

Tourism

  • Indians have been among the top 20 visitors to Mexico, and Indian tourism to Mexico is exceeding that of many European countries.

Connectivity

  • Wide variety of flights and airlines connecting both countries.
  • The bilateral relations have been good at present but there need to be steps taken to elevate the same.

Way forward

  • We need to promote trade and investment in priority sectors.
  • We also need to improve market access, including for agricultural products;
  • Promote tourism between two courtural countries is also important.
  • To foster cooperation in many areas, such as energy, science and technology areas.

Conclusion

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding The National Agricultural Higher Education Project?
1. The project has been formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare in partnership with the World Bank.
2. Project Management and Learning is an important component of the project.
3. The project has been launched with 50:50 cost sharing basis with the World Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: C
Mains Questions:

Q.1) The exchanges between India and Mexico this week represent an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. Comment.