THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 19 october 2019 (The operative word must be bilateralism (The Hindu))

The operative word must be bilateralism (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2: International Relations
Prelims level : India-US relations
Mains level : India’s foreign policy options

Context

The global order is now dipping into a vortex of disruptions largely caused by the United States, China and Brexit.
India also stands at the crossroads in terms of its foreign policy approach. In this context, it is necessary to understand India’s foreign policy options, India-US relations, issues in the relation and way forward.

What are India’s foreign policy options?

Non-alignment and strategic autonomy.
Join unilateralism.
Multi alignment and transactional autonomy.
India-US relationship.
The good part is linked to historic terms, a key example being.
The India-U.S. civil nuclear deal.
The signing of three “foundational defence agreements”, i.e.
The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement,
The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Cooperation.

Issues

The bad part is current trade challenges, the U.S.’s call for the removal of the “developing country” tag assigned by the World Trade Organisation.
And the ugly part is when during the 1971 war, the U.S. sent its fleet towards India to assist Pakistan.
The episode of procurement of defence material from Russia and some unreal expectations such as India having military boots on the ground in Afghanistan are also major issues.
With respect to Pakistan, there is confused signalling from the US’ leadership

Way forward

India must focus on multi alignment both with the U.S. and Russia especially in terms of getting a waiver under the Countering America’s Adversaries. Through Sanctions Act in purchasing the S400 missile system from Russia.
With respect to the IndoPacific, the U.S. views it as a platform to contain China hegemony which should be taken advantage of

Conclusion

The friendship between India and the US has the potential to grow stronger by the day without sacrificing India’s global positioning at the altar of unilateralism.
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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to Moplah rebellion consider the following statements:
(1) The Tenancy Movement in Malabar merged with the Khilafat Movement.
(2) The nature of the pan-India Non-cooperation Movement and the Tenancy Movement in Malabar was similar.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2