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

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

Answer: A
Mains Questions:
Q.1) What are India’s foreign policy options?

UPSC 2019
Civil Services EXAM
Civil Services Preliminary
Civil Services Mains
IAS PRE GS
संघ लोक सेवा आयोग - UPSC