SHIKHAR MAINS 2022- DAY 41 Model Answer English

Q1. बिम्सटेक क्या है? भारत के लिए इसके महत्व पर चर्चा करते हुए, हाल ही में आयोजित 5वें शिखर सम्मेलन के परिणामों की सूची बनाएं।

What is BIMSTEC? While discussing its significance for India, list outcomes of its recently held 5th summit.

Approach:

·        In introduction, give a brief background of the BIMSTEC.

·        Further explain the significance of BIMSTEC for India.

·        Finally list the outcomes of the recently held summit of this grouping.

Answer:

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization that was established on 06 June 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC and comprises seven Member States with the admission of Myanmar on 22 December 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004.

Significance of BIMSTEC for India-

·        Strategic- BIMSTEC is key to fulfil the country’s strategic aspiration to cater the wider concept of Indo-Pacific and Indian ocean community.

·        Economic- Connectivity with Southeast Asian markets, presence of important sea lanes of communications and hydrocarbon reserves in Bay of Bengal.

·        Regional Cooperation- BIMSTEC acts as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, making a natural platform to fulfil our key foreign policy priorities of “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East”.

·        Security- BIMSTEC presents an opportunity to enhance India’s Blue Economy and Maritime Security through regional cooperation.

·        To counter Chinese influence due to BRI.

Outcomes of 5th Summit of BIMSTEC-

·        The fifth summit of the regional grouping, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held virtually in Colombo.

·        Resolve to intensify regional cooperation to strengthen economic and physical connectivity to enhance regional trade, investment, tourism, technology, energy and other forms of exchanges, including to offset the economic losses caused by the pandemic.

·        Resolve to strengthen collective resilience to combat the challenges of poverty, natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, and all other public health emergencies, terrorism and transnational crimes, and ensure food and energy security through partnership and joint actions, in parallel to the implementation toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

·        Adopt the BIMSTEC Charter and approve the reconstituted Sectors and Sub-Sectors of cooperation.

·        Instruct the BIMSTEC Secretariat to develop Plans of Action in consultation with Lead Countries of the reconstituted Sectors and Sub-Sectors to guide their activities and to establish necessary institutional mechanisms to carry out their respective mandates.

·        Signing of the following legal instruments:

o   BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

o   Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Cooperation between Diplomatic Academies/Training Institutions of BIMSTEC Member States.

o   Memorandum of Association on the Establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility (TTF) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Adopt the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity as recommended by the Ministerial Meeting.

Q2. भारत के सामरिक हितों पर रूस-यूक्रेन युद्ध के प्रभावों और मौजूदा संकट पर भारत की प्रतिक्रिया पर चर्चा कीजिए।

Discuss the impacts of Russia-Ukraine war on India's strategic interests and India's response to the ongoing crisis.

Approach:

·        In introduction, briefly provide the causes of Russia-Ukraine war.

·        Then explain the impacts of this war on India.

·        Further provide the response of India.

·        Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

The Russia - Ukraine war started from 20th February 2022. The present-day war traces its root to below three points, i.e.

·        Attempts by Ukraine to end cultural ties built with Russia,

·        Protect the autonomous existence of Ukraine, and

·        Growing influence of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in erstwhile Soviet Union region with Ukraine as a major remaining territory between direct Russia-NATO faceoff.

Impacts on India due to Russia - Ukraine crisis

·        To maintain balance between Russia and US: India has good relations with both Russia and the US and siding with one of these countries could cost India its relationship with the other.

o   However, India has maintained its neutrality from distant conflict in Eastern Europe. Indian government has abstained from the procedure vote on Ukraine at the UN Security Council.

·        Brings Russia-China closer: Russia is already averse to the Indo-Pacific concept and the Quad as a revival of Cold War bloc politics and views them as being against its Asia Pacific interests. Any Ukraine conflict and a resulting breakdown of Russia-West ties will strengthen Russian opposition to these concepts and forums which are binding us to the US.

·        India’s Investment in Russia: India’s plans in Russia’s energy sector and in the development of its Far East policy, in general, would become problematic. This is due to the reluctance of the private sector to fall afoul of the complex US sanctions and exclusion of Russian banks from the SWIFT.

·        Arms Trade with Russia: Russia remains the major arms supplier of India.

o   As per SIPRI data, Russia contributed 46% of India’s total arms imports in 2017-21 (69% in 2012-16). 

India’s Response:

·        India abstained from voting in all resolutions in UN related to Russia - Ukraine war.

·        These principles work towards a safe and sustainable solution based on international norms and principles.

·        It does not vilify any side but provides humanitarian relief and assistance to people rather than arms to them.

o   For instance, India sent 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

·        It highlights strategic autonomy in times of a global upheaval and to reach a peaceful resolution through shared responsibility.

India has urged both parties to exercise immediate cessation of violence and hostilities and return to the path of dialogue of and diplomacy.