International Relations & Security

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ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus)

Context: Defence Minister of India will participate in the 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

More about the news:

Alongside the ADMM Plus meetings, Indian defence minister will engage in bilateral discussions with the defence ministers of participating nations to address defence cooperation and enhance mutually beneficial partnerships.
ADMM Plus, involving ASEAN member-states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and eight dialogue partners.
India initiated formal involvement with ASEAN in 1992, as a ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner’ involving Secretary-level interactions. This engagement progressed, and by 1995, India attained the status of a ‘Dialogue Partner.’

About ADMM Plus:

The ASEAN Security Community (ASC) Plan of Action, endorsed during the 10th ASEAN Summit, outlines the commitment to establish an annual ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM).
In line with this, the inaugural ADMM took place in Kuala Lumpur in 2006, becoming the preeminent defence consultative and cooperative mechanism within ASEAN.
The ADMM-Plus serves as a pivotal platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners-Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States (referred to collectively as the ‘Plus Countries’).
- This collaborative effort is aimed at strengthening security and defence cooperation to contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region.
- The inaugural ADMM-Plus convened in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2010.
Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus holds annual meetings, providing a forum for intensified dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN and the Plus Countries, particularly in the face of a progressively challenging regional security landscape.

Objectives:

Foster the development of capabilities among ASEAN Member States to collectively address shared security challenges, recognizing the diverse capacities of each member.
Promote mutual trust and confidence among defence establishments through increased dialogue and transparency, fostering a cooperative and open atmosphere.
Collaborate in defence and security initiatives to enhance regional peace and stability, particularly in response to the transnational security challenges prevalent in the region.
Contribute to the realization of an ASEAN Security Community, aligning with the principles outlined in the Bali Concord II.
This includes striving for peace, stability, democracy, and prosperity within the region, with ASEAN Member States coexisting harmoniously with each other and the broader global community.
Facilitate the implementation of the Vientiane Action Programme, which outlines ASEAN's commitment to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ASEAN.
This involves adopting outward-looking external relations strategies with Dialogue Partners in line with shared objectives.

Achievements:

ADMM Plus concentrates on seven key areas of practical collaboration, namely maritime security (MS), counter-terrorism (CT), humanitarian assistance and disaster management (HADR), peacekeeping operations (PKO), military medicine (MM), humanitarian mine action (HMA), and cyber security (CS).
To facilitate cooperation in these domains, Experts' Working Groups (EWGs) have been established.
Operating on a three-year cycle, each EWG is co-chaired by one ASEAN Member State and one Plus Country.

Membership:

Principles for Membership, delineates the criteria for participating in the ADMM-Plus process as follows:

The Plus country must hold the status of a full-fledged Dialogue Partner of ASEAN.
The Plus country should have substantial interactions and relations with the defence establishment of ASEAN.
The Plus country must demonstrate its ability to collaborate with the ADMM in building capacity, contributing significantly to regional security, and actively promoting capacity-building initiatives in the realms of defence and security within the region.

Arctic Council

Context: The Arctic is experiencing warming at a rate that is four times faster than the global average. This rapid warming has led to an unprecedented loss of sea ice and the thawing of permafrost.

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The warming Arctic has the potential to trigger numerous catastrophic and irreversible climate tipping points.
Climate change's effects are disproportionately impacting the countries of the Global South and recent studies reveal a complex connection between the diminishing Arctic Sea ice and the occurrence of extreme rainfall events during the Indian summer monsoon.
The Arctic Council holds significant responsibility for safeguarding the crucial Arctic ecosystem.
The suspension of the Council following Russia's invasion of Ukraine has added complexity to the task of holding nations accountable and monitoring broader activities affecting Arctic circle.
Notably, the Arctic Council lacks any members from the Global South, although some, like India, hold observer status.

As India moves towards assuming a more prominent role in leading the Global South, its future path should involve advocating for reforms and ensuring that climate protection takes precedence in global Arctic policymaking.
- In a world increasingly multi-polar world, India has successfully hosted the G20 Summit and fostering consensus.
- It has demonstrated an ability to navigate the conflicting interests of the Global North and Global South.
- This capability is crucial for the preservation of our global climate, which includes protecting immensely important ecosystems like the Arctic.

About Arctic Council:

The establishment of the Arctic Council in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration aimed to foster cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic states, with active participation from indigenous communities and other inhabitants, focusing on issues like sustainable development and environmental protection.
The Arctic Council has undertaken research on various subjects, including climate change, and Arctic shipping.
In 2011, the Council member states concluded the Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement, marking the first binding treaty under the council's auspices.
The Arctic Council consists of eight countries exercising sovereignty over Arctic Circle lands: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
Additionally, there are six permanent participants, including the Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), Gwich'in Council International (GCI), Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), Russian Arctic Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), and Saami Council.
The Council's chairmanship rotates among the eight member states, with each state holding the position for a two-year term.

Origins:

The origins of this endeavour date back to 1989, when the first dedicated Arctic-focused meeting brought together the Arctic countries.
The meeting, held in Rovaniemi, Finland, centred on the delicate yet pressing issue of the fragile Arctic environment and the potential for joint efforts to address it.
Extensive cooperation led to the initiation of the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) in 1991.
- The AEPS primarily focused on scientific research collaboration and data-sharing related to pollution's impacts, as well as assessing potential environmental consequences of development activities in the Arctic.
- It consisted of four specific measures: the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, Protection of the Marine Environment in the Arctic, Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response in the Arctic, and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna.

Indigenous Permanent Participants:

Seven of the eight member states have significant indigenous communities residing in their Arctic regions, with Iceland being the exception without an indigenous community.
Organizations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples can attain Permanent Participant status within the Arctic Council, but this designation is granted only if they represent either a single indigenous group living in multiple Arctic States or two or more indigenous groups in a single Arctic state.
The category of Permanent Participants was established to ensure active engagement and comprehensive consultation with Arctic indigenous representatives throughout the Arctic Council's meetings and activities.
However, decision-making within the Arctic Council remains the prerogative of the eight member states, relying on a consensus-based approach.

Observer States:

This status is open to non-arctic states approved by the Council.
Observer states have no voting rights in the council and as of 2021, thirteen states have this status.
These states are: Germany, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland.
In 2011, the Council refined its guidelines for accepting observers, which prominently introduced a prerequisite for applicants to acknowledge:
- ‘The sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of Arctic States in the Arctic’, and
- ‘The existence of a comprehensive legal framework governing the Arctic Ocean, particularly the Law of the Sea, as a robust basis for the responsible management of this ocean.’

Geopolitics of Solomon Island

Context: Recently, a Chinese Community Party delegation visited the Solomon Islands. China has been aggressively courting the Pacific islands to have greater geopolitical leverage in the Pacific.

About Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
It consists of a double chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in Melanesia.
The country comprises most of the Solomons chain—except for Buka and Bougainville, two islands at the northwestern end that form an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea.
Once a British protectorate, Solomon Islands achieved independence as a republic in 1978.
Honiara, on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island, is Solomon Islands’ capital and largest city.

Recent Geopolitics of Solomon Islands

2022 - Solomon Islands signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on policing cooperation with China in March and is reported to be in the process of concluding a security agreement with China, which could allow a Chinese military and naval presence in the islands.
2023 - In response to China's overtures to the islands, the US reopens an embassy on the Solomons after a 30-year absence.
June 2023-Mr. Sogavare called for review of its security treaty with Australia, which has historically provided policing support to the Solomon Islands.
July,2023-China had signed a policing pact with the Solomon Islands as both countries upgraded their ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.

India and Solomon Island

Diplomatic relations between India & Solomon Islands were established in 1987.
India’s relationship with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) has deepened with evolution of Act East Policy, resulting in setting up of action-oriented Forum for India–Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC).
India has been aiding Solomon Island in capacity building in diverse fields under ITEC program (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation).

India-Qatar Relations

Context: The recent death sentence for eight Indian individuals accused of espionage in Qatar has deeply shocked the Ministry of External Affairs. This situation is a significant test for the government's diplomatic skills. The trial was highly secretive, with limited information on charges and evidence. Indian officials' efforts to seek leniency and transparency have been ineffective. Strained ties resulting from this sentencing would harm both nations. The Indian government must act swiftly to provide strong support during the appeals process for these citizens.

About Indian and Qatar relations

Throughout the 20th century, India's interactions with Qatar were primarily centred around a modest yet thriving pearl import trade and the export of spices.
The turning point for Qatar came with the discovery of onshore Dukhan oil field in 1940, followed by the country's first offshore oil field two decades later, coinciding with a substantial increase in global oil prices.

Economic Ties

In recent years, the trade volume between India and Qatar has experienced noticeable fluctuations
During the fiscal year 2015-2016, trade exchange between the State of Qatar and the Republic of India saw impressive growth, reaching a remarkable $10 billion.
However, in the past few years, there has been a noticeable decline in the trade volume between the two countries due to the decreasing rates of gas and oil in the international market.

Trade Statistics and Import Dependence

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India's total imports from Qatar amounted to $16.81 billion.
India's major imports from Qatar are related to fossil fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), plastics, and petrochemical products.
In contrast, India's exports to Qatar were valued at just $1.97 billion during the same fiscal year, encompassing items such as cereals, copper articles, iron and steel products, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food items.

Investment Interests and Collaborative Projects

Qatari authorities, including the Qatar Investment Authority, have expressed their interest in making investments in India, particularly in infrastructure development, encompassing roads, highways, economic corridors, in addition to projects related to gas and fertilizers.
In return, India is keen on direct investments in the manufacturing and production of liquefied natural gas and associated chemical industries, with a special focus on fertilizer production, urea, petrochemicals, and infrastructure projects related to the natural gas industry, oil drilling, minerals, and power.

India's Growing Energy Needs

Given India's economic development and the tangible growth experienced in recent years, the nation's demand for energy sources is on the rise.
India has adopted an ‘Energy Security’ policy, relying on politically and socially stable countries to provide energy sources.
The energy partnership traces back to an agreement signed by both nations in 1990, wherein India committed to purchasing 7.5 million tonnes of LNG annually over a 25-year period.
Subsequently, in December 2015, both parties further solidified their collaboration by agreeing that Qatar would augment its LNG supply to India by an additional one million tonnes annually.

Collaboration in Defence Affairs

India's engagement in defence collaboration with Qatar has predominantly focused on training, participation in each other's conferences and events, as well as visits by Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
A notable instance of this collaboration is evident in the naval exercise termed ‘Zair-Al-Bahr’ (Roar of the Sea), which signifies a significant joint effort between the Indian and Qatari Navies.
Both India and Qatar have expressed a mutual commitment to working together in combatting the financing of terrorism.

Cultural Interaction

Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) functions as the leading organization overseeing Indian community associations, operating under the auspices of the Embassy of India in Doha and benefiting from support by private sponsors.
India places immense significance on Qatar's role as a co-sponsor of a United Nations General Assembly Resolution, a historic unanimous resolution backed by 177 co-sponsors, which designates June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY).

Indian Diaspora in Qatar

The Indian community in Qatar constitutes the largest expatriate group, estimated to be approximately 700,000 strong.
Their contributions span various sectors, with notable involvement in projects related to the preparation of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The remittances sent by the Indian expatriate community in Qatar to India are estimated to be approximately 750 million dollars annually.

Irreplaceable Role of Qatar as an LNG Supplier

The linchpin of this bilateral trade relationship remains liquefied natural gas (LNG), with Qatar supplying 80% of India's LNG needs. This critical energy connection underscores the importance of India's economic ties with Qatar, even if the overall value of bilateral trade may appear modest in comparison to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

1.Trade Imbalance:

In the case of India and Qatar, trade significantly favours Qatar. This trade imbalance is predominantly attributed to the prominence of natural gas, particularly LNG. LNG not only constitutes a substantial portion of India's imports from Qatar but also represents nearly 50% of India's total imports in terms of value from the country.

2. India's Increasing Reliance:

The Indian government is actively promoting increased natural gas consumption, this reliance is expected to grow in the coming years, even with a potential increase in domestic natural gas production. India's largest LNG importer, the government-owned Petronet LNG, has a substantial long-term contract with Qatar for LNG imports. As India aims to raise the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix to 15% by 2030, it's inevitable that LNG imports will see a substantial increase.

3. Cleaner Energy Alternative:

Natural gas is regarded as a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to traditional petroleum fuels like diesel and petrol. Given India's high dependency on crude oil imports (over 85%), natural gas not only offers a cleaner energy source but also aligns with India's energy transition objectives. Consequently, the case of the Indian naval personnel facing the death penalty in Qatar presents a delicate diplomatic challenge, as the secure supply of natural gas is pivotal to India's energy security.

4. Qatar's Dominance:

India imported a total of 19.85 million tonnes of LNG in the fiscal year 2022-23, with approximately 54% of this LNG. This significant reliance on Qatar, both through long-term contracts and spot purchases, underscores the challenge of diversifying India's sources of LNG.

5. Qatar's Strength in the Global LNG Market:

In the global LNG market, Qatar holds a unique position of strength, particularly in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent disruption in Russian natural gas supplies to Europe. This geopolitical situation has increased price volatility in LNG spot cargoes, making long-term contracts more attractive for securing stable supplies. Qatar, as the world's largest LNG exporter, has capitalized on this trend by entering into numerous long-term LNG supply agreements with various countries.

India, recognizing the need for energy security and price stability, is actively pursuing long-term LNG contracts with major suppliers, with Qatar being a prominent choice. Despite the possibility of the global LNG market transitioning into a buyer's market due to upcoming export projects, India's continued dependence on Qatar is expected to persist for several years.

Leveraging Opportunities for Enhanced Relations

Protection of Indian Expatriate Workers: India should prioritize negotiations to safeguard the rights and well-being of its expatriate workers in Qatar, many of whom have faced labor-related challenges.
Collaboration on Environmental Sustainability: India and Qatar can work together to develop a cleaner and more energy-efficient environment.
Cultural Exchange and Soft Power: Given the popularity of Bollywood among Qataris, India should explore additional avenues for cultural exchange to bolster its soft power influence.
Education Sector Cooperation: The presence of Western universities in Qatar offers an opportunity for Indian students to receive quality education abroad without the usual long distances and high living costs. Strengthening cooperation in the education sector could further enhance the India-Qatar relationship, which has demonstrated resilience throughout the seemingly intractable diplomatic crisis.

Despite challenges, why the USA continues the Global Hegemon?

Context: Large number of simultaneous ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East (Israel-Palestine) and the South China Sea, where in China-Russia-Iran are challenging the USA in different theatres is questioning the American grand strategy.

The question is that whether will over-stretched and fatigued in responding to these conflicts, which will further demonstrate to the world about the fall of American Hegemony and primacy in the world affairs.

Decline of American Hegemony and Primacy in the world

External Reasons

Rise of China (Economic, Political & Strategic): The rise of China’s economic, military and strategic capabilities has helped bridge the power differential between both the countries. China is the world’s second largest economy and has the second largest military. China has emerged as the overwhelming challenger to the US led system.
Rise of Anti-America Coalitions of China, Russia and Iran: Growing closeness among China, Russia and Iran have been challenging the USA’s interests in the different theatres of Indo-pacific, Europe and Middle East. They together have been able to challenge and stretch USA.
Lapses on part of America's moral hegemony: USA’s interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan lacked moral authority. These regime-change policies displayed that USA’s unilateral policies were unwelcome by much of the developing world.
Decline of American economic primacy: Despite being the largest global economy, US enjoys relatively less power in the global economic architecture. This is visible from the emergence of G20 as the primary global economic agenda body replacing the G7. More and more global economy is being decentralized with Asia being the driver of global economy.
Unable to tackle global challenges: Despite being the global hegemon, USA’s attitude towards global challenges such as terrorism, pandemic, climate change has been not very assuring. President Trump took the US out of the Paris Climate Deal; USA did not collaborate on providing waiver for COVID-vaccines. This has given space for other countries to rise to the occasion.
Rise of Middle Powers: Middle powers such as India, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea have emerged as important players in the global politics. These actors are swing states in great power politics and enjoy considerable regional dominance. The US thus must coordinate with these actors and not dominate or dictate them. Thus, constraining US space to operate.
Emerging differences in US-Led Order and groupings such as NATO: The trans-Atlantic partnership which was the essence of US’s foreign policy has been strained due to increasing US expectation of Europe taking extra steps militarily and financially to aid and limit Russia in the European Region. Also, the differences between UK and EU and between the EU countries over the policy towards Russia have made NATO and EU less effective.

Internal Reasons

Deep polarization in American politics compromising domestic consensus over global issues:
- There is a growing lack of consensus over foreign policy issues in the domestic US policy.
- President Trump actively argued for an isolationist foreign policy as external military participation led to overwhelming costs which the American exchequer paid.
- On Ukraine, Recently, USA Congress dropped the aid package supporting Ukraine. Some sections of the Republic Party have been arguing against the unending support for Ukraine and concentrating more on balancing China as more desirable USA foreign policy goal. These sections have been asking the European countries to take more responsibility in helping Ukraine preserve its sovereign existence.

Slowing economic growth and deglobalization
Energy security following the shale revolution.
Fatigue with long stretched military commitments in the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria

This somewhat perceived and real decline of the hegemony and primacy of USA has further emboldened countries like Russia, China, and Iran to challenge the US led world order.

Testimony Of USA's Continued Dominance

However, despite the decline the US remains the overwhelming most powerful country of the world. The testimony to the overwhelming power and hegemony of USA despite some transformation in US policy is visible through these instances:

In Europe: Finland and Sweden, two traditionally neutral countries joined the NATO as a guarantee of their security against the aggressive tactics of Russia.
In Asia:
- USA has convinced a hitherto pacifist Japan to increase its military expenditure to counter China and promoted the normalization of ties between Japan & South Korea. (to address China's aggressiveness against Japan).
- Expanded military support to Taiwan to make it costly for China to invade the island.
- USA has renewed its defence pact with Philippines and has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam. (both countries at the receiving end of China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea)
- USA has entered partnership with the UK and Australia to empower Australian Navy with nuclear submarines.
- Strengthening of the QUAD Partnership involving USA, Japan, Australia, and India to balance China in the Asia-Pacific region.

In Middle East:

USA has aimed to make bridges between Israel and the Arab world in the form of Abraham Accords, wherein, UAE and Bahrain have accepted normalization of relations with Israel. A similar pact is being negotiated between Saudi Arabia.
USA has floated groupings such as I2U2 and IMEC Corridor for the economic growth and multilateral cooperation in the middle east region.
Just after the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, US President Biden visited Israel to establish peace.

Factors Behind Continued Dominance Of USA

Ability to forge coalitions: A remarkable advantage the US enjoys the system of alliances that Russia and China are still aiming to build. Recent, US policy has focused on widening the array of traditional allies with which the US coordinates and acts globally to maintain its hegemony. For ex. US has aimed to bring countries wary of China (Japan, India, Australia, Vietnam, Philippines etc.) under its fold and enhanced the deterrent against China in the region.
Military superiority: USA is the overwhelming military superpower in the world. USA's military expenditure alone is more than the combined expenditure of next 10 countries, including China and India. USA has ability to project its military superiority which is unmatchable by any other country. For ex. After the rise of tensions between Israel and Palestine, US deployed two aircraft carriers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Strength of US establishment to rise above domestic politics and pursuit the USA's national interests.
Economic superiority: Despite the relative decline in of the US economy vis-a-vis China, US continues to be the largest economy in the world with a share of 24%. The eminent slowdown of the Chinese economy due to structural reasons means that the USA will continue to have a lead over China's economy in the foreseeable future.
Geographical Isolation: The location of US which is separated by Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean from both China and Russia allows the US to take a detached view of the balance of power dynamics playing out in the Asia and Europe. This allows the US to shift its policies and exploit the contradictions in the growing closeness between China and Russia. For ex. In the 1970s, US exploited the contradictions between Russia and China.
Agenda setting: Despite the ever-growing closeness of China and Russia, US continues to have more leverage than other powers with both Israel and the Arabs. Thus, there is no doubt that US continues to have more power to shape the regional and global agenda.
Technological superiority: US companies and military establishment define the cutting edge of technologies. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook dominate the world in software. In the military sphere, US companies like Boeing, General Electric etc. are at the cutting edge of military technology.
Knowledge superiority: US attracts the brightest individuals globally. Also, US dominates the global R&D expenditure and patent filing in the world. This gives the power to US to dominate the knowledge systems and cutting-edge technologies.
Looking beyond democracies: USA has been traditionally invested in promoting democracies in the world and working closely with them. However, recently USA has showed its ability to show a realist bend and work with all countries which have diverse political systems provided they abide by the UN Charter.

Conclusion

Despite the growing challenge to USA hegemony by Russia, China and Tehran combine, USA continues to have the resources and will for continue geopolitical maneuver and pursue its dominance and national interest.

WHO Regional office

Context: The contest between Bangladesh and Nepal for the regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has become increasingly heated and contentious.

WHO’s South East Asian Regional Office

One of the six WHO Regions, WHO South-East Asia is home to over a quarter of the world’s population.
It was established in 1948 with headquarters at New Delhi.
The Region is now composed of 11 Member Countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.

Priorities:

Measles and rubella elimination;
preventing non-communicable diseases;
reducing maternal, under-five and neonatal mortality;
universal health coverage with a focus on human resources for health and essential medicines;
combating antimicrobial resistance;
scaling up capacities for emergency risk management;
eliminating neglected tropical diseases;
accelerating efforts to end TB.

Regional Committee for South-East Asia

It is WHO’s governing body in the Region.
It is comprised of representatives from the Region’s 11 Member States, as well as Associate Members.
The Regional Committee meets every year to formulate policies and provide oversight for regional programmes.

The process of election for the regional director

The Regional Director is appointed by WHO’s Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
The appointment of a Regional Director is for 5 years, and he or she is eligible for reappointment once only.
Any Member State of the Region may propose one or more people for the post of Regional Director.
The Regional Director is elected by secret ballot at a private meeting of the Regional Committee.

Why Egypt is keeping Gaza’s Rafah border crossing shut

Context: Egypt is wary of insecurity near the border with Gaza in Northeastern Senai, where it faced an Islamist insurgency that peaked after 2013, after that it is largely regulated allowing aid to enter and medical evacuees to leave but preventing any large scale movement.

About Rafah border crossing

It is crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and is the sole route for aid to enter Gaza directly outside Israel.
It is only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
The crossing is at the south of the Gaza Strip and wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

Global Terrorism Index

Context: The recent Global Terrorism Index states that ideologically motivated terrorism continues to be the most common type of terrorism in the West.

About Global Terrorism Index

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive study analysing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries.
It is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
GTI is a composite measure made up of four indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages; weighted over a five-year period.
It does not include acts of state repression and violence by state actors.
The Sahel is home to the world’s fastest growing and most-deadly terrorist groups.
Afghanistan remained the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year.
India’s rank: 13

Olympic Charter Amended by IOC Session in Mumbai

Context: During the 141st session of International Olympic Committee being held at Mumbai (India) changes were introduced in the Olympic Charter, which will strengthen human rights commitments of IOC. The amendments were principally introduced in the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, which is a part of Olympic Charter and amendments to ensure freedom of expression of all competitors, team officials and other team personnel at the Olympic Games. India is hosting the session of IOC after a gap of 40 years (Last in 1983 in New Delhi). Prime Minister of India has announced India’s candidature for hosting Olympic Games in 2036.

About Olympic Charter

Olympic Charter is the codification of fundamental principles of Olympism and rules and bye-laws adopted by International Olympic Committee.
Olympic Charter was first published in 1908. However, some of the rules in the first Charter were written by Pierre de Coubertin in 1989.
It governs the organisation, actions and functioning of the Olympic Movement and establishes the conditions for celebration of Olympic Games.
It establishes the relations between International Federations, National Olympic Committees and Olympic Movement.

About International Olympic Committee (IOC)

IOC is an international NGO and Non-Profit Organisation headquartered in Lausanne (Switzerland).
It is the Supreme Authority leading the Olympic Movement and the catalyst for all Olympic family members.
IOC members, natural persons, are representatives of the IOC in their respective countries, and not their country's delegate within the IOC.
It aims to encourage the promotion of Olympic values, to ensure regular celebration of Olympic Games and its legacy and to support all organisations affiliated to Olympic Movement.
IOC Session is the general assembly of IOC members. It is the supreme decision making body of IOC and its decisions are final. An ordinary session of IOC is held once a year.
Executive Board of IOC is the executive body of IOC and overlooks the general responsibility for administration of IOC and monitors compliance with Olympic Charter. It comprises of IOC President, four Vice-presidents and 10 other members, all elected by the Session.

Inclusion of a sport in Olympics

The sports to be included in a particular edition of Olympics Games are decided by IOC Session from the among the sports governed by International Federations (IFs) recognised by IOC.
Only sports which comply with Olympic Charter, World Anti-Doping Code and Olympic Movement Code on Prevention of Manipulation of Competition are eligible to be included in Olympic Games.
However, the Organising Committee of a specific edition of Olympic Games may propose to IOC the inclusion, for such edition only, of one or more additional events from the sports governments by IOC Recognised IFs.
Thus, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Organising Committee proposed inclusion of 5 games - Cricket, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Squash and baseball-softball. The Executive Committee of IOC has approved the inclusion of these games in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The IOC has given its final approval for inclusion of the above five games into the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Thus, enabling the inclusion of cricket for the first time in Olympic Games. The inclusion will only be for edition of Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Reforms needed for Multilateral Development Banks

Context: As per the Centre for Global Development’s Tracker (CGD), World Bank and six other multilateral banks (MDBs) have made good progress in integrating global challenges like climate change into their agendas, more reforms are needed for better functioning of these institutions.

More information:

The tracker assessed progress at seven multilateral development banks (MDBs) on twenty-eight specific items under five categories:
- using capital more efficiently
- expanding capital
- adding global challenges to their mandates
- mobilising private finance
- making country engagements more efficient.
Results found by the tracker:
- Highly uneven results among the institutions and no single MDB excelled in all reform categories.
- World Bank Group was at some stage of pursuing 96 per cent of the agenda items.
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was close behind with 93 per cent.
- Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Group had taken action on half the agenda.
On Climate challenges:
- The US, the World Bank’s biggest shareholder and other countries are pushing the bank and its sister development banks to focus on climate change alongside poverty reduction and development and to take on more risk to expand their lending.
- Developing and emerging economies need $2.4 trillion per year to meet global climate challenges (far exceeding the amount of financing now available).
- As per the CGD, banks had largely recognized the urgency and importance of addressing climate change within the financial sector and all seven MDBs assessed had either included global challenges in their mandates or were in the process of doing so.
In October, 2023, G20 finance ministers and central bank governors at a meeting in Marrakech (Morocco) have taken up recommendations suggested by the second volume of the Independent Expert Group on Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks.

What are Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)?

A multilateral development bank (MDB) is an international financial institution established by two or more countries with the primary objective of promoting economic advancement in low income and developing nations.
These MDBs comprise member countries that represent a mix of developed and developing nations.
MDBs extend financial support in the form of loans and grants to their member nations.
Multilateral development banks operate under the framework of international legal principles.

Objectives

While commercial banks primarily aim to generate profits through loans and other financial services, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) makes grants and affordable loans to enhance the economic conditions of impoverished or developing nations.
MDBs extend non-concessional financial support to middle-income countries' governments, private sector enterprises in developing countries, and select governments of low-income nations.
MDBs supply concessional aid, including grants and low-interest loans, to low-income country governments.
Focus is on development-oriented goals, such as eradicating extreme poverty and reducing economic disparities.
Provide loans at minimal or no interest rates or issue grants to finance projects in infrastructure, energy, education, environmental sustainability, and other sectors that foster development.

Evolution of MDBs

At the end of World War II, representatives from 44 nations convened in Bretton Woods, USA, to establish a new framework for international cooperation and post-war reconstruction.
This meeting in 1944 gave rise to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
The World Bank assumed the responsibility of providing financial aid to facilitate the post-war rebuilding and economic progress of underdeveloped nations.
World Bank Group's role has evolved, and presently, it consists of various institutions:
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which extends loans to both low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs);
- International Development Association (IDA), which provides loans to Low Income Countries;
- International Finance Corporation (IFC), support to the private sector;
- Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which encourages private enterprises to invest in foreign countries;
- International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) for resolving disputes.

Types of (MDBs):

The first category comprises the largest and most renowned institutions, which offer loans and grants. Example: Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), established in 1959.
The second category of multilateral development banks is formed by the governments of low-income countries, which then collaborate to borrow collectively through the MDB, enabling them to secure more favourable interest rates. Example: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), established in 1969.

Challenges for multilateral development banks

Within the realm of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the major share of responsibility for extending financial support to emerging and developing economies (EDEs), predominantly rests with the World Bank (WB) system.
The degree of competition and cooperation within the realm of MDBs is currently suboptimal, leaving significant room for improvement, particularly concerning customer service and the ease of borrowing.
Regional MDBs often find their autonomy limited, particularly when their major shareholders overlap, resulting in the formulation of similar policies.
MDB governance and the distribution of country voting shares present considerable challenges when seeking to increase capital. Additionally, criticisms are frequently directed at the bureaucratic procedures within MDBs, which can hinder project implementation and decision-making.
The original purpose of Multilateral Development Banks was to address challenges of the period after Second World War. The contemporary world introduces new concerns related to global public goods, climate change, inequality and pandemics.
Another issue pertains to the absence of adequate representation, influence, and voice for developing countries in the decision-making processes of MDBs. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in their actions and outcomes remains a significant challenge.
MDBs grapple with constraints in their resources as they contend with the increasing demands for development financing. This is particularly evident in areas like climate change mitigation, adaptation, and infrastructure development.
Encouraging private sector investments in development projects poses challenges. MDBs must create an environment conducive to attracting private capital by addressing risks and offering financial incentives for private sector engagement.
MDBs face the challenge of addressing climate change and supporting sustainable development initiatives. This necessitates the incorporation of climate considerations into their policies, strategies, and project financing decisions.

Reforming Multilateral Development Banks

The independent expert group has proposed a comprehensive triple agenda for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). This agenda focuses on three core areas:

Eliminating Extreme Poverty: MDBs should prioritize initiatives aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating extreme poverty.
Tripling Sustainable Lending Levels by 2030: The report recommends increasing annual sustainable lending levels to $390 billion by the year 2030.
Flexible Funding Mechanisms: MDBs should create flexible funding mechanisms to engage investors actively supporting MDB goals.

The recommendations are:

Encouraging Private Sector Engagement: The report emphasizes the importance of private sector engagement. It suggests that MDBs should break away from limited operational interaction between their private financing arms and their sovereign activities, encouraging a more collaborative approach with the private sector.
Optimizing Balance Sheets and Cooperation: The report underscores the significance of optimizing balance sheets and enhancing cooperation among MDBs. These steps are seen as critical for achieving the objectives of the triple agenda.
Leveraging Private Capital: Currently, MDBs leverage only $0.6 in private capital for every dollar they lend from their own resources. The expert group recommends that MDBs aim to at least double this figure to attract more private investment.
Establishment of a Global Public Goods (GPGs) Funding Mechanism: The report proposes the creation of a funding mechanism for global public goods (GPGs). This innovative mechanism has the potential to unlock an additional annual lending capacity, estimated at a minimum of $20 billion. To achieve this, a flexible legal and institutional framework needs to be established.
Focus on "Country Platforms": G20 expert panel recommends that MDBs shift their focus from individual projects to helping countries build and operationalize "country platforms." These platforms are voluntary country-level mechanisms set out by respective governments to foster collaboration among development partners based on shared strategic vision and priorities.
Co-Creation of Multi-Year Programs: The expert group suggests that MDBs should prioritize programs identified by national governments with a sectoral focus and long-term transformation plans. This approach aligns MDBs more closely with the developmental priorities of individual nations and encourages the co-creation of multi-year programs.
Independent Assessment Mechanism: The expert panel recommends that G20 finance ministers establish a mechanism to advise and independently assess the first-year implementation of the proposed roadmap, ensuring transparency and accountability in the reform process.
Recommendations for Operational Improvements: Several smaller, well-defined improvements are suggested, including board monitoring of new targets, changing procedures, easing the utilization process, improving managerial incentives for small ticket lending, and providing training for giving warranties.
Building Bankable Projects: Countries are encouraged to create bankable projects that can compete for finance on the country platforms. Technical support can help in developing granular asset specifics, measurement, disclosure, and appropriate incentives. Transparency and competition are key factors in reducing the impact of geopolitics in project decisions.
Green Concessional Lending Arm: The report proposes the creation of a green concessional lending arm for the World Bank (WB) with more equitable voting shares, which could make it easier to raise capital for environmentally sustainable projects.

Other Recommendations:

Reform and Incentive Structures, which may involve implementing first loss guarantees, establishing realistic return targets, and improving risk management. Additionally, incentive structures should be designed to foster innovation and adaptability.
Global South Representation to should ensure that the voices and perspectives of the Global South, including countries such as India, are not only heard but also advocated for in decision-making processes. This ensures a more inclusive and equitable approach to their operations.

Implications of Attack of Hamas on Israel

Context: The recent attack by Hamas launched the al-Aqsa Flood operation wherein Hamas carried out its largest invasion on Israel in decades by militants. In the counter attack, Israel declared a war on the outfit and is preparing for a major ground offensive against the HAMAS group.

About HAMAS

Roots of Hamas go back to the Muslim Brotherhood which was established by Egyptian Islamist Hasan al-Banna in 1928. Muslim Brotherhood focused on reorienting Muslim society.
Brotherhood's believed that the time for 'jihad' had not come yet and they should first build a stronger, pious Islamic society - calling it upbringing of an Islamic society.
Following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 radically changed the Islamist politics across West Asia which motivated Islamic religious organisations and clerics to become politically more active and ambitious.
Hamas was established after the First Intifada in 1987. The Brotherhood asked Palestinians to stand up against the Israeli occupation. They issued a leaflet under Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islammiya (Islamic Resistance Movement) - in short, HAMAS, which means 'zeal' in Arabic.
Al-Qasam Brigade is the military wing of Hamas.
HAMAS took a radical islamist fundamental orientation and
- Called for jihad and saw all peace initiatives as absurd.
- Opposed the Oslo Accords which resulted in the formation of Palestinian Authority.
- When PLO recognised Israel, Hamas rejected the two-state solution and called for liberating whole of Palestine from unholy Israeli occupation.
Following the Second Intifada (uprising) in 2000s, the acceptability of Hamas increased among the Palestinians. Following elections HAMAS defeated PLO in 2006. HAMAS formed the government, but was strongly opposed by Israel and the Western World.
Increasing tensions led to violent clashes between HAMAS and FATAH. FATAH became the dominant power in the West Bank region and HAMAS in the Gaza. Following this HAMAS is the government in Gaza.

About Palestine Liberation Organisation

Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) founded in 1964 championed the cause Palestine nationalist sentiment. PLO was modelled like the leftist guerilla national movements in the third world.
It is represented by Fateh political party dominant in the West Bank region.
FATEH has recognised Israel and calls for dialogue with Israel to pursue the two-state solution.

Changing geopolitics of Middle East: Following the Abrahams Accords which resulted in the normalisation of relations between Arab states of UAE and Bahrain.

Israel is negotiating with Saudi Arabia for normalisation of ties. The normalisation of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel will lead to tectonic shift in the geopolitics of Middle East.

Fissures in Arab World: The politics of Middle East is dominated by three players:

Sunni Powers: Led by Saudi Arabia which is the most powerful and financial power in this region. Saudi Arabia led Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This group has also closer ties with USA. These countries aim to diversify their economies
Shia Powers: Led by Iran which has been an ally of Hezbollah and Hamas. The Iran is the most overt supporter of Islamic cause and opposing the USA.
Israel: Traditionally all Arab countries in the region had been opposed to Israel. However, the changing power dynamics and emergence of Israel as a military power has led to Israel being gradually recognised by its neighbouring countries and closer ties between Israel and some countries like UAE and Bahrain.

Interests of China in the Middle East region: China has been pushing for ever closer ties between in the region particularly with Iran. China is the world's second most powerful country with dependence on energy imports from the region.

China wants to engage deeper economic relations with these countries. China has engaged in even deeper relations with Iran and has pursued infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative. China has also supported the inclusion of Iran under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Interests of USA in the Middle East region: USA has traditionally had close ties with the GCC bloc (Saudi Arabia, UAE etc.) particularly to ensure its energy security. However, following the Iranian Revolution in 1979, USA's ties with Iran has been under strain.

USA has been the security guarantor of the GCC bloc and has opposed the Iran's nuclear program. However, following the setback faced by USA in Afghanistan and in Iraq, USA has taken an increasingly isolationist stand in its relations with the region, particularly after the shale revolution which has limited its reliance on crude imports from the region.

However, USA has been pushing for closer ties between the GCC countries and Israel in the form of Abraham Accords.

Thus, USA has been trying to limit Chinese influence in the region by forging engagement on bridging ties between GCC countries and Israel.

The GCC countries have been increasingly supporting a moderate version of Islam (Particularly UAE, Bahrain) and aim to diversify their economies away from dependence on oil. Thus, they see relations with Israel as a gateway for modernisation and development.

India's stand in Middle East: Before the 1990s, India saw the Israel-Palestine issue as intertwined and closely supported Palestine.

However, following the end of Cold War, India has deepening its relations with Israel. However, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has shown interest in establishing even deeper relations with Israel. He was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel.

Thus, there has been a hyphenation between India's support for the Palestine cause and increasing closeness with Israel particularly in defence, agriculture and regional cooperation in middle east.

India is part of India-Israel-UAE-USA quadrilateral in the Middle East region. The focus of this group is on establishing close economic and developmental ties in the middle east region.
During India's G20 presidency, India led the formation of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor which aims to build an economic corridor passing through Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE through to Europe. This shows an increasing willingness Saudi Arabia led Gulf Cooperation Council to collaborate with Israel.

Reasons for India's changing attitude towards Israel

Increasing recognition of Israel by Arab countries, has meant that the taboo of having close relations with Israel has been shelved. This has given confidence to India to establish closer relations with Israel.
Increasing Islamic fundamentalist and terror linkage of HAMAS has meant that India has gradually moved away from this group and its methods as India sees terrorism as a primary threat to its territorial integrity.
Differences between HAMAS and PLO factions of Palestine has meant that India has sided with accommodative PLO. India continues to support two-state solution. As PLO has itself recognised Israel and has relations and dialogue with it. India has bandwidth to accommodate the Palestine cause yet have ever closer relations with Israel.
India has been able to engage both Arab countries of UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt and yet have closer relations with Israel. This has given confidence to India to shelf fears that relations with Israel will compromise India's energy security and interests of diaspora who are employed in these countries.
India's increasing closer relations with the Western Bloc and USA in particular has brought led to India to end its traditional resistance towards this bloc. Since, Israel was closer to the Western Bloc, India's resistance to towards Israel was partly fed by India's anti-west orientation during the cold war.

Sri Lanka get chairmanship of Indian Ocean Rim Association

Context: Sri Lanka has taken over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

It is an intergovernmental organisation of states on the rim of the Indian Ocean.
It was established in 1997 with an aim to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually.
Council of Ministers has established a ‘Troika’ consisting of the chair, vice-chair and previous chair.
Members of IORA: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
All sovereign States of the Indian Ocean Rim are eligible for membership of the Association.
To become members, States must adhere to the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the Association.
The Secretariat of the IORA is hosted by the Government of the Republic of Mauritius, which is based in Cyber City, Ebène, Mauritius.
Note: Pakistan is not a member of IORA.

Priority and focus area of IORA

Maritime safety & security
Trade & investment facilitation
Fisheries management
Disaster risk management
Tourism & Cultural exchanges
Academic, science and technology cooperation
Blue economy
Women’s economic empowerment

Flagship Projects of IORA

Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD): It is a standalone Track 1.5 discussion encouraging an open and free flowing dialogue by key representatives of IORA Member States such as scholars, experts, analysts and policymakers from governments, think tank and civil societies on a number of crucial strategic issues of the Indian Ocean Region. The first IOD meeting took place in Kerala, India in 2014.
IORA Sustainable Development Program (ISDP): This initiative of IORA aims to assist least developed countries that require assistance and support to conduct projects, with the purpose to promote sharing experiences and best practices among IORA member states.