22 January 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. A pact in peril
(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Editorial Page – Page No. – 10)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
| Context |
|
Analysis of the news:
What is the Paris Agreement on Climate Change?
- It is a legally binding global agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that was adopted in 2015. It was adopted in UNFCCC COP21.
- It aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2o C above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition to limit warming to 1.5o C.
- It replaced the Kyoto Protocol which was an earlier agreement to deal with climate change.
- The Paris Agreement sets out a framework for countries to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and provide support to developing countries in their efforts to address climate change.
- Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit and update their NDCs every 5 years, outlining their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.
- NDCs are pledges made by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Trump’s Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Pact:
- US President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement was not surprising given his longstanding skepticism toward the treaty.
- Throughout his campaign, Trump made it clear that his stance on climate policy remained unchanged from his previous presidency, even doubling down on his support for oil and gas exploration.
- What was unexpected, however, was the speed at which he acted on his decision this time.
- In his previous term, the formal withdrawal process took years, aligning with the treaty’s technical requirements.
- By contrast, this withdrawal is set to be expedited, positioning the US alongside countries like Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the few nations outside the pact.
- This swift departure underscores Trump’s prioritization of deregulation and fossil fuel expansion over international climate commitments.
The Biden Administration’s Climate Efforts and the Risk of Reversal
- Joe Biden, Trump’s successor, had reversed the 2017 withdrawal almost immediately upon assuming office and championed ambitious climate goals, including expanding renewable energy and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Despite these efforts, the US like many developed nations was not fully on track to meet its 2030 emissions targets. Trump’s return to power introduces significant concerns that these targets could be further derailed.
- His administration has already taken actions detrimental to renewable energy, such as restricting wind energy development and rescinding directives promoting electric vehicles.
- Trump’s climate skepticism is poised to have a deeper impact in his second term, particularly since he now enjoys broader domestic support, amplifying the likelihood of further rollbacks on climate initiatives.
Global Climate Negotiations at a Crossroads
- The timing of the US withdrawal is particularly critical as global climate negotiations face mounting challenges.
- Current commitments under the Paris Agreement are insufficient to meet its ambitious goals, and nations are expected to announce revised emissions targets soon.
- The US exit, as the world’s second-largest emitter, risks undermining global resolve to enhance climate mitigation efforts.
- The UNFCCC, which oversees these negotiations, is now tasked with maintaining momentum despite this setback.
- However, the UNFCCC’s historical shortcomings, including the failure to enforce financial commitments and bridge divides between developed and developing nations, present significant hurdles.
- Strengthening global cooperation and scaling up mitigation ambitions will require unprecedented diplomatic effort, particularly in the absence of leadership from the world’s largest economy.
| Impact of USA’s Withdrawal |
|
| Practice Question: Discuss the implications of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement under Donald Trump’s leadership on global climate negotiations. Evaluate how shifts in US domestic policies impact international efforts to mitigate climate change. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. Bracing for Trump
(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Editorial Page- Page No. – 10)
| Context |
|
Analysis of the news:
Navigating a New Chapter in India-US Relations
- Donald Trump’s return to the White House signals a critical moment for India to reassess its relationship with the United States.
- While Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously shared a positive rapport, the evolving global and domestic policies of Trump’s administration present fresh challenges.
- India must prepare for shifts in three key areas: trade, immigration, and America’s relationships with other major powers, particularly Russia and China.
- These shifts necessitate a recalibration of India’s strategic and diplomatic approaches to ensure its interests remain safeguarded.
Trade Challenges and the Need for Strategic Overhaul
- The Trump administration’s focus on addressing US trade challenges will undoubtedly bring India under scrutiny.
- While no immediate tariffs have been announced, Trump’s inclination toward protectionist policies suggests they are inevitable.
- India’s previous trade disputes with Trump, particularly regarding market access and trade imbalances, signal that tougher negotiations lie ahead.
- India’s commerce bureaucracy, often criticized for rigidity and a lack of innovation, must adopt a more flexible and strategic approach to trade discussions.
- PM Modi must steer the focus toward constructive engagement, moving beyond ideological posturing and fostering stronger trade and investment ties with the US.
- Avoiding counterproductive rhetoric on dedollarisation or over-romanticizing ties with Russia and China will be key to sustaining robust economic relations with Washington.
Immigration Policies and the H-1B Visa Challenge
- Immigration, particularly concerning H-1B visas, is set to remain a contentious issue under Trump’s leadership.
- His prioritization of immigration reform poses challenges for Indian tech workers and businesses reliant on access to the US market.
- India’s influence over the domestic American immigration discourse is limited, but it must address its role in managing undocumented migrants efficiently.
- Facilitating the identification and deportation of Indian nationals in the US, while maintaining goodwill, will require proactive efforts by Delhi.
- Balancing these challenges with the aspirations of Indian tech workers and businesses calls for diplomatic finesse and a willingness to engage constructively with the US administration.
Geopolitical Dynamics: The Russia-China-US Triangle
- The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s approach to Russia and China has significant implications for India’s security and strategic interests.
- While India may welcome improved US-Russia ties, it must remain cautious about potential agreements between Washington and Beijing.
- Historically, India’s response to US-China engagement has been reactive and driven by insecurity.
- Instead of slowing down its partnership with the US when Washington engages with Beijing, India must adopt a proactive stance.
- Strengthening the strategic partnership with the US will provide a robust safeguard against any shifts in the US-China relationship.
- By leveraging its geopolitical importance, India can ensure its interests are aligned with America’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy while capitalizing on opportunities to deepen collaboration in defense, technology, and energy sectors.
Conclusion:
- Donald Trump’s return to power offers both challenges and opportunities for India.
- Navigating this phase requires pragmatism, strategic foresight, and a willingness to adapt to new realities.
- By addressing trade concerns with flexibility, engaging diplomatically on immigration issues, and adopting a proactive approach to its partnership with the US, India can strengthen its position in a rapidly evolving global order.
- The key lies in balancing its domestic priorities with the demands of an increasingly complex international landscape.
| What is the Impact of Trump’s Return on U.S.-India Relations? |
|
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in navigating its relationship with the United States under Donald Trump’s leadership. (150 Words /10 marks) |
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out: –21 January 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
