22 June 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. A progressive Indian policy on Myanmar outlined

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context

●     The article critiques India’s foreign policy towards Myanmar amid ongoing military violence since the 2021 coup. ●     It advocates for a shift towards supporting Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, halting arms sales to the junta, establishing humanitarian corridors, and protecting Myanmar asylum seekers in India.

Introduction

• The military regime in Myanmar, which seized power in February 2021, continues to perpetrate violence against its own people, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and displacement of 2.5 million individuals.
• India’s approach to Myanmar has been criticised for maintaining formal relations with the junta, prioritising strategic interests over democratic values.

Realigning India’s Myanmar Policy

1. Emphasising Democracy and Human Security

• India should leverage its status as the largest federal democracy in the region to influence Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, led by the National Unity Government (NUG) and civil society.
• Supporting efforts to replace Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution with a federal one could distinguish India from China, focusing on capacity-building and knowledge exchange.

2. Ceasing Weapon Sales to Myanmar Military

• Immediate cessation of all Indian military hardware sales to Myanmar’s junta, including non-lethal and semi-lethal equipment.
• Reports by Justice For Myanmar highlight recent transfers of military equipment by India, despite ongoing human rights abuses and civilian attacks by Myanmar’s armed forces.

3. Establishing Humanitarian Corridors

• Opening cross-border humanitarian corridors to aid civilians affected by conflict in Sagaing Region, Chin State, and northern Rakhine State.
• Urgent need for emergency relief supplies such as medicines, food, and shelter materials, leveraging existing aid networks and collaborating with NGOs.

4. Halting Detention and Deportation of Myanmar Asylum Seekers

• Immediate halt to the detention and deportation of asylum seekers from Myanmar, especially in Manipur where deportations have continued.
• Upholding humanitarian principles and international legal norms, including non-refoulement, to protect refugees fleeing persecution.

Conclusion

• India, often referred to as “Vishwabandhu” (friend of the world), must align its actions with its rhetoric to truly support the people of Myanmar during their struggle for democracy and human rights.

India – Myanmar Relations:

Importance of Myanmar for India: ●     Strategic Location: Provides India with access to Southeast Asia and beyond, crucial for India’s Act East Policy. ●     Energy Security: Source of natural gas and potential for hydroelectric power collaboration. ●     Security Cooperation: Joint efforts against insurgent groups along the border. ●     Energy Sector Collaboration: Includes exploration of Myanmar’s offshore gas reserves and cooperation in hydroelectric power projects. Challenges: ●     Political Instability: Myanmar’s internal political situation affects bilateral relations. ●     Chinese Influence: Competing influence in Myanmar’s infrastructure projects and economy. ●     Rohingya Crisis: Humanitarian concern impacting regional stability. ●     Border Issues: Management of cross-border trade and security challenges. Way Forward: ●     Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthening bilateral dialogue and high-level visits. ●     Economic Cooperation: Focus on infrastructure development and connectivity projects such as Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. ●     Security Collaboration: Continued cooperation on counter-terrorism and border security. ●     Humanitarian Assistance: Support for Myanmar’s democratic transition and humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees.

PYQ: Q. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC civil services prelims 2016)   Community sometimes mentioned in the news In the affairs of 1 Kurd Bangladesh 2 Madhesi Nepal 3 Rohingya Myanmar   Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only Ans- Option C

Community sometimes mentioned in the news

In the affairs of

1

Kurd

Bangladesh

2

Madhesi

Nepal

3

Rohingya

Myanmar

Community sometimes mentioned in the news

In the affairs of

1

Kurd

Bangladesh

2

Madhesi

Nepal

3

Rohingya

Myanmar

Practice Question:  Explain the strategic significance of India’s cooperation with Myanmar, focusing on key sectors and challenges. Propose measures to strengthen bilateral relations in light of current regional dynamics. (250 Words /15 marks)

2. A mandate for a new economic approach

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity, GS3 – Indian Economy

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Context

●     The recent general election results in India indicate voter discontent, particularly in economically disadvantaged states like Uttar Pradesh, where the ruling Party saw reduced seats. ●     Issues such as high food prices, persistent unemployment, and infrastructure gaps have influenced electoral outcomes.

Introduction

• The recent general election results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions, particularly evident in theruling Party’s reduced seats in Uttar Pradesh, a predominantly rural and economically challenged state.

Sources of Discontent

• Economic Governance: There is discontent due to perceived ineffective governance amidst rising unemployment and persistent inflation, especially in food prices.
• Food Price Inflation: Over the past five years, food prices, particularly cereals and pulses, which are essential staples, have remained high. This inflation disproportionately affects lower-income households, where food constitutes a significant portion of expenditure.
• Historical Context: Previous instances of high food price inflation have influenced electoral outcomes, indicating its importance in voter decision-making.
• Unemployment: Since 2014, unemployment rates have been consistently high. The Periodic Labour Force Survey highlights declining real earnings among regular employees and the self-employed.

Government’s Mandate and Economic Policy

• The central government must heed the electorate’s message and address underlying economic discontent, necessitating a departure from the past decade’s economic approach.
• While the Finance Minister promises reforms for growth, the efficacy of previous reforms in stimulating demand or supply has been limited.
• Despite growth, the benefits have not translated into improved living standards, as evidenced by persistent food inflation and insufficient infrastructure development.
• Economic policies have focused on foreign investment, digital payments, manufacturing subsidies, and extensive highway construction, alongside welfare transfers like cash for farmers and free rations.

Challenges and Deficits

• Macroeconomic Stability vs. Growth: While macroeconomic stability was maintained pre-pandemic, growth remained inadequate, failing to meet public expectations.
• Private Investment: Private investment stagnation over a decade indicates a need for renewed economic strategy to stimulate demand effectively.

Addressing Pressure Points

• Food Inflation: Urgent intervention is needed to stabilise staple food prices, with a specific emphasis on enhancing pulses production and addressing supply chain inefficiencies.
• Infrastructure Needs: Critical infrastructure gaps, including transportation, electricity supply, and sanitation, hinder economic productivity and must be prioritised over luxury projects like high-speed trains.
• Water Supply: Mega-cities like Bengaluru and Delhi face severe water shortages, compromising economic potential and social stability, necessitating immediate attention.

Role of Public Sector

• Infrastructure Development: The private sector alone cannot meet the demand for essential infrastructure services. Public sector intervention is crucial for scaling up services like transportation and waste management.
• Government Responsibility: While the government’s economic strategy favoured private sector leadership, the lack of substantial progress necessitates a shift towards more assertive public sector involvement.

Conclusion

• The ruling party’s electoral setback underscores a critical need for reevaluating economic policies to address underlying discontent effectively.
• Immediate action on food inflation, infrastructure deficits, and water scarcity is imperative to enhance living standards and stimulate economic growth.
• Achieving developed economy status by 2047 requires prioritising public sector-led infrastructure development and addressing basic needs essential for sustainable growth and social well-being.

Practice Question:  Discuss how economic discontent influences electoral outcomes in India. Analyse the key economic factors contributing to voter dissatisfaction and suggest policy measures to address these concerns. (150 Words /10 marks)