g20 +/-

Author: agam612@gmail.com

5) Do you think the G20 and its summits are just talking shops for powerful world leaders? Discuss its role in the time of economic crises. (200 Words)

G-20 accounts for 80% of world GDP, 2/3rd of Population

Even though most of the agendas are not fructified to full extent, G 20 has achieved a lot within its short span as an international forum of powerful nations despite conflicting ideologies, competition and
conflicting national interests.

Moreover, every action must start with deliberation, and complaining the group as mere Talking shop is not fair

Some of the achievements include,

1. It provides forum for Developing countries in deliberation on important matters of international importance Previous, it was the privilege of G8 Now Representation to BRICS
2. First met in 2009 Was to play a pivotal role in stemming economic and financial crisis of Recession It set a framework for preventing future financial crises, while securing sustainable and
balanced global, restraining protectionism
3. Central bank governors and finance ministers work on coordinated action to eliminate terrorist financing, Black money issues
4. Issues of Tax Haven Members agreed to share tax information Agreed to adopt OCEDs BEPS measures to stop transferring of profit by MNCs without paying taxes
5. Since 2010, G-20 agenda widened to issues like Agriculture, Food security, Trade, Investment, Employment, Taxation, Anti corruption, energy, climate, SME
6. G 20 is transforming from flexible and informal institution into Group with Working parties, Expert group on different subjects.
7. Increased representation A growing group of stakeholders are trying to influence G 20 agenda - B 20 (Business 20, T20- Trade 20, C20 of NGOs, Y20 of Youths, T20 of think tanks and since the
Turkish presidency W 20 of Women.

Hence, G 20 proving to be an important forum for developing countries to involve in deliberation on international issues issue (Terrorist financing, Treaty shopping, Global slowdown, Stability in banking
sector, Black money) concerning them on an equal footing to with developed countries and take coordinated action.

Criticism of Talking shop

In 2014, it pledged to take steps to raise the groups gross domestic product by an additional 2 per cent by 2018. The measures implemented so far would cause an increase of just 0.8 per cent by that
deadline.

Effort to eliminate treaty shopping Loop holes in Anti avoidance agreements Black money problems Has not been addressed properly.

Indo France
Map
MoUs that have been signed so far point to some of the areas of economic congruence between India and Francesplit between partnership in Modis Smart Cities programme (pertaining to Nagpur,
Puducherry and Chandigarh, two of which have a French connection), urban governance and infrastructure development, solar projects and the Make in India initiative.

Indo Israel
Map
Defence
Water technology
Agriculture
Cancer treatment
Space research
Education

indo-swedan..
Author: agam612@gmail.com

The areas of cooperation between the countries are environment, renewable energy, health, research etc many related companies have established their subsidiaries in India which
provides huge employment in India. This investment can
be increased by removing all the related trade barriers so that cooperation in other
areas can be developed.

In india with the increased investments in smart cities, make in india campaign and digital india can be the present potential areas of cooperation. Swedan has expertise in green technology, logistics
and energy, which can be leverage by India. so the key lies in the potential areas of cooperation in the areas of expertise.

Swedan believes in women rights and has strived to wards it, despite of this many incidents on women are apparently visible. Women empowerment is the challenge for both countries which
can be tackled with rights based approach and other cooperations in international fora.

Indo Australia
Australias continues to be a major exporter of coal, gold, copper ores and concentrates, vegetables, services to India and importer of passenger motor vehicles, medicaments, pearls, gems and jewellery.
There is also enormous scope beyond coal and uranium in the energy sector, and Australia can tap into the Indias renewable energy efforts which suffer from various impediments. Australia has made
significant advancements in wind energy, SPVs, solar hot water, waste-to-energy conversion and hydro-power systems which can be of immense utility to Indias future energy requirements.
Australias Direct Aid Programme (DAP) continues to fund small-scale sustainable development projects in several states and union territories, especially in vocational training for youth; solar
power and end-user training and electrification of hundreds of households; construction of diversion based irrigation to create permanent irrigation facilities; womens economic empowerment; access
to education for women and girls; and capacity development for people with disabilities.
Both sides, also stand to benefit from operationalizing MoUs in technical and vocational education and training, and encouraging cultural, students and academic exchanges, which is covered under
Australias new Colombo Plan which funds students visit to Asia and the Pacific.
To be fair to Australia, India too needs to commit greater resources for incorporating the study of Australia and student exchanges in curriculums in Indian universities. At the policy level, in the
MEA, Australia remains clubbed with 14 other countries of SE Asia and the Pacific. It needs to be reorganised into a new Australasia division. New Delhi should look into funding more India Chairs in
Australian universities through ICCR and also advise the MEA to constitute more bilateral dialogues with institutions across Australia.

-MoU on combating narcotics trafficking, tourism and culture.

renmimbi inclusion in sdr
Author: agam612@gmail.com

3) What do you understand by Special Drawing Rights (SDR)? Recently Renminbi was
added to SDR basket. Examine its implications for China and India.

Special Drawing Rights(SDR) is an notional basket of foreign exchange. In other words, the IMF members of one country can buy from other countries without any payment stress. The recent devaluation of
Chinese currency Renmibi(Yuan) affected the global market badly. The implications of adding Renmibi into SDR are as follows:
----> China is the 3rd largest exporter, and the implication opens the financial markets in china.
China:
> Merits
---> Internationalization of Chinese currency and higher weights gives prominence.
---> Boosts its economy by opening financial markets.
> Demerits
---> The global contribution of just 1% according to IMF, it is unlikely to Chinese government.
---> Curb the government control and give importance to financial markets.
---> SDR itself has lost its importance and China concentrate on service oriented economy will get effected by opening of financial markets.
---> Creates voltality in interim and china may lose the control on capital which is essential.
India
> Merits
----> Decreased dependency on Dollar and increases the trade and relations with China economically and politically.
----> Boost up our export industry to china.
> Demerits
----> Over dumping and easy transaction will threat the Indian market.
----> Due to lack of proper structured policies and china influence on global market will hamper our development process.
To counter china hegemony on global currency market, India has to overlook about the internal polices and strengthen its currency by structured policies and development of manufacturing is vital for India.

mains expedition
Author: agam612@gmail.com
$ refugee definition covers the people who fled the country due to fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, nationality, social ideology or due to armed conflicts, situations involving violation of human
rights. they enjoy centain protection under law like safety from deportation to country where they face persecution; protection of basic human rights; access to fair and efficient asylum procedures;
provision of administrative assistance
while migrants are people who choose to leave their home state in search of better life. they dont enjoy any protection under international law.

$ why northwest policy is imp for india-

- china is filling the shoes of usa in afghan
- warmth b/w islamabad and kabul growing
-mainstreaming of radical groups due to isis and taliban. india could be potential target but also fertile breeding ground
-mainstreaming of iran in global politics
why india leaving behind in this-
-unable to engage with neighbors
-india diplomacy is mainly based on bilateralism. so though india has many bilateral relations with china but not with china and other players in solving afghan problem
-unwillingness to have sustained dialogue with pakistan
-india should realise that remedies to region's problem lies in region but not in western capitals.

$ indo-fiji (most points apply on all pacific islands (ya all islands))-

indian diaspora
important theatre in great power contestation in indo pacific
rise of china in the region
pacific islands occupy vast ocean spaceand vital sloc.
vantage point for military power projection
imp location for gathering signal intelligence nd monitoring outer space activity
rich natural resources
could provide greater regional balance
apart from it, papua new guinea, solomon islands, kiribati and others have warm feelings for india
main factor that wiegh in favour of china is huge investment otherwise global conflicts, local human rights violation in china, dominance strategy-all go against it.
with fiji, india could counter strings of pearls.

fipic (forum for india pacific island cooperation) created with 12 micronesia islands of pacific.

LOOK EAST POLICY..

Author: agam612@gmail.com
$why not good relations after independence-
1. despite members of NAM, most of countries found themselves on opposite sides in cold war from india.
2. development was blocked by india's relations with bangla and myanmar. bangla didnt give transit facilities nd myanmar was a close society.
3. coz of india's colonial links india tended to look toward west rather than less developed east.
as a nuclear power, india is consider to swing the global challenges and china's dominance, ASEAN, japan nd south korea see closer ties with india. also, smaller countries want to avoid unilateralism by big
powers.

$ASEAN- formed in 1967 through bangkok declaration. primary objectives were to address regional instability, spread of communism and promote economic growth
became dialogue partner md member of ASEAN regional forum in 1996.
now, better infra, connectivity through road, rail, air and sea is needed for growth. india- myanmar-thailand highway project is under consideration.
eventual goal to establish delhi-hanoi rail link via myanmar, thailand, cambodia.

$EAST ASIA SUMMIT-

cooperation continuing in 5 areas identified in first meeting of eas namely energy, education, finance,disaster management and avian influenza. under education, revival of nalanda uni in considered.

$ MEKONG GANGA COOPERATION-

Brings together india with myanmar, thailand, laos, cambodia and vietnam for cooperation in field of education, culture, tourism, transport nd communications.
but failed to live its promises coz of problem like absence of clear timelines, uncertainty about source of funding, inadequate implementation, review mechanism. since, thailand is imp member, its
unfocused behavior should be changed.

$BILATERALS-
$SINGAPORE-
it realised that since china has shanghai as its own finance centre nd hong kong taken back in 1997, it will be at disadv in doing business with china.
it felt india can be partner through inflow of investment, knowledge workers, tourists and students.
defence cooperation with it is more than any other ASEAN.

$INDONESIA-
largest muslim country.
strategic location linking pacific nd indian ocean.
3rd largest ASEAN trading partner after singapore nd malasiya.
india keen in its rich resources like gas, coal, timber.
defence nd counter terrorism. maritime neighbours nd can take regular patrolling practices.
cooperation could be in defence, maritime security, education, counter terrorism, environment, economic cooperation, culture and arts, technology including space, it and nuclear power
-maritime matters- disaster relief, anti piracy, coastal security against human and drug trafficking, resource and climate research, port construction, naval ship production

$MALAYSIA-
matters to india coz of its eco dynamism( 2nd largest trading ASEAN partner), pro pakistan stand, sympathetic orientation towards china coz of contrl of its economy by businessmen of chinese origin.
>2 million indians in malaysia work in rubber, tin, palm oil plantation.
not as such good relations.

$THAILAND-
attractive tourist place.
signed FTA in 2003 but both sides have gone slow.
thailand's geographical location gives it natural adv in facilitating india's engagement with indo-china countries.

$VIETNAM-
level of india's interaction is as such low.
both were close friends in cold war period but after that vietnam focused on building its economy nd stable equations with china nd us nd now india nd vietnam are competitors in world market.
defense cooperation is growing now.
india also assisting in areas of technical nd scientific cooperation, hr dvlpmnt, in setting up projects. profitable investment in vietnam's hydrocarbon sector.

$JAPAN-
RADHA BINOD PAL.
oda (official developmnt assistance) given to india in 1958 as gratitude for supporting japan on international fora still continues. also helped in 1991.
india attracts investment nd japan want talent pool.
both together in g-4.

EU
Author: agam612@gmail.com

foundational ideals which include the following-

1. Schengen Area- that envisages unrestricted movement with the union.

2. Common currency

3. Supranational institutions- like European Parliament, European Council, and Court of justice of European Union etc.

4. Liberal values and promoter of human rights

5. union of culture, values and people.

6. mutually agreeable decisions in various spheres of international affairs.

isis and india

Author: agam612@gmail.com
-import alot from gulf
-they declared (al baghdadi) to pose final war (gazwa-e-hind). thus spill over of terrorism in west asia will fal on adjacent countries.
-diaspora of india there
-us has asked india to join war
-ocean presence in indian ocean of them is increasing
-india has world's third largest muslim population which could be encouraged by them (abhi tak to nahi hue but us ko join kiya to ho sakte h)

indo-africa
Author: agam612@gmail.com
$ renewable energy
$ both has long coast line, so issue of smuggling, piracy (somalia, gulf of guinea), drug trafficking and security of sea lanes. joint maritime efforts.
$ role of indian private sectors through ficci, cii.
$ hrd and capacity building, military aid and training assistence in africa.
-india has competitors including eu,usa, china, japan who often commit more resources than india.
-need to inject greeater bilateralism and balance. african nations need to contribute more, so that this process could be more productive.
-last mile connectivity in africa is still pipedream
-india has edge over china in hrd, capacity building, it and local governance to establish in africa.

indo uk..
Author: agam612@gmail.com
$ why trade b/w both is slow-
1. Economic Slowdown in Euro Zone around 2012 have reduced the demand
2. Demand for Indian goods also dropped when some irregularities were found
in the Indian Shipments that violated European Standards
3. Regime Change in India and the Reforms expected there after have slowed
down the Economic activities in India. And India firms being the 3rd largest
investor in UK have consequently affected the bilateral Trade

Possible Measures:
1. India should fast track its economic and Tax reforms to boost the trade
2. Quality checks before exporting shipments should be given its due importance
3. Britain should re-look its Immigration Policy
4. India can declare some SEZ's as country specific to improve the investments

indo us
Author: agam612@gmail.com
achievements in military

renewal of 10 years frame work of us-india defence relationship

announcement of joint projects including co-production of uav
co development of jet engine tech and aircraft carrier system
decision to upgrade annual, bilateral naval exercise

indo-pak.
Author: agam612@gmail.com
is there a point to better tied between india and pak?
1. not talking pak until it shows result on terror will keep pressure on sharif govt.
2. the terrorists will be deterred from planning another attack.
3. a sharp focus on pak's terror activities will isolate it from others who are fighting jihadi terror internationally like IS.
4. but still india's stand with the people of pakistan will generate goodwill amog them.

$ how secterian wars in pakistan could impact india-

geographic spread of sectarian violence

its external linkages
intensity
lesser ability of state to control them

$ causes of cease fire violation-

deliberate firing by pakistani troops to cover infiltrators trying to enter j&k

in response to various political developmetns
if construction, repair or enhancement of defence on either side
confusions over LOC itself
deliberate provocations to test resolve of the other side

-so what to do-

new agreement with appropriate negotiations by director generals of military operations (dgmo)
joint sop (standard operation procedure) should be developed
more clarity on issue of defence construction
ensure more regularity of meeting of dgmo
bilateral dialogue at top level

indo japan
Author: agam612@gmail.com

china on territorial matters

energy security. both are vast importers
g-4
learn from the japan's experience of delivering economic assistance in asia and africa
obstacles- bureaucratic, cultural, strategic
1st-slow moving machinary of two states
2nd- poor communication
3rd- nuclear postion of inda
japan promised world calss us-2 amphibious aircraft

indo nepal
Author: agam612@gmail.com
military military cooperation
tourism
connectivity since ancient days
understanding of difficult terrain
india-big brother

recent progress-
-india needs nepal to safeguard its interests but nepal needs india more for eg- for fuel imports from IOC, nepalese rupee pegged with indian rupee, india is main trading partner, border is open, nepalis
have served in indian army and receive pensions. nearly, one seventh of entire nepali population resides and work in india.
-but for india, with power comes responsibility. it must reaffirm unity of the peoiple of nepal.
-two third of nepal's foreign trade is with india accounting for half of nepal's fdi.
nepali currency is pegged with indian rupee
india has built railways, optical fibre links, medical collegs, trauma centres, polytechnics, schools, bridges etc. integrated check posts on borders

indo-china
important aspects to remember-
tourism
economy-business- 72 bn$ trade with 12bn from this side and 60 bn from china. 48 bn deficit. pharamaceutical and services exports from india should be increased.
religion-buddhism
yoga centres-like their confusious ones. cultural centres in banglore and biejing
culture-movie
developments
global strategy- us countering,pakistan problem
asian power-21st century is asian century afterall
border issue- giant in the room.
bcim- corridor important for china as it will give access leaving gulf of malacca behind which has influence of usa.
one belt one road to counter usa's pivot to asia.
maritime silk route and india's project mausam
string of pearls-china,sittwe,chittgong, hambantota, gwader
aiib,ndb
brics,sco
e-visa, staple visa to arunachal pradesh
INCH TOWARDS MILES- india china towards milenium of exceptional synergy.
state to state conversations- naidu visited china
military military cooperation
climate change cooperation
regional cooperation
energy (wind and solar in specific) cooperation

$ why china on global slowdown-

-chronic over investment in industries responsible for infra
-excessive debt
-growing financial problems in local govt
-delay in structural shift in chinese economy

$ why india can come up to china in economics terms-

china suffering from-

global slowdown
demography of india and declinign youth and increasing old population of china
increasing wages in general and export industries in particular
costs associated with environmental issues
increasing competition from other countries in exports using low and semi skilled labors
lower saving rates

india benefiting from-

increase in labor force participation

increase in avg level of education
improve in quality of labors through special trainings
reducing impediments to foreign capital participation
developing culture of entrepreneurship
reducing corruption at various levels

in points se uski weakness, where india can prosper, what india shouls take care of-sab samajh aa jayega.

indo russia..
Author: agam612@gmail.com
-india's rough diamond procurement policy
- 12 nuclear reactors to india
-india diversified its military imports
-russian decision to lift embargo from selling defence to pakistan
-still 70% of defence inventory from russia
-economic ties are quite low just 6billion $ bilateral trade
-future of afghan. both concerned about instability
-growing russia china relations

special 301 report..ipr issue with usa.

SourceURL: http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/LogZmg5KKG3YOtXBPiw0UP/India-should-not-give-way-on-IPR.html
us's concern regarding intellectual property rights with india-
1. Washington says that Section 3(d) of Indias Patent Act,1970 may have the effect of limiting the patentability of potentially beneficial innovations. This provision prevents companies
from continually extending their 20-year drug patents by tweaking with minor changes or improvements, an evergreening process in the IPR jargon. It led to the cancellation of the patent
for Novartis AGs cancer drug Glivec
2. Indias application of compulsory licensing law needs clarity as it affects US stakeholders
3. India is wrongly identifying patents as obstacles to the dissemination of climate change technologies that would potentially undermine incentives for innovation.
4. the enforcement of patent rights in India is cumbersome
5. India lacks an effective system for protecting against unfair commercial use, as well as the unauthorized disclosure, of undisclosed tests or other data generated to obtain
marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products

but, india must not succumb to pressures from Washington and Brussels on data exclusivity and other changes in the IPR regime through the back door. Otherwise, the Indian poor and
middle classes will hold the Make in India government responsible for multinational companies jeopardizing their health and livelihood conditions!

indo central asia

Author: agam612@gmail.com
-mostly communist antecedents except kyrgyzstan
- major interest in them-security, energy, trade, mutual cooperation
-energy security most imp. kazakhstan, turkmenistan, uzbekistan have enormous hydrocarbon reserves
-door to caspian states-kazakhstan, turkmenistan
-tapi
-ties in education and english lang teaching from schools to universities, healthcare, tourism, agri and such based industries, pharmaceuticals, mining, military cooperation and cadre training
-cooperation in uranium extraction project in kazakhstan, uzbekistan, tajikistan

indo iran
Author: agam612@gmail.com
-india removed iran from the list of countries with restricted visa
-imports from iran are relatively cheap bcoz of proximity nd extended credit period it offers
-one of largest gas reserves in iran. ongc interested in farzad gas field
-both have interest in stablising afghan
-chabahar port
-

indo sri lanka

Author: agam612@gmail.com
-cepa
-negotiations for setting up refinery in trinco area to trat crude oil
-priority to develop east coast of sri lanka consisting tricomalee area as it has immense potential for trade, tourism, industry, commerce. airport can be developed here which could be directly connected
with tamil nadu.
-UNHRC-srilanka could gain from expertise available in countries like usa, india to facilitate credible investigation.
-fishermen

myanmar..
Author: agam612@gmail.com
recent situation-

Real democracy will remain a distant dream in Myanmar. The countrys military will retain several key cabinet positions, including the ministries of defence, home, border security and the police. In addition,
a quarter of all seats in the two Houses of parliament are reserved for military nominees. The constitution mandates that the military can take direct control of government should it deem it necessary.
Perhaps most important, the military-dominated National Defence and Security Council retains decision-making powers on the most important issues facing the country: The conduct of war against the
ethnic insurgencies raging across the country, the rising tide of Buddhist chauvinism, and the countrys appalling treatment of its Rohingya minority.

challenges-
-sharing power with the military representatives.
-bringing minority into mainstream.
-economic reforms to transform agrarian society and unemployment. military still dominates many economic businesses.

international air surveillanve

Author: agam612@gmail.com

3) Air surveillance by some nations on the name of security has been in controversy for
some time. Do you think there is a need for an International policy on Drones ?

Controversy regarding air survelliance or drones

1. Drone strikes are approved by US even when their is no such imminent threat to their soldiers life.

2. Those killed by strikes are considered an enemy killed in action even if they were not the intended target.ex-United States targeted airstrikes in Yemen have killed civilians in violation of international
law.

3. There is no transparency regarding data on number of drone attacks.

4. Drone kills suspected terrorists, but does that killing materially contribute to reducing the growth
and threat posed by terrorist groups.

5. Their presence in domestic skies has also raised understandable privacy concerns.

Need for international policy on drones

1. The international government like US refuses to provide even basic information on particular
strikes, including the reasons for carrying them out.
2. To pevent extrajudicial executions by drone strikes.

3. To provide victims of violations with compensation and meaningful access to full reparation and
guarantees of non-repetition of irresponsible attacks.

.4. To remove secrecy surrounding drone strikes and restrictions on access to drone-affected areas.

Way ahead- Drones should be used

1. To protect civilians and peacekeeping troops.

2. To monitor armed groups and trafficking of arms.

3. To assess the movements of displaced refugees like now in Syrian refugees.

4. To evaluate environmental challenges, including assessing damages from natural disaster.

tpp and its impact on india

Author: agam612@gmail.com

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests

3) It is argued that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) can alter not only trade but also geopolitics. In what ways, do you think India will be affected vis a vis its superpower ambitions and development
requirements by not becoming part of TPP? Critically examine. (200 Words)

TPP is a regional mega trade agreement being negotiated by 12 pacific rim nations lead by the US. The main objectives of TPP is the economic integration of these nations in order to provide greater
market access for goods and services. In this context the TPP touches upon various aspects including liberalisation of trade in goods and services, strong rules for investment protection, strengthened
protection of IPR and standardisation of non-tariff barriers. Besides trade, the TPP also has immense geopolitical significance. By leaving India and China out of negotiations, TPP seeks to cement in position
as a global super power.

In this light, the TPP can have the following repercussions, positive and negative, for India, in the event India does not join the same:
(A) Trade
-TPP signatory countries account for 40% of the global GDP and include the likes of US and Japan => norms set by this group can effectively become global standards, which effectively means setting up of
an alternate trade regime outside of the WTO
- Indian exports can face adverse prospects in TPP markets in the absence of upgrading to new quality standards of the these markets - financial costs of such upgradation can make Indian exports
uncompetitive. Pharmaceutical, leather, textile industry to take a hit.
- TPP could become an indirect forum for pushing onto India obligations that it is not willing to accept otherwise. E.g. dilution of India's IPR regime.
- Positive - India will be forced to look inward to its large domestic market to tackle losses suffered overseas. Also in the long run, improved standards will be beneficial to India.

(B) Geopolitical
- Will allow the US to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This will bring it is direct confrontation with China => this increase volatility in the region, which is bad for India.
- Reduce the relevance of multilateral democratic fora like the WTO and allow US to set the norms for trade => fragmentation of the international trade regime.
- Trade translates to power => losing out to TPP states in terms of trade is bound to affect India's standing as an emerging global power.
- Positive - Lead to China's containment => more geopolitical space for India, which is anyways favoured over China by US, Japan.

Therefore, in this light, TPP is bound to have a significant influence on both world order and trade.

indo germany
Author: agam612@gmail.com

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests

5) Can you call Germany as Indias natural ally? Justify and also critically examine why strong relationship between two countries is said to be important in bringing stability to their respective regions. (200
Words)

For India and Germany to be called natural ally both must have shared interest and be mutually compatible to each other. Lets analyse:

a) United Nation Membership: Both the nations despite their politico-economic clout are deprived of permanent membership of UNSC and are vehemently contesting their candidature.

b) Nuclear Energy sector: Germany has decided to completely move away from the nuclear energy. With the ongoing nuclear energy protest, India may look forward to Germany for nuclear free solution.

c) Renewable Energy sector: Germany has well developed renewable energy sector and feed in tariff facility that it can provide to
India.

d) Defence sector: Germany provides a viable alternative to Indian defence sector purchases due its advance technology.

e) Education: Germany is emerging as cost effective and viable alternative to UK and USA for education.

f) Automobile sector: Germans has advanced automobile industry quench can be easily fulfilled by huge Indian market.

g) Germany has huge investible fund, technology but ageing population. While India is needs investment and technology. It can offer labour force to complement it ageing population.

These reason are far enough to establish both as mutual ally.

The two countries are also considered to play stabilising role in their respective region.

a) Multipolarity: Germany in Europe is able to break the hegemony of UK and to to an extent hegemony of USA in the developed world. India is considered as counter to assertive china and plays swing state
role in Asian geopolitics.

b)Peace and tranquillity: Germanys role in migrant crises of Europe is compatible with the way India has accommodated Tibetans, Bangladeshis and Tamils of S.L.

c) Economic stability: While Germany stood to the crises of 2008 and still hold the European economy together, Indias ability to quell the crises and its emergence as growth pole of Asian economy is
equally stabilising.
Thus to conclude both the nations are presently playing the role of stabiliser in their respective regions.

the critical part - like language barrier,Germany's reluctance to help India conclude FTA with EU,Germany's shyness in playing a greater geo-political role

INSTC..
Author: agam612@gmail.com

4. Discuss the strategic significance of International North- South Transport Corridor

(INSTC) for India. What are the prospects and bottlenecks for India in achieving the
fruits of INSTC?

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multi-mode transit (Road, Rail and sea ways) that moves freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.

Strategic Significance:

1. Augments Indias Connect Central Asias Policy. The rich Uranium, oil and natural gas resources can be accessed. It also complements Indias efforts as part of Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO).

2. Indias Look West Policy gets boost. It strengthens relations with Iran and Ukraine. Blue Navy efforts of India finds an echo with improved Russian and Europe relations.

3. Indias role in controlling terrorism would lifted to global stage.

Prospects:

1. Indias Chabahar deep port project in Iran would give access to markets of West Asia and Turkey using Iranian road network. It would boost Indias plantation, saffron and auto-mobile manufacturing.

2. The markets of Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic and others of Europe would be accessible that can help Indias cropping in horticulture and textile industry.

Bottlenecks:

1. There is no strong mechanism in existence to follow-up the project.

2. Trade procedures including customs and documentation not yet streamlined.

3. Security fears from Afghanistan and other terror outfits in the region.

4. The threat of freight movement being one sided would increase cost.

Sustainable dialogue in the form of independent joint groups and regional cooperation are crucial to complete the project.

how india can help in refugee crisis.

Author: agam612@gmail.com

Topic:Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests

5) What possible role can India play in dealing with refugee crisis in Europe? Examine. (150 Words)

India can contribute in recent crisis in following ways

# it can collaborate with Germany, its G-4 partner and only European country who has shown willingness to deal with the crisis, to find more effective ways to deal with the crisis

# India can provide skilled human resource like doctors, paramedics, volunteers to help the refugees

# India can provide paramilitary and coast guard for search and rescue operations in Mediterranean

# India can also provide material resources like food and other daily necessities to refugees

# European countries can consult Indian administrators who have experience in dealing with refugee exodus

# India enjoys goodwill among many nations in UN so it can help mobilize a global opinion on the matter

# India can provide inputs to war torn African countries based on its own experience on religious fundamentalism to help in their transition towards democracy thus reducing out migration

# India can also join global coalition to end the menace of ISIS thus helping in cause of refugees and countering radicalism

#Use of its most tolerant faction of Islamic scholars to dissuade people from joining IS

indo-n korea
Author: agam612@gmail.com
-not very good relations bcoz of n korea support to pakistan and india's closer ties with s korea.
-but bilateral trade is very huge among them.
-india's assistance in humanitarian crisis to n korea like helped in food shortage in recent years.
-cultural exchanges.
-NAM member
-both are in favour of south-south cooperation

what else india could do-

-enhance ties to counter n korea's better ties with china and pakjistan.
-agreements in india's assistance in it and pharma industries.
-n korea has vast rare earth metals reserves. india could exploit them
-n korea has one of best tech in cyber security.
-in improving ties with n korea india should be aware of its international image as n korea is considered country with human rights violations.

Bcim corridor
Map

indo-bangladesh..
Author: agam612@gmail.com
recently done-
- LBA.
- zero tolerance to terrorism by bangladesh.
- mou between coast guards to curtail illegal movements of goods, human trafficking, prevention of smuggling, circulation of fake currency notes.
- dhaka-guwahati bus link, extension of kolkata-dhaka bus service to agartala.
- setting up of two EEZ, mongla and bheramara, by bangladesh for indian investment.
- bilateral trade agreement to allow direct and regular movement of indian ships in bangladeshi ports.
- agreement of BIS with bangladesh to cooperate in field of standardisation.

what next to do?-

-task force should be set up on both sides to look after the implementation of various agreements.
- there should be no shooting by BSF on the border.
- teesta water agreement.
-tangible development of bangladesh's road, rail and riverine transport.
-people to people contact at all levels.
- easing of visa norms for those who want to visit india for trade, tourism and education.
-e-visas for tourists.
- practical and humane solution to labour mobility, human trafficking and movement of illegal goods across the border.

imp aspects to be remembered (talked upon while visit)-

- cross border connectivity
-power generation and electricity trade
- balance of trade. it is a bone of contention since long.
-effective implementation of coordinated border management plan
-significance of people to people contact.

indo-netherlands..
Author: agam612@gmail.com

1. Counter Terrorism - India and Netherlands have set up a joint working group on counter terrorism. While India has a long history of tackling terrorism, Netherlands is a part of the coalition that is
fighting the ISIS.

2. Trade - Bilateral trade between the two nations was around 6 Billion Euros in 2014-15. Also, India was the fifth largest investor in the Netherlands.

3. Renewable Energy - Netherlands has long experience in harnessing wind energy. Thus the two nations can collaborate.

4. Strategic Ties - The Netherlands supports a permanent seat for India at the UN Security Council.

5. Water management - Netherlands is a country whose significant area lies below the sea level. Hence, it has faced devastating floods. India can benefit from that experience to tackle the problem at
home.

6. People to people contact - Netherlands is a popular tourist destination for Indians. The Indian government is also trying to attract the dutch tourists by including Netherlands in the e-visa scheme.

indo-s korea
Author: agam612@gmail.com
post korean war, india developed equidistance policy.
but later developed closer relation with south korea through lok east policy.
3 bn $dollars investment by south korea. india only 1bn $ thus trade deficit.
hyundai, lg.
skill development. s korea advanced in it. research insti, universities and industry linkage in strong there. india can learn this.
infra development is strong in s korea.
CEPA is between both. special stategic partenership bana rahe h ise.
shipbuilding and nuclear energy sector strong in s korea.
india can help with space tech.
promotion of tourism.
india will be supported by s korea member of wassenar agreement (arms), nsg, australia group (biological and chemical weapons) and mtcr.
govt structure more favourable for s korea and others nd modi termed it as act east policy.

indo mongolia
Author: agam612@gmail.com
third neighbor policy of mongolia (moving behind russia and china). thus, establishing power balance.
cultural connection-buddhism
mineral wealth esp. uranium in mongolia
civil nuclear cooperation agreement signed

india mongolia relations

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Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

4) Critically examine the nature of relationship between India and Mongolia. Do you think Mongolia can become Indias strategic partner to counter
Chinas influence in its neighbourhood? Comment. (200 Words)

The relations between India and Mongolia are still at a nascent stage:
-> Indo-Mongolian cooperation is limited to diplomatic visits, provision of soft loans and financial aid and the collaborations in the IT sector
-> India established diplomatic relations in 1955
-> India was the first country outside the Soviet block to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia
-> Since then, there have been treaties of mutual friendship and cooperation between the two countries in 1973, 1994, 2001 and 2004
-> Mongolia supports India's candidature as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council while India supported the inclusion of Mongolia as a full member of
the Non-Aligned Movement
-> Though India and Mongolia signed a civilian nuclear deal for uranium supplies way back in 2009, unfortunately India is still awaiting its first uranium supply from
Mongolia. Thats because the Mongolian internal processes are still to be completed and uranium supplies are bogged down
-> Mongolia has never been on the radar screens of any Indian Prime Minister from Jawahar Lal Nehru onwards. But our current PM will change this forever when on 17 May
he spends one night in Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital

Foreign policy experts believe that forget Uranium as has enough foreign resources now to get this precious metal, the real reason behind upcoming visit to Mongolia is China:

-> Mongolia may be a giant sized country but it is dwarfed by two much bigger giants between which it is sandwiched: China and Russia
-> Mongolia is keen to open up to the world in a big way and is ill at ease with Chinese influence, economically and politically, though it is largely due to its geographical
proximity to China with which it shares borders
-> For this reason, Mongolia wants to put in place its "third neighbor" policy aimed at invigorating ties with India and expanding its foreign policy and business outreach to India
and look beyond China and Russia
-> Strategically and diplomatically speaking, India and Mongolia bring much to the table for each other. Mongolia is the worlds second largest land-locked country after
Kazakhstan. It is rich in mineral resources like copper, iron, coal and uranium
-> For these reasons, China has traditionally eyed the Mongolian markets. But the style of functioning of Chinese companies has triggered concern among the people and the
political elite alike in Mongolia
-> So much so that increasing number of Mongolian politicians and political parties are getting visibly affected by Sino-phobia
-> Against this backdrop, it is understandable that anti-China-ism is gaining traction among increasing number of Mongolian politicians and the Mongolian media often runs
highly critical news stories about China
-> Defence and security are increasingly becoming a new focus in India-Mongolia bilateral engagement
-> In many ways, Mongolia offers a newer opportunity and strategic leverage for India in dealing with China Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar being the old ones

yemen crisis.
Author: agam612@gmail.com

Some of the possible consequences of the current conflict could be:

It could flare up into regional conflict particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia and end up engulfing the entire region.
Military cooperation among Arab countries could create some kind of polarisation between those who are supportive of the military actions against the Houthi and those who do not wish to get
involved in such a campaign.
While a direct military intervention by Iran is extremely unlikely, the dispatch of a flotilla, comprising of a logistic vessel and a destroyer, came at a sensitive time and was designed to send a strong
message of Irans assertiveness to the Saudi-led coalition bombing Yemen. The tough posturing of the Iranian President and Supreme Leader is indicative of that countrys commitment to staying
engaged in Yemen.
The conflict has pulled in external actors as well. While the UK, US and France are siding with Saudi Arabia and are supportive of Saudi military actions, China and Russia have opposed the air strikes
and have called for a political solution through negotiation. These differences in approach among major external powers could create a situation similar to that in Syria and increase the possibility of
Yemen heading towards greater chaos and instability.
Questions are also questions being raised about Saudi Arabias effort to Consolidate the Sunni States against Irans increasing influence in the region and the fear of the firming up of a Shia
Crescent. This could pose serious challenges in future for stability in the entire West Asian region.

Indias Concern
Even though India has followed a policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states as well as non-involvement in the security issues of other regions, it has not been able to isolate itself from
the direct consequences of any security crisis in the West Asian region. The energy security dimension and a seven million strong diaspora in the region have been significant factors in its policy formulation
towards West Asia.

Indias security and the security of West Asia are interlinked and also extends to the challenges posed by terrorism and piracy. India has been deeply concerned about the growing instability in the region as
well as the spread of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

From Indias point of view, Yemen is important because of its strategic location between the Red and Arabian Seas. Yemen is a member of the IOR-ARC and its cooperation in dealing with piracy in the Gulf
of Aden has been significant. At the same time, Yemen has also been a source of oil and gas. Instability in Yemen is not in Indias interest.

The way forward

The best way to deal with the issue is to first bring neutral actors acceptable to both parties to negotiate a deal between the warring factions. Second, it is also important to address the long standing
internal grievances of the Houthis. Third, efforts need to be undertaken to work towards re-establishing a transitional government at the earliest. Fourth, the United Nations needs to bring Iran and Saudi
Arabia to the negotiating table for finding a peaceful political solution to the crisis in Yemen. Saudi-Iran engagement is extremely important to avoid another Syria like situation in the region.

afghan indo relations

Author: agam612@gmail.com
in recent times, it seems as if ghani has shifted his position towards china and pakistan.
Ghanis shift of positions as being guided by a) the calculation of a Pakistan-sponsored breakthrough with the Taliban, and b) the need to convey the message that Afghanistan no longer wishes to be a
battleground for an India-Pakistan proxy war.
Ghani has already rescinded a request for weapon supplies from India, suggesting that he can get arms from anywhere. Indias delay in delivering these weapons is quite normal, but the fact is that New
Delhi had firmed up with Russian companies to supply the weapons required by the Afghan National Army (ANA). Now that Washington has promised to support 352,000 Afghan personnel until 2017, the
Indian help gets becomes even less relevant. But, to cover it up, India is expected to hand over three multi-role Cheetah helicopters to Ghani.

A plan for connectivity through Iran (TAPI) has existed for decades but there has been no substantial movement on this front. The latest Pakistan-China Economic Corridor plans would further challenge the
prospect of the Indian connectivity project. What is left after all this is India building a home ground for the Afghan national cricket team.
Is Indias Afghan policy in crisis?

WHAT WENT WRONG?

Firstly, it appears that Indias somewhat impulsive efforts have not cut much ice.
Secondly, Indias $2 billion commitment for Afghanistan seems to have been driven more by woolly ideas of gaining goodwill rather than being based on a sound strategic assessment.
Thirdly, why did India go alone without joining hands with other partners? Did Indian policy makers get carried away? In contrast, the Iranian, Russian and Chinese thinking proved smarter.
In the past, Indias Afghan policy worked albeit ironically because of Pakistani follies.

Indias concerns today seem to be more on terrorism and Lashkar-e-Tayyabas networks in Kunar and Nooristan. Instead, the focus should be more on Afghanistans ethnic politics.
The option of joining hands with Iran is still on the table. To stop the reversal of gains, some even suggest India changing its Pakistan policy. This is ideal but not an easily reachable option.
India should continue to play the game but no longer by showering financial largesse but by deploying its skills of political manoeuvring.

afghanistan and region: comprehensive.

Author: agam612@gmail.com

In its 16 March 2015 Resolution 2210 (2015) extending the mandate of United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA), the UN Security Council drew an optimistic scenario for the country. From
all angles, Afghanistan is a transformed place: a robust unity government; stronger security force; better living standards; higher GDP growth; better schools for children and greater presence of women in
the workforce. It further noted that Afghanistan is free of al-Qaeda training camps, the Taliban is subdued, and there is an improved atmosphere in its ties with Pakistan.

Not every observer is, however, convinced that Afghanistan is stable. The Unity Government, created to end the crisis set off by widespread election fraud, remains inherently divided and fragile. Power
sharing among coalition groups remains hung up due to delay and differences. Ashraf Ghani is facing accusations of centralizing power, which he justifies as necessary for fighting corruption and better
governance. Critics say the Chief Executives role remains ill-defined and they suspect that Abdullah Abdullah will be eventually sidelined. Already, the First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum is feeling
marginalized. He was distraught and believed to have broken down during a recent meeting of the National Security Council.

Moreover, Afghanistans corrupt elite remains divided on a host of issues ranging from tackling terror, the Taliban and the economic agenda. The country is already facing a budget deficit. The external
assistance needed to run the economy and ensure security is likely to gradually dry up. And not all are convinced that regional players are unlikely to resume their proxy war any time soon. No one can also
wish away the fact that Afghanistan is tied to geopolitical issues relating to Pakistan-India, Iran-Saudi Arabia, and China-US-Russia. Given all this, the expectation is that Afghanistan may either fail or at
best muddle through by struggling to survive as a divided country ruled by regional and tribal warlords and fiefdoms, and posing a significant security concern for the region and the world.

Clearly, if the current regime is able to maintain a robust strategic partnership with the United States, the prospects of regional powers upsetting the internal situation of Afghanistan through proxy groups
would be minimized. At the same time, Kabul would also be able to play a balancing role in terms of cooperating with Pakistan across the Durand Line, protecting the interests of India, Iran, China, Russia
and the Central Asian Republics - all in line with the interests and supervision of America.

So how will the regional powers respond to the evolving situation in Afghanistan? To be sure, none would like to see the reversal of the current situation; instead every country would wish that the Unity
Government builds on the achievements of the past decade. They would also want the Afghan security forces to retain professionalism to deal with internal threats. Nevertheless, the perspectives and policy
nuances of each regional player differ significantly.

Clearly, no one is visualizing Pakistani activism in Afghanistan that would cause a further deterioration in the situation in Afghanistan. The discourse is actually shaping itself more in favour of a plausible
collective Russia-India-China effort. Such a regional consensus is feasible under the Russia-India-China or SCO frameworks. But the Americans and Europeans are unlikely to encourage such an alternative.
Notwithstanding that, the main problem impeding the prospect relates to differing regional concerns and interests of the three countries a principal reason why, despite their display of well-meaning
intentions and quiet diplomacy, a definite idea in this regard is yet to take a concrete shape. To get a clear idea, it is important to analyze the current policy approaches of the regional countries towards
Afghanistan.

Pakistan
To be sure, Pakistans importance for Afghanistan is indisputable. But Islamabad has so far failed in every Afghan mission it has undertaken and has instead ended up worsening its own internal security
situation primarily in FATA. Pakistan initially propped up Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and his network, but the Benazir government later abandoned this old protg in favour of the Taliban in October 1994, of
course with American consent. Washingtons great confidence in Pakistani assessments of Afghan developments created the real mess. It had to pay the prize in the form of 9/11 and all its attendant
consequences.
Having successfully pushed the Taliban to Kabul on 27 September 1996, Pakistan tried many stunts to gain full diplomatic legitimacy for the Taliban. Its initiatives Mursheds plan for a regional conference,
setting of a political commission, Ulema Commission, five-nation conference, shuttle-diplomacy, and many others all essentially designed as exercises to exclude India from the peace process, did
not cut much ice. All other countries looked askance at Pakistans diplomacy and questioned its neutrality especially given its attempts to scuttle several UN sponsored peace initiatives such as the six-plus-
two meetings aimed at fostering reconciliation among the warring Afghan factions.

Pakistan now claims to have made a strategic shift in its approach towards Afghanistan in the wake of the October 2014 Peshawar school attack. The leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan have now shared
a vision for realizing common security and economic interests. They are committed to targeting terrorist groups hiding across their border without distinction. Islamabad wishes to enlarge the scope of
cooperation beyond trade, terror and border management to include a full range of military-to-military ties including the training of Afghan infantry brigades. Pakistan sees the Taliban testing the Afghan
National Security Forces, even as it also sees encouraging signs for a peace negotiation with the Taliban and expects others to support the process. What Islamabad wants from the international
community is strategic patience to achieve this goal.1. Clearly, it has been pushing for greater Chinese involvement to offset Indias economic engagement in Afghanistan, especially in the context of
regional cooperation and promoting trans-regional energy and connectivity projects.

However, controlling the Pakistani strategic dream in Afghanistan may not be easy. And this time around, Islamabad may also face other competitors especially from China and Iran, both of which are
inclined to develop greater economic and strategic stakes in Afghanistan. The fear of India interfering in Afghanistan will continue to haunt Islamabad. Even if Islamabad manages to turn a new page in its
relations with Kabul, the tribal dynamics (terrorist hideouts, border violations) along the Durand Line will not disappear soon. One also has to watch for duplicitous moves by Pakistan, which has clearly been
running with the American hare and hunting with the Taliban hounds.

China
Until now an onlooker on the Afghan scene, Chinas likely role in Afghanistan is increasingly gaining importance. Even though the activities of the Taliban in the past spilled over in to Xinjiang, Beijing
remained supportive of the position adopted by its close ally Pakistan. But at the same time it remained careful so as not to cause any suspicion among the Russians and other regional countries about its
position. Until recently, China did not see the containment of fundamentalism as its priority and believed that its close military ties with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran will assuage the problems. In fact,
China viewed Afghanistan as another venue where India can be kept pre-occupied through Pakistan. However, at the height of the Taliban rule, China had made a subtle change in its position on Kashmir: it
no longer directly supported the Pakistani position.

In the changed context, Chinas role in stabilizing Afghanistan is viewed as critical. China needs to stabilize Afghanistan to fortify its own strategic interests as well as counter the threat of extremism in
Xinjiang. Akio Kawato, a former Japanese Ambassador to Central Asia, recently pointed out that Afghanistan is not alien for China.....it was a vital part of the Silk Road and was a conduit to India from
where China imported Buddhism. He further noted that the Taliban, more civilized now than in 2001, may induce Chinas strong involvement in Afghan affairs.

It appears that Ashraf Ghani initially prodded China, perhaps on Pakistani insistence, to play a major strategic role in Afghanistan. Pakistani leaders reportedly told their Afghan counterparts to part ways
with the US and instead hold Chinas hand. Beijing was perhaps hesitant, except to play diplomacy and contribute through investment, economic and trade cooperation. In fact, China hosted the Heart of
Asia conference, institutionalized the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral dialogue, and played host to a two-member delegation from the Taliban in November 2014.

Not just Pakistan, even Iran, Russia and India would welcome China's greater engagement in Afghanistan. However, the Chinese themselves admit their inadequate understanding of tribalism and lack of
experience with combating a Taliban-type ideological insurgency. Chinas own experience in handling Uighur separatism is not a success story. Clearly, Beijing will continue to rely on Pakistan and other
Islamic countries to deal with the Afghan chaos.

Afghanistan is not terribly an important priority for China and it will not undermine US efforts because the situation there is linked to Chinas domestic situation in Xinjiang. It is also linked to the great-power
equation and balance of interest in the Asia Pacific Taiwan, Japan and elsewhere. Therefore, although US-China interests are not greatly aligned in Afghanistan, China has avoided playing a zero-sum
game and has instead sought harmony with US interests. This approach is likely to continue.

For now, Beijing is pushing for an inclusive national reconciliation, as it understands the complexity of the challenges involved in Afghanistan. Chinas interests are clearly focused on Afghanistans untapped
raw material reserves: copper, iron ore, gold, oil, gas, massive veins of rare earth elements including critical lithium (estimated at $1 trillion dollar worth) which are eminently suited for its own needs.
Surely, it would seek investment opportunities but without assuming security responsibilities. China would still like the Americans to ensure the security of Afghanistan and want countries like Turkey and
India to build Afghan infrastructure. All China wishes to do is connect resource rich Afghanistan to its own industrial towns. Billions of dollars have already been spent in mining and Chinese visitors to Kabul
are invariably seeking mining privileges. Several road, railway, pipeline projects are underway to link Western China to Afghanistan through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The current civilized Taliban appear to be bargaining with China for recognition but it is also important to note that Afghans in general have shown aversion to non-Muslim outsiders extracting underground
riches. Surely, they have no particular liking for the Chinese, for they represent an alien culture and thus a danger to Islam. Chinas excessive investments could invoke powerful resource nationalism among
Afghans in the longer term. The same argument was, in fact, made about Chinese investment in Central Asia as well. But just like they benefited from the Soviet fall and Russian decline, to be sure, the
Chinese hope to gain in Afghanistan too.

Russia
Russias position on Afghanistan is a restrained one: avoid direct intervention and stay the course of neutrality. There were moments when Moscow adopted an ambivalent position with one section
advocating a hard line and the other cautioning against a repeat of past mistakes. However, it is continuing with a hands-off position realizing that Central Asia now separated Russia from Afghanistan.
Instead, the Afghan issue is being linked to Russias own Central Asia policy. By expressing unwillingness to bear the burden of facing the Afghan challenge alone, Moscow has made itself indispensable for
the Central Asian countries. Russia considers Central Asia as the first line of defence against any threat emanating from Afghanistan. It has strengthened its military position in the region directly or through
the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Indias good friend Russia is unlikely to get drawn back into Afghanistan. Russia had in fact changed its position in 1997 soon after the Taliban captured Kabul. Since then, Russia has pursued the diplomatic
option of engaging with the Taliban and accommodating Pakistan. The visit by the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Viktor Osuralyuk, to Islamabad in June 1997 and Pakistani Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub
Khans visit to Moscow a month later changed the context. At that time, India, of course, had expressed anxiety over the uneasy developments in the context of Russias links with the Taliban.

In recent years, Russias ties with Pakistan have increased manifold. Moscow hopes that Pakistan will dissuade the Taliban, if they come to power, from interfering in areas of Russian influence. Moscow
has in fact been praising the Pakistan militarys anti-terror fighting capabilities and has sought cooperation. This increased Russian confidence about Pakistan could form a strong alternative diplomatic
backdrop for any future Russian engagement with Kabul. Clearly, Moscow has resumed engagement with all sections of the Afghan elite and has even revived some of the Soviet era economic projects
including a decision to spend $20 million for restoring its old cultural centre in Kabul.

Curiously, Ashraf Ghani, during his recent visit to Washington, cited the role of other powers in Afghanistans development but he conspicuously skipped any mention of Russia. Nevertheless, Russia remains
concerned about the geographical spread of ISIS activities and desires joint action. The Russian complaint is that NATO has been un-cooperative with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) for
battling the threat of drug trafficking. So far, Russias concerns have been heavily focused on the impact of Afghanistan on Central Asia, especially the threat of extremism and drug trafficking. Today, it is
more concerned about renewed American geopolitical ambitions in Afghanistan and Central Asia in the context of the Ukraine crisis. Moscow might be trying to assess that possibility, but for now Russian
policy would be based on the principle drawn from the Great Game precept of not striving for victory but avoiding defeat. This line is likely to persist unless Russias core interests are threatened.

Iran
Iran has deep interests in Afghanistan. From the Iranian perspective, one of the important aspects of the Afghan imbroglio is that the conflict there is being used as a means to isolate and contain Iran in
the region at all costs. Tehran always felt besieged by a hostile America and its proxies in Afghanistan. The Talibans capture of Herat in 1997 was the most important counter-measure by Pakistan and
US/Saudi oil companies to push a gas pipeline project across Afghanistan. Tehran is maintaining a cautious approach in the new circumstances unfolding now. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Kabul
in January 2015 to discuss bilateral strategic cooperation, including on issues relating to security. Irans concerns are tied to protecting the interest of the Hazaras as well as combating cross-border
terrorism and drug trafficking. Iran prefers a regional approach to include other neighbours such as China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to address Afghanistans problems. For the
time being, Tehran is preoccupied with the nuclear talks. A possible thaw in US-Iran relations will have a significant impact on the Afghan situation.

Conclusion
Uncertainty continues to prevail on the Afghan front. In fact, one is not sure what might happen in Afghanistan during the course of the next year. Logically speaking, answers to all of Afghan problems can
easily be found within the regional context of India, Russia, China and Iran and their involvement in the economic and political process of stabilization. But the Afghan leadership is not likely to uphold the
regional choice now.

One must also be clear that problems in the Af-Pak are linked to the interests of Saudi Arabia. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are sectarian allies of Saudi Arabia. Besides, both have shown a tremendous
capacity and willingness to participate in the geopolitics of major powers like the United States. Pakistan has amply showed its willingness to compromise on its sovereignty. It has acted as a mercenary
state, bending over backwards to comply with the desires of its masters. As for Afghanistan, one can do no better than cite what Aftab Kazi, a Senior Fellow at the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute of Johns
Hopkins University, Washington DC, had noted: Afghanistan politics has been destabilized so very much that the country needs a Genghis Khan like leader to destroy the old in order to create a new political
order in Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Even such a reordering will take at least a century.

Afghan history is about Pushtun tribalism. The Taliban is also about Pushtun brutality. The Talibans brutality vis--vis any foreign invasion will not end, nor would their differences with the northerners
Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras. The Russians, British-Indians, Soviets, and Pakistanis have burnt their fingers in Afghanistan. The last to add graveyards in Afghanistan include the Americans, the Europeans
and an assortment of al Qaeda elements drawn from various Arab countries. Now, the ISIS wants to recreate Khorasan in Afghanistan let them also try. In fact, the UNSC recently concluded that ISIS
gaining a foothold in Afghanistan is not so much a function of its intrinsic capacities, but its potential to offer an alternative flagpole to which otherwise isolated insurgent splinter groups could rally.2. More
than that, Afghanistan will remain home for a host of insurgent groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighting against Pakistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) against China,
the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) against Central Asia and the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) against India. These groups will keep the interests of regional countries drawn to Afghanistan.
unsc: success or not..
Author: agam612@gmail.com

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

4) How effective has been United Nations Security Council in addressing some of pressing security challenges faced by raising extremism across the world? In the light of its mandate, critically comment.
(200 Words)

Despite UN has been largely successful in ending various conflicts, it is unable to address many challenges faced by raising extremism across the world.

1) UNSC failed to enforce its resolution on Iraq, for cooperation and transparency regarding various weapons. That led to the US invasion on Iraq in the name of weapons of Mass Destruction.

2) In 2003, Sudan erupted into conflict as various extremist groups criticized and attacked the government for oppressing the non-Arab. After three years, UN could dispatch its soldiers in a limited manner.
By 2010, an estimated 300,000 Sudanese civilian were killed.

3) In 2012, China and Russia used their veto power and the UNSC could not intervene in Syria. Since the Syrian civil war began, an estimated 60,000 civilians have been killed.

4) UNSC is also unable to bring any resolution condemning Israels action against Palestine, following US's veto power.

5) UNSC do not have any concrete plan to deal with tensions in East Jerusalem as well as the activities of radicalised and extremist groups in Iraq, Syria, Ukrain etc.

Although UNSC can be credited for its peace-keeping missions in Haiti, Congo, etc. The big issues of world peace terrorism, extremism, nuclear proliferation cant be entrusted upon a body which is more
often paralytic than effective.

ctbt &why india not signing it?

Author: agam612@gmail.com

Attempts continue within India at consensus building on the issue of the CTBT, multilateral treaty by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purpose. The
need to reconsider this decision and build a consensus once again is because of a change in the frame of reference at both the domestic and international levels.

In recent times, CTBTO is also making contributions to the nuclear safety field. After the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, CTBTO data provided timely information on the radioactive emissions from
the crippled plant and their global dispersion.

However,Indias opposition to CTBT has been on five grounds.

1. It does not link itself to the total nuclear disarmament in the time bound manner.
2. CTBT is not comprehensive in the true sense of the term since it allows sub critical tests and computer simulations of tests.
3. The treaty does not take into account India's security consideration.
4. CTBTs verification systems does not provide a genuinely impartial international mechanism but national verification system of the countries like the US will determine whether a party to the CTBT is
adopting the restraints or not.
5. Its entry into force clause is unprecedented since it is an international treaty whose validity would come only if India, a non party, accepts it.

The CTBT would be most effective in stopping "threshold states" like India, Pakistan or Israel from being able to develop their nuclear option. But is of far less significance for the N5, who already have
already completed their testing and have their weapons in place.

CTBT effectively takes the NPT a step further in practically consolidating the power and security of the nuclear cartel - by ensuring that no country develops the ability to challenge or dilute this. India can be
a signatory only if all the countries are considered on equal footing and indias security concerns be taken into considration.

Russia Pakistan relations and effect on India.

It is likely that Russias outreach towards Pakistan is substantially driven by the deterioration in its ties with the West. Against this backdrop, Pakistans geostrategic position at the juncture of South, Central
and West Asia and as the lynchpin of US strategy for the region assumes significance.
Moreover, developments in Afghanistan also appear to have played a key role in determining Russias strategic calculus towards Islamabad. remains concerned about terrorism and drug trafficking from the
region spilling over to Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The size of the Indian arms market, its ability to pay in hard currency and Russias special and privileged relationship with India are something that Pakistan is unlikely to match in the foreseeable future.
India should also take note of the interesting interplay of several geopolitical factors in Eurasia the evolving Russia-China, China-Pakistan and now Russia-Pakistan contacts. Against the backdrop of the
Ukrainian crisis, Russias ties with China have reached an unprecedented level.
Similarly, Russia has expressed keen interest to participate in building energy and transportation corridors from Central Asia to Pakistan thorough Afghanistans Wakhan sector. By linking it with the
Karakoram highway China too becomes a part of this corridor. Not only will it provide Russia access to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean but also give Pakistan entry into the Russian
and Central Asian markets.
Despite attempts to isolate it, Russia remains relevant on the global stage. A strong partnership with India can also provide Russia breathing space in its evolving ties with China. Therefore, the prevailing
trends offer India and Russia both challenges and opportunities to find common synergies and engage each other in areas of mutual interest and concern. They cannot afford to dilute the partnership since
they both need each other.