08 Dec 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: POLITY

1. Restoration of statehood & polls in J&K

Syllabus: Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Mains: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 

Context: In the backdrop of Jammu & Kashmir’s transformative political landscape, recent Lok Sabha amendments spark debate amid legal uncertainties, emphasising the urgency for democratic reinstatement and Statehood.

Story So Far in Jammu & Kashmir:

• Elected Government Collapse (5.5 Years Ago): The Governor’s rule was imposed after the collapse of the elected government, leading to significant changes in the erstwhile State.
• Article 370 Removal and Bifurcation: Article 370, providing special status, was removed; the State bifurcated into Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• Constitutionality Under Question: The legality of these changes, including Article 370 removal and bifurcation, remains under question, with the Supreme Court reserving its verdict.

Recent Amendment Bills Passed in Lok Sabha:

• Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
  • Increase in Assembly Seats: Total seats increased from 107 to 114.
  • Scheduled Tribes Reservation: Nine seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
  • Nomination Powers: Lieutenant-Governor empowered for certain nominations.
• Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
  • Change in Terminology: Replaces “weak and underprivileged classes (social castes)” with “Other Backward Classes” as declared by the UT.
• Timing of Amendments: Amendment timing is questionable as it was introduced despite the Supreme Court’s pending verdict on the legality of earlier changes.

Way Forward for Jammu & Kashmir:

• Propriety and Supreme Court Verdict:
  • Waiting for Verdict: Propriety suggests waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict on the legality of Article 370 removal and bifurcation before implementing further changes.

• Involvement of Elected Representatives:
  • Importance of Inclusion: Changes without the involvement of elected representatives may be perceived as fait accompli, alienating the citizens.

• Restoration of Democratic Process:
  • Immediate Priority: The first order of business should be the restoration of the democratic process by holding popular elections in Jammu & Kashmir.

• Restoration of Statehood:
  • Citizens’ Aspiration: Addressing the citizens’ sentiments by prioritizing the restoration of the Statehood of Jammu & Kashmir.

• Addressing Long-Pending Issues:
  • Setting the Stage: Holding elections and restoring Statehood should set the stage for addressing long-pending issues contributing to the persistence of militancy.

• Avoiding Alienation:
  • Sensitivity Needed: Recognizing the region’s history and challenges, changes should be implemented in a way that does not alienate the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir.

• Respecting Civil Liberties:
  •  Ending Suspensions and Detentions: Addressing the suspension of political and civil liberties, arbitrary arrests, communication shutdowns, and other restrictions imposed in the last five and a half years.

Nut Graf: In the aftermath of Jammu & Kashmir’s significant political changes, including Article 370’s revocation and bifurcation, recent amendments in Lok Sabha face scrutiny amidst pending Supreme Court verdicts. Concerns arise over changes made without elected representatives’ involvement, highlighting the pressing need for democratic restoration, Statehood return, and addressing citizen alienation in this sensitive region.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. India’s Growing Neighbourhood Dilemmas

Syllabus: India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Mains: Challenges India facing in its Neighbourhood and the way forward 

Introduction: India’s Neighbourhood Dilemmas

• Contemporary Indian foreign policy faces significant challenges within its neighbourhood, hindering its ambitious global aspirations. The presence of politically anti-India regimes, structural challenges from China’s influence, and evolving geopolitical dynamics contribute to New Delhi’s dilemmas.

Types of Dilemmas: Political and Structural Challenges

• Politically Anti-India Regimes:
  • The emergence of anti-India regimes, exemplified by the Maldives, poses a direct challenge to Indian influence.
  • The prospect of ideologically anti-India governments, as seen in upcoming elections in Bangladesh, adds complexity to the regional landscape.
• Structural Challenges from China:
  • China’s increasing influence in South Asia, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), creates a dilemma for India.
  • Beijing’s adept outreach to South Asian states, coupled with deeper pockets, amplifies its impact compared to India’s efforts.

Causes of Dilemmas: Regional Geopolitical Architecture

• Diminishing US Presence:
  • The diminishing presence of the United States in South Asia leaves a power vacuum, exploited by China.
  • China’s rise serves as a geopolitical buffer for smaller states, allowing them to leverage the ‘China card’ in their foreign policy.
• China as a Material Power:
  • In a region with limited interconnectivity and resources, states gravitate toward a power that can fulfil their material needs.
  • China’s economic prowess positions it as a preferred partner, impacting India’s regional standing.
• Norms-Free Zone:
  • China’s non-normative approach alters the traditional norms-centric calculus in South Asia.
  • The region becomes a ‘norms-free zone,’ challenging India’s normative and political approach.
• Shift in Regional Power Dynamics:
  • India’s historical primacy in the region is contrasted with China’s non-resident power status, avoiding complications associated with being a resident power.

Policy Stance and Assumptions: Status Quo Bias and Mistaken Assumptions

• Status Quo Bias:
  • India’s policy stance exhibits a status quo bias, engaging primarily with those in power, leading to path-dependencies and alienation of other power centres.
• Mistaken Assumptions:
  • The belief that South Asia minus Pakistan would align with Indian geopolitical reasoning has been proven inaccurate.
  • The assumption that India’s cultural and historical ties would naturally facilitate better relations has faced challenges, prompting a reassessment.

Recommendations: Adapting to Changing Realities

• Acknowledging Changed Dynamics:
  • India must acknowledge the fundamental shift in the balance of power in South Asia, recognizing China’s emergence as a serious contender.
• Involvement of External Actors:
  • Proactive engagement of friendly external actors in the region becomes crucial to counter the possibility of a Sino-centric influence.
• Flexible Diplomacy:
  • Indian diplomacy should be flexible, engaging multiple actors within neighbouring countries to mitigate anti-India sentiments.
  • A focus on engaging with diverse political elements, not just those in power, is essential for effective diplomacy.
• Enhancing Diplomatic Capacity:
  • Addressing the shortage of diplomats is imperative for India to effectively implement its foreign policy.
  • Increased diplomatic capacity is essential as India’s role in global affairs expands, ensuring a timely and robust response to opportunities and crises.

Nut Graf: India’s foreign policy confronts complex challenges within its neighbourhood. The rise of anti-India regimes and China’s expanding influence pose significant dilemmas. Shifts in regional power dynamics and mistaken policy assumptions further compound these issues. Adapting to these changing realities necessitates acknowledging altered power dynamics, engaging external actors, adopting flexible diplomacy, and addressing diplomatic capacity shortages.