What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : India is Better Prepared to Engage with America First

Introduction:

The “America First” policy, introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasized prioritizing U.S. interests in trade, defense, and global partnerships. While this policy initially posed challenges for many countries, India strategically adapted its approach to engage with the U.S., leveraging its economic potential, strategic location, and shared democratic values. Over time, India has strengthened its bilateral relations with the U.S. in areas like defense, trade, technology, and strategic partnerships, making it better prepared to engage with America First policies.

Key Points:

1. Strengthening Defense and Strategic Ties:
   1. India-U.S. Defense Cooperation has grown significantly under America First, with increased defense trade and joint military exercises like Yudh Abhyas and Malabar Exercise.
   2. India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) by the U.S. has facilitated defense technology transfer and improved military collaboration.
2. Economic and Trade Partnerships:
   1. India adapted to America First by enhancing bilateral trade, reducing tariffs on key goods, and encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI).
   2. The U.S. became India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $191 billion in 2023.
   3. India offered favorable conditions for U.S. businesses, especially in the pharmaceutical, technology, and energy sectors.
3. Technology and Digital Collaboration:
   1. India capitalized on technology cooperation, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy, and semiconductor manufacturing.
   2. Initiatives like the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) have deepened collaboration in cutting-edge technologies.
   3. Enhanced cooperation in the Quad alliance (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) has strengthened Indo-Pacific security and digital infrastructure.
4. Energy Cooperation:
   1. India has significantly expanded energy imports from the U.S., particularly in crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
   2. Cooperation in renewable energy, nuclear energy, and clean technology has further strengthened bilateral ties.
   3. This shift reduced India’s dependence on traditional energy suppliers and diversified its energy sources.
5. Navigating Trade Disputes and Tariffs:
   1. Despite America First’s protectionist policies, India managed to minimize trade conflicts by negotiating tariff adjustments and expanding trade in high-priority sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
   2. India’s ability to balance trade deficits and maintain strong market access has demonstrated its preparedness in engaging with U.S. trade priorities.
6. Geopolitical Realignment:
   1. India strategically aligned itself with U.S. geopolitical interests, especially in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
   2. Participation in initiatives like Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and G20 summits reaffirmed India’s global significance.
   3. India’s proactive diplomacy helped bridge gaps and build a stronger relationship despite America First’s isolationist tendencies.

Conclusion:

India has effectively navigated the challenges posed by America First by strategically enhancing defense, trade, technology, and energy cooperation with the U.S. India’s growing economic and strategic significance, coupled with its ability to adapt to shifting U.S. policies, has made it better prepared to engage with America First. Moving forward, fostering mutual interests in global trade, technology innovation, and security cooperation will further strengthen India-U.S. bilateral relations, ensuring long-term global stability and growth.

 Editorial 2 : Express View: India is Better Prepared to Engage with America First

Introduction:

The “America First” policy, introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency, emphasized prioritizing U.S. interests in trade, economy, and global engagements. This policy initially posed challenges for many countries, including India, as it aimed at protecting American jobs, reducing trade deficits, and limiting foreign influence. However, India adapted swiftly to this policy by strengthening its economic, defense, and strategic ties with the U.S. Over time, India has positioned itself as a key partner, making it better prepared to engage with the evolving dimensions of America First.

Why India is Better Prepared:

1. Enhanced Strategic and Defense Ties:
   1. India-U.S. defense partnership has significantly strengthened through initiatives like Major Defense Partner (MDP) status and foundational defense agreements (COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA).
   2. Increased joint military exercises and defense technology transfer underlined India’s growing importance in U.S. strategic calculations.
2. Expanding Trade Relations:
   1. Despite protectionist policies, India managed to increase bilateral trade with the U.S., reaching over $191 billion in 2023.
   2. India made policy adjustments on import tariffs in sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology to facilitate smoother trade relations.
   3. Strategic collaborations in semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, and technology innovation have further strengthened economic ties.
3. Energy Security and Cooperation:
   1. India strategically diversified its energy imports, with the U.S. becoming a key supplier of crude oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
   2. Both nations have collaborated in renewable energy, nuclear energy, and green technology, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
4. Technology and Digital Collaboration:
   1. The U.S. recognizes India’s growing tech ecosystem, promoting partnerships in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductor production, and digital transformation.
   2. Programs like India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) ensure that India remains a key technology partner for the U.S.
   3. India’s dynamic startup ecosystem has further facilitated collaboration in digital economy and innovation.
5. Geopolitical Realignment:
   1. India’s strategic importance has grown due to changing global dynamics, especially in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
   2. Active participation in the QUAD alliance (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) has positioned India as a strategic ally in promoting regional stability.
   3. India’s consistent foreign policy approach has helped balance U.S. priorities with its own national interests.
6. Resilience in Trade Conflicts:
   1. Even though America First aimed at reducing trade deficits, India managed to maintain a stable trade relationship by adjusting import tariffs and expanding market access.
   2. Strategic trade negotiations helped India secure favorable outcomes in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services.

Conclusion:

India has effectively adapted to the America First policy by strengthening its strategic, economic, and technological engagements with the U.S. The nation’s proactive approach in defense cooperation, energy security, and digital transformation has made it better prepared to navigate U.S.-centric policies. Moving forward, India’s balanced diplomacy and economic adaptability will ensure that it continues to thrive under evolving U.S. trade and foreign policy frameworks, fostering mutual growth and stability in the region.