What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: A land where ambition grows minus an outbound ticket

Context

The abrupt repatriation of Indians should serve as a wake-up call for the country's leadership—India must strive to be a nation where migration is a choice, not a compulsion.

Introduction

The recent controversy over the sudden return of Indians who tried to enter the United States illegally—only to be handcuffed, placed on a U.S. military plane, and dropped off in Amritsar—raises many important questions. Migration is not just about policies; it is a deeply human experience, shaped by memories, hopes, and dreams.

• Migration has shaped civilizations, economies, and societies worldwide.
• India leads in emigration, with millions seeking opportunity and better futures abroad.
• Indian migrants are now global leaders, with icons like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft)heading major companies.
• Indian talent drives innovation, benefiting both migrants and host nations.
• Rising political and physical barriers now put migration under unprecedented scrutiny.

 

A paradox that is painful

Aspect	Details
The American Dream & Indian Migration	For decades, young Indians have been drawn to the U.S. by economic opportunity, social mobility, and a better future.
Legal vs. Illegal Migration	While IT engineers in Silicon Valley migrate via scholarships or work visas, many Sikh cab drivers in New York take unconventional routes. Illegal migrants are not fugitives but opportunity-seekers.
Economic Impact	Indian migrants sent over $120 billion in remittances in 2023, encouraging others to follow the same path.
Factors Driving Illegal Migration	Major U.S. cities offer job opportunities, undocumented work, and hopes of future amnesty.
Scale of Undocumented Indians in the U.S.	An estimated 7,25,000 undocumented Indians—about one in four of all Indian migrants in the U.S.—live and work in secrecy.
The Paradox of India's Growth	Despite booming economic statistics, India faces high youth unemployment and limited dignified job opportunities.
State-Wise Migration Trends	Prosperous states like Gujarat and Punjab see high emigration due to unemployment, low agricultural returns, and social issues like drug abuse.
Role of Migration Agents	Unscrupulous agents exploit people’s aspirations, promising wealth abroad and charging exorbitant fees for illegal passage.
Changing Migration Patterns	Migration was once dominated by young men, but now entire middle-class families risk everything for a fresh start abroad.
Extreme Risks & Tragic Outcomes	Cases like the Gujarati family freezing to death at the U.S.-Canada border in 2022 highlight the desperation among even India’s upper-middle class.
Unanswered Questions	Why does one of the world's fastest-growing economies fail to provide sufficient opportunities? Why do millions seek dignity and stability abroad, even in unwelcoming environments?
Call for Reflection	India must confront the uncomfortable reality of why so many choose to leave despite its economic rise.

 

 

More mirage than dream

• The Illusion of the American Dream: Once seen as a golden ticket, the American Dream is increasingly a mirage for many migrants.
  1. Many find themselves trapped in a cycle of fear, uncertainty, and economic struggle.
  2. They live in constant fear of deportation and work in low-paying, exploitative jobs.
  3. Societal integration remains difficult due to racial bias and suspicion.
• Endless Struggles of Migrants: Migrants endure harsh working conditions and long hours.
  1. Families back home wait anxiously for updates, sometimes never receiving any.
  2. Many journeys end not in success but in humiliating deportation.
• Deportation and Legal Authority
  1. The U.S. has the legal right to deport those who enter unlawfully.
  2. The Biden administration deported 1,100 Indians in the last fiscal year.
  3. Since October 2020, nearly 1,70,000 Indian migrants have been detained at U.S. borders, mainly from Canada and Mexico.
• Concerns Over Deportation Practices: Deportation must be handled with dignity and respect for human rights.
  1. Recent images of shackled and handcuffed migrants being transported in military aircraft have sparked outrage.
  2. Such treatment resembles criminal extradition rather than standard immigration enforcement.
• International Reactions and Ethical Concerns: Countries like Colombia and Mexico have condemned the dehumanizing treatment of deported citizens.
  1. Deportation should be an administrative process, not a punitive spectacle.
  2. Public humiliation of migrants serves no purpose except to erode dignity and distort perceptions.

 

Issues to ponder over

• We need to ask: Should a democracy treat people this way?
• Does enforcing borders justify going against the values the country claims to uphold?
• Diplomacy is more than just policy; it's a reflection of a nation's character.
• India does not support illegal immigration, but we cannot ignore the mistreatment of our citizens.
• A nation's power isn't just about its economy or global influence, but the respect it earns internationally.
• True global engagement is about setting high standards — wherever an Indian goes, India should stand by them.
• Another issue: We celebrate young, ambitious Indians, but many choose to pursue their dreams abroad.
• India should not be a place migrants are forced to return to but a place they want to come back to.
• Returnees aren't just deportees; they are skilled, ambitious people whose goals can help drive India's growth.
• Opportunities must be available to everyone, not just the privileged few.
• We need inclusive growth, more investment in infrastructure, education, and entrepreneurship.
• India should not only offer jobs but also careers that inspire people to stay, build, and invest in their future.

 

Conclusion

As the world builds barriers, India must create pathways to opportunity, prosperity, and a future where migration is a choice, not a necessity. For India to truly rise, it must become a nation where people choose to stay, not one they feel compelled to leave. Rather than being just the world’s largest exporter of talent, India should become a hub that attracts it—a place where ambition thrives without the need for an outbound ticket, where success is nurtured at home, and where prosperity is a reality, not a distant dream. India must once again be a land of hope, not because the world is shutting its doors, but because its people no longer feel the need to look elsewhere.

Editorial 2: New Delhi’s perilous recalibration with the Taliban

Context

India risks getting its fingers burnt by engaging with the Taliban.

 

Introduction

India is deepening its engagement with the Taliban, with reports suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may permit the regime in Afghanistan to appoint a new envoy for its embassy in New Delhi. This development follows the first high-level meeting between India and the Taliban in January, where India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, met with the Taliban's acting 'Foreign Minister,' Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai to discuss enhancing political and economic relations, along with providing humanitarian assistance.

 

India’s Evolving Relationship with the Taliban

• Longstanding Engagement: India’s diplomatic ties with the Taliban have been strengthening over time.
• Potential Diplomatic Shift: Accepting a Taliban-appointed diplomat in India would mark a major policy shift.
• Global Concerns Over Taliban’s Governance: The Taliban's oppressive policies, particularly against women, have led to global condemnation.
• Human rights violations include:
  1. 1.4 million school-age girls barred from education.
  2. Women prohibited from most jobs.
  3. Recent bans on women entering beauty parlors and national parks, further erasing their public presence.
  4. UN experts have labeled the situation as "gender apartheid."
• India’s Strategic Interests: Despite global opposition, New Delhi sees an opportunity to expand its influence in Afghanistan.

 

China’s quick moves

• China has taken the lead, becoming the first nation to accept a Taliban envoy and invest in Afghan infrastructure.
• Beijing may integrate the Taliban into its Belt and Road Initiative, expanding its regional influence.
• India has an opportunity to outmaneuver Pakistan, whose ties with the Taliban have weakened.
• Pakistan, once a dominant ally, now holds little sway in Kabul.

 

A wave of terror: Risks of Engaging with the Taliban

Risk Factor	Key Details
Terrorism Hotbed	Afghanistan under the Taliban has become a breeding ground for terrorism.
Islamic State (IS) Threat	IS conducts deadly attacks, targeting the Taliban and its allies.
Major Attacks	– Dec 2023: Taliban ‘Minister’ Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani assassinated.    – 2023: IS threatened to bomb the Chinese embassy in Kabul.    – 2022: Attack on Kabul hotel popular with Chinese nationals (3 dead, 18 injured).
Russia Targeted	– March 2024: IS attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall (140+ dead, 500+ injured).    – March 2024: Shootout in Moscow subway with IS suspect.
Pakistan Conflict	– Taliban accused of aiding Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).    – Late 2023: Pakistan launched airstrikes on terror camps in Afghanistan.    – Feb 2024: TTP claimed 147 attacks on Pakistani soil (180 soldiers killed).    – Recent attack: Suicide bombing at Pakistani army compound (9 dead, 25 injured).
India in the Crosshairs	– Dec 2023: IS attacked Indian consulate in Jalalabad (1 dead, 2 injured).    – UN Report: IS seeks to recruit ‘lone actors’ for large-scale attacks in India.
Growing Security Concerns	India is now a prime target for IS, increasing the risk of attacks at home.

 

Need for caution

• India’s Stand on Terrorism: New Delhi has consistently advocated for an Afghanistan free from terrorism.
• Precondition for Engagement: India should demand concrete action against terror groups before deepening ties with the Taliban.
• Regional Cooperation: The Taliban must collaborate with regional partners to eliminate Islamic State (IS)threats.
• Tackling Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP): The Taliban should renounce its support for TTP and take steps to curb its influence.
• Longstanding Instability: Afghanistan has faced political turmoil and terrorism for decades, making it a high-risk investment.
• Unresolved Security Concerns: The Taliban’s inability or unwillingness to address these challenges keeps Afghanistan just as volatile today.

 

Conclusion

India should learn from the experiences of its rivals, China and Pakistan, both of whom have faced setbacks after engaging with the Taliban and investing in Afghanistan. Given its own painful history with terrorism, New Delhi may conclude that the risks outweigh the potential benefits.