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

Editorial 1 : A Bridge to the Gulf

Context: PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia   

 

Introduction: Only six Indian Prime Ministers visited Saudi Arabia since 1947 reflecting under-prioritization of Saudi Arabia in India’s foreign policy until the 21st century. Things started to change in the 21^st century driven by growing focus on energy security, technology, and counterterrorism.

 

PM Modi’s Role in Accelerating Bilateral Ties

• Strategic Prioritization
  1. Increased High-Level Visits: PM Modi’s third visit signals Saudi Arabia’s elevated importance in India’s foreign policy.
  2. Expanded Agenda
     • Energy security (oil imports, renewables).
     • Defence and security cooperation (counterterrorism, maritime security).
     • Economic collaboration (investments in infrastructure, technology, and startups).
• Key Achievements Under Modi
  1. Institutional Frameworks
     • Strategic Partnership Council (2019) to oversee joint projects.
     • Joint working groups on energy, technology, and security.
  2. Economic Ties
     • Saudi investments in India’s infrastructure (e.g. $100 billion in energy and refining).
     • India’s role in Saudi Vision 2030 (e.g. IT, renewable energy).

 

Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Transformation Under Mohammed bin Salman (MbS)

1. MbS was appointed Defence Minister in 2015, Crown Prince in 2017 and Prime Minister in 2022.
2. He marks the shift from consensus-based royal family governance to centralized authority.
3. He is criticized for authoritarianism but credited with streamlining governance.
   • Economic Reforms: Vision 2030
4. Diversification from Oil
   • Mega-projects like Neom (futuristic city) and Red Sea tourism.
   • Partial privatization of Saudi Aramco ($29.4 billion IPO in 2019).
5. Foreign Investment: Incentives for global tech firms and startups.
   • Social Liberalization
6. Women’s Rights: Lifting driving bans, increased workforce participation.
7. Cultural Shifts
   • Introduction of cinemas, concerts, and entertainment hubs.
   • Promotion of moderate Islam to counter extremism.

 

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Evolution Under MbS

1. Assertive Diplomacy
   • Military intervention in Yemen (2015).
   • Blockade of Qatar (2017–2021) and later mending of ties.
   • Outreach to Iran and Turkey after initial tensions.
2. Mediation Efforts: Hosting talks on Ukraine, engaging in regional conflict resolution.
   • Global Multi-Alignment
3. Going beyond the U.S.
   • Strengthened ties with China (tech, infrastructure).
   • Joined BRICS to expand influence in a multipolar world.
4. Balancing Act: Maintaining relations with Russia while partnering with Western nations.
   • Normalization with Israel: Conditional support for two-state solution in Palestine, which has the potential to reshape Middle East geopolitics if realized.

 

Parallels Between PM Modi and MbS

• Pragmatic Leadership: Both leaders prioritize economic modernization (Make in India and Vision 2030) and have centralized decision-making styles.
• Global Aspirations: India as a Vishwaguru and Saudi Arabia as a regional diplomatic hub.

 

Implications for India-Saudi Relations

• Converging Interests:
  1. Energy security (India imports 18% of oil from Saudi Arabia).
  2. Counterterrorism and defence collaboration.
  3. Tech partnerships (AI, fintech, space).
• Challenges
  1. Balancing Saudi-Iran tensions in India’s West Asia policy.
  2. Competition with China for influence in Saudi Arabia.

 

Conclusion: The Modi-MbS era marks a strategic convergence driven by pragmatic economic and geopolitical priorities. Saudi Arabia’s domestic reforms and proactive foreign policy align with India’s multi-alignment strategy. Future collaboration will depend on sustaining momentum in energy, tech, and security while navigating regional complexities.

 

Editorial 2 : Dhaka Must Take Heed

 

Context: India-Bangladesh relations   

 

Introduction: Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 last year following her removal from power in Dhaka. Muhammad Yunus serves as Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government. Recent engagement with India includes discussions during the BIMSTEC summit, where PM Modi urged action on minority protection.

 

Minority Safety Concerns

• India’s Stance
  1. India has repeatedly flagged instability in Bangladesh and its impact on minorities, especially Hindus.
  2. India has criticised Dhaka’s dismissal of attacks as isolated incidents linked to public anger against Hasina’s regime.
• Bangladesh’s Response
  1. Interim government is accused of being in denial about systemic threats to minorities.
  2. Failure to address the culture of impunity risks escalating communal tensions and straining ties with India.

 

Foreign Policy Shifts Under Interim Government

• China Outreach: Yunus’s visit to China included provocative remarks about India’s Northeast, signalling strained ties with Delhi.
• Pakistan Rapprochement
  1. High-level diplomacy with Pakistan contrasts with Bangladesh’s historical demand for reparations and apologies for 1971 atrocities.
  2. This marks a reversal of Hasina’s policy, which prioritized accountability for 1971 war crimes.
• Strategic Implications
  1. Bangladesh’s pivot toward China and Pakistan risks undermining its long-term regional interests.
  2. India’s role as a traditional ally since the 1971 Liberation War is being tested.

 

Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations

• Economic and Defence Partnership
  1. India offers stable economic and defence collaboration, critical for Bangladesh’s growth.
  2. Dhaka’s foreign policy shifts threaten this partnership.
• Domestic Uncertainty in Bangladesh: Impending elections and political instability necessitate India’s cautious engagement.

 

Way forward: Recommendations

• For Bangladesh
  1. Acknowledge systemic threats to minorities and act urgently to ensure their safety.
  2. Recalibrate foreign policy to align with regional realities, prioritizing ties with India over rivals.
• For India
  1. Demand Accountability: Insist on minority protection while keeping dialogue open on border security, counter-terrorism cooperation and trade and connectivity.
  2. Broaden Outreach: Engage diverse political forces and institutions in Bangladesh to anticipate domestic shifts.

 

Conclusion: India must adopt a firm yet pragmatic approach to safeguard its strategic interests while advocating for stability and minority rights in Bangladesh. Failure to act risks deepening communal fractures and regional tensions.