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

 

Editorial 1: ​A piece of board

Context

India must resist the temptation to align itself with Trump’s peace board.

Introduction

India’s decision to skip the announcement of the Board of Peace (BoP) at Davos reflects a cautious and calibrated approach to a complex geopolitical proposal. While the initiative promises ceasefire oversight, humanitarian relief, and a pathway to a two-state solution, concerns over its mandate, representation, and potential erosion of multilateral norms have prompted New Delhi to pause. The moment calls for balancing principle, pragmatism, and strategic autonomy in a volatile regional context.

Background

India skipped the announcement of the US President Donald Trump–led Board of Peace (BoP) charter at Davoson Thursday

The government is still deliberating on an invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the Board

The Board of Peace is part of the Trump administration’s Phase 2 Gaza Peace Proposal

Purpose of the Board of Peace

Oversee security arrangements in Gaza

Coordinate humanitarian assistance

Supervise reconstruction efforts

Facilitate talks toward a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict

International Endorsement and Impact

The proposal was cleared by the UN Security Council, with Russia and China abstaining

Approval followed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and the return of all living Israeli hostages

The plan has been welcomed for halting Israel’s bombing and ground operations

Over 70,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, were killed following Hamas-led terror attacks in October 2023

Why India Is Being Urged to Consider Joining

Around 20 countries have already joined the BoP

India has been a principled supporter of the Palestinian cause

India has consistently provided humanitarian assistance, including through UNRWA

Membership could allow India to directly assist Gaza’s population and aid reconstruction

Participation by UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Türkiye increases diplomatic pressure on India

Strained US–India relations and fragile trade negotiations make outright rejection risky

Concerns exist about provoking President Trump’s displeasure, as experienced by Emmanuel Macron

Why India Should Not Rush the Decision

India should not act out of fear of exclusion or fear of US retaliation

Leaked versions of the BoP charter suggest the mandate has been altered unilaterally

The latest charter reportedly does not explicitly mention Gaza

Donald Trump has appointed himself Chairman, with family and close associates on the Executive Board

The charter proposes expanding the BoP to other global conflicts, risking undermining the UN’s role

Concerns About Representation and Legitimacy

Palestinian participation is limited to technical experts, excluding Palestinian political leadership

This undermines countries like India that officially recognise Palestine

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, accused of genocide by UN agencies, is included

The Palestinian President is excluded, raising questions of fairness and justice

Red Flags Specific to India

Pakistan’s decision to join the BoP is a major concern

There is a risk the BoP could take up the Kashmir issue under its peace mandate

The BoP’s two-tier membership structure, offering permanent seats for a $1 billion fee, is troubling

Membership could pressure India to contribute troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a non-UN initiative

Risks of Participation

Lack of clarity in decision-making processes

Member states may become rubber stamps for arbitrary and unilateral directives

Potential endorsement of illegitimate outcomes affecting Palestinian self-determination

Recommended Approach for India

Continue consultations with international partners

Prioritise dialogue with Palestinian representatives themselves

Maintain strategic autonomy and independent judgment

Make a decision guided not only by pragmatism, but by India’s conscience and principles

Conclusion

India must resist pressure to act out of haste or fear, and instead ground its choice in legitimacy, fairness, and international law. With unanswered questions about the BoP’s structure, decision-making, and exclusion of Palestinian leadership, joining prematurely risks compromising India’s long-held positions. A decision guided by consultation, independent judgment, and moral conscience will best serve India’s global standing and commitment to a just peace.

 

Editorial 2: ​BRICS India summit needs a green and resilient agenda

Context

It is a critical necessity for the Global South, especially within an expanded BRICS framework.

Introduction

The next BRICS Summit will be hosted by India this year. Following its successful G20 presidency in 2023, India has the required infrastructure and institutional capacity in place. The key task now is to clearly define the Summit’s focus, ensuring it reflects India’s priorities, the BRICS agenda, and the urgent concerns of the Global South. Given the region’s growing climate vulnerabilities, resilience should be central, reinforcing India’s global leadership on an inclusive green agenda.

BRICS as a Balancing and Stabilising Force in a Polarised World

Need for a stabilising force

In a highly polarised global environment, collaborative multilateralism is under severe strain

Climate change cooperation has weakened, with the U.S. questioning its credibility and promoting fossil fuel expansion

The U.S. decision to withdraw from multiple international organisations, including climate-focused platforms, has deepened the vacuum

European nations, once climate leaders, now face domestic fatigue and security pressures, creating space for a new stabiliser

BRICS can step in to support collective action on sustainability and resilience

Diplomatic tightrope for India

BRICS is viewed with suspicion in Washington as anti-American and a challenge to the dollar-centric order

Given the breadth of India–U.S. relations, careful diplomacy is essential

Priorities include a viable trade deal, avoiding punitive tariffs, and managing sensitivities over Russian oil imports

India’s ability to balance interests was evident at the G20 Delhi Summit, showcasing multi-alignment, strategic autonomy, and leadership of the Global South

Climate Change as a Shared Priority

Broader developing-country coordination

The BASIC grouping (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) has been effective and remains relevant

An expanded BRICS platform brings greater weight by uniting major developing economies

This was evident in Belém, where development needs were protected while addressing fossil fuel transitions

Common climate vulnerabilities

Climate impacts affect all BRICS members, though in different forms and intensities

Risks span infrastructure, health, livelihoods, and ecosystems

Shared challenges include permafrost thaw, stress on the Amazon and Himalayas, and growing coastal and riverine vulnerabilities

Collective action on adaptation, resilience, equity, and sustainable development is in BRICS’ own interest

Leadership in global climate governance

Several BRICS countries have helped steer the climate process after the Paris Agreement

Recent climate conferences led by Brazil, Egypt, and the UAE sustained momentum post-COVID

BRICS can also respond to unilateral measures that dilute UNFCCC principles, such as carbon border mechanisms

Belém opened space for a broader climate–trade debate

Climate finance as a central outcome

The BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance (Rio, July 2025) marked a key milestone

India has been particularly vocal in articulating the Global South’s finance demands

Engaging global financial institutions

Climate action hinges on adequate and accessible finance

There is a strong case for engaging World Bank and IMF leadership at BRICS Summits

Climate finance efforts cannot succeed without these institutions, especially amid reduced U.S. climate commitment and private capital pullback from ESG and green finance

Growing global weight of BRICS

The expanded BRICS now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE

Together, they represent about half of the world’s population, around 40% of global GDP, and roughly 26% of global trade

This scale gives BRICS significant voice, leverage, and responsibility in shaping the global climate agenda

A Chance for India to Drive Change

Leadership opportunity

As BRICS chair this year, India is uniquely placed to steer collective global action

The focus can be on resilience and an inclusive green agenda that unites much of the developing world

This aligns with India’s national interests and is a critical imperative for the Global South

Geopolitical balancing

A proactive BRICS agenda allows India to balance China’s ambitions for global leadership on climate issues

It strengthens India’s role as a credible and independent voice on sustainability

Global resonance

An India-led emphasis on resilience at the BRICS Summit 2026 would find strong resonance across members

It would also align with Ethiopia’s priorities as the host of COP32 in 2027, reinforcing continuity in the global climate process

Conclusion

The BRICS Summit in India presents a timely opportunity to reposition the grouping as a stabilising force in a fragmented world. By prioritising climate resilience, equity, and sustainable development, India can align BRICS’ growing economic weight with the urgent needs of the Global South. A carefully balanced, inclusive green agenda would not only strengthen global climate governance but also reinforce India’s leadership, strategic autonomy, and credibility as a bridge between development imperatives and climate responsibility.