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

Editorial 1 : The Opportunity for China and India

Context: US-China Trade Conflict

Introduction: The US’s ‘Liberation Day’ marked the start of a trade and tariff war, causing global economic disruptions. China rejects US tariff policies as bullying, framing its resistance as a defence of multilateralism and developing nations’ rights.

Critique of US Tariff Policies

• Violation of International Norms
  • WTO Rules: The US’s reciprocity and fairness rhetoric violates WTO principles, undermining the multilateral trading system.
  • Unilateralism & Protectionism: Labelled as economic bullying aimed at suppressing developing nations’ growth and trapping them in low-value industries.
• Lessons from History
  • Bretton Woods Collapse (1971): Demonstrated risks of US-centric financial dominance.
  • Plaza Accord (1985): Highlighted how US policies can destabilize global economies.
  • Great Depression Parallels: Unchecked US actions risk global economic regression.
• Risks of Appeasement: Countries making unilateral concessions risk emboldening US demands.

Shift in Global Economic Power

• Declining US Dominance
  • GDP Share: US’s share of the global GDP, once peaking at roughly 50%, has since dwindled to about 26%.
  • Trade Share: US’s foreign trade accounts for 13% of global trade volume, while the remaining 87% is conducted among over 190 other countries.
• Rise of Regional Alliances
  • Key Agreements Without US Involvement
    • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
    • Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA)
    • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
  • De-Americanisation: The Financial Times has pointed out that if the US positions itself against the vast majority of countries that uphold free trade and support the multilateral trading system, the ultimate outcome will not be economic deglobalisation, but rather, de-Americanisation of the world.

BRICS vs. G7

• Economic Contributions: BRICS’ contribution to global economic growth exceeds 50%, nearly double that of the G7.
  • In terms of purchasing power parity, the total economic output of BRICS has already surpassed that of the G7.
• Demography and Trade: BRICS states account for nearly half of the global population and 20% of the world trade.

China-India Synergy

• Shared Developmental Goals
  • China: High-quality growth.
  • India: Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
• Economic Potential
  • Market Synergy: A combined population of more than 2.6 billion could create a 1+1=11 multiplier effect.
  • Global Growth Contribution: IMF projects 36% of global growth from China-India, exceeding G7.
• Collaboration Opportunities: China is inviting Indian exports, emphasizing fair competition.

Conclusion and Way Forward: There is a global need to uphold multilateralism and WTO-centric rules, resist US unilateralism to prevent economic destabilization and strengthen Global South solidarity for equitable development. Trade wars have no winners, dialogue must replace coercion.

 

Editorial 2 : The Pahalgam Moment

Context: Terror attack in Pahalgam

Introduction: Pakistan-sponsored and assisted terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have a repetitive course. Recurring large-scale attacks in Jammu & Kashmir and India trigger national outrage (e.g. Parliament attack 2001, Mumbai 26/11 2008, Uri 2016, Pulwama 2019, Pahalgam).

Evolution of India’s Response Strategies

• Pre-2014 Measures
  • Military Mobilization: Operation Parakram (2001–2002) post-Parliament attack.
  • Diplomatic Pressure: Downgraded ties with Pakistan and sought international censure (e.g. UNSC, FATF).
  • Dialogue Efforts: Vajpayee-Musharraf agreement (2004) led to temporary peace.
• Post-2014 Approach: Hybrid Strategy
  • Military: Aggressive counter-terror ops, cross-LoC strikes (e.g. surgical strikes post-Uri, Balakot airstrike post-Pulwama).
  • Diplomatic: Global isolation of Pakistan via UNSC, FATF, and bilateral partnerships.
  • Economic: Review of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and threats to suspend water-sharing agreements.
  • Unpredictability: Shift from anticipated responses to asymmetric retaliation.

Global Context and Shifting Dynamics

• International Perception
  • Pre-2000: Reluctance to acknowledge Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism.
  • Post-9/11: U.S. prioritized Afghan war, shielding Pakistan from harsher measures.
  • Post-2021: U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan reduced Pakistan’s strategic value. Gulf nations have become less tolerant of terror links.
• India’s Rising Stature
  • Stronger global support post-Pahalgam (e.g. U.S. F-16 scrutiny, FATF grey-listing).
  • China remains Pakistan’s primary ally but faces global scrutiny.

Current Strategic Posture Post-Pahalgam

• Immediate Measures
  • Diplomatic
    • Downgrade bilateral ties; global outreach to cut military aid to Pakistan (e.g. F-16 upgrades).
    • Push for UNSC sanctions, extraditions, and terror infrastructure dismantling.
  • Economic
    • Suspend Indus Water Treaty and review multilateral funding to Pakistan.
    • Freeze projects in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Military & Security
    • Counter-Terror Ops: Targeted operations in J&K with minimal civilian harm.
    • Retaliation Strategy
      • Surprise elements, intelligence collaboration, non-conventional measures.
      • Focus on perpetrators and networks, not just tactical gains.

Potential Escalation Risks

• Pakistan’s Likely Moves
  • Limited Conventional War: Aim to trigger international mediation and re-hyphenate India-Pakistan.
  • Nuclear Threats: Use of tactical nukes unlikely due to global monitoring and India’s deterrence.
  • Internal Politics: Pakistani military may exploit crisis to bolster its image as security guarantor.
• India’s Red Lines
  • No tolerance for status quo changes in J&K.
  • Retaliatory measures to avoid repetition and ensure surprise.

Long-Term Considerations

• Regional Stability
  • South Asia’s future linked to resolving Kashmir without communal polarization.
  • Need for global pressure to weaken Pakistani military’s grip and empower democratic forces.
• Internal Reforms in J&K
  • Enhanced security presence and tech upgrades.
  • Address bureaucratic inertia in defence modernization.

Way Forward

• Balanced Approach Required
  • Combine military readiness, diplomatic vigour, and socio-economic progress in J&K.
  • Avoid letting Pakistan’s military agenda dictate regional stability.
• Global Collaboration
  • Sustain international pressure on Pakistan while pursuing multilateral partnerships.
  • Focus on long-term solutions for South Asia’s shared prosperity.

Conclusion: India’s strategy must evolve beyond reactive measures to a sustained, multi-domain effort that addresses both immediate security threats and underlying geopolitical challenges.