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

 

Editorial 1: ​On mute

Context

India’s interests can be protected only through a firm assertion of its strategic autonomy.

Introduction

India today stands at a critical crossroads in a rapidly shifting global order. Great-power rivalry, economic coercion, and unilateral actions by dominant states are reshaping international politics. In this environment, India’s cautious responses to external pressures raise important questions about its foreign policy choices. As a rising power with global ambitions, India must balance partnerships with the need to protect its national interests, economic stability, and long-term strategic credibility on the world stage.

Global Geopolitical Turmoil Continues

The new year has seen no easing of geopolitical tensions sparked by the Trump administration.

The U.S. began with an unlawful intervention in Venezuela, followed by threats of regime change in other South American countries.

It has also openly spoken of annexing Greenland, further unsettling the global order.

Escalating U.S. Economic Coercion

The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to impose tariffs up to 500% on countries importing Russian oil or uranium.

Against Iran, Washington has intensified its stance by citing crackdowns on protesters, imposing new sanctions, and issuing threats of military action.

President Trump has announced an additional 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran.

The U.S. is also pressuring India to withdraw from the Chabahar port project, despite India’s significant financial investments there.

Muted Response from New Delhi

In response to these aggressive unilateral actions, India’s reactions have been restrained, and at times weak.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed only “deep concern” over Venezuela, without condemning the kidnapping of the Venezuelan President and his wife or the breach of international law.

No official statements were issued regarding threats to Cuba or Colombia, likely because they are not seen as immediate strategic concerns for India.

Silence on Iran Despite Close Ties

India’s response to developments in Iran, a neighbouring country with deep historical ties, has been particularly confusing.

The government has avoided commenting on street protests or U.S. threats of strikes and tariffs.

Instead, the MEA has limited itself to issuing travel advisories for Iran and Israel and preparing evacuation plansfor Indian students.

Officials have also indicated that India will further reduce trade with Iran, already at very low levels.

Reasons Behind India’s Caution

The reluctance to directly criticise the U.S. appears driven by hopes of reviving bilateral relations after a tense year.

With the India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement still unresolved, there is optimism about progress, fuelled by assurances from the U.S. Ambassador to India.

Prospects include renewed trade talks and India’s inclusion in the U.S. high-technology partnership ‘Pax Silica’.

Policymakers may believe that speaking out now could risk another dip in relations, with little immediate gain.

Costs of Strategic Silence

Each new U.S. threat is already hurting ordinary Indians and placing strain on the Indian economy.

India risks economic losses, damage to its global reputation, and strain on other international partnerships, especially as it prepares to host the BRICS+ Summit.

Lesson from the Past

The government’s experience in 2019, when India halted imports of Iranian and Venezuelan oil under U.S. pressure, offers a clear warning.

Appeasement of a global power does not safeguard India’s interests.

Only a firm assertion of strategic autonomy can effectively protect India’s economic, political, and diplomatic priorities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, India’s experience shows that silence and accommodation do not guarantee security or prosperity. Yielding to external pressure has often resulted in economic losses, diplomatic constraints, and erosion of policy independence. To safeguard its interests and uphold its global standing, India must act with confidence and clarity. A consistent assertion of strategic autonomy – rather than dependence or appeasement—is essential for preserving India’s sovereignty, strengthening partnerships, and shaping a balanced, multipolar world order.

 

Editorial 2: ​​​Budget 2026-27 must keep the growth momentum

Context

It must focus on boosting domestic growth, ensuring policy certainty, and removing structural bottlenecks.

Introduction

Despite global headwinds in 2025, India defied concerns that U.S. tariffs would derail growth. The economy’s resilience reflected sustained reform-oriented policies, with the Prime Minister describing reforms as a continuous national mission. The Union Budget 2026–27 can reinforce this momentum by strengthening domestic growth drivers through higher productive capital expenditure and social spending, while adhering to fiscal consolidation and containing debt risks.

Strengthening Defence and Strategic Capabilities

Sustain focus on defence capex by raising the capital outlay share to 30% from 26.4% in 2025–26.

Increase DRDO funding by at least ₹10,000 crore to accelerate indigenisation and innovation.

Build on the success of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu by establishing a new corridor in eastern India.

Boost defence exports, where private firms contribute ~65%, by creating a Defence Export Promotion Councilto improve coordination and help reach ₹50,000 crore by 2028–29.

Driving Growth through Exports, Technology, and Clean Energy

Leverage the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a tailings recovery programme and dedicated financing to secure critical minerals.

Provide a stronger export policy push by significantly increasing allocations for RoDTEP to enhance competitiveness.

Strengthen India’s role as a Global Capability Centre hub with clear transfer pricing guidance across categories.

Accelerate drone adoption and exports by scaling support—raise PLI outlay to ₹1,000 crore and create a ₹1,000 crore drone R&D fund.

Deepening Finance and Credit Markets

Broaden corporate bond markets to reduce over-reliance on banks by lowering qualifying borrowing thresholds and expanding the issuer base to include listed and unlisted firms.

Encourage large corporates to diversify funding through market borrowings.

Raise insurance investment caps beyond 25% and relax the Approved Investment rating norm from AA to AA-.

Allow provident funds to invest in non-convertible debentures of InvITs and REITs, channeling long-term capital into infrastructure.

Resolving Tax, Trade, and Customs Bottlenecks

Reduce tax dispute pendency at the CIT(A) level by prioritising high-pitched cases, older appeals, and matters settled by higher courts.

Introduce a dual-track system—fast-track for simple cases and detailed scrutiny for complex ones—and fill 40% vacancies.

Ease AEO certification norms for newly incorporated firms under AEO-accredited groups to boost trade efficiency.

Continue customs tariff reforms by simplifying slabs, correcting inverted duty structures, and aligning duties across value chains to support domestic manufacturing.

Conclusion

Budget 2026–27 should aim to sustain India’s growth momentum by deepening competitiveness across sectors and reinforcing the domestic drivers of expansion. By balancing fiscal prudence with measures that unlock industry-wide growth potential, provide policy certainty, and address structural bottlenecks, the Budget can effectively crowd in private investment and strengthen India’s global competitiveness.