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

Editorial 1: Common goals

Context

Prime Minister Modi’s outreach underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties within the Global South.

Introduction

On his journey to the BRICS Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strategically visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. These bilateral visits aimed at deepening ties in pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, digital cooperation, and food security, while reinforcing India’s leadership in the Global South and offering low-cost development solutions to address global inequities.

Prime Minister Modi’s Strategic Bilateral Visits En Route to BRICS Summit

• Countries Visited: Prime Minister Narendra Modimade sequential bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina on his way to Brazil for the BRICS summit.
• Purpose: The focus was on strengthening bilateral cooperationin key sectors such as:
  • Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
  • Digital technology
  • Food security
  • Critical minerals

Key Outcomes of Each Visit

• Ghana (Accra):
  • India-Ghana ties were upgraded to a comprehensive partnership.
  • India offered support to help Ghana emerge as a “vaccine hub” for West Africa.
• Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain):
  • A major MoU on Indian pharmacopeiawas signed.
  • Aim: To improve access to quality and affordable generic medicinesfrom India.
• Argentina (Buenos Aires):
  • Discussions with President Javier Mileifocused on:
    • Cooperation on critical minerals
    • India’s interest in Argentina’s shale gas and oil reserves
    • Promotion of Indian pharmaceuticalsin the Argentinian market

Commitment to the Global South

• All visited countries belong to the developing worldor Global South.
• The onward travel to Brazil and Namibiareflects India’s active efforts in building:
  • Alternative economic frameworks
  • Reducing dependency on the developed worldor Global North

India’s Global Partnerships and Low-Cost Solutions

• India is promoting cost-effective global solutionsto shared challenges.
• Offers include support for India-led multilateral initiatives like the:
  • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Diaspora Diplomacy and Cultural Connection

• In Port of Spain, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora, tracing back to 1845when Indians were brought to the Caribbean by British colonial rulers.
• He recognized leaders of Indian origin such as:
  • President Christine Carla Kangaloo
  • Former PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar
• Stressed that the 35 million-strong Indian diasporaare India’s “pride“.

Shared Historical and Political Legacy

• The visited countries share a colonial pastunder British, Spanish, Portuguese, or German rule.
• Several were part of or supported the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Common vision for:
  • Strengthening South-South cooperation
  • Advocating a more representative and just global order

India’s Multilateral Role and Aspirations

• India and Brazil were among the founders of:
  • BRICS (with Russia, China)
  • IBSA (with South Africa)
• Though not “anti-West”, these nations are:
  • Seeking alternatives to the current global governance model
  • Focused on creating systems that are more inclusive and equitable

Towards a Balanced Global Order

• The underlying theme of Modi’s 9-day tour is a shared aspirationto move beyond the existing global hierarchies.
• The emphasis is on a future world order that is:
  • More equal
  • More representative
  • More sensitive to the developmental needsof the Global South.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s outreach reflects India’s ambition to reshape the global order through inclusive partnerships, especially with the Global South. By promoting South-South cooperation, leveraging diaspora diplomacy, and supporting alternative economic frameworks, India positions itself as a champion of a more representative, equitable, and development-sensitive world, distinct from the dominance of the Global North.

 

Editorial 2: ​Pivot away

Context

The tightening of U.S. student visa policies reflects the growing dominance of right-wing forces.

Introduction

The recent policy shifts in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration, have introduced significant hurdles for Indian students. From extended visa vetting to threats of ending OPT, these changes are reshaping educational choices. As students face delays, uncertainty, and stricter scrutiny, the traditional allure of the U.S. as a preferred destination for higher education is under question.

Visa Appointments and Extended Vetting

• S. consulates have resumed fresh student visa interview appointmentsfollowing a nearly month-long freeze.
• The freeze was due to the launch of an extended vetting programmethat includes rigorous checks of applicants’ social media activity.
• Many visa applications are still pending, even as visa processing is nearing its seasonal end.
• With class sessions beginning by late August/early September, and long wait timesstill in place, several students may face delays right up to the deadline.

Barriers for Indian Students

• The extended vetting processis only one of many recent hurdles for Indian students aspiring to study in the U.S.
• Several policy proposals under the Trump administrationhave created uncertainty and deterrents:
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)programme is under threat, as the administration’s nominee to USCIS has vowed to end it.
    • OPT is critical for students seeking work experience, job opportunities, and eventually work visas or green cards.
  • Plans to issue only fixed-tenure student visasfurther reduce flexibility.
  • Funding cutsto higher education institutions have led to rescinded PhD admissions for Indian students.
  • Anecdotal evidence suggests:
    • Increased visa scrutiny, especially concerning the rankings of admitting institutions.
    • A sharp drop in visa approvalsin several cities.

Political Climate and Shifting Sentiments

• Many Indian students began applications before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, hoping to complete the process regardless of political uncertainty.
• However, the true impact on student inflowwill be visible only in the upcoming academic cycle (2026).
• The initial optimismthat tech industry leaders would moderate anti-immigration policies has faded.
  • Earlier, big businesseshelped push policies favourable to immigrant students and skilled workers, even under Republican regimes.
• The exit of Elon Muskfrom Trump’s advisory circle is part of a wider disengagement by tech leaders.
• The recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill”, which cuts funding for green energy research, reinforces the influence of far-right elementswithin the administration, notably:
  • Stephen Miller, known for his hardline anti-immigration stance.

Wider Implications for India-U.S. Relations

• The decline in U.S. appealamong Indian students could foreshadow a broader strategic rethinking of India’s engagement with the U.S.
• This shift may not be limited to education, but could extend into research, innovation, trade, and strategic partnerships.

Conclusion

The tightening of visa policies, erosion of post-study work opportunities, and ideological shifts in the U.S. point to a decline in its academic appeal. As India evaluates the changing dynamics, it may be compelled to diversify educational partnerships and pivot strategically. The future of India-U.S. educational ties now hinges on the outcome of evolving immigration and policy decisions.