Multilateral

Quad as an Indo-Pacific NATO – UPSC GS2

Context: China accused the United States of trying to build an “Indo-Pacific NATO” using the Quad and its allies. What is China’s Concern? China equated the U.S, Australia, India, Japan Quad grouping with the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance involving Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S. and U.K. and the AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.) defence pact because of: US is strengthening …

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Quad : 4th Ministerial meeting – UPSC GS2

Fourth Quad Ministerial meeting: Australia hosted India, Japan and the United States for the fourth Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne. Quad reiterated condemnation of terrorist attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Quad resolved to speed up the delivery of more than a billion COVID-19 vaccines to be manufactured in India. …

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WTO : Joint Statement Initiative – UPSC GS2

What is the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI)? Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) can be broadly defined as a plurilateral negotiating tool initiated by a group of WTO Members who start negotiations on certain issues without adhering to the rule of consensus decision-making. These negotiations are primarily driven by like-minded developed country Members, although there is also some participation …

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Central Asia : Challenges for India – UPSC GS2

Context: India’s participation in initiatives such as inauguration of India-Central Asia Summit, the India-Central Asia Dialogue, and the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan indicate India’s renewed enthusiasm in the Central Asian region. Significant Aspects of India’s Engagement in Central Asia: Great power dynamics: The decline of American presence and power in the broader region has …

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India-Central Asia Summit – UPSC GS2

India-Central Asia Summit: The Prime Minister has hosted the India-Central Asia Summit in virtual format. It is the first of its kind engagement between India and the Central Asian countries at the level of leaders. The summit was attended by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Objectives of the Summit: To make it clear that …

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Indo-Pacific: Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement – UPSC GS2

Context: Australia and Japan signed a defence treaty called the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Significance of  Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA): It marks the move away from a US-centric outlook towards a greater focus on bilateral ties and regional groupings. It is also a sign that Japan is willing to play a more proactive role in the region. Tokyo is trying to seek …

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USA’s counter to China in ASEAN – UPSC GS2

Context: Both China and the U.S. are trying to attract ASEAN countries to their side. The US wants to overcome the Chinese domination in the ASEAN by pitching the issue of ASEAN Centrality and by countering China’s aggressive rise. Concerns of ASEAN nations about China’s aggressive actions, such as: Claiming open seas as their own, Distorting …

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RCEP and India – UPSC GS2

Regional comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) which was signed in 2020 , came into force on 01/01/2022. India was part of the RCEP process but eventually pulled out of joining. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) The 15-nation RCEP is the world’s largest trade deal. It includes China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand and 10 members of the Association of …

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