In Asia today, the economy is global, politics are local, and security is local, regional and transnational. Emerging regional security threats in Asia: Intensified Sino-American tensions. Standoff on the India-China border. The tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. The uncertain trajectory of Iran’s nuclear programme. The Taliban’s rapid return to power in Afghanistan. Offensive arms acquisitions: Asia now has a …
Context: Nord Stream project is being opposed by Ukraine, US and most of European countries (except Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands). Why the Nord Stream 2 project is important for Germany? It provides energy security for Germany. According to data from 2015, Germany has only around 10% of its natural gas resources from its …
Nord Stream Pipeline : A Geopolitical weapon – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Events: 3rd India- Central Asia dialogue held. Regional Security Dialogue with Central Asian Republic (CAR) counterparts was also held recently to discuss Afghanistan. Why does the Central Asian Republics are important for India? CAR has massive natural resources like gas, uranium, etc. This can fuel India’s next phase of industrialization. Also, linking Iran’s Chabahar port …
Context: India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States have decided to launch a new quadrilateral economic forum. The technology dimension of this partnership promises a far greater potential for collaboration. How the Quad countries are collaborating with each other on Technology? Israel and UAE’s start-up sectors sign a deal to collaborate on fintech …
Quadrilateral Economic Forum : Opportunity for Technology Collaboration – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Summary: India’s Indo-Pacific strategy has got a concrete political and institutional shape with the setting up of QUAD. India must develop a similar strategy for Eurasia as well. The Eurasian Strategy will complement the Indo-Pacific Strategy as the latter influences maritime geopolitics while the former will be in the Continental domain. What is the concept …
Summary: Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS) security agreement is not a new development. Its root lies in the historical background of these countries. China can exploit divided ASEAN countries against AUKUS. What makes AUKUS alliance a traditional and natural alliance? The U.S. and the U.K. are in a special defence partnership for decades. The U.S. …
Context of AUKUS and its implications – UPSC GS2 Read More »
AUKUS Security Group: It is a new Security group announced by US before Quad summit. It is a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. (AUKUS). As part of this, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from the U.K. and the US within 18 months. What are the key features of AUKUS Security Alliance? Australia …
Summary: To counter China’s influence, Quad announced their collaboration in the technology sector. Background: Under recently held Quad summit, a separate statement on “Quad Principles on Technology, Design, Development, Governance and Use” has been issued which is independent of the main statement. This signifies the focus of Quad countries on technology. What were the commitments made …
Quad : Principles on Technology, Design, Development, Governance and Use – UPSC GS2 Read More »
Summary: Southeast Asia is emerging as the new geopolitical hotspot with the intensifying rivalry of China and the USA. India has to navigate tactfully to secure its interest in the region. Initiatives adopted by various countries in the ASEAN region: USA: Announced $100 million initiative to boost investments in healthcare, climate change and economic recovery. …
Summary: India needs a comprehensive effort to promote a better India-ASEAN relations. Background: Indian PM in the recent ASEAN Summit extended his support for the centrality of ASEAN and also to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. What are the challenges in India ASEAN relations? Caught between the rivalry of China and the USA in the …
Need to reboot India’s ASEAN Strategy? – UPSC GS2 Read More »