Contents :
- The BRICS Summit boosts to India-Iran ties
- Sharing resources
The BRICS Summit Boosts to India-Iran Ties
Context :
- The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan provided a platform for India-Iran talks, marking a significant step in re-energising their ties.
- Given Iran’s current involvement in the Gaza conflict, Iran seeks India’s support for de-escalation.
Relevance: GS 2 ( International Relations )
Practice Question: Discuss the major challenges facing India-Iran relations. What key measures can both countries take to enhance their bilateral relations? (250 words )
Significance of Iran for India
- Energy Security: Iran possesses vast oil and gas reserves, crucial for India’s energy needs. Before U.S. sanctions in 2019, Iran supplied 12% of India’s crude oil.
- Geopolitical Location: The Chabahar port offers India strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan and potentially securing supply lines even during regional crises.
Strengthening Chabahar Port Cooperation :
- India and Iran’s recent 10–year operational agreement on Chabahar port reinforces India’s strategic footprint in the region.
- The development of the Chabahar-Zahedan rail line and potential extensions to Afghanistan can enhance India’s regional influence and provide humanitarian aid routes to Afghanistan.
Energy Infrastructure Potential :
- Resuming oil and gas imports from Iran would support India’s energy diversification.
- The proposed Iran-Oman-India gas pipeline, under discussion since 1993, could be revitalised, which would diversify energy import routes.
Defence and Counterterrorism Cooperation :
- Renewed cooperation, especially in drone technology, could benefit India, given Iran’s recent advances in drones and missile technology.
- Joint counterterrorism initiatives and intelligence sharing could address mutual security concerns, particularly with the Taliban and groups operating from Pakistan.
India’s Diplomacy :
- The country’s handling of Ukraine war dynamics, maintaining relations with Russia while engaging with the West, demonstrates a balanced approach.
- India’s balanced diplomatic approach to handling relations with both Iran and Israel showcases its capacity for strategic autonomy.
Challenges :
- Diplomatic sensitivities, such as Iran’s Supreme Leader’s recent statement referencing the situation of Indian Muslims in relation to Gaza, pose challenges to bilateral relations.
- Both nations must manage such rhetoric carefully to avoid derailing progress, as India’s engagement with Iran is integral to its West Asia policy and larger strategic vision.
Way Forward
- The BRICS summit appears to have provided the momentum needed to realise potential synergies in energy and defence, aligning with India’s broader foreign policy goals.
- India is focused on enhancing West Asian relations, viewing Iran as a strategic partner.
Sharing Resources
Context :
- The Palk Bay dispute has been a long-standing issue between Tamil Nadu fishermen and their Sri Lankan counterparts, primarily over fishing rights and practices.
- Issues stem from illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of destructive bottom trawling, which adversely affects the marine ecosystem.
Relevance: GS 2 ( International Relations )
Practice Question: What is the main issue causing the dispute between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in Palk Bay? (150 words )
Recent Developments :
- The India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries met on October 29, signalling ongoing diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.
- India’s High Commissioner emphasized the need for cooperative dialogue between fishermen from both countries to address grievances and promote mutual understanding.
- The Sri Lankan President expressed commitment to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s fishing interests, indicating a willingness to negotiate.
Humanitarian Concerns :
- There is a humanitarian angle to the dispute, as many Tamil Nadu fishermen have been frequently arrested for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
- Reports indicate 30 incidents of arrests this year alone, with 140 fishermen and 200 boats currently detained in Sri Lanka.
Escalating Tensions :
- Recent incidents have involved casualties on both sides, with heightened enforcement by Sri Lankan authorities against Indian fishermen.
- The situation necessitates urgent attention to prevent escalation and further humanitarian crises.
Economic Considerations :
- The promotion of deep-sea fishing projects initiated in 2017 for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen could alleviate some pressures by providing alternative livelihoods and reducing competition in Palk Bay.
- Economic support schemes for fishermen in the Northern Province are vital to assist their recovery from the impacts of the civil war and to establish a more balanced fishing economy.
Need for Comprehensive Solutions :
- A multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders—governments, fishermen’s associations, and environmental groups—is necessary to achieve a sustainable resolution.
- Building on the 2010 understanding between fishermen could provide a framework for future agreements, emphasising shared interests in resource conservation.
Reconciliation and Transition :
- Tamil Nadu fishermen should be prepared for a reasonable transition period to accommodate the needs of their Sri Lankan counterparts, fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.
Conclusion
- A combination of diplomatic engagement, economic support, and a commitment to ecological sustainability is crucial to resolving the Palk Bay dispute.
Way Forward :
- Continued Diplomatic Engagement: Both countries should maintain open lines of communication and facilitate regular dialogues to build trust.
- Awareness and Education: Workshops and awareness campaigns can be conducted for fishermen about sustainable practices.
- Joint Initiatives: Initiatives like joint fishing ventures or community exchanges could foster goodwill and promote a collaborative approach to fisheries management.
