Content:
- A good beginning but China negotiations must continue
- The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions
A Good Beginning but China Negotiations Must Continue
Context : The External Minister highlighted the disengagement process in Eastern Ladakh post-China’s 2020 intrusions.
Relevance: GS 2( International relations)
Practice Question: Explain current status of India-China border disengagement . Suggest measures for long-term peace and stability along the LAC.(250 Words)
Disengagement yet to complete:
- Buffer Zones: Indirectly acknowledged but with limited details on their nature and extent.
- Disengagement prioritization lacks urgency for the termination of these “temporary measures.”
De-escalation and Management:
- While disengagement has progressed, de-escalation and effective management remain incomplete.
- Peace and Tranquility Link: India reiterated that normalcy at the border is a prerequisite for better bilateral ties.
- Current troop deployments continue, indicating a lack of restored normalcy.
No Reset in Relations:
- Despite some improvement, no major progress is evident due to persistent structural challenges.
- Economic integration with China, despite its history of weaponizing dependencies, was criticized.
Unanswered Questions
Ambiguities in Disengagement Terms:
- Limited clarity on patrolling rights and buffer zone arrangements:
- Will traditional patrolling points in Depsang and Demchok be fully accessible to Indian troops?
- Unclear “coordinated patrolling” mechanisms and restrictions on Indian patrols.
Changed Status Quo:
- China’s post-2020 alterations of the LAC challenge the earlier status quo.
- The creation of “temporary buffer zones” may have territorial implications for India.
- Restoration of patrolling and grazing rights remains a priority.
Policy Shift on Status Quo Ante:
- The Chief of Army Staff still emphasizes April 2020 as the benchmark for the status quo, while MEA statements have moved away from this.
Implications
- China’s Grey Zone Tactics:Incremental territorial gains through buffer zones align with China’s grey zone strategy.
- Need for Consensus: Greater transparency and bipartisan cooperation are crucial for robust negotiations.
- Economic Security Concerns: Threat of China weaponizing supply chain.
Way Forward
- Restore Status Quo Ante:
- End buffer zones; reinstate patrolling rights.
- Withdraw troops to April 2020 positions.
- Ensure Transparency:
- Share disengagement terms publicly.
- Regular bipartisan briefings on India-China developments.
- Tackle Structural Challenges:
- Prioritize border normalization for improved ties.
- Safeguard national security before pursuing economic integration.
- Unite Strategically:
- Build political consensus for stronger negotiations.
The Issue of India’s Economic Growth Versus Emissions
Intro : Decoupling is the process of breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation which is key step for sustainable development.
Relevance: GS 3( Environment)
Practice Question: What is Decoupling and explain how it is important in sustainable development (250 Words )
Types:
- Absolute Decoupling: Economic growth with decreasing emissions.
- Relative Decoupling: Economic growth surpassing emissions growth.
India’s Claim of Decoupling
- Data Source: Economic Survey (2023-24) states GDP grew at 7% CAGR (2005-2019), while emissions grew at 4% CAGR.
- Nature: The survey does not clarify if this is absolute or relative decoupling.
- Indicators: From 1990, India’s GDP grew six-fold while GHG emissions tripled, signifying relative decoupling.
Sectoral Insights
- Key Sectors: Agriculture and manufacturing are major emission contributors.
- Observation: Growth rates in sectoral gross value added (GVA) have outpaced emission growth, indicating sectoral relative decoupling.
Significance of Relative Decoupling
- Sustainable Growth: Indicates progress in balancing economic growth and emissions.
- Challenges: Emissions continue to rise, limiting India’s ability to claim absolute decoupling.
Barriers to Absolute Decoupling
- Economic Stage: As a developing country, India has not yet peaked its emissions, making absolute decoupling a distant goal.
- Growth Imperative: Addressing poverty, energy access, and living standards necessitates economic growth, often tied to emissions.
Policy Imperatives
- Renewable Energy: Accelerate the shift to low-carbon energy sources.
- Emission Mitigation: Implement policies targeting GHG reduction across sectors.
- Sustainable Practices: Promote green technologies and sustainable industrial practices.
Green Growth vs. Degrowth:
- Green Growth: Sustainable development alongside economic expansion.
- Degrowth: Reducing economic activity to minimize resource use (less practical for India).
- India’s Position: Aims to reconcile growth with climate goals, a challenging but necessary balancing act.
