Content :
- Leverage similarity, complementarity in Nigeria
- Razing impunity
- Saving doctors
Leverage Similarity, Complementarity in Nigeria
Context:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Nigeria on November 16-17, 2024. This is his first visit to Nigeria
Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations )
Practice Question: Discuss the importance of Indo-Nigerian bilateral relations. Highlight shared similarities and challenges. (250 words)
Strategic Similarities
Colonial Legacy:
- Shared British colonial history provides common administrative and legal foundations.
- Common membership in the Commonwealth opens up avenues for diplomatic cooperation.
Identical Challenges:
- Corruption: Both nations face corruption issues; India’s anti-corruption measures can serve as a blueprint.
- Terrorism: Both countries are facing terrorism challenges, Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and India’s fight against domestic insurgencies.
- Governance: Similar democratic structures can facilitate dialogue on governance reforms.
Complementary Strengths
Energy Sector:
- India’s Need: Reliance on imported oil makes Nigerian crude essential for India.
- Nigeria’s Need: Indian investment in upstream oil assets could stabilize Nigeria’s oil sector.
Defence and Security:
- India’s success in counter-terrorism can aid Nigeria in combating regional threats like Boko Haram and Gulf of Guinea piracy.
- Opportunities for India to supply defence equipment, offer training, and engage in joint exercises.
Health and Education:
- Medical Tourism: Nigerians frequently seek medical care in India.
- Educational Exchange: Scholarships, student exchanges, and technical training can be expanded.
Economic and Trade Relations
Indian Investments:
- Over 150 Indian companies with $27 billion invested in Nigeria present a solid base for deeper economic engagement.
- Indian firms in sectors like pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and FMCGs already have a strong foothold.
Bilateral Trade:
- India is Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner, with current trade of $7.9 billion.
- Trade diversification is needed as the current volume is half the peak a decade ago.
Trade Expansion Opportunities:
- Increase imports of Nigerian products: palm oil, hides, ginger, Gum Arabic.
- Boost exports to Nigeria: pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, textiles, consumer goods, and machinery.
- Explore rupee-based trade to mitigate foreign exchange challenges.
Challenges in Bilateral Relations
- Stagnant Trade: Bilateral trade has declined over the past decade.
- Infrequent Engagement: The last Prime Ministerial visit was 17 years ago, and joint commission meetings are infrequent.
- Under-leveraged Indian Diaspora: Nearly 50,000 Indians in Nigeria form a well-regarded community but are under-utilized for diplomatic and business outreach.
Opportunities for India’s Support to Nigeria
Economic Stabilization:
- Nigeria’s recent reforms have caused short-term economic turbulence; India can provide stabilizing aid.
- India could extend financial assistance through lines of credit and partnerships for infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development:
- Joint ventures in power generation, roads, and public amenities can address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
Comprehensive Economic Agreement:
- A potential CEPA could streamline trade and investment, fostering closer economic integration.
Defence Collaboration:
- Provide a package for defence training, equipment supply, and strategic intelligence sharing.
Strategic Initiatives
- Defence Package: Supply of equipment, training programs for Nigerian security forces, and satellite-based remote sensing aid.
- Financial Support: Large credit lines and potential barter arrangements (e.g., oil-for-goods deals) to stabilize Nigeria’s forex reserves.
- Private Sector Empowerment: Create a platform for private sector collaboration with financial backing from both nations.
Cultural and Historical Ties
500-Year History:
- Cultural exchange dates back to 1500 AD with Baba Ghor’s journey from Kano to Gujarat.
- Historical ties can be celebrated to foster a deeper cultural connection.
Soft Power:
- Bollywood’s influence and the popularity of Indian brands like Bajaj and TVS in Nigeria serve as cultural assets.
- Use cultural diplomacy to strengthen bonds—events, festivals, and joint cultural projects.
Conclusion:
Both countries should work on improving bilateral relations, and the upcoming Abuja summit provides a great avenue for the same.
Razing impunity
Context
- Demolitions as a punishment against those accused of offences have raised concerns about the rule of law.
- Recent Examples: Demolitions in Khargone (Madhya Pradesh) and Jahangirpuri (Delhi) in 2022, where homes of those accused of crimes were demolished without due legal process.
- The Supreme Court has intervened to check arbitrary demolitions and misuse of powers.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
Practice Question: Analyse the implications of punitive demolition on the rule of law and fundamental rights. Discuss the Supreme Court’s recent intervention in this regard. (250 words )
Highlights of the SC’s Ruling :
- Due process should be followed to protect the fundamental right to shelter and to prevent the misuse of state power.
- Demolishing the properties of those simply accused of a crime is seen as executive overreach, violating the principle of separation of powers.
- Key guidelines to be followed: 15-day notice period, personal hearings, reasoned orders, and inspection reports.
- Exemptions: Urgent demolitions, such as those on encroachments over waterbodies, railways, and public spaces, are exempt from these requirements.
Significance of SC’s Intervention
- Rule of Law: Acknowledges the misuse of demolitions as punishment, protecting the rights of the accused and reinforcing lawful procedures.
- Transparency and Accountability: Aims to prevent abuses by making demolition processes clear and holding officials responsible for following protocol.
- Prevents Manipulation: The guidelines stop officials from backdating notices, a common tactic used to justify targeted actions.
- Right to Shelter: Emphasises that housing rights cannot be bypassed without a fair and legal process.
Implications
- Curbing Political and Communal Misuse
- Accountability for Local Authorities
Saving doctors
Context: Rising violence against medical professionals. Arecent case isthestabbing of Dr Balaji Jegannathan in Tamil Nadu.
Relevance: GS 2 (Governance )
Practice Question:Analyze the factors responsible for increasing violence against healthcare professionals.suggest key measures for the safety of medical staff. (250 words )
Issue :
- Premeditated violence: The attack on Dr. Balaji was premeditated, as the assailant brought a knife to the hospital, contrary to initial reports suggesting a fit of rage.
- Emotional frustration as a trigger: The violence stemmed from frustration over the side effects of chemotherapy, despite clear communication from healthcare professionals.
- Doctors’ responsibility: Effective communication of treatment risks and outcomes is vital, though emotional distress can make it hard for families to accept.
- Impact of recent tragedies: Past events like the R.G. Kar doctor’s rape and murder have increased fear and unrest among medical professionals.
- Need for security measures: Healthcare institutions must implement deterrents like security checks, CCTV, and personnel to ensure the safety of doctors.
Conclusion
Medical professionals’ safety must be prioritised and stringent measures against perpetrators to be taken to boost the morale of doctors
