Context:
The presence of leaders from nearby nations and the Indian Ocean region at the Indian Prime Minister’s third-term inauguration underscores the importance New Delhi places on these relationships. The government of the day must prioritize efforts to reclaim neighboring countries that have aligned more closely with China.
Relevance:
GS2-
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Mains Question:
The government’s top priorities should include strengthening of bilateral ties with neighbours and heralding a new era of dialogue to counter China’s influence. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
Leaders at the Ceremony:
- Prominent attendees included Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
- The ceremony also saw the participation of Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Muizzu’s inclusion is viewed as a strategic diplomatic move, especially given the current tensions between India and the Maldives.
- It is worth noting that leaders from the eight SAARC member states were invited to in the 2014 swearing-in, and leaders from BIMSTEC, Mauritius, and Kyrgyzstan for the 2019 inauguration.
Pressing National and International Issues:
- The administration faces a multitude of pressing national and international issues that require immediate strategic planning and action.
- Experts suggest that India must address the US threat to impose sanctions if the Chabahar Port deal with Iran is not abandoned.
- Interestingly, the US did not object to India’s construction of the port when it was beneficial during its occupation of Afghanistan, but now that the US has withdrawn, it shows no interest in the port.
Managing A Coalition Government:
- Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s Indian National Congress achieved a significant victory in 1962, securing 44.7% of the vote and winning 361 out of 494 seats.
- In contrast won 238 seats out of 543, with the NDA collectively securing 294 seats. Unlike the BJP, which depends on coalition partners, the Congress under Nehru stood independently strong.
- This situation isn’t unique to India; in Britain, leaders such as Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair also secured three terms.
- However, managing a coalition government with a slim majority presents unique challenges, as the reduced strength increases the bargaining power of smaller coalition partners.
The Government’s Foreign Policy:
The Modi government’s foreign policy has alienated neighbors like the Maldives and Nepal, necessitating a reevaluation as they drift towards China, which seeks to expand its influence.
- Regarding Pakistan, India should consider engaging in trade talks while setting aside political issues, as the Sharif brothers might be open to this.
- China’s growing regional influence, evident in its relationship with Nepal, requires cautious countermeasures from India.
- The recent political shift in Nepal towards a communist government aligned with China is particularly concerning, especially in light of China’s ‘Debt Trap’ strategy.
- Pakistan exemplifies this issue, having received a massive $23 billion debt from China, much of which is tied to the Belt and Road Initiative.
- Pakistan’s total debt to China, amounting to $67.2 billion from 2000 to 2021, highlights the risks of such dependency.
- India should be concerned as the Maldives has already moved closer to China, and Nepal, under the communist government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has shown similar tendencies.
Conclusion:
The current government is expected to be in office for the next five years from a relatively weakened position, but he remains determined to pursue economic reforms to establish India as a global power. In this context, the Opposition is expected to play a constructive role in the interest of the country’s people.
