India- Israel

Israel-Palestine conflict
• The conflict dates back to early 20th century. During World War II, over 3 lakh Jews migrated &
resettled in Palestine and demanded a new country. This led to fight to fight between Arabs and
Jews i.e. Israel Palestine conflict.
• In 1947 the United Nations voted to split the Palestine between Arabs and Jews.
o The Jewish residents accepted the agreement and declared independence of Israel in 1948
while Arabs rejected the agreement.
o Consequently, the Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria declared war on Israel.
• Since then, both sides fought various wars in 1967 (Six-day war), 1973 (Yom Kippur war) in which
Israel captured Arab inhabited territories and relations remained tense.
• UN Security Council then adopted a resolution.
Various measures like Camp David Accord 1978 (between Israel and Egypt). Oslo Accord 1993
(between Liberation failed to provide permanent solution to the conflict.
Importance of Jerusalem
It is home to some of the holiest sites in both Judaism and Islam, and so both Israel and Palestine
want to make it their capital.
It is an Important pilgrimage for Christians as well whose holiest Church of Sepulcher is located here.
The Church contains two important sites, one where Jesus was crucified and the other being Jesus’
empty tomb where he said to have been buried and resurrected.
It also hosts the third holiest site of Islam, the dome of the rock, which is one of the oldest extant
works of Islamic architecture.
It is believed that Prophet Mohamad’s night journey to the heaven started from the rock at the
center of the structure. The western wall or the Buraq wall is the ancient limestone wall in this city. It
is considered holy due to its connection to the temple mount.
Israeli Jews weren’t allowed to pray in the temple mount area while Jordan controlled it. Because of
the temple mount entry restrictions, the wall is the holiest place where the Jews are permitted to
pray.
What the Trump’s Peace Plan suggested?
• Status of Jerusalem:Jerusalem will be the sovereign capital of Israel. Capital of Palestine should
be in the section of East Jerusalem located in all areas east and north of the existing security
barrier, could be named Al Quds or another name as determined by the State of Palestine.
• Conceptual map:Map delineates what the potential Israeli and Palestinian state borders would
be. The plan gives the Israelis and Palestinians four years to accept these borders.
• Economic package: $50 billion investment fund to boost the Palestinian and neighbouring Arab
state economies.The United States will work with the Palestinian Authority to identify economic
projects for Al Quds and incorporate such projects into Peace to Prosperity.
• Security: Upon signing the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Agreement, the State of Israel will maintain
overriding security responsibility for the State of Palestine, with the aspiration that the
Palestinians will be responsible for as much of their internal security as possible, subject to the
provisions of this Vision.
The United States will help support the State of Palestine to meet and maintain the Security Criteria:
• Port Facilities: The State of Israel will allow the State of Palestine to use and manage earmarked
facilities at both the Haifa and Ashdod ports
• Dismantling of Hamas: Hamas currently governs Gaza, so removing it would significantly change
the coastal strip
• ABRAHAM ACCORD
UAE and Israel signed a US-brokered agreement that has come to be known as the ‘Abraham
Accord’, that aims at establishing formal relations between the two countries.
➡ • According to the Accord, UAE and Israel would establish formal diplomatic relations and in

exchange, Israel would suspend its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
o With this, UAE will become the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic and
economic relations with Israel.
➡ Gulf countries are the seven Arab states which border the Persian Gulf, namely Bahrain, Kuwait,

Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

➡ UAE becomes the third Arab nation to recognize Israel after Egypt (in 1979) and Jordan (1994).

• For decades, there has been a consensus among many Arab and Muslim-majority states
that they will not end a state of hostility with Israel until it agrees to a deal granting
statehood to the Palestinians.
Possible significance for India
• Peace and Stability in West Asia: Agreement opens the doors to the first big rapprochement
between traditional adversaries in West Asia— Israel and the Arabs.
o It is beneficial for India, as it has deep stakes in terms of energy supplies and expatriate
populations.
• Two state solution: Israel’s suspension of its plan for annexation might lead to early resumption
of talks between Israel and Palestine.
o India has always supported two-state solution as part of a negotiated settlement between
Israel and Palestine.
• Ties with Iran could be impacted as it will see Arab-Israeli tie-ups as a direct threat to its security.
o India has prominent stakes in Iran such as Chabahar port, access route to central Asia etc.
• Also, deal opens new opportunities for India to play a much larger role in the regional security
and stability in the region, as India enjoys special relations with both UAE and Israel.
India-Israel Relations
• India-Israel relations refers to the bilateral economic, military and strategic ties between the
Republic of India and the State of Israel.
• Israel is represented through an embassy in New Delhi, and one consulate each in Mumbai and
Bengaluru. India is represented through its embassy in Tel Aviv.
• Full diplomatic relations between Israel and India were established in 1992, despite both the
nations attaining independence from the United Kingdom a year apart. The reason was the path
taken by both countries was different. India helmed the Non-Aligned movement and kept a close
relationship with the Arab world and the Soviet Union while Israel maintained close relations
between the United States and NATO.
• Towards the end of the Cold war in the 1980s, the once frosty-relations between the two
nations began to thaw with a flurry of bilateral activities between the two.
• Israel provided on-the-ground intelligence and weapons during the Kargil War in 1999 and
provided disaster relief following the devastating earthquake of 2001.
• Since firmly establishing diplomatic ties, both countries have benefited immensely. India has
become one of Israel’s largest trading partners, many of the world’s leading high-tech
companies in Israel and India are forging joint ventures that are successfully competing in the
tough international marketplace. Trade and cooperation between the countries now centre
primarily on security-related deals and aid in areas such as agriculture and water desalination.
Military Collaborations
• Israel has sold radar and surveillance equipment for military application and it also gives
counter-insurgency training to India’s anti-terror forces.
• India-Israel cooperation increased dramatically in 2014 with the election of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. Between Modi’s election in May 2014 and November 2014, Israel exported
$662 million worth of Israeli weapons and defence items to India.
• This export number is greater than the total Israeli exports to India during the previous three
years combined. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon made the first-ever official visit of an
Israeli Defense Minister to India in February 2015.
• On May 10, 2017, three warships from the Indian navy docked in the port of Haifa, ahead of
Indian Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled to visit during the Summer. The ships, the INS Mumbai,
the INS Trisula, and the INS Aditya, participated in a Naval drill with the Israeli navy when they
entered the port.
• Due to rising tensions with China, India announced plans in July 2020 to purchase additional
weapons from Israel. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Israeli counterpart Benny
Gantz discussed strengthening bilateral ties and Singh expressed interest in encouraging greater
participation of Israeli defence companies in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
Collaboration in Agriculture
• In 2006, Israeli and Indian ministers of agriculture signed a long-term cooperation and training
deal, which has since been supervised by field experts from Mashav, an international
development program of Israel’s Foreign Ministry. In 2008, the two nations started a $50 million
shared agriculture fund, focusing on dairy, farming technology and micro-irrigation. This
constituted the Indo-Israel Agricultural Project. In 2011, India and Israel signed an agreement to
foster cooperation on urban water systems, which came after more than a decade of joint
research, development and shared investment in the countries’ respective water technologies.
• By March 2014, 10 centres of excellence operated throughout India offering free training
sessions for farmers on efficient agricultural techniques using Israeli technological expertise.
Vertical farming, drip irrigation and soil solarization are some of what is taught at the centres.
Farming at these centres focuses on mangoes, tomatoes, pomegranates, and citrus fruits.
Latest Developments in India-Israel Relations
• The Israeli National Emergency Medical Service, MDA-Magen David Adom (Hebrew for Red Star
of David) and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) held a joint training program during July 2017
aimed at improving and upgrading the IRCS first-responder skills.
• In 2017, a record 70,000 tourists from India visited Israel. This trend continued into 2018, with
40,000 Indian tourists visiting Israel during just the first six months of the year. Air India began
running faster (approximately 7 hours) direct flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv four times
per week in March 2018, so tourism numbers are expected to continue to climb.
• The first recipients of grants from the Israel-India Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation
Fund (I4F) were announced in July 2018, including companies working to better the lives of
Indians and Israelis through efficient water use, improving communications infrastructure, solar
energy use, and life-changing surgeries. The fund aims to help Israeli entrepreneurs enter the
Indian market.
 Indo China
● India and China are among the oldest civilisations of the world and have had one of the longest
uninterrupted continuations as nations in world history. In the 21st century, both countries are
only examples of large demography, geography that has retained the sense of continuity with
their ancient past. The religious, cultural, and trade links between these two countries are
centuries old.
Issues between India & China
● Border issues

● Water Issues

● Trade issues

● Belt & Road Initiative

● Ban of Chinese Apps by India

● Areas of Cooperation
Indo China Border issues
● The root cause lies in an ill-defined, 3,440km (2,100-mile)-long border that both countries
dispute.
● Rivers, lakes and snowcaps along the frontier mean the line can shift, bringing soldiers face to
face at many points, sometimes leading to confrontation.
● Rekindling tensions over boundary claims, Indian and Chinese troops have clashed at two points
along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) recently, leaving personnel injured on both sides.
● It is divided into three sectors :

➢ the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim

➢ the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh

➢ the western sector in Ladakh

● The Galwan Valley Area comes under Sub Sector North (SSN), which lies just to the east of the

Siachen glacier and is the only point that provides direct access to Aksai Chin from India.
Indo China Border issues

● The stand-off at Ladakh’s Galwan Valley has escalated in recent weeks due to the infrastructure

projects that India has undertaken in the recent years. India is building a strategic road through

the Galwan Valley – close to China - connecting the region to an airstrip.

➢ China is opposed to any Indian construction in the area. In 1962, a stand-off in the

Galwan area was one of the biggest flashpoints of the 1962 war.

● The border, or Line of Actual Control, is not demarcated, and China and India have differing

ideas of where it should be located, leading to regular border “transgressions.” Often these

don’t escalate tensions; a serious border standoff like the current one is less frequent, though

this is the fourth since 2013.

China Passes New Border Law

Recently, China’s legislature has adopted a new border law that calls on the state and military to

safeguard territory and “combat any acts” that undermine China’s territorial claims.The new land

border law was adopted amid the continued standoff between Indian and Chinese militaries in

eastern Ladakh.About the Law :

◦ Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: It stipulates that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of

the People’s Republic of China are sacred and inviolable.

▪ The state shall take measures to safeguard territorial integrity and land boundaries and

guard against and combat any act that undermines territorial sovereignty and land

boundaries.
◦ Responsibilities : It designates the various responsibilities of the military, the State Council or

Cabinet, and provincial governments in managing the security and economic issues in border

areas.

▪ The People's Liberation Army (PLA) “shall carry out border duties” including “organising

drills” and “resolutely prevent, stop and combat invasion, encroachment, provocation and

other acts”.

▪ The state shall take measures to strengthen border defence, support economic and social

development as well as opening-up in border areas, improve public services and

infrastructure in such areas, encourage and support people's life and work there.

▪ The state shall, following the principle of equality, mutual trust and friendly consultation,

handle land border-related affairs with neighbouring countries through negotiations to

properly resolve disputes and longstanding border issues.

Indo China Border issues

➢ Both countries’ troops have patrolled this region for decades, as the contested 2,200-mile

border is a long-standing subject of competing claims and tensions, including a brief war in 1962.

• The violent clash happened when the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect

the LAC and attempted to unilaterally change the status quo.

➢ It is part of China’s ‘nibble and negotiate policy’. Their aim is to ensure that India does not build

infrastructure along the LAC. It is their way of attaining a political goal with military might, while

gaining more territory in the process.

➢ China is also using ‘Salami Slicing method’.

Attempts to Resolve the Issue:

● The rapprochement between the two countries in 1976 enabled India and China to initiate High
Level border talks in 1981 to find a solution to the vexed problem. After eight rounds, the talks
broke down in 1987.
➢ In 1988, following Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China, the Joint Working Group
(JWG) was set up to look into the border problem.
➢ In 1993, the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC) was signed and the India-China Expert Group of Diplomatic and
Military Officers was set up to assist the JWG.
 ➢ In 1996, the Agreement on Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in the Military Field
along the LAC was signed.
➢ In 2003, two special representatives (one each from India and China) were appointed to
find a political solution to the border dispute.
➢ Till 2009, these two special representatives had held 17 rounds of talks, but it seems they
have not made much headway.
➢ Recently, NSA Ajit Doval was Appointed as Special Envoy for Talks.

Indo China Water issues

 China has been building an artificial lake in the northern reaches of the Brahmaputra called
Tsangpo, which leads to water diversion. India is consistently demanding for joint monitoring of
these lakes.
 In 2016 an agreement was signed in which China agreed to provide Hydrological data for three
months in rainy season for monitoring of floods.
 China has been building dams (Jiexu, Zangmu and Jiacha) in the upper reaches of the
Brahmaputra which is called Tsangpo in Tibet. India has objected to it but there has been no
formal treaty over sharing of the Brahmaputra water.
Indo China Trade issues
• China is India’s 2nd largest trading partner; whereas India is within the top ten of China’s trading
partner. A trade deficit of $51.11 billion USD with China is a cause for concern for India because
it signifies an inability to compete with Chinese manufactured goods.
• A significant trade imbalance in favour of China, market access issues, and security
considerations have kept bilateral trade limited.
• China’s protectionist policies : They hinder the ability of Indian companies to enter Chinese
markets.
• The government has banned more than 100 Chinese apps from operating in India including
popular apps like Tiktok, PUBG etc. Given India has approximately over 574 million Internet
users, the ban is a big blow leading to phenomenal loss of user base and data capital of the app.
This could lead to a potential loss of advertising revenue impacts app-makers.
• Government introduced changes in FDI rules which mandate "prior approval" from the Centre
for foreign investments from countries "that share border with India". This move was widely
considered a hedge against Chinese takeover of domestic firms that are struggling because of
the COVID-19 economic downturn.
• India has invoked stringent quality control norms to curb poor quality Chinese imports.

Debt Trap Diplomacy

• The term was coined by Indian geo-strategist Brahma Chellaney in 2017. This type of diplomacy
refers to offering projects/loans on terms that end up being too difficult for countries to repay,
eventually compelling them to accept political or economic concessions.
• It has been witnessed that developing nations are often lured by China's offer of cheap loans for

transformative infrastructural projects, which require a considerable investment.

• In 2014, Montenegro signed an agreement to take out a $944 million loan from China's Exim

Bank for the construction of a motorway that would link the port of Bar to the border with

Serbia.Presently, Montenegrin debt is around 65.9%of its GDP with China holding 25%of its

public debt. Several other countries such as Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives etc. are presently facing

debt distress owing sizeable portion of the debt to China. This has raised concerns regarding use

of debt trap diplomacy.

• In 2018, a report by the Center for Global Development highlighted eight Belt and Road Initiative

(BRI) recipient countries at a high risk of debt distress due to BRI loans. These countries included

Djibouti, Laos, the Maldives, Mongolia, Montenegro, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

o They are highly prone to the mounting debt-to-GDP ratios beyond 50percent, and around

40 percent of their external debt owed to China.

Areas of Cooperation

• India and China are supporting multi-polar world order diminishing US hegemony as one polar

world.

 India and China are members of BRICS, a regional grouping to support developing countries

by forming the New Development Bank (NDB).

 Both countries have a similar stand on trade disputes and WTO negotiations.

 India’s induction into Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Eurasian regional group

of political, economic and security alliance.

 India is also a member of China-backed AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) that

provides loans for building infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

• India's foreign policy needs to be more focused on China-Pakistan as one entity considering their

mutual alliances.

 India needs to build up its economy and security capabilities in order to contain China and

to close the power gap with China.

 India needs to diversify its import basket since the trade deficit has huge implications and

join hands with the EU, Japan, US as an alternative to Chinese economic exploitation.

 India must protect its sovereignty in the Indian Ocean region as China is active in IOR and

participating in various exercises.

 India needs to work with Japan to bring Asia Pacific Growth Corridor at the focal point.

 More informal summits like the Wuhan summit in 2018 and recently Mamallapuram in

October 2019 should take place to ease the tensions between both the countries.
Indo China Border issues

Expected Questions :

1. LAC (line of actual control is between) :

(a) India & Pakistan in Siachen

(b) India & Pakistan in J&K

(c) India & China in Ladakh

(d) India & China in Arunachal Pradesh

2. India accepts which of the following line as border between India & China :

(a) Macartney-Macdonald line

(b) Johnson’s Line

(c) McMahon Line

(d) Radcliffe line

 Indo-Nepal & Bhutan

 India and Nepal shares cultural, religious, historical as well as geographicalties. The Grand
Himalayas connect both the countries together. With Nepal being a landlocked country India
provides a major route for trade and transport to Nepal.
 Both countries share an open border with each other.
 It’s said that India and Nepal share the “Roti-Beti Rishta” with each other.
 The history can be traced back to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) which ended with the
Treaty of Sagauli.
 India has played a great role since the signing of the India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty in
the 1950s for the development and peace of the region. Both countries have a rich exchange of
Diaspora and cultural linkages, as Nepal being the single most Hindu majority country.
 Indo-Nepal
India Nepal Relations is having a tough time in the recent period with Redrawing of Political Maps of
Nepal, increased Chinese involvement in the Nepal etc.

Evolution Of India-Nepal Relations

• Till 1951 Nepal was ruled by the Ranas. In 1951 a political deal between King Tribhuvan and
Pandit Nehru led to the establishment of Monarchy and end of the rule of Rana.
• In 1959 a Constitution was adopted by King Mahindra which established Constitutional
monarchy and multiparty democracy in the country. This constitution was merely a figurehead
as most of the powers were still in the hand of the king.
• After the Royal Massacre of 2001, King Gyanendra came to power. His period was marked by the
rise in violence by Maoists and civil movements.
• India was threatened by the rise of Maoist as it might have repercussions for the safety of Indian
borders.
• In April 2006, a Jan Andolan led to the end of Monarchy and in November 2006 a
Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed between Maoist and various Political parties to
pave the way for the elections.
• Finally, on 24th May 2008 Shah dynasty come to an end and Nepal became Republic after 240
years of Monarchical rule.

India Nepal Treaty of 1950

• This was signed on the backdrop of the invasion of Tibet by Chinese forces in 1950.
• It was a deal for mutual peace and friendship, wherein India provided support in terms of
security to Nepal.
• This treaty grant Rights to Indian and Nepalese people to work, reside and even obtain
citizenship in each others territory.
 Issues between India & Nepal
• Border Issues
• Citizenship law
• Madhesi issue
• Role of China

Border dispute
Kalapani (consisting of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura) :
• Nepal considers it as part of Darchula district of Nepal. This spot specially Lipulekh pass lies on
tri-junction of India- Nepal and China border and thus have strategic significance. In 2015 China
recognised India’s sovereignty over this pass. And recently India has started building a new road
on this pass to connect India and China. But Nepal is protesting this construction.
• Recently Nepal has brought a constitutional amendment and changed the map of Nepal
(Cartographic Assertion) depicting Kalapni area as a part of Nepal.
Susta Area(West Champaran, BIHAR) :
▪ Nepal considers a part of its territory.
▪ The main reason for this dispute is due to the change of course by the
Gandak River.
• New Citizenship law :
◦ Nepal government is also trying to amend citizenship law, which
requires an Indian woman marrying a Nepal’s groom to have at least
7 years of residency to attain the citizenship of Nepal.
• The dispute over Madhesis and new Constitution :
◦ The new constitutions adopted by Nepal’s constituent assembly
undermine the rights of Madhesis.
◦ Madhesis are people of India, who for years have been resided in
Nepal.
◦ The demarcation of territory for political purpose is considered to be
inadequate for the representation of the Madhesis.
◦ India has protested this move and Nepal perceived that India
imposed a road blockade in 2015. This severed the ties between the
two countries.
Other Issues :
◦ Other sources of tensions include the Demonetisation of 2016 and
respective problem faced by Nepal’s government in converting the
money.
◦ Delayed implementation of projects by the Indian government is also a
cause of contention.
◦ Further Indian side face problem due to Fake currency and illicit trade
arising from Nepal.
Areas Of cooperation
• Economic Relations :
◦ India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and the largest source of
foreign investment.
◦ There are several hydroelectricity projects running between Nepal
and India like Kosi-gandaki, Arun-3 and Pancheshwar Multipurpose
dam projects etc.
◦ There is large Diaspora of Nepal In India, almost 80 lakh people of
Nepal works in India and thus serve as a major source of remittances
for Nepal.
◦ Also, large numbers of Indians also work in Nepal.
◦ Both countries have a free trade agreement with each other.
• Cultural Relations -
◦ Both countries share cultural ties, in terms of having a large number
of Hindu population. Almost 80% of Nepal’s population is Hindu.
◦ There is regular movement of people for pilgrimage purposes
between India and Nepal.
◦ The bordering areas of Indian states of U.P., Bihar and Uttrakhand
have a lot of cultural similarities with those of Nepal.
◦ For centuries scholars from Nepal visits India Universities specially
Banaras Hindu University.
• Education Related Relations -
◦ India provides support to students of Nepal with various scholarships
for University education.
◦ Also, several government services of India are open to Nepal’s
citizens.
• Security Relations -
◦ The Ghurkha regiment of India consists of recruits from Nepal.
◦ Also as per the Indo-Nepal Friendship treaty of 1950, India provides
security assistance to Nepal in terms of arms and ammunitions.
• Other Areas of Cooperation -
 ◦ India and Nepal cooperate in terms of Information technology,
telemedicine, biodiversity conservation and healthcare.
◦ They also share a common platform of BIMSTEC and SAARC.
◦ There are also various rail-link project and highway connecting
projects are going on between two countries.
Role of China -
• According to many experts, the reason for the current tension between
India and Nepal is due to Chinese rising influence in the region as well as
in Nepal.
• The former PM KP Oli’s nearness with Chinese President and recent deals
between both countries has raised concerns for New Delhi.
• China has invested heavily in Nepal in recent years and scholars consider
this as a part of China’s Cheque book diplomacy.
• Chinese intrusion may lead to security threats for India as Nepal acts as a
buffer state between India and China.
• China and Nepal signed agreements for all-weather road connectivity
between Kathmandu and the Tibet Autonomous Region under the Trans-
Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network.
 NEPAL POLITICAL CRISIS
Recently, Nepal has drifted into a political crisis following its Prime Minister
(PM) KP Sharma Oli decision to dissolve Parliament. The Nepalese PM has
stated that this decision was on the backdrop of infighting within the ruling
Nepalese Communist Party (NCP).

This effectively ended the unity forced among the left forces that had led to
the creation of the single, grand Nepal Communist Party three years ago. It
plunged national politics into turmoil and the five-year-old Constitution into
uncertainty, and raised questions about the haste with which the President
approved Oli’s recommendation.
Oli took the step when he realised that a factional feud within the party had
reached the point of no return and he faced possible expulsion both as party
chief and as Prime Minister. Since then, a dozen petitions have been filed in
the Supreme Court challenging the dissolution with two years left of the
present House’s tenure. Each faction has also approached the Election
Commission claiming it is the real party.
The dissolution came hours before a Standing Committee meeting that was
expected to order a probe into corruption charges leveled against him by
party co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.
Dissolution has left a question mark over the Constitution of 2015, and its key
features like federalism, secularism and republic. There are already popular
protests on the streets.
Nepal has transitioned into a federal democratic republic after the
promulgation of a new constitution in 2015.
First General Election of 2017 held after promulgation charter gave a clear
mandate to an alliance of the then CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center)
incumbent NCP which is now in power.
Dissolution of the House is not new in Nepal, but this is the first such instance
after the new Constitution of 2015 that places safeguards against dissolution.
“The new constitution does not envisage such a step without exploring
formation of an alternative government,” said Dr Bhimarjun Acharya, a
leading constitutional lawyer.
The 1991 Constitution, scrapped in 2006, had provisions for dissolution of
Parliament at the Prime Minister’s prerogative. During the time it was in
force, Parliament was dissolved thrice. The first Parliament elected in 1991
was dissolved on the recommendation of Prime Minister G P Koirala after he
failed to have a vote on thanks motion by the King passed in the House. The
Supreme Court upheld that dissolution.
But in 1995, the Supreme Court rejected the dissolution by Prime Minister
Manmohan Adhikary after a no-trust motion had been tabled but before the
loss of majority was proved. The court held that the executive did not have
the right to snatch an issue under consideration of the legislature.
The third time, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba dissolved Parliament in
2002 and the Supreme Court upheld it. King Gyanendra revived Parliament in
April 2006.
On November 10 2020, a group with banner "Nationalist Civic Society" staged
a demonstration in Jamal of Kathmandu, demanding restoration of
constitutional monarchy and announce Nepal a Hindu state.
Hundreds of monarch supporters took to the streets in a preorganised and
well-advertised rally on December 5 demanding the reinstatement of
constitutional monarchy and declare Nepal a Hindu state.
 Constitutional Council Act
(Functions, Duties, and Procedures) 2010 {Ordinance}
KP Sharma Oli has introduced an ordinance to amend the Constitutional Council Act (Functions,
Duties, and Procedures) 2010, according to which a meeting of the council can be convened even if it
falls short of the quorum required to convene the meeting.
The ordinance had been approved by President Bidya Devi Bhandari within an hour after it being sent
by PM Oli, gives him the right to convene meetings and make decisions even in members presence of
only three members.
General elections are expected to be held in Nepal in 2022 unless the House of Representatives is
dissolved earlier. Although the House was dissolved on 20 December 2020 by President Bidya Devi
Bhandari on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, with elections scheduled for 30 April
and 10 May 2021,[2] the legitimacy of the dissolution was challenged in the Supreme Court. On 23
February 2021, the court reinstated the House of Representatives, but it was dissolved again on 22
May 2021 by the president on the recommendation of the cabinet, with elections scheduled for 12
and 19 November, stating no one had adequate claim to be appointed prime minister according to
Article 76(5) of the Constitution.
But recently, Supreme Court of Nepal has passed an order to appoint Nepali Congress President Sher
Bahadur Deuba as Prime Minister and reinstated the dissolved Parliament second time in last five
months
Way Forward :
• The dispute needs to be resolved in a peace full manner. India should refrain from interfering in
internal matters of Nepal.
• There is an urgent need to bring changes in the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 to make it
more relevant in the current geopolitical scenario.
• Also, India should focus on timely implementation of projects.
• There should be greater cooperation in the regions of healthcare, education, trade, I.T. sector
and other areas.
• India and Nepal should mutually cooperate with each other and enhance their centuries-old ties.
Expected Questions :
1. Friendship Treaty between India & Nepal was signed in the year :
(a) 1949 (b) 1950
(c) 1951 (d) 1952
2. Kalapani Dispute is between ?
(a) Indo-Nepal (b) India- Srilanka
(c) India-Vietnam (d) India-China
3. Treaty of Sagauli is between ?
(a) Indo-Nepal (b) India- Sri Lanka
(c) India-Vietnam (d) India-China

Indo-Bhutan
Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the appointment of a
resident representative of India in Thimphu.
The basic framework of India-Bhutan bilateral relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
signed in 1949 which was revised in February 2007.
The Doklam impasse saw a more confident and resolute relationship emerge between India and
Bhutan.
• The basis for bilateral relations between India and Bhutan was formed by the Indo-Bhutan
Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1949. However, Article 2 of the treaty critically gave India a
role in guiding Bhutan’s foreign policy. Hence, some alterations were made in the treaty in 2007.
As per the new treaty, Bhutan can import arms as long as Indian interests are not harmed and
there is no re-export of the weapons, either by the government or individuals.
India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty
The India-Bhutan Friendship treaty signed by both the nations in 2007 agreed on the following terms:
• Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity;
• Recalling the historical relations that have existed between our two countries;
• Recognizing with deep satisfaction the manner in which these relations have evolved and
matured over the years into a model of good neighborly relations;
• Being fully committed to further strengthening this enduring and mutually beneficial
relationship based on genuine goodwill and friendship, shared interests, and close
understanding and cooperation;
• Desiring to clearly reflect this exemplary relationship as it stands today; And having decided,
through mutual consent, to update the 1949 Treaty relating to the promotion of, and fostering
the relations of friendship and neighborliness between India and Bhutan;
• Bhutan shares a 699 km long border with four Indian states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West
Bengal, and Sikkim. Bhutan is India’s only neighbor that is yet to join China’s Belt and Road
initiative (BRI). Since the 1990s, Bhutan has repeatedly turned down Chinese ‘package deal’
offers to make bigger territorial concessions to Bhutan in return for the smaller Doklam area
(remaining sensitive to India’s security concerns in the area).
• There is also a Border District Coordination Meeting (BDCM) Mechanism between the bordering
States and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to facilitate coordination on border
management and other related matters.
• In a bid to boost its economic and connectivity linkages with Bhutan a new trade route has been
opened under the Jaigaon Land Station on India – Bhutan Border through Ahllay near Pasakha in
southeastern Bhutan. Besides the new trade point, India is also planning a fast-track railway link
between Mujnai in West Bengal and Nyoenpaling in Bhutan.
India-Bhutan Trade Relations
Both countries have mutual interests in diverse areas of cooperation – security, border management,

trade, hydro-power, and many more. India has helped set up the Chukha hydro project (1986-87), the

Kurichu (2001-02), and the Tala project (2006-2007) in Bhutan. India has funded nearly all of Bhutan’s

landmark projects, including the airport at Paro, Bhutan Broadcasting Station, the Bhutan-India

microwave link, One million-tonne Dungsam Cement Plant, Bhutan Institute of Medical Sciences, and

all exploration, survey and mapping of mineral resources. India is Bhutan’s leading development

partner. Since the launch of the First Five Year Plan of Bhutan in 1961, India has been extending

financial support to Bhutan’s FYPs. India has allotted Rs 4500 crore to Bhutan’s 12th FYP.

Major exports from India to Bhutan are petroleum products, mineral products, base metals and

articles, machinery, automobiles & spares, vegetable, nuts, spices, processed food and animal

products, chemicals, wood, plastic, and rubber. The Agreement on Trade and Commerce also

provides for duty-free transit of Bhutanese merchandise for trade with third countries.

India-Bhutan Diplomatic Relations

• India opened an office of a Special Representative in Thimphu in 1968, Bhutan reciprocated in

1971. The two offices of special representatives were upgraded to fullfledged embassies in 1978.

• India and Bhutan are founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

(SAARC) that deals with the economic, social, and cultural development of the South Asian

Region.

• Both of them also share other multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and

Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic

Cooperation), etc.
 Indo-Bangladesh

India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state and
established diplomatic relations with the country immediately after its independence in December
1971. The relationship between the two nations is anchored in history, culture, language, and shared
values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between them. In the last
couple of years, the relationship has been further strengthened including through cooperation in new
and high-technology areas.
 Issues
 Security & Border Management
 Sharing of River Waters
 Connectivity
 Power and Energy Sector Cooperation
 Cultural Exchanges
 Bilateral Trade and Investment
Security & Border Management

 India and Bangladesh share 4096.7 km. of the border, which is the longest land boundary that

India shares with any of its neighbours.

 It shares the borders with the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, and

Mizoram. The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) came into force following the

exchange of instruments of ratification in June 2015.

 As per the agreement, the enclaves of India and Bangladesh in each other’s countries were

exchanged and strip maps were signed. Residents of these erstwhile enclaves, who opted to

retain their Indian citizenship made a final movement to India by November 30, 2015.

 The Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) signed aims to synergise the efforts of both

the Border Guarding Forces for checking cross border illegal activities and crimes as well as for

maintenance of peace and tranquility along the India-Bangladesh border.

Sharing of River Waters
 India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers. A bilateral Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) signed
in June 1972 to maintain liaison between the two countries to maximize benefits from common
river systems is working well for the two nations.
 The Ganga Waters Treaty signed in 1996 for the sharing of waters of river Ganga during the lean
season (January 1-May 31) has enhanced the peaceful neighbourly relations between India and
Bangladesh. Regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Sharing of Ganga Waters are held to
take stock of the implementation of the provisions of the treaty.

Teesta Water Dispute

 Teesta river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh), flowing
through India and Bangladesh.
 It originates in the Himalayas near Chunthang, Sikkim and flows to the south through West
Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
 The Teesta Barrage dam helps to provide irrigation for the plains between the upper Padma and
the Jamuna.
Efforts to resolve the dispute :
Negotiations on how to share the water have been going on since 1983.

 A 2011 interim deal – that was supposed to last 15 years – gave India 42.5 percent of the
Teesta’s waters and gave Bangladesh 37.5 percent. Bengal opposed this deal so it was shelved
and remains unsigned.
Bangladesh sought a fair and equitable distribution of Teesta waters from India, on the lines of
the Ganga Water Treaty 1996.

 The treaty is an agreement to share surface waters at the Farakka Barrage near their mutual
border.
In 2015, the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Dhaka generated expectations to take forward the
issue but it still remains unresolved.
However, In India, individual states have significant influence over transboundary agreements,
impeding the policymaking process.

 West Bengalis one of the key stakeholders of the Teesta agreement and is yet to endorse the
deal.
Connectivity

 India-Bangladesh is a good example of connectivity through all modes of transport.

 The movement of goods by road is operationalised through 36 functional Land Customs Stations

(LCSs) and 2 Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along the border.

 This includes the Petrapole-Benapole ICP through which more than 50% of the bilateral trade

takes place on account of which it has been decided to operate these land portion 24x7basis

since 01 August 2017.

 The Protocol on Inland Water Trade and Transit (PIWTT) has been operational since 1972. It

permits the movement of goods over barges/vessels from India through the river systems of

Bangladesh on eight specific routes.

 There are regular bus services between Kolkata-Dhaka, Shillong-Dhaka, and Agartala-Kolkata via

Dhaka. A new bus service (Dhaka-Khulna-Kolkata) was launched during PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit

in April 2017

 The bridge ‘Maitri Setu’ has been built over the Feni river which flows between Indian boundary

in Tripura State and Bangladesh. Feni originates in the South Tripura district. The river passes

through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets the Bay of Bengal after it flows into

Bangladesh.

◦ The 1.9 Km long bridge joins Sabroom (in Tripura) with Ramgarh (in Bangladesh).
 ◦ The name ‘Maitri Setu’ symbolises growing bilateral relations and friendly ties between
India and Bangladesh.

Power and Energy Sector Cooperation

 Cooperation in the power sector has become one of the hallmarks of India Bangladesh relations.

Bangladesh is currently importing about 660 MW of power from India.

 The 1320 MW coal-fired Maitree thermal power plant, a 50:50 JV between National Thermal

Power Corporation (NTPC) of India and Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), is being

developed at Rampal. Many Indian public sector units such as Indian Oil Corporation,

Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Petronet LNG Ltd are working with their Bangladeshi counterparts

in the oil and gas sector of Bangladesh.

Cultural Exchanges
 The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India, is a Cultural Centre of the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations of India in Bangladesh. Inaugurated in 2010, IGCC regularly
organizes programmes covering a wide-gamut of cultural activities. The IGCC also holds regular
training courses in Yoga, Hindi, Hindustani Classical Music, Manipuri Dance, Kathak and Painting.
The courses are very popular with Bangladeshi students. IGCC Hindi teacher also teaches Hindi
at the Institute of Modern Languages in University.
Bilateral Trade and Investment
 The first Trade Agreement between India and Bangladesh was signed in 1972. The India-
Bangladesh Trade Agreement is signed for a period of 5 years with a provision for auto-renewal.
There are a number of other trade-related agreements that have been signed between both
countries.
 India’s exports to Bangladesh for the financial year 2018-19 (April-March) stood at the US $9.21
BN and imports from Bangladesh for the same period stood at the US $ 1.22 BN.
 At present, Bangladesh allows transit facilities to India’s northeastern states by waterways for
cargoes and roadways for passengers. For transit through waterways, India and Bangladesh had
signed the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT).
 In addition to LOC funds, the Government of India also provides grant assistance to Bangladesh
for projects under ‘Aid to Bangladesh’. Projects such as the construction of school/college
buildings, laboratories, dispensaries, deep tube wells, community centers, renovation of
historical monuments/buildings, etc have been financed by the Government of India under this
programme.
 At present, three Sustainable Development Projects (SDPs) are being undertaken in the cities of
Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.
 The extended development work of Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral house in Shilaidaha is as
well as 36 community clinics in selected districts of Bangladeshis also being undertaken.
 One of the biggest projects under the Indian grant assistance is the Bangladesh section of the
Agartala-Akhaura rail-link.
Recent Developments in India-Bangladesh Trade Relations
 The inauguration of a joint project by India and Bangladesh to let India buy liquefied petroleum
gas from Bangladesh for consumption in India’s northeastern state of Tripura.
 The inauguration of a skill development center that will provide basic as well as advanced
training some 200-300 Bangladeshi youth on an annual basis for employment in the small and
medium scale industry sectors.
 Terms for the use of the Chattogram and Mongla ports in Bangladesh for the movement of
goods to and from India.
 A pact signed for India to draw 1.82 cusecs (cubic seconds) of water from Bangladesh’s Feni river
for use by India in Tripura state.
 Recently, India and Bangladesh have held a virtual summit covering comprehensive discussions
on all aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues.
 Bangladesh also invited India for the celebration of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s
Independence in 1971 and 50 years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, held in March
2021.
Major Concerns
 The Teesta waters dispute remains a major issue due to continuous protest by the Mamata
Banerjee led West Bengal government.
 National Register of Citizens has left out 1.9 million people in Assam who are being labeled as
illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
However, Bangladesh is firm in its stance that no migrants traveled to Assam illegally during the
1971 war of independence and NRC may risk the relations.
 The Rohingya issue and India’s remarks in 2017 on the issue have been upsetting for
Bangladesh which has been facing the challenge of providing shelter to more than a million
Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution.
 Bangladesh is overwhelmingly dependent on China for military hardware. China’s footprint is
growing in Bangladesh’s economy.
Expected Questions :
1. Ganga Water Treaty between India & Bangladesh was signed in the year :
(a) 1974 (b) 1996
(c) 1971 (d) 2012
2. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements :
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Ranjeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1&3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 & 3 only (d) 1,2 & 3
 Indo-Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the neighbouring countries of India. Both the nations are entangled in a

relationship which can be called 2500 years old. India has ancient links with Sri Lanka since the rule of

Emperor Ashoka.

The relationship between the two countries has built upon a legacy of:

• Intellectual Intercourse

• Cultural Intercourse

• Religious Intercourse and

• Linguistic Intercourse.
Relations between the two countries have also matured and diversified with the passage of time,
encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance. The shared cultural and social heritage of the two
countries and the extensive people to people interaction of their citizens provide the foundation to
build a multi-faceted partnership.
In recent years, the relationship has been marked by the following:
• Close contacts at the highest political level
• Growing trade and investment
• Cooperation in the fields of:
◦ Development
◦ Education
◦ Culture and
◦ Defence, as well as
◦ Broad understanding on major issues of international interest.

Issues
Despite cordial relations in the past, contemporary relations have been plagued by many incidents
that have strained the cordial relations between the two nations. The main factors which have
contributed to the strained relations between the two countries are:
Areas of Conflicts between India Sri Lanka:
➡ Ethnic issue & the Sri Lankan Civil War

➡ Indo-Sri Lankan Accord

➡ The Fisherman Issue

History of Civil War

▪ Sri Lanka has been mired in ethnic conflict since the country, formerly known as Ceylon, became
independent from British rule in 1948.
▪ A 2001 government census says Sri Lanka’s main ethnic populations are the Sinhalese (82%),
Tamil (9.4%), and Sri Lanka Moor (7.9%).
▪ In the years following independence, the Sinhalese, who resented British favoritism toward
Tamils during the colonial period, disenfranchised Tamil migrant plantation workers from India
and made Sinhala the official language.
▪ In 1972, the Sinhalese changed the country’s name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka and made
Buddhism the nation’s primary religion.
▪ As ethnic tension grew, in 1976, the LTTE was formed under the leadership of Velupillai
Prabhakaran, and it began to campaign for a Tamil homeland in northern and eastern Sri Lanka,
where most of the island’s Tamils reside.
▪ In 1983, the LTTE ambushed an army convoy, killing thirteen soldiers and triggering riots in
which 2,500 Tamils died.
▪ As Ethnic ties have bound southern India and Sri Lanka for more than two millennia. India is a
home to more than 60 million of the world’s 77 million Tamils, while about 4 million live in Sri
Lanka.
▪ The Palk Strait, about 40 km (25 miles) wide at its narrowest point, separates the southern
Indian state of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka, traditionally the main Tamil area of the Indian
Ocean island.
◦ When war between Sri Lankan Tamils and the Sinhalese majority erupted in 1983, India
took an active role.
◦ Indo-Sri Lankan Accord was signed in 1987 to provide a political solution to Sri Lanka’s
conflict.
◦ It proposed the establishment of provincial council system and devolution of power for
nine provinces in Sri Lanka (also known as The Thirteenth Amendment).
◦ India deployed Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka under Operation Pawan to
disarm the different militant group.
◦ IPKF was later withdrawn after three years amidst escalating violence.
◦ The violent conflict was ended in 2009 and at that point of India has agreed to reconstruct
the war-torn areas and started many rehabilitation programs.
◦ India voted against Sri Lanka in 2009, 2012 and 2013 at the USsponsored UNHRC resolution
to investigate alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka.
◦ On February 26, 2020, the Sri Lankan Government formally notified the United Nations that
it will withdraw from the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) resolution
 Issues
Legislations by Sri Lanka

➡ Ceylon Citizenship Act 1948

➡ Official Language Act 1956

Indian Intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War

➡ In 1987, Rajiv Gandhi decided to intervene in the situation mainly because of separatism issues

in Tamil Nadu and also to avoid the potential swarm of refugees from Sri Lanka to Indian shores,
setting a new stage for the India-Sri Lanka relations
➡ Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) was sent to the island in the hope of bringing about peace. This

move proved to be a terrible disaster. Instead of negotiating a settlement between both parties,
the Indian troops ended up fighting the Eelam group. About 1200 Indian men died in the war.
Rajiv Gandhi was also a victim of the LTTE when in 1991, he was assassinated by a human bomb
at an election rally in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

➡ After the IPKF had withdrawn in 1990, the fighting continued more intensely. Sri Lankan

President Premadasa was also killed by the LTTE in 1993 in a human bomb.

➡ The LTTE, at its height, was a full-fledged militia with even an air force of its own. It employed

women and even children in their activities.

➡ The war went on with numerous counts of atrocities and brutalities perpetrated by both sides.

The civilians also suffered terribly. Lakhs of people were displaced in the protracted war.

➡ A ceasefire was declared a few times by the LTTE, only to resume fighting later. Peace talks were

also held with the intervention of international actors, particularly Norway. Nothing came to any
avail.
Fishermen issue
▪ Given the proximity of the territorial waters of both countries, especially in the Palk Straits and
the Gulf of Mannar, incidents of straying of fishermen are common.
▪ Indian boats have been fishing in the troubled waters for centuries and had a free run of the Bay
of Bengal, Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar until 1974 and 1976 when treaties were signed
between the two countries to demarcate International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
▪ However, the treaties failed to factor in the hardship of thousands of traditional fishermen who
were forced to restrict themselves to a meagre area in their fishing forays.
▪ The small islet of Katchatheevu, hitherto used by them for sorting their catch and drying their
nets, fell on the other side of the IMBL.
• It is an uninhabited off-shore island in the Palk Strait originally owned by a king of Ramnad
(present-day Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu).
• The island is used by fishermen to dry their nets.
• During the British rule, it was administered jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
• In the early 20th century, Sri Lanka claimed territorial ownership over the islet, so in 1974 India
ceded the island to Sri Lanka, through a joint agreement.
◦ Two years later through another accord, India further gave up its fishing rights in the
region.
St. Anthony's Catholic Shrine
St. Antony's shrine is the only structure on the island. It is a church named after St. Antony,
considered a patron-saint of seafarers by the Christians. It was built by a prosperous Indian an Indian
Catholic (Tamilian) fisherman Srinivasa Padaiyachi in the early 20th century. The annual church
festival runs for three days. The priests from both India and Sri Lanka conduct the mass and car
procession. Pilgrims from India are ferried mostly from Rameswaram. According to the agreement
between the Indian and Sri Lankan government, the citizens of India are not required to possess an
Indian passport or Sri Lankan visa for visiting Kachchatheevu. The island lacks drinking water.

➡ Fishermen often risk their lives and cross the IMBL rather than return emptyhanded, but the Sri

Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed fishing nets and vessels of those
who have crossed the line.

➡ Both countries have agreed on certain practical arrangements to deal with the issue of bona fide

fishermen of either side crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.

➡ Through these arrangements, it has been possible to deal with the issue of detention of

fishermen in a humane manner.

➡ India and Sri Lanka have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries between the

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Development of Sri Lanka as the mechanism to help find a permanent solution to the
fishermen issue.
India-Sri Lanka Commercial Relations
Sri Lanka has long been a priority destination for direct investment from India. Sri Lanka is one of
India’s largest trading partners in SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation). Trade
between the two countries grew particularly rapidly after the entry into force of the India-Sri Lanka
Free Trade Agreement in March 2000. According to Sri Lankan Customs, bilateral trade in 2018
amounted to US $ 4.93 billion.
• Exports from India to Sri Lanka in 2018 were US$ 4.16billion, while exports from Sri Lanka to
India are US$ 767 million. The main items of exports from Sri Lanka to India are: Base Oil, Poultry
feeds, Areca nuts, (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard, Pepper, Ignition Wiring Sets, Copper
wire, Marble, travertine and alabaster.
• Main items of Imports from India to Sri Lanka are: Gas oil/ Diesel, Motorcycles, Pharmaceutical.
• Products, Portland cement, Semi finished products of Iron, Military weapon, Fuel oil, Rice,
Cement clinkers, Kerosene Type jet Fuel.
• India is one of the largest investors in Sri Lanka with cumulative investments of around USD
1.239 billion. The investments are in diverse areas including petroleum retail, IT, financial
services, real estate, telecommunication, hospitality & tourism, banking and food processing (tea
& fruit juices), copper and other metal industries), tires, cement, glass manufacturing, and
infrastructure development (railway, power, water supply).
• The agreement CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) which is yet to be
signed between the countries, seeks to build on the momentum generated by the FTA and take
the two economies beyond trade in goods towards greater integration and impart renewed
impetus and synergy to bilateral economic interaction.
India Sri Lanka – Development Cooperation
Sri Lanka is among the major recipients of development assistance from the Government of
India.India’s overall commitment stands close to US$ 3 billion, out of which around US$ 560 million
are purely in grants. The Indian Housing Project, with an initial commitment to build 50,000 houses
for the war affected as well as the estate workers in the plantation areas, is Government of India
(GoI)’s flagship project of developmental assistance to Sri Lanka. With an overall commitment of over
Indian rupees (INR) 1372 crore in grants, it is one of the largest projects undertaken by GoI abroad. At
the moment, all the committed 46,000 houses in the Northern and Eastern Provinces have been
completed.
India – Sri Lanka (Security Co-operation)

➡ Sri Lankan military personnel are trained by India.

➡ Joint Military training exercise between Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army was conducted from

December 1 to 14, 2019 at Foreign Training Node (FTN) in Pune. This military training exercise
between Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army is known as ‘Mitra Shakti.’ ‘Mitra Shakti 2019’ was
the 7th edition of the Joint Military training between Indian and Sri Lankan Army.

➡ The focus was on achieving the desired level of interoperability and cohesive operational ability

of the troops from both India and Sri Lanka through mutual exchange of operational experience
and best practices.

➡ India has exported Military hardware to Sri Lanka.

➡ 7th Bilateral Maritime Exercise between Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy was held from 7th

September 2019 to 12th September 2019. It was a 6 day joint exercise conducted off the coast
of Visakhapatnam. Indian Navy was represented by ‘INS Khukri’ and Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel
‘INS Sumedha.’ The Sri Lankan Navy was represented by Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS
Sindhurala and SLNS Suranimala. This regularly conducted Maritime Exercise between Indian
Navy and Sri Lankan Navy is known as‘SLINEX.’
India-Sri Lanka Relations – Recent Issues

➡ Sri Lanka had handed over the strategic Hambantota Port to China on a 99-year lease. Although

Chinese took control of the port by projecting an image of commercial operations, the security
establishment in India was worried about China using the Hambantota port for Military
operations. Moreover, Chinese Submarines have been spotted at Hambantota Port.

➡ Joint venture for running the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport with India has not moved

forward in desired direction. Mattala Airport is not far from Hambantota port, which is operated
by China.

➡ Indian Public Sector Undertaking National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) was supposed to

undertake the Sampur Thermal Power Station Project located in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
Due to environmental issues the project was cancelled.
• Scrapping the East Container Terminal (ECT) project: Having promised earlier to lease out 51
percent of the ECT to India, the Sri Lankan government abruptly reversed course.
• Over 70 per cent of the transshipment business in the terminal is linked to India.
• It is also of geo strategic interest for India, as the terminal is located in proximity to
Colombo Port City, being developed by the Chinese.
• Jaffna Hybrid Energy Project: A Chinese company was awarded the contract to install a hybrid
renewable energy system about 50 km away from the Tamil Nadu coast on Nainativu , Delft, and
Analaitivu islands off the Jaffna Peninsula. India has objected the project citing security
concerns. Reportedly, India had offered a $12 million grant to execute the same project.
• Issues in economic cooperation: In February 2021, India refused to extend the term of its
currency swap agreement with Sri Lanka, quoting concerns about Sri Lanka’s economic
climate.
Expected Questions:
Q.1. IMBL between India & Sri Lanka was signed in the year:
(a) 1974
(b) 1976
(c) 1971
(d) 2009
Q.2. 13 Amendment in news in related to:
(a) USA
(b) India
(c) U.K.
(d) Sri Lanka
 United Nations
➡ The United Nations (UN) is a global organisation tasked with maintaining international peace and
security while fostering friendly relations among nations. It is the largest, most recognized and
most powerful intergovernmental organisation in the world.
➡ Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United
Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace
and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism,
humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more.
➡ The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly,
the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By
enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has
become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
➡ The UN's Chief Administrative Officer is the Secretary-General.
➡ 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
➡ Functions of the United Nations (UN)
➡ United Nations – Principal Organs
➡ United Nations Specialized Agencies
➡ United Nations – Important Agencies & Programmes
➡ United Nations Conventions
➡ India and the UN
➡ Challenges Faced by UN
➡ The UN was formed following the devastating World War II, with the aim of preventing future
global-scale conflicts.
➡ It was a successor to the ineffective League of Nations.

➡ The representatives of 50 governments met in San Francisco on 25 April 1945, to draft what
would become the UN Charter.
➡ The Charter was adopted on 25 June 1945 and came into effect on 24 October 1945.
United Nations Functions
In accordance with the Charter, the organization’s objectives include maintaining international peace
and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable
development, and upholding international law. At its founding, the UN had 51 member states; this
number grew to 193 in 2011, representing the vast majority of the world’s sovereign states.
United Nations Structure
The UN is structured around five principal organs:
1. General Assembly
2. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
4. International Court of Justice
5. UN Secretariat.
A sixth principal organ, the Trusteeship Council, suspended operations on 1 November 1994, upon
the independence of Palau, the last remaining UN trustee territory.
General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the chief policy-making and representative body of
the UN.
• It is the only UN body where all the UN members are represented. So, all 193 member countries
are represented here.
• The GA is headed by a President who is elected for a one-year tenure.
• The GA is headquartered in New York, USA.
• The UNGA meets once a year in September.
◦ This annual GA session happens in the General Assembly Hall in New York.
• The Assembly also meets at other times of the year depending on the tasks.
• The UNGA can make recommendations to countries on matters within its competence.
• Functions of the UNGA:
◦ Consider and approve the UN budget and establish the financial assessments of member
countries;
◦ Elect the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council and the members of other
UN organs and councils and, on the recommendation of the UNSC, appoint the Secretary-
General;
◦ Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for
maintaining international security and peace, including disarmament;
◦ Discuss any question relating to international peace and security;
◦ Discuss any question within the scope of the UN Charter;
◦ Conduct studies and make recommendations to encourage global political cooperation, the
codification and development of international law, the realization of human rights &
fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the social, economic, cultural,
humanitarian, health and educational fields.
◦ Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might hamper
the friendly relations between nations;
◦ Consider reports from the various UN organs.
• Voting in the UNGA:
1. Every member has one vote in the GA.
2. Most questions are decided by a simple majority, however, budgetary questions, election
to the UNSC, and ECOSOC require a 2/3rd majority vote.
3. In recent times, the UNGA has been striving to make decisions based on consensus among
all member countries.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
The ECOSOC is the main body responsible for coordination, policy dialogue, policy review and
recommendations on social, economic, and environmental issues, and also the implementation of
internationally agreed development goals.
1. It serves as the central mechanism for activities of the UN system and its specialized agencies in
the economic, social, and environmental fields, supervising subsidiary and expert bodies.
2. It is the UN’s pivotal platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable
development.
3. The ECOSOC has 54 members that are elected by the General Assembly.
4. Voting is by a simple majority and each member has one vote in the ECOSOC.
5. The work of the UN’s specialized agencies like the FAO, UNESCO, UNICEF, the ILO, etc. are
coordinated by the ECOSOC.
6. The ECOSOC presidency is for one year, and it is headquartered in New York.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The ICJ is the chief judicial organ of the United Nations.
1. The ICJ’s seat is at The Hague, the Netherlands. (It is the only UN principal organ not located in
New York, USA.)
2. All 193 UN members are automatically a party to the ICJ.
3. ICJ’s functions:
◦ To settle in accordance with international law the legal disputes submitted to it by States.
◦ To give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized international
organs and agencies.
Secretariat
The Secretariat comprises the UN Secretary-General and the thousands of staff who work at the UN
HQ in New York.
1. The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN.
◦ The Secretary-General is appointed by the GA on the recommendation by the UNSC.
◦ He/she has a five-year renewable tenure.
◦ The current and the ninth Secretary-General is a Portuguese national, António Guterres.
◦ The Secretary-General can bring to the attention of the UNSC any issue which can be a
threat to international peace and security.
2. The staff who work at the Secretariat are hired internationally and also locally depending upon
the job.
3. They work at stations all over the world.
4. Their work ranges from peacekeeping operations, surveying economic and social trends,
mediating in international disputes, conducting international conferences to laying the
groundwork for international agreements.
5. The Secretariat has five regional commissions:
◦ ECA – Economic Commission for Africa
◦ ECE – Economic Commission for Europe
◦ ECLAC – Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
◦ ESCAP – Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
◦ ESCWA – Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Trusteeship Council
The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 under the UN Charter to administer the 11 Trust
Territories after the Second World War.
1. These were former colonies or dependent territories.
2. Since the Council was created, many territories have become independent and are self-
governing.
3. The last Trust Territory to become independent was Palau in 1994.
4. Hence, the Trusteeship Council suspended operations in 1994 and decided to meet as and when
the occasion arises.

UNSC
➡ The United Nations Security Council has emerged as the key arena and barometer for evaluating
the promise and progress of accommodating new, rising powers in the international system.
➡ The case of India provides one of the best examples of a rising power coming to terms with its
increased power, role and expectations of itself and of other powers, in negotiating its place in
the reformed Council as a permanent member.
➡ The UN Security Council is the premier global body for maintaining international peace and
security, but it faces steady calls for reform to better meet twenty-first-century challenges.
➡ The United Nations Charter gives primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and

security to the Security Council, which may meet whenever peace is threatened.
➡ It is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace.

➡ The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and

security.
➡ The council assesses threats to international security, addressing issues that include civil wars,

natural disasters, arms control, and terrorism.

Organisation
• The Security Council held its first session on 17 January 1946 at London. Since its first meeting,
the Security Council has taken permanent residence at the United Nations Headquarters in New
York City.
• It also travelled to many cities, holding sessions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1972, in Panama
City, Panama, and in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1990.
Structure
• In its initial form, the SC was formed of 11 members, among them 5 permanent ones and 6 non-
permanent ones.
• In 1963 the Charter of the United Nations has been amended in order to allow an increase of the
number of non-permanent members from 6 to 10.
• Until today, this has been the only successful attempt to reform the Council.
• The five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States—collectively known as the P5. Any one of them can veto a resolution.
• The council’s ten elected members, which serve two-year, non-consecutive terms, are not
afforded veto power.
• Current non-permanent members:
◦ India, Norway, Ireland, Mexico and Kenya
◦ Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, and Vietnam, whose terms end in
2021.
Main Reform groups of the UN Security Council
• The Group of 4 - G4 (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) proposes an increased number of
permanent members of the Council.
• It supports an extended SC of 25 members, among them 6 new permanent members (G4
members and 2 African states) and 4 newly elected.
• The Group “Uniting for Consensus” (UFC) – lead by Italy, Argentina, Pakistan, Mexico supports
an extended Council of 25 members, with the addition at the level of nonpermanent members
and /or the introduction of a new category of members, the semipermanent members.
• African Union (“Ezulwini Consensus”) supports an extended SC of 26 members. Africa will
receive 2 permanent seats, accompanied by the right to veto and 2 non-permanent seats.
• ACT represents a Trans-Regional group of 21 states, which promotes the need for a review of the
working methods of the Council, in order to increase its members’ responsibility in front of the
entire UN membership and the transparency of its work.
• The main controversy is related to the total number of seats of a reformed Council and their
distribution on categories.
• At UN level the SC reform has been debated in 5 components: categories of members, the right
to veto, the level of extension, working methods and the relation to the General Assembly.
Why reforms needed in UNSC?
• As a result of its shortcomings, reform of the Security Council has been deemed necessary. In
2009, some 140 member states requested to move on to text-based negotiations to pursue
reform.
• Since its establishment, the geopolitical realities have changed drastically, but the Council has
changed very little.
• It is much regulated by 5 permanent members of the council which is not in balance with the
rest of world.
• Reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) encompasses five
Key issues:
1. Categories of membership
2. Question of the veto held by the five permanent members
3. Regional representation
4. Size of an enlarged Council and its working methods
5. Security Council-General Assembly relationship
Issues related to reforms:
• The main issue of reform is aimed at increasing accountability and transparency of, and
participation, in the UN scheme.
The spectrum of reform broadly incorporates two aspects:
1. It relates to the working method of the Security Council and its relationship with the General
Assembly.
◦ This aspect largely focusses on the regulation of the use of the ’veto’ power and raises
several questions on the limits imposed on the use of the power.
◦ It requires a simple resolution.
2. The issue of expansion and category of the membership of the Security Council from the present
15, including 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent ones, the latter with two-year,
election- based tenures.
◦ This requires a UN Charter amendment with two-thirds majority in the General Assembly.
Indian perspectives on Council Reforms
• The Indian attempts at reforming the Council date as back as 1979, when India along with other
NAM countries submitted a draft resolution to the General Assembly calling for an increase in
the non-permanent membership from 10 to 14.
• The 1990s also saw Indian attempts at pressing for UN reforms.
• In order to move the TBN process forward, India has articulated its positions on diverse aspects
of the Security Council reforms.
• On the issue of categories of membership, India has argued that an overwhelming majority of
Member-States have already supported expansion in both categories.
• India claims that around 85% of total submissions that are part of the text and the annex have
supported expansion in both categories.
• India supports increase in both permanent and non-permanent membership of UN Security
Council.
Permanent seat of India in UNSC
• Chairmanship of the all- important Security Council Committee on Counterterrorism, and four
out of P-5 members stopping just short of endorsing the candidature of India.
• The question of India's permanent membership of the UNSC would be considered only after an
agreement on the nature and extent of expansion of the Council is arrived at in accordance with
the provisions of the UN Charter which requires approval by two-third of the membership of the
UN.
• India is actively engaged in Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process and has been working
alongside other reform-oriented countries through its membership of the G-4 bloc as well as
with cross regional grouping of developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
India’s current position in UNSC
• India was the sole candidate from the Asia-Pacific region vying for a nonpermanent membership.
• Its candidature was unanimously endorsed by the 55-member Asia-Pacific Group in June, 2019.
• This is the eighth time India has been elected a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
• Previously, it has been elected as a member for the period of 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973,
1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-2012.
Why India should be given the permeant seat at UNSC?
• Along with China and Japan, only India can justifiably represent Asia. Hence, it has rightly
asserted its claim to a permanent seat.
• India, with its ancient civilization, rich heritage, deep rooted democratic system and growing
economic potential has the credentials to champion the cause of developing nations.
• India is world's largest democracy and the UN is based on the idea of democracy and giving
equal opportunities to everyone.
• India accounting around 17% (approx.) of the words global population, gives a reason to ask for
a membership. It is world’s largest participant in UN peacekeeping operations.
• Maintains the third largest armed forces in the world after US, China and Germany. And has a
significant contribution to UN helping people in war stricken nations in the middle east.
• India being one of the most responsible nuclear power nation has been accepted into the folds
of elite 45 nations of nuclear suppliers group to set up nuclear oriented facilities for peaceful
purposes.
• India is one of the world’s fast growing economies with a large consumer base.
• India’s membership will remove the hegemony of select club of world powers and allow the
emerging regional powers to have more say in global matters.
Benefits to India if it becomes a permanent member of UNSC
• India, if accepted as a new permanent member, must enjoy the same powers and prerogatives
as the existing members.
• A permanent seat at UN will give India a due recognition strategically and politically. India will
have a greater say in various geo-political events that are tackled keeping in mind threat posed
to West and Europe only.
• Until now, no country has tried to not take any concrete action against the State-sponsored
terrorism of Pakistan. Though US has realigned its approach in the recent times, China continues
to take undue political advantage and resorts to creating hurdles in measures aimed at
countering State-sponsored terrorism of Pakistan.
• Policies and measures adopted that are hostile to developed countries are often vetoed. Thus
only those policies and measures materialize that have little bearing on them. Responsibility is
often transferred to developing nations like India.
• A permanent seat at UN is not only important from safeguarding India’s security interests point
of view, many countries awe a permanent membership. So that, their voice does not go unheard
in UNSC.
• This will encourage more strategic and economics ties with India. An example of this is that
China and Pakistan have no historical ties but yet Pakistan has befriended China just to counter
India in global geo-political sphere.
• The challenges faced by the Indian subcontinent are not duly represented in UNSC. It has
become a hegemony of West and Europe. China uses it just as a tool to muster more political
and strategic support and hardly works in serving the purpose of UNSC.
• The membership will help India to reduce the dominance of China in subcontinent regions like
Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
• It will have a huge positive impact on issue of Kashmir regarding the Pok and Baluchistan. The
continuous conflicts that goes on border with China and Pakistan will see a downfall.
• The membership to the UNSC will help India in becoming a member of NSG (Nuclear Suppliers
Group).
Obstacles for India in getting permanent membership of UNSC
• Among the five permanent member, China is the only one, who uses veto power against India's
efforts to become a permanent member.
• It is argued by critics that India has still not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),
also had rejected the CTBT in 1996.
• And in fact, was the target of unanimous Security Council Resolution 1172 after it conducted
nuclear tests in 1998. But, India’s nuclear diplomacy after the May 1998 tests successfully turned
India from a pariah state to being increasingly a part of the non-proliferation regime.
• India has emerged as a foremost, singularly acknowledged rising power seen by most states, as
making a legitimate claim to a place in the changing architecture of global governance, including
the UN Security Council.
• The Indian interests in joining the reformed UN Security Council stem from its globally impacting
geography and demography, its rapidly increasing traditional great power ambitions, and
assuming its rightful place in the comity of nations and significant contributions to the UN
system.
• The world body must take note that a large geographical entity like India cannot just be ignored
anymore. It must be conceded its rightful place to play a larger role in world affairs for the
benefit of mankind.
India and the UN
India was among the founding members of the United Nations. Even before achieving independence,
India had signed the Declaration by the United Nations at Washington, D.C. in 1944, and also
participated in the United Nations Conference on International Organization at San Francisco from 25
April to 26 June 1945. As one of the original members of the United Nations, India enthusiastically
supports the purposes and principles of the UN and has made significant contributions in
implementing the goals of the organisation. The UN field networks in India are the largest anywhere
in the world through the many offices, programmes and funds currently at work in the country.
Today, there are 26 UN agencies in India. Some of the milestones that the UN has made in India
through its agencies are elaborated upon below:
1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
1. When FAO began its India operations in 1948, its priority was to transform India’s food and
farm sectors through technical inputs and support for policy development.
2. Over the years, FAO has made major inroads in resolving issues such as access to food,
nutrition, livelihoods, rural development and sustainable agriculture. With the Sustainable
Development Goals in full swing, the FAO’s primary focus will be on improving India’s
sustainable agricultural practices.
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD):
• IFAD and the Government of India have achieved significant results in investing in the
commercialization of smallholdingagriculture and building small farmers’ capacity to
increase incomes from market opportunities.
• IFAD-supported projects have also provided women with access to financial services, such
as by linking women’s selfhelp groups with commercial banks.
• UNAIDS:
1. India has worked with the UN on the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS). The main aim of the programme is to help prevent new HIV infections, care for
people living with HIV and mitigate the impact of the epidemic.
2. Between 2001 and 2012 the total number of cases of the disease in India fell down by 50%,
one of the highest in the world at that time. So far, India has managed to continue the
trend.
• Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT):
1. This is a UNESCAP regional institute established in 1977. It works in the fields of technology
transfer, information and innovation management.
• International Monetary Fund: India has been working closely with the IMF. For more on this,
please check the linked article on IMF in the table above.
• UNESCO:
• India has been closely associated with the UNESCO. India has been continuously re-elected
to the Executive Board of UNESCO since 1946.
• A UNESCO Category I Institute dedicated to education for peace and sustainable
development was established in 2012 and is called the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of
Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP). It is located in New Delhi.
• There are also several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
• World Health Organisation (WHO): WHO has been working closely with the Indian government
to improve health outcomes. It has played a stellar part in eradicating several diseases such as
cholera, controlling others like malaria, TB, etc. For more on WHO and India, you can check the
WHO linked article from the table above.
India’s Contribution towards the UN
India has been an active member of the UN since its inception. In 1946, India became the first country
to raise the issues of racism and apartheid in South Africa in the UN forum.
• India played an important part in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in
1948.
• The first woman president of the UNGA was an Indian, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, in 1953.
• India has contributed immensely to UN Peacekeeping Missions in various parts of the world.
◦ India has sent her peacekeeping troops to Korea, Egypt, Congo, Haiti, Angola, Somalia,
Liberia, Rwanda, Lebanon, South Sudan, etc.
◦ India has been regularly one of the largest contributor of troops to the missions.
• Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence resonate deeply with the UN’s principles. In 2007, the
UN declared Gandhi’s birth anniversary of October 2 as the ‘International Day of Nonviolence’.
• In 2014, the UNGA declared that 21st June would be observed as International Yoga Day.
Expected Questions
1. Which of the following is not a member of G-4?
(A) India
(B) Pakistan
(C) Brazil
(D) Germany
2. Which of the following is not a member of P-5?
(A) Germany
(B) USA
(C) Russia
(D) France