Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : PM Modi’s Russia Visit

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia was a masterclass in diplomatic tightrope walking. Let’s unpack the key aspects and what they mean for India:

Walking the Razor’s Edge:

• The Challenge: Navigate the complex geopolitical landscape where Russia and the West are at odds over Ukraine.
• India’s Strategy: Maintain strong ties with Russia (a long-standing partner) while addressing Western concerns and its own reservations about the Ukraine war.

Idealists vs. Spoilers:

• Idealists: Focus on the positive aspects of the visit – strengthening India-Russia ties, economic and scientific cooperation, and a potential trade boom.
• Spoilers: Highlight India’s lack of support for Russia’s military actions and its growing relationship with the US, potentially straining ties with Moscow.

Beyond Bilateral Ties:

• India’s Message: The visit signifies India’s commitment to a multipolar world order, not dominated by a single superpower.

India’s Gains:

• Repatriating Indians: Russia agreed to help return Indian personnel (estimated 30-40) currently with its armed forces.
• Ukraine Resolution: Both nations agreed on a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, potentially opening doors for future mediation efforts.

China Factor:

• India’s Concern: Russia’s growing closeness with China, a potential threat to India’s security.
• Reassurance Sought: Discussions likely focused on Russia’s stance on the India-China border issue.
  • Positive Sign: Russia’s Foreign Minister recently expressed “understanding” towards India’s position on China talks.

US Relations:

• Russia’s Worry: India’s growing ties with the US might affect their relationship.
• India’s Message: Reassurance that US ties won’t come at the expense of the strong India-Russia partnership.

The Challenge: Sanctions and Trade Imbalance

• Western sanctions on Russia make it difficult for India to pay for Russian goods and services through traditional means (e.g., US dollars).
• Despite sanctions, trade boomed due to cheap Russian oil, but this created a massive trade imbalance favoring Russia (India imports much more than it exports).

India’s Wins

• Scored discounted oil deals, significantly boosting overall trade.
• Potential for increased exports of agricultural products and automobiles to Russia.

Russia’s Wins

• Increased sales of oil and other goods to India.

Finding Solutions

• Reviving the rupee-rouble trade system allows payments in local currencies, bypassing sanctions.
• Exploring new payment mechanisms for future transactions.
• India pushing to export more to Russia and lessen the trade imbalance.

Adapting to the Situation

• Talks focused on improving transportation links (land & sea) to facilitate trade flow.
• Possible solution for military equipment delays – production in India through “Make in India” initiative.

Overall

• While some predicted a decline in India-Russia relations, the talks suggest both countries are actively working to make their trade ties more resilient in the face of current challenges.

Additional Points

• The specific details of the new payment mechanisms and “Make in India” plans are yet to be finalized.
• The success of these solutions will depend on their implementation and the evolving geopolitical situation.

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Heating Up

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

The Alarming Data (July 2023 – June 2024)

• The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), a key source of climate data, has released its latest bulletin (July 2024).
• It reveals a disturbing trend: the average global temperature between July 2023 and June 2024 was the hottest ever recorded.
• Compared to the pre-industrial era, the planet was a scorching 1.64°C hotter.

Breaching the Paris Agreement… (Not Quite Yet)

• This doesn’t necessarily mean the world has crossed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming threshold.
• The agreement uses decadal averages, not yearly temperatures, to measure progress.

Record-Breaking Heat and a Glimmer of Hope

• June 2024 added another grim record – the hottest June ever documented.
• However, the La Nina weather phenomenon might bring temporary relief to some regions.

From Mitigation to Adaptation

• Traditionally, climate policy focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation).
• But with inadequate progress on mitigation and the increasing severity of extreme weather events, adaptation is becoming equally critical.

The IPCC’s Stark Warning (2021 Report)

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2021 report highlighted the inadequacy of current adaptation measures.
• These measures are often “small-scale, reactive, and incremental,” focusing on near-term risks.

India’s Vulnerability and Urgent Need for Action

• A 2021 study by the Council for Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) revealed a harsh reality: over 80% of India’s population is vulnerable to climate disasters.
• While an adaptation plan exists, it needs significant strengthening.
• India’s weather reporting system and infrastructure, even in major cities, struggle to cope with the growing complexities of climate change.
• Most importantly, adaptation projects remain largely top-down, neglecting the crucial role of local solutions.

The Road Ahead

• The consistent breaches of the 1.5°C target serve as a stark warning. We’re headed for a warmer world.
• Policymakers must recognize climate change as a global phenomenon that requires both global action and effective local solutions.