Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Navigating Diplomatic Challenges: India’s Stance in the Quad

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Introduction

The joint statement from the recent meeting of the Quad foreign ministers—comprising the US, Australia, Japan, and India—holds significant weight in the current global context.

India’s Diplomatic Tightrope Post-Ukraine Invasion

• Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, India has faced a delicate and challenging diplomatic balancing act.
• The increasing tensions between the West and the Russia-China alliance, coupled with uncertainties surrounding the implications of the upcoming US presidential election on European security, have added to the complexity of this situation.

Quad Summit’s Message Against Unipolarity in Asia

• The recent Quad summit emphasized the importance of resisting unipolarity, particularly in response to an increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific region and along India’s Line of Actual Control.
• India’s support for “a free and open Indo-Pacific” and its commitment to a region free from coercion aligns with the Quad’s broader strategic goals.
• The forum also serves as a platform for member countries to share technologies and develop joint strategies for the region.

Balancing Relations: Russia and Western Concerns on Ukraine

• The Quad statement expressed deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and its humanitarian impact, calling for a comprehensive and lasting peace in line with international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• This reference to “sovereignty and territorial integrity” aims to address concerns about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Moscow, as raised by Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and US officials.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s long-standing commitment to the Quad, and India plans to send a high-level delegation to Kyiv in August.

Future Challenges in Balancing Relations

• India’s primary focus remains on securing its citizens’ interests. Its emphasis on “territorial integrity” reflects a principled stance on its boundaries with Pakistan and China, as well as in Europe.
• India’s commitment to peace and an independent foreign policy has been consistent. Jaishankar reiterated that India’s issues with China must be resolved bilaterally, without third-party intervention.
• However, maintaining a “multi-alignment” approach will become increasingly challenging.
• The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could shift the geopolitical landscape, emphasizing a stronger stance against China.

Conclusion

• India’s Quad statement serves as a course correction, distancing itself from the perception of supporting Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
• By clearly signaling its non-endorsement of Russia’s actions, India demonstrates its commitment to international principles.
• Moving forward, India’s foreign policy must continue to be adaptable and responsive to navigate the complexities of the global diplomatic environment.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : The Not Young: Addressing India’s Ageing Population

 GS-1 Mains Exam : Society

Introduction

While much of the discussion about Indian demographics centers around the youth and the “demographic dividend,” another significant aspect is often overlooked: the ageing population. With rising life expectancy, India is experiencing an increase in its older population, which has profound implications for social security and care for the elderly.

Growing Older Population in India

• Demographic Shift: The proportion of older individuals in India is projected to rise from 8.6% in 2011 to 20.8% by 2050.
• Regional Differences: Variations exist among states, with southern states and northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab showing higher elderly populations than the national average. This gap is expected to widen by 2036.

Rapid Ageing in East and South Asia

• Accelerated Ageing: Countries in East and South Asia are experiencing ageing at a much faster rate than Western countries, with changes happening in 20-30 years that took over a century in the West.
• Challenges: Middle and low-middle-income countries in the region face significant challenges due to insufficient social protection systems for the elderly, including pensions, healthcare, and social services.
• Changing Family Structures: The shift towards nuclear families complicates elderly care.
• Policy Measures: Some East Asian countries have tackled these issues by integrating health and social care services, investing in insurance schemes, and bolstering community-level care institutions.

India’s Challenges in Supporting Older Persons

• Low Visibility in Policy: The needs of older persons are not adequately addressed in Indian policymaking.
• Lack of Universal Social Protection: Unlike some East and Southeast Asian countries, India lacks a universal public pension scheme, health insurance, or social care system.
• Limited Programs: Existing programs primarily target those below the poverty line, leaving many without adequate support.
• Service Inequities: There are disparities in the availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of services for older persons.
• Understanding Needs: A comprehensive understanding of older persons’ needs from their perspective is essential.
• Service Evaluation: Evaluating the current social protection, insurance, and healthcare infrastructure is crucial to address these needs.
• Care Framework: A defined framework for delivering care services is needed due to the fragmented nature of existing services.
• Policy Roadmap: Developing a policy roadmap based on identified needs and care frameworks is necessary.

Assessing the Condition of Older Population in India

• Health Concerns: According to the Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI), those above 60 suffer from multiple morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
• Social Determinants: Factors like geographical location, class, caste, gender, work, and pensions significantly impact the perceived quality of life.
• Economic Insecurity: Many older persons, especially those working in the unorganised sector, lack pension or income support.
• HelpAge India Report 2024: This report highlights gaps in access to financial security, health, and social care across 10 states and 20 cities, showing poor coverage of social pensions and financial dependency on family members.

Medical and Geriatric Care for the Elderly

• Insurance Access: Government health insurance like Ayushman Bharat is limited to those below the poverty line, while other schemes cover only government employees and the organised sector.
• Insurance Challenges: Older persons face long processing times, claim deductions, and rejections when claiming insurance.
• Multiple Morbidities: Both LASI and HelpAge India Report highlight the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the elderly.
• Care Availability: Middle-class families can afford hired help, but institutional support like retirement communities and long-term care is underdeveloped.
• Class Disparities: Upper-middle-class and rich individuals can access new retirement communities, but the lower-middle class and the poor face significant challenges.

Conclusion

Public policy must address the multiple inequalities in access to financial security, health, and social care for older persons. As India transitions into an ageing society, addressing the gaps in pensions, health services, and social care is crucial. While focusing on the demographic dividend, attention must also be given to ensuring healthy ageing.