The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : India’s Role in Russia-Ukraine Peace-making Efforts

 GS-2 Mains Exam 

Revision Notes

Introduction:

• Two years after India distanced itself from the Russia-Ukraine conflict with the statement, “Europe’s problems are not the world’s problems,” there is growing speculation about New Delhi’s intent to mediate.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Moscow and Kyiv, potential meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval’s interactions indicate a heightened engagement in peace efforts.

India’s Engagement with Key Players:

• United States: After visiting Ukraine, Mr. Modi briefed U.S. President Joseph Biden, signaling India’s intent to keep Washington informed.
• Russia: NSA Ajit Doval communicated with President Putin in St. Petersburg, stating that he had been directed to update him on India’s diplomatic efforts.

India’s Role and Strategic Advantages:

1. Balanced Engagement: India is one of the few nations engaged with both the West and Russia, making it a unique interlocutor.
2. Non-alignment Tradition: India’s strategic autonomy, non-alignment policies, and abstention from UN votes during the conflict bolster its credibility as a neutral mediator.
3. Global South Representation: As G20 president, India successfully emphasized the war’s effects on global energy and food security, a key concern for developing nations.
4. Economic Ties with Russia: India’s six-fold increase in oil imports from Russia is framed as a principled stand rather than economic opportunism.
5. Historical Precedent: Modi seeks to replicate former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s diplomatic legacy, such as Nehru’s successful role in resolving the Soviet-Austrian dispute post-World War II.

Current Battlefield Situation:

• Russian forces control about one-sixth of Ukraine’s territory. Ukrainian forces are holding the line but lack the means for a major escalation.
• Zelenskyy’s temporary push into Russian-held Kursk was likely a strategic move for future negotiations.
• Zelenskyy seeks Western approval for long-range missiles, believing Russia is receiving arms from Iran and North Korea.
• Putin has warned that Western support for Zelenskyy’s missile requests would mark NATO’s direct entry into the war.

Potential Shifts in U.S. Politics:

• The U.S. election in November 2024 could alter the dynamics of the conflict. A Trump victory might mean reduced U.S. financial support for Ukraine, which would be beneficial to Russia. A win by U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris would likely continue current U.S. policies.

India’s Need for a Unique Peace Proposal:

• India must develop its own peace proposal, as existing solutions have been rejected by one side or the other.
• Putin rejected the Bürgenstock Communiqué, while Zelenskyy dismissed the Brazil-China joint six-point proposal.
• China and Hungary, other potential mediators, have made unsuccessful ceasefire efforts.
• In Berlin, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance:
  1. This is not the era of war.
  2. There are no military solutions.
  3. Russia must be included in talks.
  4. India remains engaged in resolving the conflict.

Challenges for India:

• Zelenskyy believes India should play a larger role than just being a “messenger” between Kyiv and Moscow.
• India’s reluctance to engage in the Swiss Peace Summit outcome implies that Gulf countries may lead future mediation.
• India’s decision-making will require soft power, diplomatic effort, and goodwill.

Way Forward:

• India must balance its resources between domestic challenges and international diplomacy.
• Consistency is crucial: if “dialogue and diplomacy” are to remain the key message, India must address its stance on other conflicts, like Pakistan.

Conclusion:

• New Delhi’s position as a bridge between the West and the East, as well as its standing in both the Quad and BRICS, gives it a unique role in potential peace efforts.
• Timing is essential, and India’s influence will depend on when it chooses to act decisively in the Russia-Ukraine peace process.

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Simultaneous Elections

 GS-2 Mains Exam 

Revision Notes

Introduction

• Despite objections from political parties and civil society, the Union government has decided to proceed with simultaneous elections as per the recommendations of the Ram Nath Kovind Committee.
• The committee’s proposal aims to align Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, followed by municipal and panchayat elections.

Key Proposals by the Ram Nath Kovind Committee

1. Simultaneous Lok Sabha & State Elections:
   • The committee views the alignment of national and state elections as a priority for India’s election reform.
2. Municipal and Panchayat Elections:
   • These polls would follow within 100 days of the general elections.
3. Constitutional Amendments:
   • The government will need to pass constitutional amendments in Parliament and State Assemblies to enable this framework.

Reasons for the Proposal

1. Reduction in Expenditure:
   • Holding simultaneous elections would potentially cut the election costs significantly.
2. Governance Efficiency:
   • It seeks to reduce the perennial campaign mode in Indian politics, which impacts legislative work and governance.

Concerns of States

1. Lack of Empirical Data:
   • Critics argue that there is insufficient data to substantiate the cost-saving claims.
2. Prolonged Election Period:
   • Simultaneous elections might extend the overall election period, especially considering the phased polling system already in use.
3. Mid-term Election Issues:
   • The committee suggested that if a State Assembly is dissolved early, the new Assembly’s term would end on the predetermined date, reducing its five-year tenure.
4. Contradiction to Cost-Cutting:
   • This recommendation contradicts the idea of cost-saving, as mid-term elections would still occur.
5. Anti-Federalism:
   • Imposing simultaneous elections is seen as anti-federal, reducing the autonomy of states.

Key Implications on a Multi-Tiered Governance System

1. Importance of Each Governance Tier:
   • Each governance level—national, state, and local—has its distinct role in Indian democracy.
2. Representative Democracy:
   • Voters select representatives based on local and national needs, which differ across tiers.
3. Varied Voter Preferences:
   • Elections held separately allow voters to make choices based on candidate strength, party affiliation, or local issues.
4. Campaigning as a Feature, Not a Flaw:
   • The belief that elections should be held simultaneously to avoid perpetual campaigning overlooks the centralisation tendencies of current political setups.
5. Federalism at Risk:
   • Subsuming multi-tier elections into one schedule may undermine the significance of state and local governments.
6. Reducing Tenures:
   • Implementing the proposal will necessitate the shortening of terms for several state governments.

Key Facts and Figures

• Ram Nath Kovind Committee is central to the recommendations on simultaneous elections.
• Within 100 days: Municipal and panchayat elections should follow after the general elections.
• Constitutional Amendments: Necessary to bring simultaneous elections into effect.
• Empirical Data: Lacking evidence to substantiate claims of reduced costs and improved governance.
• 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: Costed ₹60,000 crore, an example of election expenditure.

Way Forward

1. Empirical Research:
   • The Union government needs to conduct thorough research to validate cost-saving and governance improvement claims.
2. Constitutional Considerations:
   • Address potential amendments’ effects on federalism while ensuring that the transition doesn’t disrupt the federal governance structure.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration:
   • Engage with political parties and state governments to foster a sense of mutual trust.
4. Pilot Programs:
   • Pilot programs would help test the feasibility of simultaneous elections, ensuring more informed decision-making.

Conclusion

• Without sufficient dialogue and consultation, political parties committed to federalism may reject the simultaneous election proposal.
• A phased approach through pilot programs can provide valuable insights into the practicality of simultaneous elections.
• Clear communication with the public and stakeholders is vital to addressing concerns and achieving broader acceptance.
• The Union government must focus on creating a framework that respects India’s federal structure while improving election efficiency.