Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : From Cold War Distance to “Partnership of Democracies”

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

Question : Analyze the impact of strategic disagreements on India-US relations. How does India’s commitment to strategic autonomy affect its partnership with the US, especially in the context of alliances like AUKUS and the Quad?

Early Years (1947-1998):

• Cold War strains relations:
  • India pursues non-alignment.
  • US seeks an ally but is unhappy with India’s stance.
• Shifting alliances:
  • US aids India in 1962 war but sides with Pakistan and China later (1969-74).
• Nuclear Disagreements:
  • US disapproval of India’s nuclear tests (1974, 1998) leads to sanctions.

Turning Point and The Rise of a Strategic Partnership (1998-Present):

• Vajpayee’s Diplomacy:
  • Deft handling of US sanctions post-1998 nuclear tests.
  • Coined the term “natural allies” in 2000, laying groundwork for a new era.
• Manmohan Singh (2000s):
  • Described US-India partnership as “defining for the 21st century” (2013).
• Narendra Modi (2014-Present):
  • Increased engagement: Most frequent visits by an Indian PM to the US (8 times in 10 years).
  • Strengthened ties: US-India seen as “among the closest partners in the world” (2023 Joint Statement).

Key takeaway:

• India-US relations have evolved from Cold War distance to a strong partnership.
• Leaders like Vajpayee and Modi played a crucial role in this transformation.
• The relationship is now described as one of “hope, ambition, and confidence” for the future.

Challenges in Indo-US Relations

Strategic Disagreements:

• India’s Strategic Autonomy: US concerned about India’s independent foreign policy and refusal to join alliances like a maritime NATO.
• Focus on AUKUS: US prioritizes AUKUS (alliance with Australia and UK) over Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia) upsetting India.
  • Evidence: Biden skipping Quad summits and Australia’s focus on AUKUS in its Defence White Paper.

Discontent with the West:

• Criticism of UN: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s criticism of UN’s perceived bias against developing nations.
• “Rule-Based Order”: Jaishankar questions the fairness of the “rule-based order” championed by the West.
• Double Standards on Terrorism: India unhappy with Western nations’ handling of the Khalistan issue.

The Way Forward:

• Shared Ideals: Both democracies share common values but need better understanding to navigate a complex world.

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Foxconn Incident Highlights Challenges for Working Women in India

 GS-1 Mains Exam Society

Revision Notes

 

 

Question : Examine the significance of childcare options in promoting female labor force participation. How can companies and the government collaborate to create a supportive environment for working women?

Unequal Hiring Practices at Foxconn:

• Reuters investigation reveals Foxconn, a major iPhone manufacturer, rejects married women for jobs in India.
• Reasons cited include potential pregnancy, family commitments, and cultural issues (wearing jewelry).
• This is not an isolated incident – Foxconn’s labor practices have been criticized before (employee suicides in China).

Foxconn’s Response:

• The company denies discrimination and claims 25% of recent hires were married women.
• They boast having the largest female workforce in India (70%) at their Tamil Nadu factory.

The Broader Challenge of Female Labor Participation:

• Despite political focus on women voters and government promises of gender parity, female labor participation remains low (32.7% vs 76.8% for men in 2023).
• Loopholes and lack of enforcement hinder progress.

Flawed “Affirmative Action”:

• The Foxconn case shows how policies meant to help women can backfire.
• Companies reject qualified women due to misconceptions about childcare needs.
• Lack of childcare options discourages companies from addressing the issue, reinforcing the gender pay gap.

Shared Responsibility for Change:

• The problem goes beyond government and political parties.
• Societal norms and family expectations contribute to the issue.
• Women are often burdened with housework and childcare, limiting career opportunities.

The Need for a Paradigm Shift:

• UN Women report warns of a generation of women locked into traditional roles.
• India’s economic growth requires a new approach that values female participation.

Conclusion:

• This societal pressure creates a “sorry state” for working women in India.