Q1. Despite the instability in the Middle East, India has maintained and strengthened its ties with the region, becoming a significant player in the area. Critically analyze India’s strategic engagements with the Middle East and the implications for India’s geopolitical and economic interests. (15 marks, 250 words)
Topic- India and West Asia crisis:
Introduction:
The Middle East has long been a region of strategic importance for India, with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. However, the region has also been characterized by instability and conflict, posing challenges to India’s engagement. Amidst this backdrop, India has deftly navigated the complexities of the Middle East, strengthening its relations and pursuing strategic interests.
Body :
- Rising Instability in the Middle East
- India’s Strengthened Ties with the Middle East
- India’s Strategic Engagement with the Middle East
- Challenges and Risks to Ties
- Way Forward
Conclusion :
In conclusion, India’s engagement with the Middle East is a delicate balancing act, requiring careful consideration of diverse interests and challenges. Despite the region’s instability, India has managed to strengthen its ties and pursue strategic interests by making changes in approach in the form of the Look and Act West Policy. By fostering dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement, India can continue to deepen its ties with the Middle East, promoting shared prosperity and mutual growth. The way forward lies in prioritizing sustainable development, security cooperation, and people-centric initiatives, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for both India and the Middle East.
UPSC Syllabus India and West Asia crisis:
Why was this question asked?
Q. Examine the opportunities for a lasting West Asia peace solution in the context of the ‘historic’ talks started in September 2010. [UPSC 2010]
Introduction
The Middle East has long been a region of strategic importance for India, with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. However, the region has also been characterized by instability and conflict, posing challenges to India’s engagement. Amidst this backdrop, India has deftly navigated the complexities of the Middle East, strengthening its relations and pursuing strategic interests.
Body Status :
Rising Instability in the Middle East
- The Middle East faces escalating instability due to conflicts like the Israel-Palestine issue, regional power struggles, and the impact of external actors like the US and China.
- Ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Libya contribute to the volatile environment, affecting regional stability and global security.
- The threat of terrorism, sectarian tensions, and proxy wars further exacerbate the instability, posing challenges to peace and development in the region.
- The Red Sea region has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, with maritime security concerns and strategic interests at play.
- Instability in the Middle East has implications beyond the region, impacting global energy markets, migration patterns, and international security dynamics.
India’s Strengthened Ties with the Middle East
- India has deepened its relations with Gulf countries through economic partnerships, defense cooperation, and strategic dialogues.
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as key partners, with significant investments in India’s infrastructure, energy sector, and strategic initiatives.
- India’s engagement with Israel has expanded, focusing on defense technology, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism cooperation.
- Cultural exchanges, people-to-people ties, and diaspora connections have strengthened India’s soft power in the Middle East.
- Economic collaborations, trade agreements, and joint ventures have enhanced India’s presence in the region, fostering mutual growth and development
India’s Strategic Engagement with the Middle East
- India’s strategic approach in the Middle East aims to balance diverse interests, including energy security, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability.
- Diplomatic initiatives like the I2U2 partnership and the India-Middle East Corridor (IMEC) demonstrate India’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and economic integration.
- Defense collaborations, joint military exercises, and intelligence sharing with Middle Eastern countries bolster India’s security posture in the region.
- India’s participation in multilateral forums like the Arab League, OIC, and GCC reflects its efforts to engage with regional organizations and address common challenges.
- Strategic dialogues, high-level visits, and cultural diplomacy initiatives strengthen India’s diplomatic footprint and influence in the Middle East.
Challenges and Risks to Ties
- Geopolitical rivalries, regional conflicts, and power struggles pose challenges to India’s efforts to maintain balanced relations with diverse Middle Eastern countries.
- Security threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and maritime piracy, present risks to India’s strategic interests and regional stability.
- Economic vulnerabilities, trade imbalances, and fluctuating oil prices impact India’s economic engagements with the Middle East.
- Cultural differences, political sensitivities, and historical grievances may strain diplomatic ties and hinder cooperation on key issues.
- External interventions, great power competition, and global dynamics influence India’s strategic calculus in the Middle East, shaping its policy decisions and engagements.
Way Forward
- India should continue to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
- Strengthening economic partnerships, enhancing security cooperation, and fostering cultural exchanges can deepen India’s ties with Middle Eastern countries.
- Investing in sustainable development, renewable energy, and technology collaborations can diversify India’s engagement and contribute to regional resilience.
- Promoting inclusive dialogue, conflict resolution mechanisms, and multilateral cooperation can build trust and foster mutual understanding in the region.
- Emphasizing people-centric initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building programs can enhance India’s soft power and goodwill in the Middle East, fostering long-term partnerships and shared prosperity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s engagement with the Middle East is a delicate balancing act, requiring careful consideration of diverse interests and challenges. Despite the region’s instability, India has managed to strengthen its ties and pursue strategic interests by making changes in approach in the form of the Look and Act West Policy. By fostering dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement, India can continue to deepen its ties with the Middle East, promoting shared prosperity and mutual growth. The way forward lies in prioritizing sustainable development, security cooperation, and people-centric initiatives, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for both India and the Middle East.
Q2. “Rising temperatures in India have led to an increase in heat-related deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations. Discuss the factors contributing to this trend and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. What measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses and fatalities?” (15 marks, 250 words)
Topic- Heat- stress among vulnerable sections:
Introduction
India has been experiencing a significant increase in heat-related deaths in recent years, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Lancet study found a 55% rise in deaths due to heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue. The rising temperatures and heatwaves have severe impacts on people’s health, leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Body
- Factors Contributing to Rising Heat-Related Deaths
- Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups
- Measures to Mitigate the Effects
- Policy Interventions to Protect Vulnerable Populations
- International Cooperation to Address Climate Change
Conclusion
Addressing heat-related illnesses and fatalities requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable populations, invests in adaptation measures, and addresses the root causes of climate change. By taking these steps, India can reduce the impact of rising temperatures on its population and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
UPSC Syllabus Heat- stress among vulnerable sections:
Why was this question asked?
Q. Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. [UPSC 2013]
Introduction:
India has been experiencing a significant increase in heat-related deaths in recent years, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Lancet study found a 55% rise in deaths due to heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue. The rising temperatures and heatwaves have severe impacts on people’s health, leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Body Status
Factors Contributing to Rising Heat-Related Deaths
- Anthropogenic climate change: Climate change is causing dangerous high heat, leading to heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
- Urban heat island effect: Cities retain more heat due to the geometry of built-up building material, concentrated human activities, and lack of vegetation, leading to higher night-time temperatures than the surrounding rural areas.
- Physiological adaptations: People living in hotter regions over the years develop long-term adaptation, but sudden exposure to extreme temperatures is dangerous for anyone, even healthy and young.
- Lack of awareness: Public awareness about the risks of heat-related illnesses and the importance of hydration and rest during heatwaves is insufficient.
- Inadequate infrastructure: The infrastructure in many parts of India is not equipped to handle extreme heat, leading to power outages and water shortages during heatwaves.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups
- Elderly people are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and fatalities due to their reduced heat tolerance.
- People with pre-existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
- Lack of access to cooling: People living in urban slums and low-income households are more exposed to heat due to lack of access to cooling systems.
- Occupational exposure: Workers in outdoor industries, such as agriculture and construction, are more exposed to heat and at risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Lack of healthcare access: Vulnerable populations have limited access to healthcare services, making it difficult to diagnose and treat heat-related illnesses.
Measures to Mitigate the Effects
- Implementing adaptation measures, such as green spaces, water bodies, and cool roofs, can help reduce the urban heat island effect.
- Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of heat-related illnesses and the importance of hydration and rest during heatwaves.
- Providing access to cooling systems, such as air conditioning and fans, to vulnerable populations can help reduce heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
- Using heat-resistant materials in construction can help reduce indoor heat exposure.
- Implementing urban planning strategies that prioritize green spaces, shading, and cooling systems can help reduce the urban heat island effect.
Policy Interventions to Protect Vulnerable Populations
- Developing heat action plans that identify vulnerable populations, provide early warning systems, and establish cooling centers can help reduce heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
- Implementing building codes that require energy-efficient and heat-resistant materials can help reduce indoor heat exposure.
- Expanding social protection programs, such as cash transfers and food assistance, to vulnerable populations can help reduce the economic impact of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
- Increasing access to healthcare services, such as primary care and emergency services, can help diagnose and treat heat-related illnesses.
- Implementing regulations that require employers to provide protective measures, such as shade and water, to workers in outdoor industries.
International Cooperation to Address Climate Change
- Climate change mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources can help mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
- International agreements: Strengthening international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, can help ensure that countries take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
- Climate finance: Providing climate finance to developing countries can help them implement adaptation measures and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
- Technology transfer: Transferring technology and expertise to developing countries can help them implement adaptation measures and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
- Research and development: Investing in research and development to develop new technologies and strategies to address climate change and its impacts.
Conclusion
Addressing heat-related illnesses and fatalities requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable populations, invests in adaptation measures, and addresses the root causes of climate change. By taking these steps, India can reduce the impact of rising temperatures on its population and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.