For Admissions Contact @ 9133527733

Menu

Leave a Comment / By /

Topic – Immigration and Exclusionary Politics

Source: The Hindu

Q1. Discuss how the contemporary politics of immigration reflects a growing politics of fear and exclusion in democracies. Examine its implications for national identity and global migration governance. (15 marks, 250 words)

IntroductionImmigration, once viewed as a driver of global interdependence and cultural diversity, has increasingly become a flashpoint of political contestation. The debate has shifted from opposing illegal immigration to questioning even legal migration and settlement. This marks the rise of a politics of fear, where migrants are portrayed as threats to identity, economy, and security. According to UN DESA (2024), the world hosts about 304 million international migrants—roughly 3.7% of the global population—yet their visibility in political discourse far outweighs their demographic share, reflecting deep anxieties about belonging and change.
Body
  • From Illegal to Legal Migration: The Changing Narrative
  • Nativism and the Politics of Fear
  • Conditional Citizenship and Two-Tier Belonging
  • Global Implications and Erosion of Multilateralism
  • Reimagining Nationhood and the Way Forward
ConclusionThe contemporary politics of immigration reveals how democracies are succumbing to fear-based identity politics. The line between legitimate regulation and cultural exclusion is fading, threatening liberal ideals of equality and fraternity. True nationhood cannot be built on exclusion or anxiety—it must rest on the shared desire to live together. Re-centering immigration discourse around human dignity and inclusion is essential to preserve both national integrity and global solidarity.
UPSC SyllabusDemography and world politics
Why was this question asked?“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)
IntroductionImmigration, once viewed as a driver of global interdependence and cultural diversity, has increasingly become a flashpoint of political contestation. The debate has shifted from opposing illegal immigration to questioning even legal migration and settlement. This marks the rise of a politics of fear, where migrants are portrayed as threats to identity, economy, and security. According to UN DESA (2024), the world hosts about 304 million international migrants—roughly 3.7% of the global population—yet their visibility in political discourse far outweighs their demographic share, reflecting deep anxieties about belonging and change.
BodyFrom Illegal to Legal Migration: The Changing Narrative

 

  • In the United Kingdom, new migration policies in 2025 proposed extending Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility from 5 to 10 years, demanding higher English proficiency, continuous employment, and proof of civic contribution.
  • These measures represent a shift from border control to behavioural control, where even lawful residents must continually justify their presence.
  • In the United States, debates over H-1B visa curbs and attempts to revoke birthright citizenship similarly blur the line between legal and illegal status.
  • The emphasis has moved from the state’s capacity to manage migration to moral judgments about who deserves to belong.
  • This change illustrates how immigration policy is being weaponised to appeal to nationalist sentiment rather than administrative logic.

2. Nativism and the Politics of Fear

  • The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march (London, 2025) and anti-immigrant rallies across Europe highlight how racialised nationalism has entered mainstream politics.
  • Far-right movements exploit demographic anxieties, claiming a ‘great replacement’ of native populations by migrants.
  • Even centrist parties, fearing electoral losses, have adopted tougher rhetoric, creating a race to appear more protective of native identity.
  • In India, similar fears are reflected in the discourse on ‘infiltrators’ and migration from neighbouring countries.
  • The politics of fear thus recasts migration as a zero-sum game—where diversity becomes dilution, and mobility becomes menace.

3. Conditional Citizenship and Two-Tier Belonging

  • The rise of conditional citizenship regimes is a defining feature of the new politics of exclusion.
  • Migrants must now prove language skills, economic productivity, volunteerism, and ‘moral fitness’ to gain or retain residency.
  • This creates two tiers of belonging: native citizens with unconditional rights and migrants who live under perpetual evaluation.
  • The UK ILR reforms, U.S. citizenship restrictions, and European integration tests exemplify this trend.
  • According to UN data (2024), over 9,000 migrant deaths were recorded globally, underscoring the human cost of restrictive policies.

4. Global Implications and Erosion of Multilateralism

  • The politics of fear is eroding cooperation under frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (2018).
  • States are prioritising border control over humanitarian responsibility, undermining global migration governance.
  • The UK–Rwanda Asylum Policy and EU’s externalisation of borders mark a retreat from refugee protection norms.
  • The UNHCR Global Trends Report (2024) recorded 42 million refugees and over 70 million internally displaced persons, yet global resettlement commitments have declined.
  • As migration becomes securitised, human rights and development objectives risk being sidelined.

5. Reimagining Nationhood and the Way Forward

  • Ernest Renan’s idea of a nation as a ‘soul based on shared memories and the will to live together’ offers perspective.
  • The current immigration discourse erodes this ‘present consent,’ replacing it with suspicion and hierarchy.
  • Nations must embrace civic nationalism founded on equality and shared values.
  • Governments should implement humane migration policies aligned with UN/IOM standards.
  • Strengthening multilateral cooperation and promoting accurate migration data can help counter misinformation.
ConclusionThe contemporary politics of immigration reveals how democracies are succumbing to fear-based identity politics. The line between legitimate regulation and cultural exclusion is fading, threatening liberal ideals of equality and fraternity. True nationhood cannot be built on exclusion or anxiety—it must rest on the shared desire to live together. Re-centering immigration discourse around human dignity and inclusion is essential to preserve both national integrity and global solidarity.

Topic – Solar Industry in India

Source: The Hindu

Q 2. India has emerged as a global leader in solar energy generation, yet its solar manufacturing industry faces sustainability challenges. Discuss the current status, major constraints, and the way forward for India to become a global solar supplier. (15 marks, 250 words)

IntroductionIndia’s solar sector is among its most transformative achievements in the clean energy transition. In 2024–25, India generated 1,08,494 GWh of solar power, overtaking Japan and becoming the world’s third-largest producer after China and the U.S. With an installed capacity of 117 GW and a goal to meet half its power needs from non-fossil sources by 2030, solar energy is pivotal to India’s climate strategy. Yet, sustaining this momentum and achieving global competitiveness remain key challenges.
Body
  • India’s Solar Power Achievements
  • Emerging Challenges in Solar Manufacturing
  • Market Saturation and Need for External Demand
  • Policy and Industrial Constraints
  • The Way Forward: Building a Sustainable Solar Ecosystem
ConclusionIndia’s solar journey stands at a critical juncture. While it has achieved global leadership in generation and capacity, the sector remains constrained by cost and dependence on imports. To sustain its growth and protect its manufacturers, India must evolve from a solar consumer into a solar supplier to the world. By combining domestic innovation with global outreach, India can ensure that its solar sunrise becomes a lasting pillar of green growth and energy sovereignty.
UPSC SyllabusRenewable Energy and Industrial Competitiveness
Why was this question asked?Q. To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed ? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry ? (2015)
IntroductionIndia’s solar sector is among its most transformative achievements in the clean energy transition. In 2024–25, India generated 1,08,494 GWh of solar power, overtaking Japan and becoming the world’s third-largest producer after China and the U.S. With an installed capacity of 117 GW and a goal to meet half its power needs from non-fossil sources by 2030, solar energy is pivotal to India’s climate strategy. Yet, sustaining this momentum and achieving global competitiveness remain key challenges.
BodyIndia’s Solar Power Achievements

 

  • Solar manufacturing capacity rose from 2 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
  • Solar energy now contributes nearly one-third of India’s renewable power capacity.
  • The cost of solar power fell below that of coal around 2017, driving massive private investment.
  • India exported around 4 GW of modules to the U.S. in 2024 due to temporary Chinese export restrictions.
  • Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India is positioning itself as a global solar leader.

Emerging Challenges in Solar Manufacturing

  • Indian modules are 1.5–2 times more expensive than Chinese counterparts due to smaller scale and higher costs.
  • Over 80% of key inputs such as polysilicon and wafers are imported, creating supply chain vulnerability.
  • Effective manufacturing output is only about 85 GW despite installed capacity of 100 GW.
  • Flagship schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar have progressed slowly, limiting domestic demand.
  • India’s 4 GW export volume pales compared to China’s 236 GW annual exports, highlighting competitiveness gaps.

Market Saturation and Need for External Demand

  • Domestic consumption alone cannot sustain India’s expanding production capacity.
  • External markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are essential for export growth.
  • The ISA framework can facilitate financing and diplomacy for solar deployment in developing nations.
  • Africa’s low rural electrification and irrigation potential present a large opportunity for Indian solar pumps and systems.
  • India should position itself as a credible second supplier to China, ensuring long-term industrial sustainability.

Policy and Industrial Constraints

  • Fragmented supply chains and weak R&D limit India’s technological advancement in solar innovation.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes need expansion to include raw material production.
  • Land acquisition hurdles, transmission bottlenecks, and slow project clearances delay implementation.
  • Lack of a solar recycling ecosystem and fluctuating import duties create investor uncertainty.
  • Insufficient financing mechanisms hinder large-scale deployment of solar infrastructure.

The Way Forward: Building a Sustainable Solar Ecosystem

  • Diversify supply chains by producing polysilicon and wafers domestically.
  • Strengthen R&D to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar modules.
  • Integrate energy storage through the National Energy Storage Mission.
  • Promote south-south cooperation via ISA and export turnkey models like PM-KUSUM
  • Encourage rooftop solar adoption and ensure stable policy support for investors.
ConclusionIndia’s solar journey stands at a critical juncture. While it has achieved global leadership in generation and capacity, the sector remains constrained by cost and dependence on imports. To sustain its growth and protect its manufacturers, India must evolve from a solar consumer into a solar supplier to the world. By combining domestic innovation with global outreach, India can ensure that its solar sunrise becomes a lasting pillar of green growth and energy sovereignty.
UPSC CARE Mains Practice 24th october 2025
UPSC CARE Mains Practice 22nd october 2025
Scroll to Top