The long-standing dispute between India and Sri Lanka over the sovereignty of Katchatheevu island and fishing rights in the Palk Strait remains a critical bilateral issue. While India accepted Sri Lanka's sovereignty in 1974, the livelihood of Tamil Nadu fishermen is frequently threatened by arrests and vessel seizures. The article suggests a shift from territorial conflict to resource management. Proposed solutions include implementing the UNCLOS framework for joint resource management, establishing a joint research station on Katchatheevu, and promoting deep-sea fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone to reduce pressure on near-shore waters and lessen illegal crossings.
- The 1974 India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Treaty recognized Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory, a decision legally consistent with historical precedents.
- Bottom trawling by Indian vessels is a major source of ecological damage and conflict, leading to bans by Sri Lanka in 2017.
- UNCLOS Article 123 encourages cooperation in semi-enclosed seas for joint resource management and environmental protection.
Indonesia has experienced violent protests following the death of a delivery worker during demonstrations against the government. Initially sparked by changes to housing allowances for legislators, the unrest evolved into a broader movement against economic inequality and austerity measures. President Prabowo Subianto's administration has implemented significant budget cuts to fund flagship programs like free school meals, leading to reduced spending on public works and education. Despite a declining Gini coefficient, Indonesia remains one of the most unequal countries globally, with the four wealthiest individuals holding more wealth than the bottom 100 million citizens.
- Protests in Indonesia were fueled by budget cuts to public services and education to fund a 'free meal' program.
- Indonesia ranks sixth globally in terms of wealth inequality according to Oxfam reports.
- The unrest has led to a cabinet reshuffle and concerns regarding the country's sovereign credit profile.
China continues to dominate the global rare earth market, producing over 60% of the world's supply and controlling 92% of global refining capacity. Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metals essential for high-tech applications, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems. Recently, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology introduced stricter controls to centralize oversight of extraction and refining. This move, along with export restrictions on key elements like neodymium and dysprosium, poses significant challenges for countries like India and the U.S., which are heavily dependent on Chinese imports for their green energy and technology sectors.
- China produces over 60% of global rare earths and holds nearly half of the world's reserves.
- Rare earth elements are categorized into Light Rare Earths (LREEs) and Heavy Rare Earths (HREEs).
- India is highly dependent on China, with over 75% of its rare earth imports coming from there since 2021.
This article traces the history of India-China border negotiations, focusing on the role of Special Representatives (SRs) appointed since 2003. Despite the 2005 Political Parameters agreement, a final settlement remains elusive. Key friction points include the status of Tawang and the 'basis of alignment' for the Sikkim-Tibet border, particularly near the Teesta and Amo Chu rivers. The 2017 Doklam crisis highlighted the complexity of trijunctions involving Bhutan. While both sides have engaged in 24 rounds of talks, recent military standoffs since 2020 have stalled progress. A high-level political go-ahead is deemed essential to translate technical frameworks into a ground-level resolution.
- The Special Representatives (SR) mechanism was established in 2003 to provide a political impetus to border negotiations.
- The 2005 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles' agreement remains the most significant milestone in the SR process.
- Disagreements persist over the 'watershed principle' and the status of populated areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
Amidst a shifting global order, Iran and India are exploring new horizons for their ancient civilisational ties. The article highlights the potential of South-South cooperation and multilateral organizations like BRICS to challenge Western economic dominance. A central pillar of this relationship is the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which serves as a civilisational bridge linking Eurasia, the Caucasus, India, and Africa. Both nations advocate for a multipolar world order based on participation and equality. The partnership aims to bring stability to West Asia and promote an independent, democratic future for the Global South by resisting external interference.
- Iran and India are leveraging historical ties to build a global order rooted in 'South-South cooperation' and mutual respect.
- The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a strategic economic link connecting India to Eurasia and Africa.
- Both nations emphasize the importance of BRICS in promoting de-dollarisation and challenging Western economic sanctions.
The India-China border remains indeterminate due to the inability of both nations to clearly define the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Following Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit, the 1993 Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) was signed to maintain the status quo. However, subsequent attempts to exchange maps and clarify the LAC, particularly during the early 2000s, failed as both sides presented maximalist positions. The lack of a mutually agreed-upon boundary has led to frequent face-offs, most notably in Eastern Ladakh in 2020. The article emphasizes that without a defined LAC, peace remains fragile.
- The 1993 Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA) was the first formal pact to maintain peace along the LAC.
- The 1996 agreement expanded on the BPTA, focusing on military confidence-building measures (CBMs) to prevent escalation.
- Efforts to clarify the LAC through map exchanges in 2000-2002 stalled due to conflicting territorial claims in the western and eastern sectors.
The uninhabited island of Katchatheevu remains a sensitive issue in India-Sri Lanka relations. Recently, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the island, the first such visit by a head of state, reigniting political debates in India. India ceded the island to Sri Lanka through maritime boundary agreements in 1974 and 1976. However, Tamil Nadu politicians frequently demand its retrieval to protect the fishing rights of Indian fishermen, who are often arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The issue is complicated by the practice of bottom-trawling, which is banned in Sri Lanka.
- Katchatheevu was recognized as part of Sri Lanka's territory under the 1974 and 1976 maritime boundary agreements.
- The island is home to St. Anthony's Shrine, where Indian pilgrims are allowed access without visas for an annual festival.
- The dispute centers on the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin highlights India's strategic balancing act. The summit saw high-level meetings between India, China, and Russia, signaling a potential normalization of ties between New Delhi and Beijing following the Galwan clashes. However, India's engagement with the 'troika' (Russia, China, India) has drawn scrutiny from the U.S., especially regarding tariffs and sanctions. India continues to maintain its policy of strategic autonomy, engaging with both the East (SCO, BRICS) and the West to safeguard its national interests and economic stability in a multipolar world.
- The SCO summit in Tianjin provided a platform for the first bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping since 2018.
- India and China agreed to normalize ties and resolve border issues through Special Representatives.
- U.S. tariffs (up to 50%) on Indian goods and sanctions on Russian oil remain major friction points in India-U.S. relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will skip the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will address the General Debate on September 27. The session's theme is 'Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, human rights.' While the PM is not attending the UNGA, he recently held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the Ukraine conflict and India-France strategic ties. The UNGA session occurs amidst ongoing global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, requiring high-level diplomatic engagement.
- The 80th UNGA session opens on September 9, with the General Debate scheduled for September 23-29.
- Brazil traditionally serves as the first speaker of the session, followed by the United States.
- The theme for the 80th session focuses on peace, development, and human rights over the last eight decades.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at a virtual BRICS summit convened by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The meeting aims to address the global trade impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on several nations, including BRICS members. While India and Brazil face high tariffs (up to 50%), China and South Africa face 30%. The summit seeks to form a 'common plan' to counter these economic measures and strengthen multilateralism. This comes as India prepares to take over the Chair of the BRICS grouping and host the next summit.
- The summit is a response to U.S. imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on various BRICS nations.
- BRICS has expanded to include new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- The meeting focuses on countering unilateral economic measures and promoting a multilateral trade order.
Shashi Tharoor explores India's 'strategic autonomy,' evolving from non-alignment to 'multi-alignment' in a fragmented world. It defines strategic autonomy as the ability to make sovereign foreign policy and defense decisions without external constraints. India faces a delicate balancing act between the US, China, and Russia. While ties with the US have matured through the Quad and iCET, India maintains historical ties with Russia despite the Ukraine conflict. The article emphasizes that strategic autonomy requires economic strength, technological capability, and political coherence to ensure India remains a 'non-West' rather than 'anti-West' power.
- Strategic autonomy allows India to engage with multiple powers on its own terms rather than joining rigid blocs.
- India's relationship with the US has matured through initiatives like the Quad, i2U2, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Despite Western pressure, India maintains its historical and strategic partnership with Russia for defense and energy needs.
The India-China border, spanning high-altitude Himalayan terrain, remains largely indeterminate and a source of long-standing friction. Historically, the McMahon Line, defined in 1914, was rejected by China, leading to the 1962 war. Despite various diplomatic initiatives by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajiv Gandhi, a final settlement remains elusive. The border is divided into sectors, with the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions being the primary points of contention. Currently, both nations focus on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through specialized working groups and diplomatic dialogue.
- The McMahon Line was established during the 1914 Simla Convention but has never been formally accepted by the Chinese government.
- The 1962 India-China war resulted from failed negotiations and territorial claims in the Aksai Chin and North-East Frontier Agency.
- Diplomatic efforts in the 1980s led to the creation of joint working groups to maintain peace along the LAC.
The Union Home Ministry has issued an order exempting Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015, from penal provisions under the Passport and Foreigners Acts. This means those without valid documents will not be treated as illegal migrants or face fines and imprisonment. The government clarified that this exemption is distinct from the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and does not automatically extend the CAA cut-off date. The move is seen as a step toward providing relief to long-term refugees while maintaining the standard naturalization process for citizenship, which requires 11 years of residency.
- Refugees entering before Jan 9, 2015, are exempt from prosecution for lack of valid travel documents or visas.
- The exemption applies to those who opt to stay in India or voluntarily return to Sri Lanka.
- This order is separate from the CAA 2019, which has a different cut-off date and target group.
The upcoming UN climate summit, COP-30, to be held in Belem, Brazil, will shift focus from negotiating new 'texts' to the implementation of existing agreements. COP-30 President André Corrêa do Lago emphasized the need to decouple negotiations from the actual 'execution' of climate actions. The summit comes at a critical time as scientific assessments suggest current global commitments will lead to a temperature increase of more than 2.6°C, far exceeding the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal. The summit will also address the challenges posed by U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and global trade uncertainties.
- COP-30 will be held in the Brazilian port city of Belem, a gateway to the Amazonian rainforest.
- The Paris Agreement (COP-21) aims to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
- The summit aims to move beyond 'big-ticket announcements' to practical, well-known solutions.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit marks a significant shift in India's foreign policy. This was the first bilateral engagement with President Xi Jinping since the 2020 military standoff. The meeting approved a normalization process initiated in October 2024, focusing on troop disengagement along the LAC and boundary resolution. The 'Tianjin declaration' issued at the summit included strong language against cross-border terrorism. While engaging with the SCO, India maintained its opposition to China's Belt and Road Initiative but found common ground on issues like Gaza.
- The summit facilitated the resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and economic ties between India and China.
- India used the platform to condemn cross-border terrorism while balancing relations within the Eurasian grouping.
- PM Modi skipped the 'SCO Plus' summit, focusing instead on bilateral and core SCO engagements.
The 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin adopted the Tianjin Declaration, strongly condemning terrorism and cross-border movements. Member states, including India, China, and Russia, reaffirmed their commitment to fight separatism and extremism while opposing unilateral coercive measures. India joined in condemning strikes against Iran but remained the only member not to reaffirm support for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). PM Modi highlighted the need for coordinated action against terror financing and promoted regional connectivity projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- The Tianjin Declaration was signed by all 10 members, calling for an end to cross-border movements of terrorists.
- Member states expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for a just settlement of the Palestinian issue.
- India highlighted its role in connectivity through the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Prime Minister Modi visited Japan for the 15th Annual Summit with PM Shigeru Ishiba, focusing on a 'Next-Gen' partnership. The two nations updated their 2008 Security Partnership to include annual NSA-level dialogues and increased engagement over the Quad and Indo-Pacific cooperation. A pivotal Economic Security Partnership was established to build resilient supply chains and secure critical infrastructure, particularly in semiconductor technology. This move aims to mitigate risks from Chinese restrictions on rare earth magnets. The leaders also reviewed the High-Speed Rail project and issued a joint statement condemning North Korea's nuclear programme and cross-border terrorism.
- The 15th Annual Summit resulted in a 2035 Vision Statement covering eight areas of cooperation including green technology.
- Security cooperation was expanded to include UN Security Council reform and deeper Quad engagement.
- A new goal was set to use Japanese technology for manufacturing and processing semiconductor technology in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin, marking a significant step toward normalizing relations after a four-year standoff. Both leaders emphasized that border issues should not define the overall bilateral relationship and expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution. Modi highlighted that both nations are victims of terrorism and called for mutual support in combating this scourge, specifically mentioning cross-border terrorism. The discussions also covered reducing trade deficits, enhancing people-to-people ties through direct flights, and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- The meeting took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.
- Both leaders agreed to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues like fair trade and strategic autonomy.
- India emphasized the importance of peace and tranquility on the border for the continued development of bilateral relations.
Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli expressed "strong objection" to the recent India-China agreement to restart border trade through the Lipu Lekh Pass, which Kathmandu considers part of its sovereign territory. During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the SCO summit, Mr. Oli reiterated Nepal's position, citing the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, which states that the area east of the Mahakali river belongs to Nepal. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai also conveyed Nepal's stance. Nepal had previously objected when India and China initially reached this agreement on August 18 during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit.
- Nepal objects to the India-China agreement to resume border trade via Lipu Lekh Pass.
- Nepal claims Lipu Lekh Pass as its sovereign territory based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.
- Nepalese PM K.P. Sharma Oli conveyed this objection to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, visited a semiconductor plant in Sendai, Japan, after New Delhi and Tokyo agreed to deepen cooperation in the critical technology sector. The visit highlighted the complementarity between India's growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and Japan's strengths. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the semiconductor supply chain. PM Modi also met governors of 16 Japanese prefectures, advocating for stronger State-prefecture cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing collaboration in manufacturing, mobility, innovation, and start-ups.
- PM Modi visited a semiconductor plant in Sendai, Japan, with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba.
- The visit underscores India and Japan's commitment to deepening cooperation in the critical semiconductor technology sector and supply chain.
- PM Modi urged Japanese governors and Indian State governments to strengthen collaborations across various sectors.
China, chairing the SCO this year, states the Tianjin Declaration will promote multilateralism and regional stability. India aims to secure stronger commitments for anti-terrorism efforts and regional stability at the summit. India had previously declined to endorse a joint statement at an SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in June, advocating for tougher language against terrorism. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also urged the SCO not to compromise on terrorism. PM Modi will leave on Monday, while other leaders might stay for a military parade commemorating China's victory against Japanese aggression in WWII.
- The Tianjin Declaration, under China's SCO chairmanship, will focus on multilateralism and regional stability.
- India seeks stronger commitments on anti-terrorism and regional stability at the SCO summit.
- India previously refused to endorse a joint statement at an SCO Defence Ministers' meeting, demanding tougher anti-terrorism language.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, for his first visit since 2018, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit signals improved India-China ties amidst U.S. tariff wars. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called Modi, urging him to deliver an "appropriate signal" for an "immediate ceasefire" at the SCO summit. The SCO meeting is significant given global trade turbulence due to U.S. import tariffs, including 50% on Indian goods.
- PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO summit marks his first trip since 2018, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties.
- He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other leaders.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged PM Modi to advocate for an "immediate ceasefire" at the SCO summit.
India's Environment Ministry and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to advance low-carbon technology projects. Under JCM, Japan invests in low-carbon technologies in developing countries like India, earning carbon credits for its national emission reduction targets. This initiative aims to boost investment, technology transfer, and localization of low-carbon technologies in India, fostering a domestic ecosystem. The MoC will also facilitate international trading of carbon credits under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, aligning with India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments to reduce emission intensity and increase non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
- The JCM allows Japan to invest in low-carbon technologies in India and receive carbon credits for its emission reduction targets.
- The initiative aims to promote investment, technology transfer, and localization of low-carbon technologies in India.
India, heavily reliant on crude oil and natural gas imports, faces significant energy security risks amidst global instability. The article highlights historical energy shocks and proposes a doctrine of energy sovereignty anchored in domestic capacity, diversified technology, and resilient systems. Five foundational pillars are outlined: coal gasification for indigenous energy, biofuels for rural empowerment and national security, nuclear power as a zero-carbon baseload, green hydrogen for self-reliance, and pumped hydro storage for grid balancing. This strategy aims to build an uninterrupted, affordable, and indigenous energy future, reducing vulnerability to geopolitical shifts and external dependencies.
- India's high dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas poses a significant national risk.
- Global energy security has been reshaped by five major historical shocks, emphasizing the need for resilience.
- India must adopt an energy sovereignty doctrine based on domestic capacity, diversified technology, and resilient systems.