PRE STAFF COURSE 2016 CURRENT AFFAIRS (PART - I)

Transcription

1 The information given in this document is not to be communicated either directly or indirectly to the press or to any person not holding an official position in the service of the Government of India/ State Government of the Union of India. PRE STAFF COURSE 2016 CURRENT AFFAIRS (PART - I) PUBLISHED BY THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF MILITARY TRAINING (MT-2) INTEGRATED HEADQUARTERS OF MoD (ARMY)

2 S NO CHAPTER PART I : THE PAPER 1. INDEX TOPIC - Suggested Approach to Tackle Current Affairs Syllabus PAGE NO From To Syllabus 5 6 PART II : INDIA S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 3. Chapter-1 Indo - Afghanistan Relations Chapter-2 Indo - Australian Relations Chapter-3 Indo - Bangladesh Relations Chapter-4 Indo - Bhutan Relations Chapter-5 Indo - Canadian Relations Chapter-6 Indo - China Relations Chapter-7 Indo - Central Asian Relations Chapter-8 Indo - Egypt Relations Chapter-9 Indo - French Relations Chapter-10 Indo - German Relations Chapter-11 Indo - Iran Relations Chapter-12 Indo - Ireland Relations Chapter-13 Indo - Israel Relations Chapter-14 Indo - Japan Relations Chapter-15 Indo - Maldives Relations Chapter-16 Indo - Mongolia Relations Chapter-17 Indo - Myanmar Relations Chapter-18 Indo - Nepal Relations Chapter-19 Indo - Pak Relations Chapter-20 Indo - Russia Relations Chapter-21 Indo - South Korea Relations Chapter-22 Indo - Sri Lanka Relations Chapter-23 Indo - Thailand Relations Chapter-24 Indo - UAE Relations Chapter-25 Indo - UK Relations Chapter-26 Indo - US Relations Chapter-27 Indo - Vietnam Relations Chapter-28 Indo - Japan-US Relations Chapter-29 India s Look East Policy Chapter-30 PM s 3 Nation Tour (Seychelles, Mauritius & Sri Lanka) 33. Chapter -31 Indo Africa Summit

3 S NO CHAPTER PART - III: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS II TOPIC PAGE NO From 34. Chapter-32 Afghanistan Chapter-33 Bangladesh Chapter-34 China Chapter-35 South China Sea Chapter-36 Sino-Japanese Relations Chapter-37 Sino-Pak Relations Chapter-38 Sino-Russian Relations Chapter-39 Iraq Chapter-40 Israel-Palestine Problem Chapter-41 Japan Chapter-42 Kenya Chapter-43 Myanmar Chapter-44 Nigeria Chapter-45 Pakistan Chapter-46 Pak - US Relations Chapter-47 Scotland Referendum Chapter-48 Somalia Chapter-49 Syria Chapter-50 Tibet Chapter-51 Ukraine Chapter-52 US-Cuba Relations Chapter-53 Yemen Chapter-54 Europian Refugee Crisis Chapter-55 ARCTIC Region Controversy Chapter-56 Greece Crisis Chapter-57 Arms Trade Treaty Chapter-58 Indian Ocean Chapter-59 ISIS To

4 1 PART - I: THE PAPER SUGGESTED APPROACH TO TACKLE CURRENT AFFAIRS GENERAL 1. The Current Affairs (CA) papers have been following a definite trend in the last few years. The pattern of question papers is similar with very few variations. The analysis of the question papers is given in succeeding paras. 2. Layout. The question papers are arranged in three sections. The format is explained below:- (a) Section 1. Three essay type questions with answers of 250 words are set in this section. Only two out of these three are to be answered. Each question carries 50 marks. (b) Section 2. The section has 11 questions of 30 marks each. These questions require short answers of 150 words each. Only 10 out of these 11 are to be answered. (c) Section 3. The questions in this section require very short answers of 50 to 70 words each. Five of the six questions set, each carrying 20 marks, are to be answered. 3. Distribution of Topics. The questions set in the CA paper generally require answers which are factual in nature. The thinker and application types of questions are very few and that too not in the classical sense. Certain questions, which elicit analysis of the aspects under discussion, are asked. Views of the students are also asked. 4. Generally the topics covered are as follows:- (a) (b) National Affairs. International Affairs. 5. Important Aspects (National Affairs). In the National Affairs, certain topics which are given prominence are as under:- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Economic, Finance and Budget. Constitutional and Political Affairs. Defence. Internal Sit. Space and Science. Sports.

5 2 6. Important Aspects (International Affairs). In the international affairs, Aspects which have direct or indirect bearing on India are areas of focus. These incl following aspects:- (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Peace and Stability. Social Changes. World Economy. Advancements in Science and Technology. Economic Order. Scientific Development Political Upheavals/Solutions. Strategic Issues. 7. Important Points to Remember. Few important points which need to be remembered while answering CA questions are as follows :- (a) The questions which are set in the CA paper require detailed factual information in the answer. (b) Generally, the weightage given to national and international affairs is 45% and 55% respectively. (c) Generally the topics of international affairs which have bearing on political, strategic, economic development and security of the country find prominence. (d) Economic, financial, constitutional and political affairs are generally asked each year with 10 to 15 percent of the weightage (e) Other national affairs to include inter state/intra state affairs and disputes also get adequate weightage (f) The questions on sports get 2-10% weightage 8. Causes of Failure. The main causes of failure in this paper are as under:- (a) The nature of the paper is such that many aspirants take it very casually. (b) Candidates do not devote adequate time to this subject. (c) The question paper demands detailed knowledge of the factual aspects under discussion, whereas the casual approach leads to awareness of superficial details only.

6 3 (d) Absence of supplements giving latest developments. Important events till 15 Aug 2012 must be known. Tackling the Paper 9. Before putting the answer on the paper, it is always good to quickly plan the sequence in which the ideas are to be presented. Effort in this regard should not be treated as waste of time. This helps in presenting the answer in clear, concise, neat and clean form. It is important that basic rules of SD are adhered to. 10. The important aspects which need to be remembered are as follows:- (a) Questions of Section 1 & 2 must be answered in the pattern of a military paper but in a clear concise and brief form. (b) The thumb rule for answering these questions is to divide the answers into basic entities, which are relevant to the topic. A suggested method is as follows:- (i) Background. Facts about the genesis or reasons for the inception, of the problem/situation in brief. This part deals with cold facts and contains the figures dates and statistics, which relate to the subject. (ii) Present Situation. Give the current status to include latest development towards deterioration/improvement in situation. This part should also include maximum factual data such as figures, dates etc. (iii) Analysis of the Situation. Here the examinee should include the general fallout and effect of the situation. Original thought and clear analysis will fetch good marks. (iv) Effects for/on India. This part may be separately included frrm the analysis if the impact/effect of the situation holds major impact for india. (v) Tendency to over ensure by breaking down same points as also to show off knowledge should be curbed. 11. Answering Technique. It is advisable to start each answer on a fresh page. Avoid speculative answering, if the factual data or information is not known. This situation should not arise if you have carried out thorough study of the subject. 12. Short Answer Questions. It should be ensured that questions in sections II & III are answered in brief and to the point form. Extra marks are unlikely to be obtained by being very verbose and overshooting the word limit. As a simple guide, one to one and half pages ( words or lines) is considered adequate for section II and half a page (50-60 words or 5-6 lines) for section III. Syllabus

7 4 13. The syllabus for the CA paper has been given in SAO 7/S/2005/GS in detail and the study for the subject needs to be structured as such. MT-2 Pamphlet CA 14. This pamphlet covers events up to 31 Oct The candidates are advised to supplement this material and keep up to date from other sources.

8 5 SYLLABUS FOR DEFENCE SERVICES STAFF COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION (WRITTEN) Subject Syllabus Remarks/Recommended Study Current Affairs & Area Study Total Mks-500, Pass Mks-200, Time allowed - 3 hours. Aim The aim of Current Affairs paper is to test the candidates ability to understand and analyse current major international and national issues and give their recommendations DETAILS OF SYLLABUS 1. International Affairs (a) Foreign Policy & International relations. (b) Peace & stability with repercussions on India. (c) Political events & issues. (d) External conflicts with repercussions on Indian Defence Forces. (e) Social & environmental Issues. (f) International Organizations/ forums in context of Indian subcontinent. (g) Sports & entertainment Events. (h) International security environment. (i) Regional disputes of global significance. (j) Indo-China border Management. 2. National Affairs (a) Constitutional & political Affairs. (b) Internal Security & Integrity of the nation. (c) National policies to include foreign and defence. (d) Political events /state Issues & problems. (e) Internal conflicts with repercussions on Indian Defence Forces & recommended solutions 1. Candidates are advised to study the following major periodicals and journals dealing with topical world events. A suggested list of important journals is given below:- (a) Strategic Digest. (b) Strategic Analysis. (c) India Quarterly. (d) Defence Watch. (e) USI Journal. (f) Survival (g) CLAWS Journal. (h) Indian Defence - Review. (k) Force 2. The following official journals dealing with international affairs and foreign policy are recommended for study:- (a) Military Intelligence Review published by Directorate General Military Intelligence and Strategic Perspectives published by Additional Directorate General of Perspective Planning, IHQ of MoD(Army) and available in formation headquarters. (b) Indian and Foreign review published by Ministry of External Affairs. 3. Major National dailies particularly their leading articles and editorials. A suggested list of important magazines/sources is given below:- (a) Magazines like:- (i) India Today. (ii) Frontline. (iii) Outlook.

9 6 (f) Sports. (g) Entertainment. (h) Disaster mgt. (i) Indian defence forces Deploy abroad. (j) Defence research. (k) Energy exploration security & implications. (l) Annual Reports of various union Govt Ministries. (m) Modernisation in the Armd Forces. (n) Water wars in the Asia context. 3. Economic Affairs. (a) International economic environment and trade. (b) National economy. (c) Fin, budget & five year Plans. (d) International economic Issues/ organizations. (e) Industrial & agricultural developments. (f) National, Railway and defence budget. (g) Defence budget and related recommendations. (h) Taxation Reforms. (i) Infrastructure development. 4. Area Study. (a) Country study in military context detail overview of history demography, political sub-divs, topography, natural resources, climate & communication with an aim to analyse the following:- (iv) News Week/ Time (v) The Week. (vi) The Economist. (vii) Competition Success. (b) News Analysis. Existing ashpoints/fault lines across demographic/ ethnic/ political lines and their effects on long term policy and stability in the region. (a) Radio and TV Programmes recommended for viewing/ listening Current Affairs. (b) Air. Radio news including discussions and debates. (c) Foreign Radio Broadcasts on topical issues and news. (d) Doordarshan & other TV Channels:- (i) Daily News. (ii) News features. (iii) Commentaries and discussions. (e) Officers will be required to understand and analyse the impact of science and technology on the economic, political and strategic defence spheres of national policy making, especially with regard to the formulation of five year plans, modernization plans and long term strategic policies.

10 7 PART - II: INDIA S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CHAPTER - 1 INDO - AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS Introduction 1. India's Interest in Afghanistan. Analysts point out that India s interests in Afghanistan can be summed up as follows.- (a) Primary Interest. To ensure the continuity of relations between the people of India and Afghanistan. (b) Stability of Polity. India believes that this process can be strengthened only if it supports the trends and policies in Afghanistan, which will ensure the economic well being of the Afghans, stability of the polity and modernisation of that country from the grip of extremist powers. (c) India has no interest of interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and will be willing to deal with whichever government is in effective power there. However, India's stand is clear that an Afghanistan dominated by externally supported Islamic extremist forces will not be in India's political and geo-strategic interests. (d) Bilateral Cooperation. India will not participate in any manner in the conflicts in Afghanistan. It will be willing to continue bilateral cooperation in those spheres, which will be of mutual benefit, especially those which benefit the Afghan people. 2. Strategic Threat to India. (a) Threat to Regional Stability. Afghanistan provides strategic depth to Pakistan. Afghanistan allied with a hostile Pakistan forms a significant strategic threat to India affecting its regional security environment, according to analysts. (b) Hub of Extremist. Pakistan was training the Taliban cadres to create disturbances in Central Asian countries. Afghanistan was becoming a hub for generating violent extremist forces in the neighbouring countries. This was seriously jeopardizing India's national security. (c) Global Terrorism. According to the US assessment about 20,000 to 25,000 mercenary Mujahideen were operating in Afghanistan from various Islamic countries during the Taliban rule. Over a period of time this could have formed the germinating catalyst for terrorism in different parts of the world. 3. Pressure on Jammu and Kashmir.

11 8 (a) Pakistan's complicity with terrorists and mercenaries aligned with Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden, based in Afghanistan, had manifested itself during the Kargil conflict. (b) Analysts point out that Taliban s success in Afghanistan will increase pressure on Jammu and Kashmir and extend Pakistan's strategic reach to the gates of Central Asia. 4. Stabilising the Situation in Afghanistan. Analysts point out that friendly relations with Afghanistan are important to India not only in terms of bilateral relations but also from the economic point of view as India's economic cooperation with the Central Asia Republics will be facilitated. Background 5. Najibullah Government. After the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, India maintained contact with President Najibullah's government as well as with the various Peshawar based Mujahideen groups to be able to establish a working relationship with whichever government stabilized itself in Afghanistan. 6. Indian Embassy in Kabul. Although the Najibullah government progressively weakened, no stable alternative government came into being. India maintained its embassy in Kabul till the conflict-compelled India to close down the mission. 7. Recognition to Rabbani Government. India recognized the Government of President Rabbani and continued to maintain contacts with it. 8. Marginalisation of India's Role. (a) Analysts point out that over the years India was marginalised in the international discourse aimed at resolving the Afghan problem. (b) Except of cosmetic participation in the UN efforts and in one conference in Iran, India had been excluded from a number of international meetings on Afghanistan. (c) Reasons. The reasons according to analysts were the weak negotiating position of the Rabbani Government and the suspicion and the antagonism which the Taliban had against India. Pakistan's resistance to India's participation in such meetings was also a factor behind India's marginalization, according to analysts. 9. India's Stakes in Afghanistan. (a) Strategic and Economic Stakes. Analysts observe that the murder of the Indian engineer in Afghanistan underlined the high strategic and economic stakes for India in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The brutal killing of the engineer raised questions of exposing the Indian's working in Afghanistan to potential terrorist attacks by the Taliban. India's resolve to continue providing assistance to the people of Afghanistan is based on its importance in terms of strategic location and history and the influence India has regained in that country after 11 Sep 2001, according to analysts.

12 9 (b) Growing Profile in Afghanistan. India's profile in Afghanistan is growing and covers diverse sectors such as economy, technology and education. This situation is in contrast to the one before the rout of Taliban where it had no contact with the Government. (c) Engagement with Afghanistan. Analysts point out that India's engagement with Afghanistan is vital for the on-going fight against terrorism in the region that derives material and moral support from the Taliban and the Afghan opium Lords. During the Afghan President s visit to India both countries pledged to deepen their cooperation in fighting terrorism and asked Pakistan to join hands to defeat the menace. (d) Afghanistan's Reconstruction. India has pledged $650 million for Afghanistan's reconstruction in a number of projects ranging from road construction, infrastructure and grass roots development. (e) Trade & Investment. Analyst feel that there are bright prospects of enhanced trade and investment between India and Afghanistan. This is evident from the interest shown by foreign investors in Afghanistan and the Afghan economy showing signs of recovery. (f) Neutralisation of Pakistan. Analysts point out that India's close relationship with Afghanistan helps to neutralize Pakistan's clout in the region. The Taliban has been used as a weapon against India by sections within the Pakistan establishment. Thus a committed relationship with Afghanistan has strategic advantages. Finally, analysts feel that India needs to enhance its take in the long- term development of Afghanistan and strengthen people-to-people contacts. 10. India Afghanistan - US Trilateral Dialogue (26 Sep 2012). (a) The first trilateral dialogue between India, Afghanistan and the US was held in New York on 26 Sep (b) The three countries discussed the situation in Afghanistan along with other regional issues, including terrorism. (c) The trilateral dialogue marked the further strengthening of Afghanistan s cooperation with two of its key friends and partners who were fully behind the vision of a secure, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. (d) The trilateral dialogue set the tone for a series of consultations among the three countries having common interests in south and central Asia. (e) The three countries pledged to work together on common challenges and opportunities including combating terrorism and violent extremism, reviewing cultural exchanges and increasing regional trade, investment and economic integration. (f) India and the US made it clear that the trilateral dialogue was not targeted against Pakistan, which is wary of India s role in Afghanistan. 11. India-China Dialogue on Afghanistan.

13 10 (a) On 18 Apr 2013, India and China held their first talks on Afghanistan in Beijing. (b) Both countries share common concerns on ensuring stability in Afghanistan in view of terrorism and their investments in that country, according to analysts. (c) The two sides agreed the Afghanistan issue concerns regional security and stability (d) China and India were two important countries in the region and consultations on Afghanistan held them to coordinate positions, deepen cooperation and contribute to early settlement of the issue (e) Both countries reiterated their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. (f) The dialogue between India and China is part of the current bilateral and multilateral talks on Afghanistan, in the lead up to the withdrawal of NATO forces in Conference at Almaty (Kazakhstan 26 Apr 2013). (a) The second follow-up conference of Foreign Ministers to the Istanbul meeting of 2011 was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 26 Apr (b) The conference was attended by over 12 Foreign Ministers including India s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid. (c) The conference named as Heart of Asia was part of the Istanbul Process series which is aimed at stabilising Afghanistan. (d) India chaired the combined Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) of trade, commerce and investment opportunities. (e) India s leadership in the economic CBMs within the Istanbul Process was rooted in the belief that Afghanistan would experience lasting peace only if shortsighted perceptions of competition and strategic depth were replaced by collaboration and economic investment in Afghanistan. (f) India has focused on economic empowerment of Afghanistan. This approach led India to eliminate basic customs duties on all Afghan products. (g) The greatest challenge to Afghanistan was the persistent threat of terrorism from beyond its borders. 13. Hamid Karzai s Visit to India (20 May 2013). (a) The President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai visited India on 20 May 2013.

14 11 (b) Mr Karzai would discuss with India the flare-up on the Durand Line, the colonial-era border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in addition to ways to strengthen Afghan security situation. (c) Afghanistan had already agreed and signed a strategic pact with India and based on that agreement, India assists Afghanistan on several grounds, including the military sector. (d) In order to strengthen Afghan security forces, the Afghan President would ask India to help his country with military needs and shortages. (e) In 2011, India signed a strategic partnership with Afghanistan, allowing the two countries to expand training as the Afghan forces prepare to takeover security from foreign troops in (f) India has been training a limited number of Afghan military officers at its military institutions, but has not provided weapons assistance except for some vehicles (g) India s cooperation with Afghanistan was focused on development projects but security was also an important aspect given the challenges it faced. (h) The question of equipping Afghan forces was best discussed through the strategic partnership agreement and a meeting would be held later in 2013 to discuss security and political matters. (j) Pakistan has always resisted India s involvement in Afghanistan, seeing it as a plan to encircle it. Situation in Afghanistan 14. Presidential Election in Afghanistan. (a) Presidential election was held in Afghanistan on 05 Apr 2014 to choose a successor to President Hamid Karzai marking the country s first democratic transfer of power. (b) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, serving his second-term, is barred by the Constitution from running for a third-term. (c) The President is elected as an individual and not as a representative of a party in the Afghan system. (d) According to the Afghanistan s Independent Election Commission (IEC) the voter turnout was 60% of the 12-million electorate. (e) The voter turnout included all ethnic groups in Afghanistan and women voting in large numbers estimated to be 35% of the turnout. 15. High Voter Turnout. (a) India termed the Presidential election in Afghanistan as a resounding rejection of the designs and ideology of terrorists and their supporters.

15 12 (b) The Afghan people including women and youth had spoken in loud and clear terms. This was an important message that everyone should listen to. (c) India appreciated the large turnout in the Presidential election in Afghanistan as the resolve to exercise their franchise despite the threat of violence and intimidation from terrorists and those who do not wish to see a strong democratic and sovereign Afghanistan. 16. Second Round of Presidential Election. (a) In the first round of Presidential election in Afghanistan no candidate could secure more than 50% of the vote which is mandatory according to the Afghan Constitution. (b) Mr. Abdullah Abdullah secured 45% of the vote and his main rival Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai 31.6%. (c) The second round of the Presidential Election was held on 14 Jun 2014, which again saw a higher voter turnout of 52% despite threats and violence that killed 50 people. (d) Preliminary results announced on 08 Jul 2014, gave Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai a vote of 56.44%, but Abdullah Abdullah rejected the outcome (e) Thousands of supporters of Mr Abdullah gathered in Kabul demanding that he form a parallel government. (f) On 13 Jul 2014, the Presidential rivals Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani agreed to an audit of all eight million votes cast in the run-off elections, following intense shuttle diplomacy by the US Secretary of State John Kerry. 17. Significance of Election. (a) A credibly elected Afghan President and a Government with the people behind them would be able to successfully tackle the challenge of insurgency and also improve the economic situation. (b) The new President and Government of Afghanistan would require the financial support of the international community and the help of US troops based in Afghanistan, according to analysts. (c) The Presidential elections are seen as crucial for stability in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the NATO forces in Attack on Indian Consulate.

16 13 (a) On 23 May 2014, heavily armed terrorists attacked Indian consulate in Herat but were repulsed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police guards stationed at the consulate in western Afghanistan. (b) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and applauded the efforts of India s security personnel and Afghan security forces for their valiant efforts to fight the terrorists in Herat. (c) The attack on the Indian consulate in Herat was allegedly carried out Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). (d) The attack on the Indian consulate was a message to the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was invited to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi s swearing-in ceremony, of the dangers of defying military hawks hostile to peace with India. (e) The attack underlined that the threat to India interests in Afghanistan emerged as a foreign policy challenge to the new NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi (f) In Jun 2014, an Indian Jesuit priest was abducted in Herat province of Afghanistan bordering Iran. 19. Withdrawl of US Forces. (a) Beginning of 2015, the US would have approximately 9,800 service members in different parts of Afghanistan, together with its NATO allies and other partners. (b) By the end of 2015, the US would reduce that presence by roughly half, consolidating US troops in Kabul and Bagram Airfield. (c) By the end of 2016, the US forces would complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan. (d) Ending of the US presence in Afghanistan and the gradual shift of US personnel to an advisory role, the Afghans would be responsible for securing their country. (e) The US would no longer patrol Afghan cities or towns, mountains or valleys as that was the task for the Afghan people 20. Implications of US Withdrawal. (a) The US forces would complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan 15 years after they came to Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime and hunt its ally Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-qaeda, the author of the Sep 2001 terror attacks in the US. (b) The Taliban crumbled in face of the US offensive in 2001, but later regrouped to launch an insurgency drawing the US in its longest war. (c) Currently, there are around 51,000 US-led NATO troops are deployed in Afghanistan.

17 14 (d) Currently, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) total tps is around 3,50,000. (e) The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan would be risky as the effort to transfer responsibility for security to Afghan forces remains elusive as the Afghan troops were proving to be unprepared for the job. (f) The resolve of the Afghan forces would be tested with the Taliban accelerating the fighting with the killing of a number of high-prolife government functionaries. (g) The Afghan President Hamid Karzai welcomed the troop withdrawal, and termed it as a good step in the favour of the US as well as Afghanistan, and extended his support to it. (h) The Afghan President Hamid Karzai refused to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US-led forces and has left to the new President who would take office in Aug/Sep (j) The US President s announcement of having 9,800 troops in Afghanistan in the beginning of 2015 was the bare minimum requirement to backstop the Afghan forces, provide training, and conduct counterterrorism missions (k) US should not have drawn an arbitrary timeline for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and instead the decision should have been based on conditions on ground and whether it was confident that the Afghan security forces could meet the Taliban threat. (l) Complete withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan would lead to the loss of US air bases used for drone attacks against al-qaeda in Pakistan and for responding to a nuclear crisis in the region. (m) The Taliban denounced US plans to have its troops in Afghanistan till 2016 and threatened to wage war against the occupation until the very last foreign soldier pulled out. (n) India would be little relieved that the US is not completely withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan but it would also be compelled to engage more of its resources in the fight in Afghanistan to keep the Taliban at bay, according to defence experts. (o) With Pakistan likely to revive its influence over the Taliban in Afghanistan (p) After the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2014, there needs to be a regional arrangement in place involving countries like Russia, China, India and Pakistan 21. US Soldier Released in Exchange of Militants.

18 15 (a) On 01 Jun 2014, Bowe Bergdahl, the only US soldier captured by the Taliban was freed in exchange for five Taliban insurgents in a deal brokered by Qatar. (b) The US Defence Secretary said that the prisoner swap could create an opening for direct talks with the Taliban and provide a breakthrough for peace in Afghanistan. (c) The spiritual leader of Taliban, Mullah Mohammad Omar issued a statement praising the victory in a sign seen by analysts as potential confidence building measure. (d) Many Republican lawmakers in the US criticised the prisoner swap with the Taliban and wanted to know whether the Taliban prisoners would return to fighting the US. 22. Taliban Funds. (a) In Jun 2014, a UN report warned that the Taliban revenues were boosted in the past year with narcotics income, revenue from corruption and extortion, and increasingly drawing on revenue from the illegal exploitation of natural resources. (b) As finances had grown, the Taliban had become more of an economic actor, with incentives to preserve this income and less potential incentive to negotiate with the government. (c) The UN report underlined growing concerns that a resurgent Taliban could provide logistics and finances for Indian jihadists known to be with it. 23. Implications of US Withdrawal for India. (a) India told the US that it did not want to get involved in the security affairs of Afghanistan but would continue its development efforts there. (b) In the wake of the US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, India needs to calibrate its Afghanistan policy. (c) After the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, India faces the twin threats of a resurgent Taliban and the ISI in Pakistan which looks at Afghanistan as its exclusive playground. (d) India also needs to push for a regional approach that addresses the security vacuum after the withdrawal of the US troops and takes care of the concerns of all stakeholders. (e) India needs to diplomatically utilise the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to evolve collective security in the region especially in Afghanistan. (f) As a major stakeholder, India must ensure that its interests and investments in Afghanistan are not side-lined after the withdrawal of the US and other foreign troops. (g) India needs to continue with its assistance projects and deepen its ties with the Afghan Army and strengthen its relations with Pashtun political groups.

19 16 (h) India also needs to engage Pakistan to make it clear that a stable Afghanistan would be in the interest of both countries as gateway to Central Asia. (j) The main problem is from the safe sanctuaries provided to the Taliban in Pakistan s border areas with Afghanistan. (k) A serious concern for India after the withdrawal of the US troops would be the desire of the military establishment in Pakistan to control the government in Afghanistan. (l) India has stressed the importance of improving the capacity of the Afghan government to fight and overcome terrorism. (m) India expressed hope that there would be no exit strategy for the international community from Afghanistan. (n) India held talks with China, Japan and Iran to address the problem of funding the security demands in Afghanistan which could cost around $4 billion a year after the withdrawal of US forces. (o) India needs to build on the trilateral engagement with the US and Afghanistan to secure its assets in Afghanistan. 24. India s Assistance after US Withdrawal. (a) After the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, the country would witness a military vaccum and hopes that India would emerge as a major player in filling the gap. (b) Afghanistan hopes that a prominent military dimension would raise the Indo- Afghan relations to the next level. (c) Afghanistan has requested India for military and training assistance as the withdrawal date for US-led forces approaches. (d) India and Afghanistan must strengthen their strategic cooperation as Afghanistan does not have the defence its needs to fight proxy terror groups (e) In Dec 2013, Afghanistan requested India for supplying tanks, helicopters and ground vehicles, which India politely turned down. (f) India supported infrastructure projects and provided military training to Afghan troops and police forces in India. (g) India has refrained from supplying military hardware to Afghanistan to avoid upsetting Pakistan which may construe the military help as interference in Afghanistan.

20 17 (h) India and Afghanistan were working at a trilateral transitory agreement with Iran to trade goods via the Iranian port of Chabahar, which is being refurbished by India, as an alternative to the land route via Pakistan. 25. Current State of Indo-Afghan Relations. (a) Indo-Afghan relations have acquired a different orientation after the formation of a new government in Afghanistan under President Ashraf Ghani. (b) The New President of Afghanistan assumed office in Sep 2014 and visited China (Oct 2014), Pakistan (Nov 2014), the UK (Dec 2014), Saudi Arabia (Mar 2015) and the US (Mar 2015). (c) Delay in Dr Ashraf Ghani s visit to India sent a message of reprioritisation of Afghanistan s foreign policy and its relations with India, marking a sharp change in contrast to the warmth displayed by his predecessor Hamid Karzai towards India. (d) India is concerned over the new Afghan President s plan of reconciliation with the Taliban and his new-found closeness to Pakistan. (e) In contrast to his predecessor, Dr. Ghani s policy towards talks with Taliban is seen as a major shift on two counts in India- bigger role for Pakistan in mediating talks and the Afghan government s willingness to talk without pre-condition that they give up violence. (f) Currently, India and Afghanistan have a different perception over the groups responsible for violence in Afghanistan the new Afghan President feels the recent attacks were carried out by the Islamic State (IS), while India believes that Pakistanbacked groups were responsible. (g) There was also shift in the new Afghan President s stand on countering terrorism, from charging Pakistan with complicity in terror attacks by the Taliban, to a more cooperative approach with Pakistan. (h) In early Apr 2015, India supplied three Cheetah military helicopters built by Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd. to Afghanistan. (j) India and Afghanistan were working to frame a new defence mechanism with India increasing its capacity building programme for the Afghan armed forces. 26. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani s Visit to India (27-29 Apr 2015). (a) (b) First Visit to India by the New Afghan President. Talks with India s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (i) Hoped to increase regional cooperation where the energy of Central Asia would flow to South Asia, where pipelines, fibre optics, railways and connectivity, air, ground and virtual would connect them. (ii) India shared Afghanistan s pain over persisting terrorism and was deeply grateful to Afghanistan security forces for protecting Indians in

21 18 Afghanistan as they would their own. (iii) Dr Ghani said that they must have a unified approach and must be united both in the region and globally to contain terror. (iv) Mr Modi said that Afghanistan s direct surface link to India and the rest of South Asia, and increased connectivity to sea, could turn Afghanistan into a hub that connects Asia s divers regions. (v) India was prepared to join the successor agreement to Afghan-Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement (APTTA) which would re-establish one of the oldest trading routes of South Asia. (vi) Mr Modi reaffirmed his commitment to take the Chahbahar port project in Iran. (vii) India and Afghanistan would also quickly conclude a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement (viii) India conveyed fresh support for its flagship projects in Afghanistan- Habibia School in Kabul, the Indira Gandhi Child Health Care Hospital and Red Crescent Society Fund for treatment of children with congenital heart disease. (ix) India and Afghanistan have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan - led and Afghan-owned process which should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence. (x) The Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last 14 years and it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women. (xi) India also offered to meet Afghanistan s defence needs. (c) Joint Statement (i) India and Afghanistan committed to work to strengthen their strategic partnership and were determined to combat the scourge of terrorism. (ii) Both sides agreed to sign six agreements within the next three months including extradition treaty, mutual legal assistance treaty, transfer of sentenced persons and bilateral motor vehicle streaty and a consular pact for diplomatic passport holders. (iii) Both sides welcomed India s proposal to join as fourth partner to the negotiations for the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan trade and transit agreement. (iv) Both sides agreed to push forward making the Chahbahar Port a reality and a viable gateway to Afghanistan and central Asia.

22 19 (d) Significance of the Afghan President s Visit. (i) Visit to India had produced a forward looking outlook and that ties would be expanded for peace, stability and prosperity. (ii) Acknowledged that India was part of his five-circle foreign policy concept which are neighbours, Islamic world, Western & developed countries, Asia and international organisation. (iii) Welcomed India s emphasis on bilateral and multilateral transit and transport agreement. (iv) India was ready to welcome Afghan trucks at the ICP Attari and was prepared to join the successor agreement to Afghan-Pakistan Trade Transit Agreement (APTTA). (v) Both countries agreed to conclude a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement which would put pressure on Pakistan to Join the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement apart from giving transit access to India. (vi) If Pakistan joins other SAARC nations to sign the Motor Vehicles Agreement and implements the APTTA, it could bring in immense benefits to the region in the form of road connectivity. (vii) Dr Ghani also sought to build a sub continental network to cooperate on fighting terror emphasising that the new and mutating threat from IS or Daesh, its Arabic acronym, has changed the game. (viii) India believes that the terror challenge in the region and to Afghanistan comes from the Taliban and Pakistan-based terror groups. 27. India's Stakes in Afghanistan. (a) (b) (c) Afghanistan India's Gateway to the West. High Strategic and Economic Stakes. India has Regained Influence in Afghanistan. (d) Engagement with Afghanistan Vital for the Fight Against Terrorism in the Region. (e) Bright Prospects of enhanced Trade and Investment between the Two Countries. (f) A Close Relationship with Afghanistan neutralises Pakistan's clout in the region. (g) Need to strengthen people-to-people contacts in Afghanistan.

23 Focus of India s Afghan Policy. (a) (b) Ensuring Afghanistan's territorial integrity and political stability. Preventing the return of Taliban-inspired terrorism and religious extremism. (c) Afghanistan will emerge as a key land passage for the Caspian basin gas and oil which are crucial for India s growing energy requirements. 29. Securing India s Interests in Afghanistan. (a) India s development projects in Afghanistan remain the target of the Taliban. (b) India s role in the long-term stability of Afghanistan is opposed by the Taliban as it would strengthen the democratic Government in that country (c) India needs to consider long-term scenarios of its political, diplomatic and military options in Afghanistan. (d) India can work towards the creation of a regional grouping for long-term stability in Afghanistan. (e) India also needs to widen its engagement with different sections in Afghanistan. (f) (g) (h) The resurgence of Taliban a grave concern for India and other neighbours Pakistan should stop supporting the Taliban and the Haqqani terrorists Regional Arrangement for a Neutral Afghanistan. (i) After the phased withdrawal of the US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan a regional agreement between Afghanistan and its neighbours has been advocated. (ii) The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which includes Russia, China and the Central Asian Republics, came out in support of neutral Afghanistan (iii) The concept of neutrality should be upheld as no peace deal will hold in Afghanistan unless the outside interference by its neighbours comes to an end. (iv) India and Iran have also extended their support to the SCO s position of neutrality in Afghanistan.

24 21 CHAPTER - 2 INDO - AUSTRALIAN RELATIONS Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott s Visit to India, (4-5 Sep 2014). 1. Civil Nuclear Agreement with Australia. (a) On 05 Sep 2014, India signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia in New Delhi during the visit of the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to India. (b) India and Australia held five rounds of negotiations since 2012 when the later reversed its policy on nuclear cooperation with India. (c) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that the exception was made keeping in view India s model behaviour on its nuclear capabilities. From the time of Independence, India had scrupulously followed International laws regardless of the ups and downs of the political situation in New Delhi. (d) Australia would now be a long-term reliable supplier of uranium to India and would provide for the supply of uranium, production of radio isotopes, nuclear safety and other areas of cooperation. 2. Energy and Food Security for India. (a) Australia could become an utterly reliable source of energy, resource and food security for India. (b) The signing of the civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement and the urgency imparted for coal imports from Australia for thermal power plants facing severe shortage of coal in India has made Australia a core energy partner for India. 3. Economic Relations. (a) Need for increasing the two-way trade and hoped that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries would be concluded by (b) Two-way trade between the two countries was only $15 billion and Indian investment in Australia was well under $20 billion. (c) While India had invested over $1 billion in Australia in the last 10 years, Australia s FDI in India stood at only $600 million in the last 14 years. 4. India s Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Australia for the G-20 summit and bilateral meetings. This would be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Australia in 28 years.

25 22 5. Significance of the Australian Prime Minister Visit. (a) Indo-Australian relations were enhanced with the signing of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries during the visit of the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to India. (b) Australia could be a crucial nuclear energy partner for India as it has 40% of the world s uranium reserves. (c) The strengthening of Indian economy and its rise as a significant market and a source of capital were one of the reasons behind Australia reversing its earlier nuclear policy to access India s market and capital. (d) The civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Australia could be the key to enhanced energy relations between the two countries. (e) The growing engagement between Australia and India in energy and food security could make way for a broader strategic relationship between the two countries, which could become a crucial defence component. (f) Australian Prime Minister said that India s partnership was essential to sustain the US-led stress on maintaining the strategic balance in East Asia. (g) Indo-Australian relations have grown from strength to strength in recent years with the convergence of interests between the two countries in broad spectrum of areas including regional security, energy and resources, trade and education. (h) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi s diplomatic outreach to two key countries in the Asia-Pacific, Japan and Australia point to the maturing of India s Look East Policy and provide a platform for the establishing strategic convergences. (j) Outcomes of India s recent engagements with Japan and Australia reflect a geostrategic shift from Euro-Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific area. Narendra Modi s visit to Australia (15-18 Nov 2014). 6. First Visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Australia since Talks between the two Prime Ministers. (a) India and Australia agreed to a Framework for Security Cooperation which will include exercises between armies, navies and air forces, besides cooperation in counter-terrorism, maritime security, non-proliferation and cyber security. (b) India and Australia also set up a mechanism to discuss the synergies in integrating defence system which includes research and development cooperation on integrating defence equipment of both countries currently purchase like the C-17 Hercules aircraft of the US. (c) Both countries wanted an early conclusion of negotiations for a

26 23 comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). (d) Both side also sought an early conclusion of the Civil Nuclear Agreement. (e) India and Australia signed five pacts on social security, transfer of prisoners, combating narcotics trade, tourism and arts & culture. 8. Narendra Modi s Address to the Australian Parliament. (a) Australia was a major partner of India in every area of India s national priority. (b) Called for closer economic and security cooperation between the two countries, including maintaining maritime security. (c) Both countries need to strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism and cooperate closely in international fore like the East Asia Summit (EAS), the G-20 and the Indian Ocean Region Association. (d) Terrorism was changing character and expanding its reach. Internet had made recruitment and call to violence self-generated. (e) Both sides need to work together and with others to create an environment and culture that promoted the currency of co-existence and cooperation; in which all nations small and big, abide by international laws and norms, even when they have bitter disputes. (f) Australia had immense opportunities to participate in India s progress. In turn, India would be the answer to Australia s search for new economic opportunities and its desire to diversify its global economic engagement. 9. Significance of the Visit. (a) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi s visit to Australia was significant as it came 28 years after the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi s visit in (b) Mr Modi s address to the diaspora in Sydney and his address to the Joint session of the Australian Parliament were well received. The talks between the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers were significant as they would lead to the bilateral relations being upgraded apart from bringing in more clarity on key issues. (c) Mr Modi said that the Indo-Australian relations were a natural partnership, arising from their shared values and interests, and their strategic maritime locations. (d) India and Australia had a great economic synergy and there were huge opportunities for partnership in every area they could think of agriculture, agroprocessing, resources, energy, finance infrastructure, education, and science and technology. (e) If all goes well, Australia would export uranium to India under suitable safeguards because cleaner energy was one of the most important contributions that Australia could make to the wider world.