26 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The ‘Great Abandonment’ of Afghanistan

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Historical U.S. Engagement with Afghanistan

• The U.S. previously engaged with Afghanistan’s government but later shifted its focus.
• In 2017, a deal was signed to allow U.S. companies access to Afghanistan’s rare earth minerals.
• In 2018, the U.S. began talks with the Taliban without involving the elected government.
• In 2020, the Doha Accords were signed, favoring the Taliban without securing commitments on political stability, counter-terrorism, or women’s rights.
• This agreement weakened the Afghan government, leading to the Taliban takeover.

Current Situation in Afghanistan

• The Taliban now has a strong grip on the country, with stricter rules, especially against women.
• Women are banned from education, work, and public life, reversing progress made over two decades.
• Despite no international recognition, regional powers have engaged with the Taliban, allowing them diplomatic presence.
• The U.S. and European nations have distanced themselves, while neighboring countries have increased ties with the regime.

India’s Approach to Afghanistan

• India has maintained a cautious approach, neither recognizing the Taliban nor fully supporting the previous Afghan diplomats.
• In 2022, India reopened a “technical mission” in Kabul, engaging at an official level.
• A recent high-level meeting discussed India’s plans to expand its presence and resume development projects in Afghanistan.

Reasons Behind India’s Engagement with the Taliban

1. Pragmatism and Realpolitik
   • It is argued that the Taliban’s rule is long-term, making engagement necessary.
   • However, internal conflicts within the Taliban over education policies and economic mismanagement indicate instability.
2. Humanitarian Aid
   • Some claim working with the Taliban is necessary for aid delivery, but India had provided aid before without direct Taliban engagement.
3. Strategic Interests
   • There is concern that India may lose influence if it does not reopen its embassy while other countries establish their presence.
   • However, historical partnerships with the previous Afghan government cannot be replicated with the Taliban due to ideological differences.

Challenges for India

• The Taliban previously targeted Indian interests, raising concerns about security.
• India’s visa policies for Afghans fleeing the Taliban have disappointed many who previously supported India.
• Afghans who took refuge in India in the past contributed positively to bilateral ties, but current restrictions may weaken India’s long-term influence.

Policy Recommendations for India

• India should balance engagement with the Taliban while maintaining relations with opposition groups.
• Women’s rights and political representation should be actively supported.
• The cricket board should encourage recognition of the Afghan women’s team.
• Hosting discussions for Afghan exiles in India could help in addressing political concerns.
• A flexible foreign policy is needed to maintain long-term influence in Afghanistan.

Conclusion 

• India should engage with Afghanistan pragmatically while ensuring its strategic interests and humanitarian commitments.
• Balancing ties with both the Taliban and exiled Afghan communities is crucial for long-term regional stability and goodwill.

2. A bad omen for public trust in vaccines

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Issues Raised in Petitions

• These concerns should not be mistaken for anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.
• One petition from Kerala raised concerns about deaths linked to the anti-rabies vaccine.
• Other petitions question the lack of transparency in clinical trial data and the disclosure of vaccine side effects.
• There are also demands for better monitoring of adverse reactions and proper compensation for those affected.
• Many petitioners do not trust the regulatory body and want independent committees to review vaccine approvals.

Role of Courts and Legal Challenges

• Courts are not well-suited to handle scientific issues related to vaccines.
• These cases take years to resolve and often do not provide clear conclusions.
• Vaccine manufacturers have filed defamation lawsuits against critics, leading to further legal battles.
• Some courts have issued orders protecting vaccine manufacturers, which could weaken public trust.

Lack of Transparency in Vaccine Approval

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) plays a major role in vaccine approvals.
• However, details about decision-makers and their conflicts of interest are not disclosed.
• Making this information public could improve trust in the approval process.

Need for Better Clinical Trial Data Disclosure

• The CDSCO does not release clinical trial data used for vaccine approvals.
• Publicly sharing this data, while protecting patient privacy, would increase transparency.

Informed Consent and Public Awareness

• Citizens need clear information about vaccine side effects to make informed decisions.
• This information should be presented in an understandable format at the time of vaccination.

Strengthening Vaccine Monitoring

• India does not have a strong legal framework for tracking adverse vaccine reactions.
• Existing guidelines are not fully enforced and need to be backed by law.

Compensation for Vaccine-Related Deaths

• Some petitions demand compensation for families of those who may have died due to vaccine side effects.
• A court ruling in 2022 asked the government to create a policy for compensation, but the final decision is still pending.

Responsibility for Compensation

• Vaccine manufacturers should compensate affected individuals since they profit from vaccine sales.
• The government’s role in compensation remains unclear due to undisclosed agreements with manufacturers.

Conclusion

• Except for compensation, other concerns should be addressed through policies, not court cases.
• Public trust in vaccines is essential for successful immunization programs.
• The Ministry of Health should take steps to address these concerns through clear policies or new laws.

Read more- 25 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis