28 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. A New Nuclear Deal
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations; GS Paper 3 – Security and Nuclear Technology

Context

The editorial examines the recent U.S.-backed Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and the emerging possibility of reviving nuclear diplomacy. The piece explores the viability of negotiating a successor to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Strategic Impact of U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran

• Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted, causing serious infrastructural damage.

• Despite the strikes, Iran’s enrichment capabilities remain mostly intact, showcasing the resilience of its nuclear program.

• The attacks may pressure Iran to return to negotiation tables, especially if diplomatic incentives are provided.

U.S. Interests in a New Agreement

• The U.S. wants to avoid a “forever war” scenario and reduce direct military entanglements in the Middle East.

• Domestic opposition to further wars makes diplomacy a more viable and politically safer route.

• A revived deal would also help curb regional nuclear arms races, especially involving Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Key Conditions and Barriers

• Iran is likely to demand the lifting of sanctions and restoration of oil export capacity.

• The U.S. will insist on transparent inspections and rollback of uranium enrichment beyond JCPOA limits.

• Both sides face internal hardliner resistance, complicating any immediate breakthrough.

Geopolitical Calculations and Outcomes

• Israel may support a revised deal if 24/7 surveillance and snap-back sanctions are embedded.

• Russia and China could act as balancers or spoilers depending on their strategic calculations.

• Europe may play a facilitator role, having been a key negotiator in JCPOA talks.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• A phased, verifiable, and reciprocal approach to lifting sanctions and limiting enrichment could revive diplomacy.

• Regional actors like Qatar, Turkey, and UAE can be constructive intermediaries.

• While difficult, the strategic incentives outweigh the costs of continued confrontation.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) Discuss the strategic and diplomatic implications of reviving the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) in the context of recent regional developments. What role can India play in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in West Asia?

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 28 June 2025

2. For Now, A Reprieve

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy; GS Paper 2 – International Relations and Global Developments

Context

This editorial assesses the recent global economic optimism triggered by easing tensions in the Middle East, stabilization of oil prices, and temporary suspension of U.S.-China tariff escalations.

Encouraging Economic Indicators

• Sensex surged to 48,409, its highest since October 2021, indicating restored investor confidence.

• Brent crude oil prices stabilized around $87 per barrel, offering relief to oil-importing economies.

• Indian rupee strengthened, and inflation indicators saw marginal improvement.

Geopolitical Easing as a Driver

• U.S. has paused additional tariffs on Chinese imports, reducing global trade tension.

• Israeli-Iranian tensions have cooled, contributing to oil price correction and easing risk perceptions.

• Southwest monsoon has shown signs of revival, benefiting Indian agriculture.

Structural Economic Vulnerabilities Remain

• Rural wage growth and consumption patterns still show signs of stress and stagnation.

• Credit disbursal remains sluggish, especially in the MSME sector.

• Global supply chain bottlenecks in electronics and critical minerals continue to persist.

Temporary Relief, Not Permanent Recovery

• These indicators may offer short-term relief, but the fundamental structural issues remain unresolved.

• A global economic slowdown or political shocks could reverse gains quickly.

• India’s domestic reforms need fast-tracking to take advantage of the current economic window.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Use the current stability to initiate long-term fiscal and trade reforms.

• Enhance supply chain resilience through PLI schemes and public investment.

• Diplomacy must be used to institutionalize peace frameworks in the Middle East.

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) Global geopolitical developments are offering temporary relief to the Indian economy. Critically analyse the opportunities and limitations of relying on external factors for economic stability.

Read more – 27 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis