05 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. India is looking for partners, not preachers
(Source – Page 4, The Hindu International Edition)
| Topic: GS2 (International Relations, India and its Neighborhood, India’s Foreign Policy) |
| Context |
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India’s Assertive Foreign Policy:
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Jaishankar reiterated India’s strategic autonomy, asserting India’s focus on mutual partnerships over Western prescriptions.
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He criticized the Western approach of excluding Russia from peace talks on Ukraine and advocated for “Russia realism” and “America realism”.
India-Russia Relations:
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India’s continued oil imports from Russia are seen as based on national interest, not ideological alignment.
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India’s position is that of an energy consumer in need of affordable access, especially in the wake of sanctions on Russia.
India-Europe Relations:
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He stated Europe must overcome its “preaching mindset” and engage with India on equal footing, based on mutual respect and interest.
India’s Global Stance:
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India does not endorse externally-imposed solutions but supports regional peace through engagement.
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This signals India’s evolution into a confident regional power asserting its agency.
Way Forward:
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A multipolar world demands new diplomacy rooted in mutual interests.
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India’s stance will shape future multilateral forums and trade alignments.
| Practice Question: India’s foreign policy in the post-2020 era has been marked by a shift from non-alignment to multi-alignment. Examine with special reference to India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its relationship with Europe. (250 words) |
2. Will give a befitting reply to those who attack India: Rajnath
(Source – Page 4, The Hindu Editorial)
| Topic: GS3 (Internal Security, Cross-border Terrorism), GS2 (India-Pakistan Relations) |
| Context |
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Read more – 03 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
Security Doctrine Shift:
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Rajnath Singh emphasized complete operational freedom granted to the armed forces.
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Blackout rehearsals in Punjab suggest heightened alert amid threat perception.
India-Pakistan Tensions:
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The Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s retaliatory moves (e.g., banning Indian ships) have worsened relations.
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India’s response includes diplomatic measures like suspending Indus Water Treaty arrangements.
Strategic Autonomy in Security:
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The Indian Army and IAF have stepped up coordination with political leadership.
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Intelligence, emergency preparedness, and maritime vigilance are being emphasized.
Diplomacy vs. Retaliation:
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While military action is on the table, India is also exploring global diplomatic backing.
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Iran’s offer to mediate (Page 1) remains unacknowledged by India, consistent with its stand against third-party mediation.
Way Forward:
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Emphasis on hybrid retaliation (diplomatic, economic, and potential military).
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A doctrine balancing assertive response and regional peace is emerging.
| Practice Question: With rising cross-border terrorism and hybrid threats, India’s security doctrine is evolving. Discuss the emerging trends in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. (250 words) |
Read more – 03 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
