1. India–China relations are characterized by cooperation in multilateral platforms but constrained by unresolved border disputes and growing strategic rivalry. Discuss.
| SYLLABUS: General Studies – II: International Relation – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests |
IN NEWS: India, China committed to cooperation, fair resolution of boundary issues, says Modi after meeting Xi
India and China, as two rising Asian powers and nuclear-armed neighbors, share a complex relationship. While they cooperate on global platforms such as BRICS, SCO, and climate negotiations, their bilateral ties are constrained by unresolved border disputes, security concerns, and strategic competition in Asia and beyond.
Cooperation in Multilateral Platforms
- BRICS & SCO: Both advocate for multipolarity, reform of global financial institutions, and greater representation of developing countries.
- RIC Dialogue (Russia–India–China): Emphasizes coordination on global security and economic governance.
- Climate Change Negotiations: Common positions in UNFCCC negotiations to safeguard the interests of developing countries.
- Global Trade & WTO: Joint resistance to protectionist tendencies of developed countries.
- Health & Pandemic Response: Cooperation in forums like WHO for vaccine access and health security.
Constraints in Bilateral Relations
1. Border Disputes
- Disagreement over Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and Arunachal Pradesh (South Tibet).
- The Galwan clash (2020) eroded trust, leading to militarization of the LAC.
- Lack of a clearly demarcated Line of Actual Control (LAC) fuels repeated standoffs.
2. Strategic Rivalry
- China–Pakistan nexus: CPEC passes through PoK, challenging India’s sovereignty.
- Indo-Pacific competition: India’s participation in the Quad seen by China as containment.
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR): China’s “String of Pearls” strategy vs. India’s SAGAR vision.
- Technological & economic rivalry: India banning Chinese apps, tightening FDI, diversifying supply chains.
3. Trust Deficit
- Historical baggage of the 1962 war continues to influence perceptions.
- Repeated violation of border protocols undermines confidence-building measures.
Way Forward
- Diplomatic Engagement: Continued dialogue under Special Representatives’ mechanism on border issues.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Strengthening military hotlines, border management protocols.
- Economic Diversification: Reduce dependence on Chinese imports while keeping trade channels open.
- Balanced Strategy: Pursue cooperation in global governance while securing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
- Regional Stability: Work towards a rules-based Asian order to prevent conflict escalation.
India–China relations embody a paradox—cooperation in multilateral platforms but competition in bilateral and regional domains. Going forward, the challenge for India is to balance its strategic rivalry with China while harnessing opportunities for cooperation in global governance, keeping national security and sovereignty uncompromised.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2017) Q. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status is Asia.” In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. |
2. Discuss the recent challenges in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, as highlighted by the UNDP report. Suggest measures to strengthen its role in tribal empowerment and forest governance.
| SYLLABUS: General Studies – III: Agriculture – Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints. |
IN NEWS: Build consensus on ‘sunset clause’ for forest rights titles: UNDP report
FRA 2006 was enacted to correct historical injustice faced by Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs). The UNDP report (2025) reviews its progress and highlights the need for reforms to ensure effective implementation.
Challenges Highlighted
- Implementation gaps: Incomplete title registration, poor record-keeping, and high rejection rates.
- Verification issues: Incorrect recognition of rights due to weak processes.
- Institutional problems: Poor coordination between Tribal and Forest Departments; Gram Sabha forest management plans not integrated into official working plans.
- Gender gaps: Lack of gender-disaggregated data; limited participation of women in CFR governance.
- Economic underutilisation: Weak mechanisms to monetise intellectual property rights; unclear norms on minor forest produce (MFP) ownership, harvesting, and sale.
Key Recommendations of UNDP
- Introduce a sunset clause for rights recognition, allowing claim saturation at the Gram Sabha level.
- Collect and publish gender-disaggregated FRA data and promote women’s leadership.
- Strengthen inter-departmental coordination for implementation.
- Recognise and monetise community intellectual property rights (biodiversity, knowledge).
- Establish clear rules for MFP trade, including bamboo and tendu.
Way Forward
- Build consensus on the sunset clause with safeguards for genuine late claims.
- Integrate FRA implementation with welfare schemes (NRLM, PDS, MGNREGA).
- Capacity building for Gram Sabhas and training of officials.
- Ensure legal backing and market linkages for MFP trade.
- Promote inclusive forest governance with active role for women and PVTGs.
FRA remains a landmark legislation for tribal empowerment and participatory conservation. Effective implementation, backed by the UNDP’s recommendations, can transform forest governance into a model of justice, equity, and sustainability.
| PYQ REFERENCE Q. Forest Rights Act, 2006 was formulated to give forest dwellers legal ownership of their traditional land but some of the tribals have faced eviction in recent times. Examine. Discuss how far the Forest Rights Act has ensured the livelihood security of the tribals. |