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1. India-EFTA trade agreement opens the door to long-term, multifaceted cooperation
The article discusses the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), highlighting its significance beyond just trade facilitation.
India-EFTA TEPA Agreement: A trade and economic partnership agreement signed between India and EFTA nations (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) to enhance economic ties and cooperation.
Investment and Job Creation Goals: TEPA aims for a $100 billion investment and the creation of 1 million jobs in India over the next 15-20 years.
EFTA’s Strengths: EFTA countries specialize in advanced technologies, precision engineering, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services—key sectors for India’s growth.
EFTA Desk in India: Launched on February 10, it serves as a business facilitation platform to help navigate regulatory frameworks and partnerships.
Early Impact of TEPA: Even before formal implementation, businesses are preparing to capitalize on benefits such as reduced tariffs, improved customs procedures, and enhanced intellectual property protections.
Beyond Trade: The agreement emphasizes long-term cooperation based on trust, shared values, and sustainability, rather than being purely transactional.
Technology and Sustainability Collaboration: EFTA nations can contribute expertise to India’s space sector, green energy transition, and innovation-driven economy.
Strategic Economic Partnership: Strengthens India’s trade diplomacy, diversifies economic alliances, and aligns with India’s broader trade and investment policies.
Significance for India’s Economy: TEPA is expected to drive investment-led growth, create employment, and enhance India’s global economic integration.
Future Prospects: The success of the agreement depends on sustained efforts from both sides to ensure smooth implementation and maximize mutual benefits.
2. Express View on anti-Maoist operation: Chhattisgarh must not lower its guard
The article discusses the recent anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, where security forces have intensified their offensive against insurgents under the Vishnu Deo Sai government.
Recent Anti-Maoist Operation: Security forces targeted a Maoist stronghold in Bijapur district, killing 31 insurgents using police camps as launchpads for operations.
Decline of Maoist Influence: Maoist activity has significantly reduced, with affected districts decreasing from over 220 in the 2000s to around 40 today, concentrated mainly in South Chhattisgarh.
Government Strategy: The Vishnu Deo Sai-led Chhattisgarh government has intensified operations, leading to the killing of 280 militants, arrest of over 1,000 Maoists, and surrender of 925 insurgents since December 2023.
Role of Security Forces: Coordinated efforts by state police, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP have helped restrict Maoist movements in Bastar, Abujhmarh, and South Bastar.
Geographical Challenges: Maoists exploit the dense forests and poor infrastructure of South Chhattisgarh, which borders Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana, making counterinsurgency efforts difficult.
Failure of Maoist Strategy: The movement has weakened due to its reliance on violence and inability to adapt to democratic institutions, leading to a decline in cadre strength.
Lessons from the Past: Chhattisgarh’s earlier reliance on civilian militias like Salwa Judum failed, prompting a shift towards better-trained police forces and welfare outreach.
Need for a Balanced Approach: While security operations must continue, the government should ensure civilian protection to prevent resentment and avoid strengthening Maoist propaganda.
Importance of Development Measures: Long-term success against Maoism requires infrastructure development, economic opportunities, and governance improvements in affected regions.
Broader Implication: The decline of left-wing extremism marks a major internal security achievement, but vigilance and a holistic counterinsurgency strategy remain essential.
3. Express View on Biren Singh’s resignation: Good riddance
The resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, nearly two years after the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023, marks a significant political shift.
Ethnic Conflict in Manipur: The violence that began in May 2023 has led to over 250 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people, with deepening communal divisions making reconciliation difficult.
Failure of Governance: Singh’s administration failed to control the violence, leading to the remilitarization of the state and a surge in insurgency across the Northeast, as acknowledged by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Possibility of President’s Rule: With no clear successor, the BJP-led central government might have to impose President’s Rule to stabilize the situation.
Urgent Need for Conflict Resolution: A new leadership must focus on peace talks, demilitarization, and disarmament to prevent further violence. Thousands of looted arms remain unaccounted for.
Deepened Ethnic Fault Lines: The Meitei and Kuki communities have become more segregated, making coexistence difficult. Rebuilding trust is crucial for lasting peace.
Long-Term Implications: The conflict has hampered Manipur’s stability, development, and security, reinforcing the need for an inclusive governance approach that ensures impartiality and fairness.
Broader Lessons: The Manipur crisis underscores the importance of proactive conflict resolution, political accountability, and sensitive handling of ethnic tensions to prevent unrest in other conflict-prone regions.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in Indian Express and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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