Editorial 1 : Reading the thaw
Introduction: Recent thaw in the tensed relation between India and China is being seen as a positive development for the peace and stability of Asia and the world. While there are hawkish and dovish viewpoints on the recent development, Indian foreign policy following realist and pragmatist polices vis-à-vis China.
Three Important Meetings Between India and China
- Recent Bilateral Meetings:
- Kazakhstan, October (BRICS Summit): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Brazil, G20 Summit: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- Laos: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun.
- Historical Context:
- Modi and Xi’s meeting occurred five years after their 2019 summit in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Relations soured following China’s 2020 LAC violations, leading to casualties on both sides.
- Tensions and Limited Engagements:
- Interactions between Modi and Xi were minimal at the 2022 Bali G20 Summit and the 2023 Johannesburg BRICS Summit.
Recent Enthusiasm in Bilateral Engagements
- Positive Statements:
- China described India and China as “important members of the Global South” and highlighted shared responsibilities.
- India emphasized the importance of “stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations” for regional peace.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Productive discussions noted by Rajnath Singh and Dong Jun.
- Jaishankar praised cooperation within BRICS, SCO, and G20 frameworks.
Varied Perspectives on India-China Relations
- Optimistic Views:
- Global Times: Signs of improving relations are encouraging.
- Some analysts attribute India's economic needs to its outreach.
- Others argue China seeks to leverage India’s tensions with the West.
- Strategic Analysts:
- Hawks: Distrust China and view rapprochement as unlikely. This view suggest that India should restrict its relation with China at manageable level, and should improve its relations with West aggressively to counter China’s rise.
- Doves: Advocate for cooperation despite challenges, though their influence has waned post-Galwan. This view has shrunk lately after constant belligerence of China over border.
India’s Realist and Pragmatic China Policy
- Balanced Approach:
- Acknowledges differences and convergences on bilateral and global issues.
- Recognizes China’s history of LAC violations despite agreements since 1993.
- Key Statements:
- PM Modi has emphasized “handling differences and disputes” for “stable” ties.
- S Jaishankar has advocated for “mutual sensitivity, respect, and interest.”
- China’s Stance:
- Criticized India’s “decoupling” attempts as counterproductive.
- Asserted that future relations depend on India’s “sincerity.”
- India’s Response:
- Firmly upheld independent foreign policy principles.
- India’s foreign policy is “principled and consistent, marked by independent thought and action”
- Opposed unilateral dominance and emphasized principled and consistent policies.
- India “does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations”.
Conclusion: PM Modi has conveyed the crucial message that India is not only strongly committed to a multipolar world, but also “a multipolar Asia”. Some argue that a “new beginning” is being made in bilateral relations. But what India wants is a “new understanding” on China’s part to deal with old challenges and new opportunities.
Editoral 2 : Zone of containment
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens modern medicine by rendering infections increasingly untreatable. While global efforts like WHO’s GLASS program have improved AMR surveillance, low- and middle-income countries, including India, remain disproportionately affected. India’s initiatives, such as the National Action Plan on AMR, reflect progress but underscore the need for continued action against this escalating crisis.
What is AMR?
- AMR occurs when microbes become resistant to the drugs used against them, leading to infections that are difficult or impossible to treat.
- Drug-resistant infections cause a significant number of deaths globally.
Early Challenges in Tackling AMR
- Lack of quality data and absent surveillance systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- British economist Jim O’Neill's 2014 projection of 10 million annual deaths by 2050 highlighted the urgency of the issue.
- Policy actions included the Global Action Plan on AMR (2015) and the UN Resolution on AMR (2016).
Progress in Understanding and Surveillance
- WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) in 2015.
- GLASS standardizes country-level AMR data; 137 countries now participate.
- The Lancet (2021): 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to AMR, with the highest burden in South Asia and Africa.
- Older adults are at higher risk, with deaths in adults aged 70+ increasing by over 80% between 1990 and 2021.
India’s Efforts and Challenges
- Data from national networks helps track AMR trends and target interventions.
- Expansion to secondary hospitals and district-level surveillance underway.
- India has surveillance networks for hospital-acquired infections, livestock, poultry, and fisheries.
- National Essential Diagnostics List mandates microbiology labs in district hospitals.
- Need for sustained efforts to improve data quality and guide policy.
Global and National Commitments in 2023
- At the 79th UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR, leaders committed to reducing AMR-related human deaths by 10% by 2030.
- Goals include sustainable national financing and catalytic funding of $100 million for national action plans (NAPs).
- India launched its National Action Plan on AMR (NAP) in 2017.
Strategies to Escalate India’s AMR Efforts
- Draft a second NAP with improved governance and accountability.
- Strengthen infection control, vaccine uptake, diagnostics, and antimicrobial stewardship.
- Invest in healthcare systems to reduce transmission and contain AMR.
- Support research and development for new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.
- Commit to ambitious, sustained action to better respond to AMR and protect public health.
Conclusion: India has made strides in combating AMR through surveillance, policies, and research, but the challenge persists. Strengthening healthcare systems, governance, and investments in new solutions is critical. By sustaining and scaling efforts, India can lead the global fight against AMR and protect future generations.