APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (17/10/2024)

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (17-10-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1. India’s Opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at SCO Conclave

Relevant to: International Relations (GS Paper-II)

• Introduction:
  The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China, aims to enhance global trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond through infrastructure projects like railways, ports, and roads. India’s opposition stems from concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), violating India’s sovereignty. India’s stance reflects its strategic interests and principles of territorial integrity, highlighted at international platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is the BRI?
    The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by China, involving investments in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa to create trade routes and boost economic connectivity.
  • What is the CPEC, and why is it contentious for India?
    The CPEC is a key BRI project connecting Gwadar Port in Pakistan to Xinjiang, China. It passes through PoK, a region claimed by India, thus raising issues of sovereignty and territorial rights.
  • Key Member Countries of the SCO:
    The SCO includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. It serves as a forum for regional cooperation on security, economic, and political matters.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Strategic Connectivity and Trade Routes: The BRI aims to create new trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, facilitating smoother trade flows and economic partnerships.
    2. Influence in Global Governance: The BRI allows China to shape global trade practices, establishing new standards for infrastructure development and influencing forums like the SCO.
    3. Economic Opportunities for Developing Nations: For many countries, the BRI offers much-needed investment in infrastructure, which could stimulate economic growth and development.
    4. Countering Western Economic Dominance: The BRI presents an alternative to Western-led economic structures, providing countries with an option beyond institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
    5. Enhancing Regional Stability through Development: By boosting infrastructure in underdeveloped regions, the BRI aims to reduce economic disparities, potentially contributing to regional stability.
  • Challenges:
    1. Sovereignty Concerns: Projects like CPEC passing through disputed territories such as PoK directly infringe upon India’s territorial claims, making it difficult for India to endorse the initiative.
    2. Debt-Trap Diplomacy: Many countries involved in the BRI have accumulated unsustainable debt, leading to economic dependency on China, which can lead to loss of strategic assets (e.g., Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port).
    3. Geopolitical Rivalries: The BRI has increased tensions between India and China, particularly in areas like the Indian Ocean, where both countries vie for influence.
    4. Environmental Concerns: Large-scale infrastructure projects under the BRI have raised issues related to environmental degradation, including deforestation and displacement of local communities.
    5. Lack of Transparency: The opaque nature of BRI agreements and lack of standardized regulatory frameworks raise concerns about corruption and accountability in the implementation of projects.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Promote Transparent and Inclusive Infrastructure Projects: India should emphasize alternatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), ensuring that projects are open, fair, and adhere to international norms.
    2. Strengthen Regional Alliances: Engaging with like-minded countries through platforms such as Quad and ASEAN can counterbalance China’s influence and promote regional stability.
    3. Enhance Domestic Infrastructure: Investing in domestic projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala can improve India’s internal connectivity and boost trade competitiveness.
    4. Engage in Diplomatic Efforts: India should continue to use diplomatic platforms like SCO to articulate its concerns and advocate for fair trade and connectivity projects.
    5. Support Debt-Relief Initiatives for BRI-affected Countries: Partnering with international financial institutions to provide alternative funding options and debt relief can help countries avoid over-reliance on Chinese loans.
• Conclusion:
  India’s opposition to the BRI reflects its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty while promoting transparent and inclusive development. Balancing regional cooperation with strategic interests is crucial for maintaining stability in South Asia and ensuring that connectivity projects serve the broader interests of regional growth and stability.

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2. Updated National Biodiversity Strategy Aligned with Kunming-Montreal Framework

Relevant to: Environment & Biodiversity (GS Paper-III), Indian Governance (GS Paper-II)

• Introduction:
  In line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), India has updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The new framework aims to address biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and ensure sustainable use of resources, with a focus on community involvement and restoring ecosystems.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is the KM-GBF?
    The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It includes targets such as protecting 30% of the world’s land and oceans, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
  • Key Features of India’s NBSAP:
    The updated NBSAP focuses on ecosystem restoration, conservation of genetic diversity, and reduction of pollution while emphasizing the role of local communities in biodiversity management.
  • Concepts like Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation:
    Ecosystem restoration involves rejuvenating degraded ecosystems like forests and wetlands to ensure their ability to provide ecological services, while biodiversity conservation focuses on protecting species and their habitats.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Ecological Balance and Climate Resilience: Biodiversity plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem balance and providing resilience against climate change through carbon sequestration.
    2. Sustaining Livelihoods: A large portion of India’s rural population depends on biodiversity for agriculture, fishing, and forestry, which supports their livelihood and food security.
    3. Medicinal and Genetic Resources: Biodiversity provides a rich source of medicinal plants and genetic resources that are crucial for pharmaceutical and agricultural innovations.
    4. Cultural and Recreational Value: Biodiversity is deeply integrated into India’s cultural practices and offers recreational opportunities like eco-tourism, which is a significant source of income for many regions.
    5. Mitigating Natural Disasters: Healthy ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands act as natural buffers against floods, cyclones, and soil erosion, reducing the impact of natural disasters.
  • Challenges:
    1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Urbanization, deforestation, and expansion of agricultural lands have led to the loss and fragmentation of habitats, endangering various species.
    2. Invasive Species: Non-native species threaten indigenous flora and fauna, disrupting local ecosystems and leading to a decline in native biodiversity.
    3. Pollution and Climate Change: Industrial pollution, plastic waste, and climate change pose significant threats to biodiversity by altering habitats and making ecosystems more vulnerable.
    4. Insufficient Funding and Resources: Lack of adequate funding for conservation projects limits effective implementation of biodiversity strategies and hampers community-based initiatives.
    5. Weak Enforcement of Environmental Regulations: Although India has strong environmental laws, enforcement remains a challenge due to bureaucratic delays and corruption, impacting conservation efforts.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Community-Based Conservation Initiatives: Empowering local communities and indigenous people to manage and protect biodiversity can enhance conservation outcomes and ensure sustainable resource use.
    2. Enhanced Funding for Biodiversity Research: Investment in research and development can help understand species behavior, develop conservation technologies, and identify new ways to tackle biodiversity loss.
    3. Strengthening Protected Areas Network: Expanding the network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves can create safe havens for endangered species and preserve diverse ecosystems.
    4. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging organic farming and agroforestry practices can reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture and support biodiversity in farmlands.
    5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity through education and media campaigns can foster a culture of conservation and responsible behavior towards nature.
• Conclusion:
  India’s updated biodiversity strategy reflects its commitment to global biodiversity goals and emphasizes the integration of local communities into conservation efforts. Effective implementation of this strategy can ensure the protection of India’s rich natural heritage while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

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3. Resumption of Passenger Flights from Rupsi Airport

Relevant to: Infrastructure Development (GS Paper-III), Government Schemes (GS Paper-II)

• Introduction:
  Under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, passenger flights have resumed from the British-era Rupsi Airport, Dhubri. This initiative aims to improve regional connectivity and make air travel affordable for remote regions of Assam and the Northeast.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is the UDAN Scheme?
    UDAN is a regional connectivity scheme that aims to make air travel affordable and improve air connectivity to remote and underserved regions of India. It involves providing financial support for airline operators to offer subsidized flights.
  • Location of Rupsi Airport:
    Rupsi Airport is located in Dhubri, Assam. It was constructed during British rule and has been revived under the UDAN scheme to enhance connectivity.
  • Key Features of the UDAN Scheme:
    Financial viability gap funding, focus on underserved airports, and emphasis on connecting remote regions.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Boost to Regional Connectivity: The resumption of flights improves connectivity in remote regions, facilitating ease of travel for residents and tourists.
    2. Economic Development: Enhanced air connectivity can attract investment and boost local businesses by providing easier access to markets and resources.
    3. Tourism Potential: Airports like Rupsi can be a gateway for promoting tourism in Assam, particularly in lesser-known areas, leading to economic benefits.
    4. Inclusive Growth: The UDAN scheme promotes balanced regional development by connecting small towns and cities, reducing migration to larger urban areas.
    5. Disaster Management: Enhanced connectivity through air routes is crucial for disaster response and management, especially in flood-prone regions like Assam.
  • Challenges:
    1. Operational Viability: Ensuring regular flight operations and financial sustainability of routes in remote areas can be challenging due to lower passenger numbers.
    2. Infrastructure Maintenance: Maintenance of airport infrastructure in remote areas can be costly, especially during the rainy season in Assam.
    3. Environmental Concerns: Expansion of airport facilities and increased air traffic may have environmental impacts, including noise pollution and ecological disruption.
    4. Security Concerns: Airports in sensitive regions may face challenges related to border security, necessitating stringent measures.
    5. Limited Awareness: Many people in remote areas may lack awareness of the benefits and availability of air travel under schemes like UDAN, affecting uptake.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Awareness Campaigns: Promoting awareness about the availability and benefits of flights under the UDAN scheme can enhance passenger numbers.
    2. Enhanced Infrastructure: Focus on maintaining and upgrading airport infrastructure, such as runways and passenger amenities, to ensure smooth operations.
    3. Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging private players in the management of smaller airports can bring in expertise and ensure better financial viability.
    4. Monitoring Environmental Impact: Implementing measures like noise barriers and green spaces around airports can mitigate environmental impacts.
    5. Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for passenger feedback can help in identifying operational issues and improving service quality.
• Conclusion:
  The resumption of flights from Rupsi Airport under the UDAN scheme represents a significant step towards improving regional connectivity in Assam. It has the potential to transform local economies and promote inclusive growth by bridging the connectivity gap.

4. Celebration of Kati Bihu in Assam

Relevant to: Culture and Festivals of Assam (GS Paper-I), Agriculture & Rural Development (GS Paper-III)

• Introduction:
  Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali Bihu, is one of the three Bihus celebrated in Assam. It marks a crucial phase in the agricultural cycle, focusing on prayers for a good harvest. Unlike the other Bihus, Kati Bihu is a time of austerity, reflecting the scarcity faced before the main harvest season.
• Prelims Pointers:
  • What is Kati Bihu?
    Kati Bihu is celebrated in mid-October when the paddy starts maturing. It is a time when granaries are almost empty, and people live frugally, offering prayers for a successful harvest.
  • Significance of the Earthen Lamps:
    Earthen lamps, known as saki, are lit in paddy fields and near the tulsi plant at home, symbolizing hope and divine blessings for a bountiful harvest.
  • Cultural Variants of Kati Bihu:
    Among the Bodo community, Kati Bihu is called Kati Gasa, and in the Dimasa community, it is known as Gathi Sainjora. Rituals may vary slightly but share the common theme of prayers for prosperity.
• Mains Pointers:
  • Importance:
    1. Cultural Heritage: Kati Bihu is an integral part of Assam’s cultural identity, preserving agricultural traditions and rituals that connect communities to their roots.
    2. Agricultural Significance: It aligns with the transplantation period of paddy, where farmers pray for protection from pests and for a good yield, reflecting their dependence on nature.
    3. Community Bonding: The festival fosters a sense of solidarity among villagers, who collectively participate in lighting lamps and conducting prayers, strengthening community ties.
    4. Spiritual Connection: Lighting lamps and offering prayers to deities like Lakshmi represents the spiritual connection between humans and nature, emphasizing gratitude for nature’s resources.
    5. Natural Insect Control: The lighting of lamps around fields acts as a natural insect repellent, showcasing traditional knowledge in agricultural practices.
  • Challenges:
    1. Impact of Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change affect the timing and yield of the paddy crop, impacting the significance of Kati Bihu rituals.
    2. Rural Migration: As many young people migrate to urban areas for better opportunities, traditional festivals like Kati Bihu face a decline in participation.
    3. Loss of Cultural Practices: Modernization and changing lifestyles are causing younger generations to lose interest in such age-old customs, leading to a cultural disconnect.
    4. Agricultural Challenges: Issues like pest infestations, lack of irrigation, and soil degradation can adversely affect the paddy crop, reducing the optimism associated with Kati Bihu.
    5. Limited Awareness Outside Assam: The significance of Kati Bihu is often limited to Assam, with less recognition at the national level, which could help preserve such cultural practices.
  • Way Ahead:
    1. Promoting Traditional Knowledge: Reviving traditional practices like natural pest control methods used during Kati Bihu can be integrated into modern sustainable agriculture.
    2. Organizing Cultural Festivals: State governments and cultural bodies can organize Bihu festivals to raise awareness and engage younger generations.
    3. Integrating Cultural Education: Including traditional festivals like Kati Bihu in school curriculums can help preserve the cultural heritage among children.
    4. Supporting Rural Economy: Offering support to farmers through better irrigation facilities and pest management solutions can ensure that their livelihoods remain stable.
    5. Media Campaigns for Awareness: Leveraging social media and local media channels to promote the cultural and agricultural aspects of Kati Bihu can enhance its significance beyond Assam.
• Conclusion:
  Kati Bihu serves as a reminder of Assam’s deep connection to agriculture and the environment. Preserving such festivals is crucial for maintaining the cultural fabric of the state, while also supporting the traditional agricultural practices that sustain rural communities.

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5. Security Threat: Discovery of JeM Activity in Assam

Relevant to: Internal Security (GS Paper-III), Law and Order (GS Paper-II)

Introduction:
The recent discovery of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) activities in Assam by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has raised significant security concerns. Historically confined to Jammu and Kashmir, JeM’s attempts to expand its influence to Assam reflect evolving security challenges, especially related to radicalization and terrorism.

Prelims Pointers:

What is Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)?
JeM is a Pakistan-based Islamist militant group responsible for numerous terrorist activities in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Role of the NIA:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, which investigates and prosecutes offenses related to terrorism and national security.

Radicalization through Cyberspace:
JeM and other terror outfits increasingly use social media and online platforms to radicalize and recruit youths, making cyber vigilance a critical aspect of counter-terrorism.

Mains Pointers:

Importance:

National Security: The presence of JeM in Assam represents a direct threat to national security, necessitating heightened surveillance and intelligence efforts.

Regional Stability: Assam’s strategic location in the Northeast, sharing borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan, makes it a sensitive area for any terrorist activities.

Cross-Border Dynamics: The discovery of JeM activities underscores the need for robust border management and cooperation with neighboring countries like Bangladesh to curb infiltration.

Youth Vulnerability to Radicalization: The incident highlights the vulnerability of the youth to online radicalization, emphasizing the need for community awareness and de-radicalization programs.

Strengthening Intelligence Mechanisms: This situation presents an opportunity to improve coordination between state police, central agencies, and neighboring countries for intelligence sharing.

Challenges:

Porous Borders: Assam’s borders with Bangladesh provide potential routes for infiltration, making it challenging to monitor and prevent the movement of terrorists.

Cybersecurity Risks: The use of the internet for recruitment and radicalization poses challenges for law enforcement in tracking and countering digital propaganda.

Community Trust Deficit: Law enforcement agencies need to maintain a delicate balance between security measures and community trust to avoid alienation.

Resource Constraints: Assam’s security apparatus may face limitations in terms of manpower and technological resources required for comprehensive surveillance.

Geopolitical Tensions: The presence of such outfits in the region can exacerbate tensions with neighboring countries, complicating diplomatic relations.

Way Ahead:

Strengthening Cyber Surveillance: Investing in advanced cybersecurity tools and training for law enforcement can help track online activities of terror outfits.

Community Awareness Programs: Engaging communities in counter-radicalization efforts can create a grassroots-level barrier against extremist ideologies.

Enhanced Border Security: Coordinating with Border Security Force (BSF) and neighboring countries for joint patrols and information sharing can prevent infiltration.

De-Radicalization Initiatives: Establishing rehabilitation and counseling programs for youths who are vulnerable to radicalization can prevent them from joining such groups.

International Cooperation: Engaging with international agencies for better intelligence-sharing mechanisms can help preempt and prevent terrorist activities in Assam.

Conclusion:
The emergence of JeM in Assam is a wake-up call for enhancing counter-terrorism measures and strengthening community resilience against radicalization. Effective coordination between state, national, and international agencies is essential for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

1. With reference to India’s stance on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as highlighted in the SCO conclave, consider the following statements:

1. India has consistently opposed the BRI due to concerns over sovereignty related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
2. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) includes countries like India, China, and Japan.
3. India’s opposition to the BRI is primarily due to environmental concerns associated with the infrastructure projects.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: India has consistently opposed China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India claims as its own territory. This opposition is based on concerns of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Japan is not a member of the SCO.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: While India’s opposition includes concerns over the strategic implications of the BRI, the primary concern is related to sovereignty due to the route of CPEC. Environmental concerns have not been the major basis of India’s opposition.

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2. Consider the following statements about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

1. The SCO includes both Central Asian and South Asian countries as full members.
2. India recently refused to endorse the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative during the SCO’s Council of Heads of Government meeting.
3. The SCO was originally formed to address issues related to counter-terrorism and trade facilitation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The SCO comprises countries from Central Asia (e.g., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) and South Asia (India and Pakistan). Iran and Belarus are also members, reflecting a diverse regional grouping.
• Statement 2 is correct: As reported, India has maintained its refusal to endorse the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative during the SCO meeting, citing concerns over sovereignty, especially due to CPEC.
• Statement 3 is correct: The SCO was initially formed to address regional security issues, counter-terrorism, and promote trade and economic cooperation among its members, which remain its key objectives.

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3. Which of the following correctly describes the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the context of security operations in Assam?

(a) The NIA is responsible for border surveillance along Assam’s borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
(b) The NIA investigates cases related to terrorism and anti-national activities, including the detection of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) activities in Assam.
(c) The NIA oversees all counter-insurgency operations in Assam, working directly under the state government.
(d) The NIA is involved in the implementation of counter-radicalization programs in educational institutions in Assam.

Answer: (b) The NIA investigates cases related to terrorism and anti-national activities, including the detection of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) activities in Assam.

Explanation:

• Option (b) is correct: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India’s primary agency for counter-terrorism. It investigates cases of terrorism and anti-national activities, including those related to organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The detection of JeM’s activities in Assam falls under the NIA’s purview.
• Option (a) is incorrect: Border surveillance is primarily managed by the Border Security Force (BSF) in coordination with state police, not the NIA.
• Option (c) is incorrect: While the NIA can be involved in certain operations, it does not oversee all counter-insurgency operations, which are typically managed by the state government in coordination with central agencies like the Indian Army.
• Option (d) is incorrect: The NIA’s primary role is investigation rather than the implementation of counter-radicalization programs.

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4. With reference to India’s participation in the updated Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), consider the following statements:

1. The framework aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
2. India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aligns with the goals of the KM-GBF.
3. The KM-GBF is a binding agreement that requires member countries to contribute a fixed percentage of their GDP to biodiversity conservation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) sets a global target of protecting at least 30% of the world’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
• Statement 2 is correct: India has updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align with the KM-GBF, focusing on ecosystem restoration, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The KM-GBF is a non-binding framework, meaning countries are not required to allocate a fixed percentage of their GDP to biodiversity conservation. It is based on voluntary commitments and national priorities.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) serves as a crucial platform for regional stability and cooperation, especially amidst evolving geopolitical challenges. In the context of the October 2024 SCO conclave, critically analyze India’s stance on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its implications for regional cooperation. What alternative strategies can India adopt to assert its influence in the region while addressing its concerns? (250 words)

Model Answer:

Introduction:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional grouping comprising India, China, Russia, and Central Asian states, focusing on political, economic, and security cooperation. During the October 2024 SCO conclave, India reiterated its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly objecting to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India’s stance reflects its concerns over sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic implications of the BRI.

Body:
India’s Stance on BRI and Its Implications for Regional Cooperation:

1. Sovereignty Concerns:
   India’s primary objection to the BRI is rooted in the CPEC, which passes through PoK. India views this as a violation of its territorial sovereignty, making it difficult to endorse the initiative on international platforms like the SCO.
2. Strategic Rivalry with China:
   The BRI has enabled China to expand its influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. India’s opposition to the BRI is a strategic move to counterbalance China’s growing presence in its neighborhood.
3. Debt Diplomacy Concerns:
   India highlights the issue of debt dependency created by BRI projects, which has led to economic challenges in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India’s stance aims to promote transparent and sustainable development practices in the region.
4. Impact on Regional Stability:
   India’s refusal to endorse the BRI during the SCO conclave could be perceived as a lack of regional alignment, potentially straining its relations with other SCO members who support the initiative, like Russia and Central Asian states. However, it also underscores India’s commitment to upholding international norms and its strategic autonomy.

Alternative Strategies for India:

1. Promoting the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
   India can strengthen its regional presence by advancing the INSTC, which aims to connect India, Iran, and Russia with Central Asia and Europe, offering a viable alternative to the BRI.
2. Enhancing Connectivity through BIMSTEC and QUAD:
   India can leverage its leadership role in regional groupings like BIMSTEC to foster infrastructure development in South Asia, providing an alternative to Chinese-led initiatives. Through the QUAD, India can also promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, balancing China’s influence.
3. Engaging in Bilateral Infrastructure Projects:
   India should focus on bilateral partnerships with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan to enhance connectivity and offer development assistance, thereby countering China’s infrastructure push.
4. Investment in Digital and Green Infrastructure:
   India can emphasize digital connectivity and green energy projects in collaboration with like-minded countries, aligning with global shifts towards sustainable development and reducing dependency on BRI projects.
5. Strengthening Trade Relations with Central Asia:
   To counterbalance China’s influence, India should deepen its trade and energy ties with Central Asian countries, positioning itself as a reliable partner for economic cooperation in the region.

Conclusion:
India’s opposition to the BRI at the SCO reflects its strategic concerns over sovereignty and regional dynamics. However, by adopting a multi-pronged approach that includes regional connectivity initiatives like INSTC, strengthening partnerships through BIMSTEC and QUAD, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, India can maintain its strategic autonomy while fostering regional cooperation. Balancing its strategic interests with the need for regional stability remains key to India’s diplomatic approach in the SCO.

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