Content:

1. A good beginning but China negotiations must continue
2. The issue of India’s economic growth versus emissions

A Good Beginning but China Negotiations Must Continue

Context : The External Minister highlighted the disengagement process in Eastern Ladakh post-China’s 2020 intrusions.

Relevance: GS 2( International relations)

Practice Question: Explain current status of India-China border disengagement . Suggest measures for long-term peace and stability along the LAC.(250 Words)

Disengagement yet to complete:

• Buffer Zones: Indirectly acknowledged but with limited details on their nature and extent.

• Disengagement prioritization lacks urgency for the termination of these “temporary measures.”

De-escalation and Management:

• While disengagement has progressed, de-escalation and effective management remain incomplete.

• Peace and Tranquility Link: India reiterated that normalcy at the border is a prerequisite for better bilateral ties.

• Current troop deployments continue, indicating a lack of restored normalcy.

No Reset in Relations:

• Despite some improvement, no major progress is evident due to persistent structural challenges.

• Economic integration with China, despite its history of weaponizing dependencies, was criticized.

Unanswered Questions

Ambiguities in Disengagement Terms:

• Limited clarity on patrolling rights and buffer zone arrangements:

• Will traditional patrolling points in Depsang and Demchok be fully accessible to Indian troops?

• Unclear “coordinated patrolling” mechanisms and restrictions on Indian patrols.

Changed Status Quo:

• China’s post-2020 alterations of the LAC challenge the earlier status quo.

• The creation of “temporary buffer zones” may have territorial implications for India.

• Restoration of patrolling and grazing rights remains a priority.

 Policy Shift on Status Quo Ante:

• The Chief of Army Staff still emphasizes April 2020 as the benchmark for the status quo, while MEA statements have moved away from this.

 Implications

• China’s Grey Zone Tactics:Incremental territorial gains through buffer zones align with China’s grey zone strategy.

• Need for Consensus: Greater transparency and bipartisan cooperation are crucial for robust negotiations.

• Economic Security Concerns: Threat of China weaponizing supply chain.

Way Forward

• Restore Status Quo Ante:
  • End buffer zones; reinstate patrolling rights.

• Withdraw troops to April 2020 positions.

•  Ensure Transparency:
  • Share disengagement terms publicly.

• Regular bipartisan briefings on India-China developments.

• Tackle Structural Challenges:
  • Prioritize border normalization for improved ties.

• Safeguard national security before pursuing economic integration.

• Unite Strategically:
  • Build political consensus for stronger negotiations.

The Issue of India’s Economic Growth Versus Emissions

Intro : Decoupling is the process of  breaking the link between economic growth and environmental degradation which is key step for sustainable development.

Relevance: GS 3( Environment)

Practice Question: What is Decoupling and explain how it is important in sustainable development (250 Words )

Types:

• Absolute Decoupling: Economic growth with decreasing emissions.

• Relative Decoupling: Economic growth surpassing emissions growth.

India’s Claim of Decoupling

• Data Source: Economic Survey (2023-24) states GDP grew at 7% CAGR (2005-2019), while emissions grew at 4% CAGR.

• Nature: The survey does not clarify if this is absolute or relative decoupling.

• Indicators: From 1990, India’s GDP grew six-fold while GHG emissions tripled, signifying relative decoupling.

Sectoral Insights

• Key Sectors: Agriculture and manufacturing are major emission contributors.

• Observation: Growth rates in sectoral gross value added (GVA) have outpaced emission growth, indicating sectoral relative decoupling.

Significance of Relative Decoupling

• Sustainable Growth: Indicates progress in balancing economic growth and emissions.

• Challenges: Emissions continue to rise, limiting India’s ability to claim absolute decoupling.

Barriers to Absolute Decoupling

• Economic Stage: As a developing country, India has not yet peaked its emissions, making absolute decoupling a distant goal.

• Growth Imperative: Addressing poverty, energy access, and living standards necessitates economic growth, often tied to emissions.

Policy Imperatives

• Renewable Energy: Accelerate the shift to low-carbon energy sources.

• Emission Mitigation: Implement policies targeting GHG reduction across sectors.

• Sustainable Practices: Promote green technologies and sustainable industrial practices.

Green Growth vs. Degrowth:

• Green Growth: Sustainable development alongside economic expansion.

• Degrowth: Reducing economic activity to minimize resource use (less practical for India).

• India’s Position: Aims to reconcile growth with climate goals, a challenging but necessary balancing act.