Content

1. An anti-terror role that defies logic
2. SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase

An anti-terror role that defies logic

Basics

• Pakistan’s Track Record: Long history of harbouring terrorists (Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad), backing LeT, JeM, etc.
• Recent Attacks Linked: 2008 Mumbai, 2019 Pulwama, 2025 Pahalgam attack → evidence of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.
• India’s Response: Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror launchpads along LoC.
• Controversial UN Role: Despite terror links, Pakistan made:
  • Chair of UNSC’s Taliban Sanctions Committee.
  • Vice-Chair of UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).
  • President of UNSC for July 2025.
• Parallel Cases: Libya (UNHRC Chair), Saudi Arabia (UN Women’s Rights Commission) — show UN’s credibility issues.

Relevance

• GS-2 (International Relations, Governance):
  • UN reforms, credibility crisis of multilateral institutions.
  • India’s diplomatic challenges, narrative management, counter-terrorism diplomacy.
• GS-3 (Internal Security, Economy):
  • Cross-border terrorism, asymmetric warfare, cyber threats.
  • Terror financing risks via IMF loans, FATF mechanisms.

Practice Question :

• What do paradoxes like Pakistan’s UNSC counter-terror appointments indicate about the politics of global governance? Evaluate in light of India’s demand for UN reforms.(250 Words)

Comprehensive Analysis

Pakistan’s Terror Nexus

• Direct Support: Evidence of ISI + Army providing logistics/tactical backing.
• Public Glorification: Funerals of terrorists attended by Pakistan’s civil + military officials.
• State Sponsorship: ₹14 crore compensation announced in May 2025 for families of terrorists, incl. Masood Azhar’s kin.
• Duplicitous Narrative: Shows “custody” of Hafiz Saeed, but allows public appearances at PoK launchpads.

UN’s Credibility Crisis

• Geopolitical Compromise: Elevation of Pakistan reflects lobbying by powerful states prioritising strategy/economics over moral imperatives.
• Weak Vetting: FATF grey-list removal (2022) despite concerns on terror financing shows systemic loopholes.
• Dangerous Precedent: Sends message that state-sponsored terror can be diplomatically whitewashed.
• Resource Misuse: IMF $1 billion loan (2025) risks terror financing misuse, undermining sanctions regime integrity.

Implications for India

• Diplomatic Challenge: Despite outreach, India couldn’t block Pakistan’s UN appointments → signals limitations.
• Narrative War: Pakistan can now project itself as “responsible actor”, delegitimise India’s claims, and even blame India for unrest (e.g., Balochistan).
• Operational Risks:
  • Pakistan shaping UN counter-terrorism policies.
  • Blocking sanctions on Pakistan-based groups.
  • Undermining India’s Taliban engagement.
  • Encouraging more asymmetric warfare (terror, infiltration, cyber-attacks).

India’s Counter-Measures

• Diplomatic Strategy:
  • Leverage alliances in UNSC (U.S., France, UAE, Japan).
  • Push for periodic reviews & accountability in UN committees.
• Narrative Building:
  • Use global media, academia, diaspora to expose Pakistan’s terror links.
  • Highlight misuse of IMF funds and state glorification of terrorists.
• Regional Strategy:
  • Engage Taliban regime through humanitarian aid/track-II diplomacy to limit Pakistan’s hold.
  • Strengthen ties with Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia to counter encirclement.
• National Security:
  • Enhance intelligence, cyber defence, and counter-infiltration capabilities.
  • Scale up asymmetric countermeasures if Pakistan escalates.

Conclusion

• Pakistan’s entry into global counter-terrorism leadership is a paradox and a diplomatic setback for India.
• The episode exposes UN’s structural weaknesses, where geopolitical interests override ethical imperatives.
• For India, the path ahead lies in proactive diplomacy, narrative warfare, and national security strengthening.
• The broader danger: global silence normalises state-sponsored terrorism, eroding the credibility of multilateral institutions.

‘SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase

Context

• UN Day for SSTC: Observed on September 12, marking the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA).
• Core Principles: Solidarity, mutual respect, shared learning among developing nations.
• Role: Complement to traditional aid → cost-effective, replicable, context-specific solutions.
• Relevance: Critical amid funding decline, climate crisis, inequalities, and geopolitical tensions.

Relevance

• GS-2 (IR & Governance): India’s role in South-South cooperation, multilateralism, global solidarity, diplomacy for Global South.
• GS-3 (Economy & Development): Food security, digital public infrastructure, sustainable financing, climate resilience.

Practice Question :

• South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a transformative development tool. Examine its role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (250 Words)

South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

• Combination: A hybrid model where developing countries cooperate (South-South) but are supported/partnered by developed countries or institutions (Triangular).
• Why Important:
  • Scales up successful local innovations from Global South.
  • Mobilises finance, technology, expertise from traditional donors or multilateral agencies.
  • Promotes mutual accountability and inclusivity.

Examples of SSTC

• India–UN Development Partnership Fund: Supports projects in Africa, Pacific Islands, with UN agencies as facilitators.
• India–WFP Rice Fortification Project: India shares expertise in fortified rice distribution → replicated in Nepal & Lao PDR with UN/WFP partnership.
• Brazil–Japan–Mozambique Agricultural Project: Brazil shares tropical farming know-how, Japan provides technology/finance, Mozambique hosts the project.

Overview

Evolution & Relevance of SSTC

• Framework shifted from aid-recipient dynamic → mutual partnership model.
• Effective in delivering frugal, replicable solutions suited to local contexts.
• Key instrument for achieving SDGs 2030, esp. Zero Hunger (SDG-2), climate resilience, digital equity.

India’s Leadership & Philosophy

• Guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family).
• Major Contributions:
  • Voice of Global South Summits → platform for Global South solidarity.
  • G-20 Presidency → secured African Union’s permanent membership.
  • Development Partnership Administration (MEA) → coordinates Indian aid/partnerships.
  • ITEC Programme → trained professionals in 160+ countries.
  • India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017) → 75+ projects in 56 countries.
  • Export of Digital Public Infrastructure → Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN models.

India–WFP Collaboration (Over 60 years)

• Pilot Ground: India as lab for innovations later scaled globally.
• Examples:
  • Annapurti (Grain ATMs) → automated ration vending.
  • Optimisation of Food Supply Chains → efficiency in PDS.
  • Women-led Take-Home Rations.
  • Rice Fortification Project.
• Outcome: Strengthened food security + models for replication in other developing nations (Nepal, Lao PDR).

Triangular Cooperation

• Definition: Partnerships linking developing nations + traditional donors + emerging actors.
• Advantages:
  • Amplifies best practices.
  • Unlocks diverse resources.
  • Enhances mutual accountability.
• Broadened Partnerships: Beyond states → civil society, private sector, grassroots communities.

Financing & Scale

• UN Fund for SSTC: Contributions from 47 governments, reaching 70+ countries, 155 nations benefited.
• India-UN Development Fund: Prioritises LDCs & SIDS.
• 2024 WFP mobilisation: $10.9 million from Global South & private sector.
• India’s South-South Fund in Action: Rice fortification (Nepal), supply chain optimisation (Lao PDR).

Challenges & Way Forward

• Challenges:
  • Declining development finance.
  • Need for stronger institutions.
  • Gaps in accountability and performance review.
• Way Forward:
  • Invest in knowledge-sharing platforms.
  • Expand access to concessional finance.
  • Encourage innovation-driven partnerships.
  • Ensure periodic monitoring and peer accountability.

Conclusion

• SSTC has evolved into a transformative development tool, not just a diplomatic phrase.
• India’s leadership — through philosophy (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), innovation (digital public goods), and partnerships (WFP, South Fund) — positions it as a central pillar in Global South solidarity.
• To meet the 2030 SDGs deadline, scaling up SSTC and fostering a renewed spirit of partnership is vital.