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NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Take Him Seriously, But Not Literally": Expert On Trump's India Approach
New Delhi: It's a question that's going to be asked repeatedly this year, especially in the context of what's been happening between India and US President Donald Trump over the last few days and the last few weeks. Mr Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all of it throwing up a big question - can India trust Mr Trump? The India-US relationship is a very strong one, and has always enjoyed a great deal of continuity. But now there are questions over whether India needs to recalibrate and prepare for the next steps in the world of Mr Trump. Dr Ashley J Tellis, the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is a voice that anyone who's important listens to in the world of international security, defence, and Asian strategic issues, a voice that is heard above all others by lawmakers, the leadership on issues of US-India relations, and zooming in to the whole Trump-PM Modi dynamic. Mr Trump hosting Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir for lunch had become a huge talking point. "I think it was the President's personal decision to host the lunch. I'm not quite sure there was a universal consensus within his own administration on the wisdom of doing this. But President Trump is, as we know, an eclectic personality. He fancies himself a peacemaker. He genuinely believes that during the most recent India-Pakistan crisis, his administration and he himself personally had a very important role to play in the making of the ceasefire. And so I think he saw the lunch with Field Marshal Munir as an opportunity to sort of build on what he believes he achieved," Dr Tellis told NDTV. "And the reason why I think he invited the Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] was this hope, this fanciful hope that they could all three be at a table together. They could hash out all the outstanding issues and that he would come out at the end of it, burnishing his reputation as a peacemaker," he added. Before the lunch, in a 35-minute phone call between Mr Trump and PM Modi, the Prime Minister is said to have very clearly stated that the ceasefire after Operation Sindoor was something that India had achieved by virtue of its military actions and it had nothing to do with trade deals or mediation and that India didn't need any mediation. However, a short while thereafter, Mr Trump asserted again that the ceasefire was all because of him. On this matter, Dr Tellis told NDTV, "I think this is in many ways vintage President Trump. I think the Prime Minister made a very compelling argument and I think the diplomatic record will bear that out that a substantial element of the success of the ceasefire were the backchannel conversations between the Indian government through its military officials and the Pakistani government through Pakistani military officials. The US did play a role. Certainly, I think Secretary Rubio was a very, very useful interlocutor to both sides. But for us to claim credit that this was somehow magically our contribution, I think exaggerates our role." "But you can't keep a good man down and you can't keep President Trump from his very strongly held beliefs about his own role in the matter. So I think even though the Prime Minister really attempted to walk him through the sequence of events, I'm not sure it is going to have a lasting impact," said Dr Tellis, who while on assignment to the US State Department was intimately involved in negotiating the civil nuclear agreement with India. On how India should interpret Mr Trump's signalling, Dr Tellis said the US-India relationship is generally in a very good place and both should "avoid doing anything that makes the current scratchiness into a permanent feature of the relationship. I think that is not helpful either to India or the United States." "Two, we have to recognise the eccentricities of President Trump's personality and his worldview. Take him seriously as they say, but not literally. Recognise that he does want to play the role of a peacemaker, even though the United States as a country at this moment is singularly not suited for playing that role," Dr Tellis said. "And so I think it is useful for India to continue to emphasise that a third-party mediation is not required. That the two countries, India and Pakistan, are entirely capable of handling these matters on their own. And continue to engage the administration more widely beyond the President on a range of issues that currently are very important to both sides. And I would focus on economics and in particular the trade negotiations, which have been going actually reasonably well. I would focus on putting together the building blocks for enhanced defence cooperation. And I would focus on how the two countries can work together in other parts of the world. Those are things that are of common interest, that's really the way forward, especially in these tumultuous times, when you cannot really rely on political personalities in a sense to deliver what is necessary for both sides," Dr Tellis told NDTV.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Lateral Entry, Operation Sindhu and Radiological Mines
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for June 19, 2025. If you missed the June 18, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE Modi reminds Trump no trade talk or US role in Sindoor pause, declines his invite Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Weeks after Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering a 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan and linked it to a trade deal with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the US President Wednesday that at no point was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US trade deal, or any proposal for mediation by the US between India and Pakistan. Key Points to Ponder: • What Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the US President? • Why this is significant? • According to PM Modi, the pause in Operation Sindoor was due to what? • Which key principle of India's foreign policy was reasserted during the call? • How Operation Sindoor reflects India's doctrine of calibrated military response in counter-terror operations? • What is the strategic messaging conveyed by PM Modi's refusal of Trump's U.S. visit invitation? Key Takeaways: • Detailing the 35-minute phone conversation between Modi and Trump, their first since Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, 'President Trump enquired if Prime Minister Modi could stop over in the US on his way back from Canada. Due to prior commitments, Prime Minister Modi expressed his inability to do so. Both leaders agreed to make efforts to meet in the near future.' • Modi headed to Croatia from Canada Wednesday. The two leaders could not meet during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis because the US President had returned to Washington, exiting the Summit early. • Underlining that a discussion on ending military action took place 'directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces' and had been initiated 'at Pakistan's request', Modi said 'India does not and will never accept mediation'. He also said there was 'complete political consensus' in India on this issue. • Hours later, Trump repeated his claim that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. 'Well, I stopped the war…. I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night. We are going to make a trade deal with Modi of India. But I stopped the war between Pakistan and India,' he said. • Trump, who was meeting Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir over lunch at the White House, said, 'This man was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side,' while referring to Munir. Do You Know: • Trump had been claiming credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. By letting him know that US mediation never came up during the conflict, Modi has called out the US President's narrative. He also declined an invitation to US, aware that the Pak Army chief is there. • On the Indo-Pacific region, Misri said both leaders 'shared their perspectives and expressed their support towards the significant role of Quad in the region'. This was an oblique reference to China's assertive behaviour in the region. • US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet visiting Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir over lunch Wednesday, a meeting that is being closely tracked by Delhi. • According to the White House, the lunch is scheduled to be held at 1 pm at the Cabinet room, and is 'closed to press'. This meeting between the US President and the Pakistan Army chief, a rare occurrence, is happening after almost two decades. Munir's US visit began last Sunday and it is his second since he took over as Army chief in 2022. In 2006, US President George W Bush had met then Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf. US Presidents have met Pakistan's military rulers in the past when the country was officially under their rule. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Trump hosts Munir amid talk of US looking at Pak airspace use India, Canada hit reset: To revive trade talks, pick high commissioners Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Following a 'positive' meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the side-lines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, India and Canada have 'agreed to take calibrated and constructive steps to restore stability' in their relationship, starting with the 'early return of High Commissioners to each other's capitals'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the historical background of India-Canada relations? • What is the current issue between India and Canada? • What triggered the faceoff between the two nations? • What is the present situation? • 'India has raised concern over interference of Canadian diplomats in India's internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities'-know in detail • 'Anti-India elements operating from Canadian soil'-Discuss • Why New Delhi is facing an unprecedented diplomatic challenge? • A diplomatic escalation of this kind could potentially damage some of the structured and organic exchanges between the two sides-comment • How recent India-Canada standoff can impact India's geopolitical structure? • What you know about the Khalistan movement? • What are the Historical events responsible for Khalistan? • How Khalistan movement affected or can affect Indo-Canadian relationship? • Why do Canadian politicians pander to Sikh extremists? • What is the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations? Key Takeaways: • Relations between the two countries plummeted in 2023 after Justin Trudeau, the then Canadian Prime Minister, alleged 'potential' involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Canada-based Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — a charge that India rejected as 'absurd' and 'motivated'. This led to downgrading of diplomatic ties. • But the thaw took place in Canada's Kananaskis on Tuesday, as Modi and Carney held their first meeting since the latter's election in May this year. The two sides agreed to resume senior-level dialogues on trade, people-to-people contact and connectivity. • While Carney raised the issue of 'transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order', he said he needs to be 'careful' about commenting on Nijjar's killing as there is a judicial process underway. • Responding to a question on whether he spoke to Modi about Nijjar's killing, Carney said: 'We have had a discussion, the Prime Minister and I, about the importance of having the law enforcement to law enforcement… cooperation directly, the importance of addressing transnational repression, as I noted, including when we met… And obviously, there is a judicial process that's underway and I need to be careful about further commentary.' Do You Know: • This was Modi's first visit to Canada in a decade. 'Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Complimented him and the Canadian Government for successfully hosting the G7 Summit. India and Canada are connected by a strong belief in democracy, freedom and rule of law. PM Carney and I look forward to working closely to add momentum to the India-Canada friendship. Areas like trade, energy, space, clean energy, critical minerals, fertilisers and more offer immense potential in this regard,' he posted on X. • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to hold frank and forward-looking discussions on the state of India-Canada relations and the way ahead. • Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, numbering 16 lakh people of Indian origin, accounting for more than 3 percent of the total Canadian population and 700,000 NRIs. India became the top source of foreign students studying in Canada — 2.3 lakh, according to 2022 data. India's total trade with Canada (goods and services) in 2021-22 was US $11.68 billion, much below potential, but when it comes to India's import of pulses, almost 30% of the total import comes from Canada. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Nations openly supporting terrorism continue to be rewarded: PM at G7 Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍'Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples. (UPSC GS2, 2020) GOVT & POLITICS Govt hasn't abandoned lateral entry: MoS Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: Ten months after the government cancelled the recruitment process for lateral entry to posts in various ministries saying that it would review the policy to include reservations, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said Wednesday that the government has not suspended its lateral entry policy and is still 'open to it'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is lateral entry? • Which constitutional principle was cited as a concern when reservations were not included in lateral entry? • Which advisory commission initially recommended lateral induction of specialists? • What is the rationale behind introducing lateral entry into the Indian bureaucracy? • Assess the challenges of implementing reservation in lateral entry recruitment, with reference to the 2024 UPSC cancellation. • How lateral entry recruitment aligns with principles of social justice and constitutional mandates? Key Takeaways: • On August 17, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had advertised 45 posts for lateral entry into various ministries. However, the government decided to stop the process after facing backlash, including from BJP ally, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), over the lack of reservations. • On August 20, Singh wrote to the UPSC chairperson to cancel the advertisement, which was done the same day. Till then, the government had maintained that reservation in lateral entry posts could not be implemented as they were single-cadre posts. • 'It is important that the constitutional mandate towards social justice is upheld so that deserving candidates from marginalised communities get their rightful representation in government services…The Prime Minister is of the firm belief that the process of lateral entry must be aligned with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in our Constitution, particularly concerning the provisions of reservation,' Singh had written. • Asked about the status of the policy while he addressed a press conference on 11 years of the government, Singh said the policy was not suspended. 'We have not suspended it. I think it was started with a very noble intention and it was possible only because we had someone like Prime Minister Modi there, otherwise, such kind of lateral entry, was unknown, the procedures,' he said, adding that the previous governments did not have an objective mechanism for such recruitments. • Asked about the implementation of reservation, he said in appointments of single posts anywhere in the world, 'reservation rule doesn't work. I hope I'm making my point clear.' Do You Know: • The upper age limit to appear for the civil services examination in the early days was 24 years. Open market recruitments were made from among individuals who had completed the age of 25 but not the age of 40. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates the age ceiling was 45 years. (The now-cancelled lateral entry initiative had the same age ceiling for applicants.) • In the first round of special recruitments in 1948-49, 82 officers were hired on the recommendation of the Emergency Recruitment Board. During the second round, Minister of State for Home Affairs B N Datar explained the rationale for open-market recruitments: • For the 1956 round, the government fixed an income floor of Rs 300 for open-market candidates to apply — a requirement that caused an uproar in Parliament. • More than 22,161 applications were received for these recruitments in 1956, including 1,138 from the SCs and 185 from the STs. To enable Indians residing abroad to appear, 22 examination centres were set up outside India. The exam was held on December 28, 1956. • The SC quota was 12.5% and the ST quota was 5%, both for vacancies filled normally through competitive exams and in the special recruitment from the open market. The filling of the quota was subject to the availability of suitable candidates. According to the government, the conditions for recruitment of SCs and STs were relaxed to the extent possible. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Express View on lateral entry in bureaucracy: No short-cuts Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 📍'Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance'. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020) THE EDITORIAL PAGE Playing with fire Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: In an age of climate urgency and energy scarcity, nuclear power is on the cusp of being rediscovered. This time not as a Cold War relic, but as a lifeline. It offers countries seeking low-emission, high-reliability power what few other sources can: Base load stability in an increasingly unstable world. Key Points to Ponder: • Under international humanitarian law (Geneva Conventions), attacking a civilian nuclear power plant is prohibited if it causes what? • What term describes nuclear plants used as protective shields because attacking them risks nuclear disaster? • What does 'cold shutdown' of a reactor imply? • The 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran's Natanz and Arak nuclear sites-Why? • What is the concept of nuclear power plants as 'radiological mines' in modern warfare? • What is the strategic rationale behind Israel's preventive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites? • Assess the role of the IAEA in monitoring and preventing military operations near nuclear installations. • Israel's latest military operation inside Iran-what you know so far? • Iran-Israel Conflict-know the background • Iran-Israel bilateral relations-know the present situation • What role can international organizations like the United Nations play in de-escalating the Israel-Iran tensions? Key Takeaways: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: • Yet, just as it gains renewed relevance, it's facing a new kind of threat — becoming a target. From Israel's recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to military activity around Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, we are witnessing the erosion of a longstanding principle: That nuclear facilities must be protected, in war and peace. • These are not isolated incidents. While echoing past precedents like the Israeli strikes on Iraq's Osirak reactor in 1981 and Syria's Deir ez-Zor in 2007, these instances also reflect a new, troubling trend. Civilian nuclear infrastructure is now being treated as a strategic target. A red line once widely respected is being crossed with frequency. • This pattern signals a slow collapse of a global understanding that, however imperfect, has helped avert catastrophe. This shift carries numerous risks not just for the countries involved, but for the world. One miscalculation, one errant strike, could spark a radiological disaster, endangering thousands and contaminating entire regions. Do You Know: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: • International law provides clear protection. Article 56 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions prohibits attacks on 'works and installations containing dangerous forces', including nuclear plants, from which civilian harm could result. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has, in many resolutions, condemned strikes on safeguarded nuclear facilities as violations of international law and the UN Charter. • Israel has justified its ongoing actions against Iranian nuclear sites as acts of preventive self-defence, citing Iran's history of undeclared facilities, its missile programme, and enrichment levels approaching weapons-grade. Israeli officials argue that inaction risks letting Iran cross the nuclear military threshold under civilian cover. On the other hand, Iran remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and its declared nuclear facilities are under IAEA safeguards. • India thus has a major stake in this conversation. The collapse of protections around civilian nuclear infrastructure threatens not only the nuclear order but also our energy security and development goals. India has set an ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, up from about 8 GW today. With rising industrial demand and a commitment to net-zero goals, nuclear power is central to India's long-term energy strategy. • Plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, announced in the budget, are underway to encourage private investment and scale up deployment. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍US shifting military jets, ships in region to protect Israel from Iranian strikes EXPRESS NETWORK Govt launches Operation Sindhu to evacuate citizens stuck in Iran Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: As India is starting its evacuation, the Iranian embassy officials said that some Indian students have sustained injuries in a strike and the Iranian foreign ministry was in close touch with the Indian mission in Tehran. Key Points to Ponder: • Operation Sindhu is launched primarily to what? • What is the strategic significance of Operation Sindhu in demonstrating India's commitment to the safety of its overseas nationals? • Analyze the logistics and diplomatic challenges involved in evacuating citizens from conflict zones, citing Operation Sindhu as an example. • Compare Operation Sindhu with Operation Ganga. • What is the role of regional diplomacy, especially involving Armenia and Turkmenistan, in the success of Operation Sindhu? • How does India's evacuation policy enhance its international image and align with its evolving role as a responsible global power? Key Takeaways: • India on Wednesday announced launching 'Operation Sindhu' to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran as fears of an all-out Israeli-American military strikes on Iran increased. • The first batch of 100 students are returning from Armenia to Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. As India is starting its evacuation, the Iranian embassy officials said that some Indian students have sustained injuries in a strike and the Iranian foreign ministry was in close touch with the Indian mission in Tehran. • An official statement of the Ministry of External Affairs said, 'In view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the government of India has been taking various steps over the last several days for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.' • It said that the government of India is grateful to the governments of Iran and Armenia for the smooth facilitation of the evacuation process. Do You Know: • As India monitors developments in the region and prepares its evacuation plans from the conflict zone, it faces a diplomatic challenge post-Operation Sindoor. • Armenia is one of Iran's neighbouring countries that Delhi is in touch with. India doesn't have amicable ties with some of the other countries bordering Iran — Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Besides Armenia, Turkmenistan and Iraq are the other neighbouring countries of Iran with whom India has amicable ties; it doesn't have formal diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. It also has the Persian Gulf route, from where it can evacuate Indians through ships or via Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. With such complex regional dynamics at play, Delhi is tapping all its diplomatic relationships to evacuate its citizens. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍The war wasn't on TV, it was outside my window: Indian students trapped in Iran await evacuation EXPLAINED Revising the GDP base year Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. What's the ongoing story: The GDP is the central metric to assess the annual economic growth or the overall size of an economy and the 'base year' refers to the year that works as a starting point for calculations. At present, the base year is 2011-12. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the base year? • What is the base year for the GDP, IIP and CPI? • Reasons for revising the base year-know in detail • What are the considerations for the new base year? • How is a base year chosen? Key Takeaways: • The GDP is the central metric to assess the annual economic growth or the overall size of an economy and the so-called 'base year' refers to the year that works as a starting point for calculations. At present, the base year is 2011-12. In other words, the GDP in 2011-12 is used as a 'base' over which the GDP growth of any following year is calculated. The new base year for GDP calculations will be 2022-23 and the revised series of data will be released on February 27, 2026. • The first set of estimates of national income (GDP) for India was compiled by the 'National Income Committee', under the chairmanship of PC Mahalanobis in 1949. The first and final reports of national income by this committee were brought out in 1951 and 1954 respectively. • Since then, as more and better quality data became available, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) undertook comprehensive reviews of the methodology used for calculating GDP. Apart from shifting base years of national accounts series, the CSO also tried making improvements in the compilation of national accounts series, in terms of coverage of activities, incorporation of latest datasets and latest international guidelines. • The base year of national accounts have been revised on seven different occasions: From 1948-49 to 1960-61 in August 1967; From 1960-61 to 1970-71 in January 1978; From 1970-71 to 1980-81 in February 1988; From 1980-81 to 1993-94 in February 1999; From 1993-94 to 1999-2000 in January 2006; From 1999-2000 to 2004-05 in January 2010; and From 2004-05 to 2011-12 on January 30, 2015. Do You Know: • A base year is the first of a series of years in an economic or financial index. In this context, it is typically set to an arbitrary level of 100. New, up-to-date base years are periodically introduced to keep data current in a particular index. Base years are also used to measure the growth of a company. Any year can serve as a base year, but analysts typically choose recent years. • A base year is used for comparison in the measure of business activity or economic or financial index. For example, to find the rate of inflation between 2016 and 2024, 2016 is the base year or the first year in the time set. The base year can also describe the starting point from a point of growth or a baseline for calculating same-store sales. • To more accurately understand and report the state of the economy. An accurate reporting, in turn, is an essential requirement both for policymakers as well as all the other economic agents (from large business firms to budding entrepreneurs). • The fact is that the government led by Prime Minister Modi had announced in 2017 that a new GDP series will be released with 2017-18 as the new base year. The government had hoped to use the results of Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) as well as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS was an annual survey replacing the quinquennial Employment-Unemployment Surveys), both of which were slated in 2017-18, to update the GDP data. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍'New base year for GDP, CPI, IIP from early 2026; Services survey from Jan' Previous year UPSC main Question Covering similar theme: 📍Explain the difference between computing methodology of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (2021) HOW INDIA-ARMENIA ALLIANCE IS PAYING OFF AMID IRAN-ISRAEL CRISIS Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Indian Embassy in Tehran on Tuesday helped at least 110 stranded students leave the country, facilitating their passage into Armenia through the Nurduz-Agarak border crossing. Key Points to Ponder: • India and Armenia-know in detail • How India's defense exports under 'Make in India' have strengthened strategic ties with Armenia? • Know the geostrategic importance of Armenia for India in the context of the Russia-dominated South Caucasus and emerging regional alliances (e.g., Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan). • What is the role of Armenia in facilitating humanitarian efforts such as Operation Sindhu, and its significance for India's diplomatic reach? • What is Nagorno-Karabakh? • Where is Nagorno-Karabakh? • Map Work-Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Key Takeaways: • With Iranian airspace shut down indefinitely, evacuations from the country will have to be facilitated through its land borders. This is a particular challenge for India, which shares rather tenuous relations with a few of Iran's neighbours, especially after Operation Sindoor. • Pakistan remains New Delhi's primary geopolitical rival, with whom it only recently had a military conflagration. As such, the border between Iran and Pakistan in the Baloch homeland remains shut for Indian evacuees. • As are Iran's borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of whom professed overt support for Islamabad during Operation Sindoor. New Delhi's relations with Baku and Istanbul have taken a nosedive in recent weeks. On the other hand, India does not have official ties with the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan (to Iran's east) at all. This leaves three countries through which Indians can theoretically be evacuated — Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Armenia. • Iran's border with Turkmenistan is sparsely populated, especially on the Iranian side, meaning there are significant logistical challenges facilitating evacuations through this frontier. The border with Iraq, on the other hand, lies directly in the line of fire between Iran and Israel. While it remains open at the moment, most of Iraq's airports are shut due to the conflict. • The 44-km-long Iran-Armenia border is thus the most viable option for Indian evacuees, especially since Tehran and the Nurduz-Agarak crossing, some 730 km apart, are well connected by a major highway. • It is in this context that years of Indian diplomatic efforts vis-à-vis Armenia are now paying dividends. While India's ties with Armenia date back millenia, the present relationship is a product of a few crucial geopolitical considerations. Do You Know: • With Turkey and Pakistan firmly in the Azeri camp, India has been a staunch backer of Armenia in its lingering conflict with Azerbaijan, primarily over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. In recent years, New Delhi has eclipsed even Russia as Armenia's biggest military supplier: a $250 million deal in 2022 saw India supplying Armenia with PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launchers, Akash-1S air defense system, and other armaments. • Yerevan has supported New Delhi's positions in international fora. Most notably, Armenia has publicly endorsed India's position on resolving the Kashmir issue on a bilateral basis (with Pakistan), and supports India's aspiration for a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council. • Located in the southern Caucasus, Armenia is a crucial cog of the International North-South Transport Corridor, which aims to connect India to Europe through Armenia and Iran. Developing this route is a major geopolitical objective for New Delhi, one which would provide significant stimulus to its economy and establish India as a major player in the region. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and India For any queries and feedback, contact Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump hosts General Asim Munir for White House lunch, credits him for ending India-Pakistan war; here's what we know
US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, for a private luncheon at the White House on Wednesday. The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room, was a rare occasion where the powerful military chief was invited without accompanying senior civilian officials from Pakistan. Donald Trump | Credit: X President Trump used the opportunity to express his appreciation for Munir's role in helping avoid a further escalation between India and Pakistan following a recent military standoff. Trump acknowledges Munir's role in de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions Addressing reporters, President Trump said, 'Reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it.' He added that both General Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed restraint, avoiding what he called a potentially nuclear conflict. 'Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war; that could have been a nuclear war,' Trump said, referring to the military conflict that ended on May 10 after four days of cross-border drone and missile exchanges. Discussions included Iran and regional stability President Trump noted that Iran was also a subject of discussion during the lunch. 'They (Pakistani leadership) know Iran very well, better than most,' he said, acknowledging Islamabad's long-standing ties with Tehran. 'They're not happy about anything. It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both actually... but they see what's going on and he agreed with me,' Trump told reporters. Pakistan has openly condemned Israel's airstrikes on Iran, calling them violations of international law and a threat to regional peace. General Munir was accompanied by the head of Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Malik, during the meeting. Trump, Modi discuss Operation Sindoor and trade President Trump also revealed that he had spoken to Prime Minister Modi on the same day. The Indian Prime Minister held a 35-minute conversation with Trump, during which they primarily discussed Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April Pahalgam terror attack. However, Modi reportedly clarified that topics such as the India-US trade deal or any form of US mediation in India-Pakistan affairs were not part of their conversation. White House notes Nobel nomination request from Munir Earlier in the day, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said General Munir had called for President Trump to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The recommendation came after the US President's role in preventing what could have been a nuclear war between India and Pakistan last month. Trump commented on the recognition, saying, 'Well, I stopped a war… I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night. We're going to make a trade deal with Modi of India.' The White House meeting underscored both rising tensions and careful diplomacy in South Asia, with Trump positioning himself as a key intermediary.
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Donald Trump steps back from taking credit, says India-Pakistan leaders ‘decided' to end conflict
In a shift of tone, US President Donald Trump stated that the two 'very smart' leaders of India and Pakistan had 'decided' against continuing a conflict that could have escalated into a nuclear war, marking the first time in weeks he refrained from crediting himself for defusing tensions between the two nations. Trump made these comments during a media interaction in the Oval Office, following a lunch meeting with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, at the White House on Wednesday, PTI reported. Trump said he was 'honoured" to meet Munir. When asked if Iran was discussed in his meeting with Munir, Trump said: 'Well, they know Iran very well, better than most, and they're not happy about anything. It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they probably, maybe they know Iran better, but they see what's going on, and he agreed with me.' 'The reason I had him here, I want to thank him for not going into the war, ending the war. And I want to thank, as you know, Prime Minister Modi just left a little while ago, and we're working on a trade deal with India. We're working on a trade deal with Pakistan," the president said. 'They were both here, but I was with Modi a few weeks ago. He was here actually, but now we speak to him. And I'm so happy that two smart people, plus you know, people on their staff too, but two smart people, two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war. That could have been a nuclear war. Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided that.' This is the first time in weeks when Trump did not take credit for stopping the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Since May 10, when India and Pakistan decided to stop the military conflict, Trump has repeatedly claimed on multiple occasions that he 'helped settle' tensions between the two countries and that he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours that America would do a 'lot of trade' with them if they stopped the conflict. Modi and Trump were set to hold talks on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, but the meeting was called off after the U.S. President returned to Washington ahead of schedule. Before concluding his first visit to Canada in ten years, Prime Minister Modi had a 35-minute phone call with Trump before departing Kananaskis. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a video message from Kananaskis, said Modi conveyed to Trump that at 'no point' during Operation Sindoor was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US trade deal or any proposal for mediation by the US between India and Pakistan. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Islamabad's request. Modi firmly said India will never accept the mediation of a third party, and there is complete political consensus in India on this matter, Misri said. Misri also noted that following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, Trump expressed his condolences to Modi over a phone call and expressed his support against terrorism. The phone call on Tuesday in Kananaskis was the 'first conversation' between the two leaders since April. Misri said Trump listened carefully to the points conveyed by the prime minister and expressed his support towards India's fight against terrorism. Modi conveyed that India no longer views terrorism as a proxy war, but as a war itself, and that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. Trump enquired if Modi could stop over in the US on his way back from Canada, but the prime minister was scheduled to depart for Croatia, the last leg of his three-nation tour that began in Cyprus. Misri said that due to prior commitments, Modi expressed his inability to visit Washington, and both leaders agreed to make efforts to meet soon.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'No' US role in ceasefire with Pakistan
PM Carney invites Modi to G7 as guest; first Canada visit in 10 years seen as diplomatic test for the new leader. PHOTO: REUTERS India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump late on Tuesday that a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a four-day conflict in May was achieved through talks between the two militaries and not US mediation, according to India's senior-most diplomat. The Indian prime minister also told the US president that New Delhi will never accept third-party mediation with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, the India's senior-most diplomat said. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said that Modi "strongly" conveyed India's long-held stand to Trump during a phone call between the two leaders on Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to solve the "Kashmir issue" since a four-day conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May. The White House has not commented on India's statement. Analysts say Trump's very public statements on offers of mediation over Kashmir have tested Delhi's red lines on the issue. Delhi has always encouraged its Western partners not to treat India and Pakistan as equals. It also discourages western leaders from undertaking visits to India and Pakistan at the same time. "PM Modi told President Trump clearly that during this period, there was no talk at any stage on subjects like India-US trade deal or US mediation between India and Pakistan," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a press statement. "Talks for ceasing military action happened directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels, and on the insistence of Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India has not accepted mediation in the past and will never do," he said. However, Modi's claim that the decision to de-escalate was made on the call of Pakistan's military has raised questions about the rationale behind the offensive in the first place with the assertion appearing to potentially undercut New Delhi's own stance. Misri said the two leaders were due to meet on the sidelines of G7 summit but Trump left a day early due to the situation in the Middle East. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Modi-Trump call. Pakistan has previously said that the ceasefire happened after its military returned a call the Indian military had initiated. He said that Trump expressed his support for India's fight against terrorism and that Modi told him India's Operation Sindoor under which it launched the cross-border strikes was still on. Trump also asked Modi if he could stop by the US on his return from Canada, Misri said, but the Indian leader expressed his inability to do so due to a pre-decided schedule. He invited Trump to visit India later this year for the summit of the leaders of the Quad grouping, which Trump accepted, Misri said.
