AIR Discussions (February 3rd Week)

AIR SPOLIGHT: India-United Arab Emirates Virtual Summit

 

CONTEXT: A JOINT commitment to fight extremism and terrorism, enhancing maritime cooperation, promote e-payment solutions, set up an IIT in UAE, a joint Hydrogen Task Force and an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement — these were the key takeaways of the virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

 

DETAILS:

• In a significant development, the two sides inked a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further boost trade and investment ties. Business will grow from $60 billion to $100 billion in the next five years.

Salient features of the pact:

• This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is set to reduce tariffs for 80 per cent of goods and give zero duty access to 90 per cent of India’s exports to the UAE.
• The agreement covers areas including goods, services, rules of origin, Customs procedures, government procurement, intellectual property rights, and e-commerce.
• It included robust rules of origin to protect both economies from misuse of the agreement by third countries, including a requirement of “melt and pour” for steel exports to qualify as domestically produced products from either country.
• It provides a permanent safeguard mechanism to protect businesses in both countries to prevent “any unnecessary or unwarranted surge in volumes of (imports) any particular product.
• Under the agreement, the UAE has agreed to facilitate market access and regulatory approval within 90 days for Indian pharmaceutical products and medical products that have been approved in developed jurisdictions such as the US, the UK, the EU, Canada and Australia.
• CEPA would have strong anti-dumping measures.
• Deal would cover 90% of India’s exports to the UAE. Indian exports are expected to benefit from the “zero duty from day one of the entry into force of the agreement”

Significance of this pact:

• Deepening of the relationship with the UAE would also help Indian exporters gain access to other West Asian countries, Africa and some parts of Europe.
• It would open new routes for regional trade and connectivity and advance “collective interests” of India, Israel, the UAE and the United States.
• It will open up to 10 lakh jobs for the young people in the country.
• It would open access to broader African and Asian markets for India.
• Substantial net gains for India will be visible in the labour-intensive industries such as gems and jewellery, leather, furniture, wood products, agriculture, medical devices, pharma and automobiles.
• It would help boost trade over goods to $100 billion over five years.
• An India-UAE Joint Vision Statement was adopted which lays down contours of future course of bilateral relations and highlights areas of focus.
• On defence and security, both sides agreed to enhance maritime cooperation contributing to maintenance of peace and security in the region. They also reaffirmed joint commitment to fight against extremism and terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in all forms, at both regional and international levels.
• On energy partnership, they agreed to promote collaboration opportunities to support India’s energy requirements, including new energies, and ensure the provision of affordable and secure energy supplies to India’s growing economy. They also expressed mutual support in energy transition and focused work on a low-carbon future.
• On climate action and renewables, they agreed to support each other’s clean energy missions and establish a joint Hydrogen Task Force to help scale up technologies, with special focus on production of Green Hydrogen.
• On emerging technologies, they agreed to expand cooperation on critical technologies and mutually promote e-businesses and e-payment solutions and promote start-ups from both countries.
• On education cooperation, they agreed to establish an Indian Institute of Technology in the UAE.
• On health cooperation, they decided to collaborate in research, production and development of reliable supply chains for vaccines and enhance investments by UAE entities in the health infrastructure in India as well as collaborate in providing healthcare in underprivileged nations.
• On food security, they acknowledged the need to enhance the resilience and reliability of food supply chains. They also decided to expand cooperation through enhanced bilateral food and agriculture trade and, promote and strengthen the infrastructure and dedicated logistic services connecting farms to ports to final destinations in the UAE.
• On skills cooperation, they agreed to enhance cooperation in skill development so as to align with the market needs and address the changing needs for the future of work.

 

BACKGROUND:

Political:

• India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1972.
• The traditionally strong bilateral relations enjoyed by India & UAE received impetus with the visit of PM Modi to UAE in 2015 that marked the beginning of a new strategic partnership.
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (MBZ) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India again in as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic day celebrations.
• It was during this visit that the bilateral relations were upgraded to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.
• PM Modi visited UAE again in 2018 for the World Government Summit in Dubai, where India was the Guest of Honor.
• PM received the UAE's highest civilian award, 'the Order of Zayed’ in 2019.
• The visit also witnessed the official launch of the ‘RuPay Card’ in UAE, and the release of a set of stamps issued by Emirates Post commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gandhi.

Economic & Commercial Relations:

• India and UAE have shared trade links through the centuries.
• Trade, which was dominated by traditional items such as dates, pearl and fishes, underwent a sharp change after the discovery of oil in UAE.
• The real impetus, however, started after Dubai positioned itself as a regional trading hub by the early 1990s and about the same time, the economic liberalization process started in India.
• India-UAE trade is today around US$ 60 billion, making UAE, India's third largest trading partner for the year 2018-19.
• Moreover, UAE is the second largest export destination of India (after US) with an amount of over US$ 30 billion for the year 2018-19.
• For UAE, India was the second largest trading partner during 2018.
• UAE is the 10th biggest FDI investor for India.
• A consortium led by ONGC was awarded a 10 per cent stake in the Lower Zakum Concession in 2018.- first time that the Emirate awarded a stake in a functioning oil field to an Indian group.
• NRI Remittances: The annual remittances made by the large Indian community in UAE amount to over US$ 17.56 billion (2018).

Cultural Relations:

• Indian expatriate community of approx. 3 millions is the largest ethnic community in UAE constituting roughly about 30 per cent of the country’s population.
• Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• Today, around 35% of the Indian community is made up of professionally qualified personnel, businessmen & other white collar non-professionals.
• The Indian community has played a major role in the economic development of the UAE and is respected for its technical competence, sense of discipline & law abiding nature.
• Indian schools: There are 130 Indian schools in the UAE following the CBSE and Kerala Board curricula with approx 219,000 students.

Defence and Security Cooperation:

• There have been regular high level & functional level exchanges between the two countries.
• The ships of the Navies of both countries have regularly made port calls enhancing bilateral defence co-operation.
• UAE Air Force Officers participated as Observers in Trilateral Air Exercise on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) in 2018.
• Indian Navy Ships participated in the maiden IN-UAEN Bilateral Exercise in 2018 named Gulf Star 1.
• IN Ships have been regularly participating in IDEX/NAVDEX held in Abu Dhabi biennially.
• ‘Desert Eagle II’, a ten-day air combat exercise, was held in 2016 between the air forces of India and UAE.
• That New Delhi could turn to the UAE for help to deploy its mid-air refuellers for Rafale jets, and it agreed to extend the facility, is seen to reflect the close relationship that India and Abu Dhabi have built
• While India and UAE are constantly in touch with each other through institutionalised deradicalisation programmes and promote tolerance, Abu Dhabi has turned into a no-go area for anyone looking for a haven after fleeing Indian law enforcement agencies.
• Not only has UAE deported more than 100 Indian fugitives back, but it also helped India with real-time intelligence from Iraq and Syria during the rise of the so-called Islamic State.
• The UAE also helped India keep a watch on the Indian diaspora from getting sucked into the ultra-conservative Sunni movement and stopped them from joining Islamic State jihad.

 

WHY THE RELATIONS ARE ON A UPSWING?

• Diversification of UAE economy: Foreign trade and the oil and gas sectors were the fulcrum of bilateral relations in the decades preceding the end of the oil era boom. But since then, the UAE has pursued an aggressive strategy of diversifying its economy, and its relations with India have benefited as a result.
• Evolving country profile and priorities: The recent upsurge in relations is a reminder that both the UAE and India have leapfrogged in terms of global reputation and foreign policy since 1981.
• Key partners in combating extremism: The UAE and India share a deeply common goal — fighting terrorism, combating extremism and ideologies of hatred.
• The two countries have a common interest in ensuing maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf region.
• Common economic goals: India has now become the world’s one of the fastest growing major economy and the third largest consumer of oil. On the other hand, the UAE has sovereign funds with a corpus of over a trillion dollars.
• Rigorous follow up to strategic partnership: Another reason for the greater depth in relations is the rigorous structure of various committees that have been set up following the high-level visits.
• Greater mobility of people: With a 3.3-million-strong population, the Indian diaspora in the UAE is the largest in the world, and growing. And with a record 1,076 flights every week between the UAE and India, there has also been a surge of tourists and visitors between the two countries.
• Energy Security: UAE is the 5th largest import source and accounts for about 6% of India’s total crude imports
• Investment: The UAE government has committed USD 75 billion towards developing Indian infrastructure.
• Further, given the current state of flux in West Asia, India sees the UAE as an important partner to maintain peace and stability in the region.

 

INDIA-PAKISTAN: UAE’S MEDIATOR ROLE FOR DIPLOMATIC TIES

• Few countries enjoy the warmth today that the UAE enjoys with both India & Pakistan.
• There are strong speculations that a third party role is key to the current peace détente.
• But like on all things India and Pakistan, there are different narratives on the degree of involvement.
• A Pakistani source confirmed that ‘mutual friendly countries may be involved’. An Indian source explained that the ‘UAE is not necessarily an interlocutor but could have played the role of a facilitator allowing representatives from both countries a venue to meet’.
• Also, the possible Indo-Pak back channel talks have not been held between top office bearers or leaders in UAE but at the level of intelligence and security officials.

 

CHALLENGES:

• As far as investments are concerned, the systemic problem faced due to slow implementation of various projects from Indian side is a major obstacle.
• Indian companies operating in the UAE also face problems due to lack of clarity in many aspects of commercial regulations, labor laws and lack of transparency on part of Emirati businesses.
• There is also a need to smoothen problems faced by Indian migrants due to cumbersome and strict regulations that favour the Emirati employers and at times leads to serious problems for Indian workers, especially unskilled workers.

 

ANALYSIS:

• Since 2014, Indian foreign policy has witnessed significant changes in approach, priority issues, and focus.
• The relationship with United Arab Emirates (UAE) is at the core of an assertive new Gulf policy subsumed under the “Extended Neighborhood Policy.”
• Mutually reinforcing economic visions and compatible geopolitical outlooks have laid the basis for a more robust and promising partnership between India and the UAE.
• The Emirates’ plans to develop a diversified, knowledge-based 21st century economy have dovetailed with the Modi administration’s blueprint for unleashing India’s economic potential.
• Both sides recognize that the security of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean are indivisible. They also appreciate the threat posed by non-state violent extremists to their respective interests.
• The UAE is regarded not only as a major trade partner but also as a valuable source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s drive to develop a $5 trillion dollar economy.
• India — the world’s fastest expanding market opportunity, with its talent pool of human capital, well acknowledged for innovation and UAE — a hub of cutting-age technologies — are natural partners in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
• Space is a new arena in which India and the UAE have collaborated through the work of the UAE Space Agency and ISRO. Together, the two space agencies have developed the nano-satellite, Nayif-1 and are likely to work together on Emirates’ ‘Red planet Mission’.

 

 

WAY FORWARD:

• The growing engagements between India and the UAE has to be seen within the broader contexts of UAE’s policy of engaging with Asia to improve economic prospects and India’s search for foreign investments to expedite economic growth and address the threat of extremism and terrorism.
• Medical tourism can be an important area where India can attract UAE given India’s high quality man power in medical sector and improving medical infrastructure in the country.
• There are further untapped potentials in the arena of renewable energy. The cost for production and transmission of solar energy in the UAE are a fraction to that of India and this is a priority area for the UAE government.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-uae-ink-comprehensive-trade-pact-7780644/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trade-benefits-explained-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-india-uae-trade-deal/articleshow/89658408.cms

http://mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Bilateral_Brief_feb_2020_.pdf

https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/34877/Joint_IndiaUAE_Vision_Statement__Advancing_the_IndiaUAE_Comprehensive_Strategic_Partnership_New_Frontiers_New_milestones

 

PRELIMS SPECIAL: NEWS IN BRIEF

World Sustainable Development Summit                                      

• Prime Minister inaugurated The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) latest edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).
• About: It is an annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
• Theme: 'Towards a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a Sustainable and Equitable Future'.
• Participants: Minister of Environment, representatives from the United Nations, heads of inter-governmental organizations, and delegates from 126 countries.
• Initiatives: ‘Act4Earth Manifesto’ and ‘Act4Earth Strategy Paper’
• WSDS 2022 aims to play a crucial role in providing technological, policy as well as knowledge solutions as India works towards realising the commitments made at COP26.

https://newsonair.com/2022/02/16/pm-modi-to-address-teris-world-sustainable-development-summit-today/

 

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)                                                 

• Ministry of Ayush reiterates that Giloy/Gudduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is safe and as per available data, Guduchi does not produce any toxic effect.
• Guduchi is a popularly known herb, familiar as Giloy and is being used in therapeutics since long in AYUSH systems.
• In Ayurveda, it is said to be the best rejuvenating herb.
• Medicinal applications of Guduchi: used as anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, radioprotective, anti-anxiety, adaptogenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer.
• Therapeutic applications: Ameliorate metabolic, endocrinal, and several other ailments, aiding in the betterment of human life expectancy. Used in the management of COVID-19.

 

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Relating-Giloy-to-liver-damage-is-completely-misleading%3A-Govt&id=421390

New India Literacy Programme

• 'New India Literacy Programme” a new Adult Education scheme announced by Union Government
• New India Literacy Programme (2022-2027) to cover all the aspects of Adult Education mentioned in the National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22.
• The National Education Policy 2020 has also recommended to promote Adult Education.
• Objectives of the Scheme:
• Provide Foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Promote Critical life-long skills; such as Financial literacy, Digital literacy, Commercial skills, Health care awareness, Child care, informal education, and Family welfare.
• Non-literates of the age group of 15 years and above will be covered in all State/UTs.
• Target to cover 5 crore learners (or 1 crore per year) by using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS)” in collaboration with National Informatics Center.
• Features of the Scheme:
• The Term “Adult Education” used in earlier Programmes is replaced by the term “Education For All”.
• The scheme will be implemented through Community Participation.
• All types of materials and resources shall be provided through digital platforms.
• Adopt different strategies for different age groups.
• States/UTs will be provided flexibility to adopt innovative activities.
• Performance Grading Index (PGI) will show the performance of States and UTs at district level through the UDISE portal.
• Priority in Literacy:
  • The age group of 15-35 years will be covered first.
  • Priority will be given to Girls and women.
  • Focus on SCs, STs, OBCs, Minorities, Persons with Special Needs (Divyangjans), Construction workers, laborers, etc.
• Special Focus on:
  • Aspirational Districts
  • Districts with literacy rates less than the National/State average.
  • Districts with female literacy rates less than 60% as per the 2011 Census.

https://newsonair.com/2022/02/18/medaram-jathara-festival-2022/

 

National Hydrogen Mission

• Green Hydrogen Policy released by Ministry of Power
• Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.
• The new policy would help the government in meeting their target of producing 5 million tonnes of Green hydrogen by 2030.
• The announcement of Green Hydrogen Policy will support the Government efforts in achieving the commitments made at COP 26.
• Features of Green Hydrogen Policy:
• This Policy will provide clean fuel, reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuel and also reduce crude oil imports.
• Green Hydrogen Manufacturers with the coordination of distribution companies can Store their unutilized renewable power for up to 30 days.
• Companies can get distribution licensees at concessional Prices.
• Manufacturing companies would get Tax free inter-state transmission for 25 years.
• Ensuring ‘grid to market’ Connectivity to attract Investors and ensure timely delivery.
• Single Portal for all business activities to ensure ease of doing business.
• Manufacturers will be allowed to set up infrastructure near Ports for Trading activities by paying Charges to respective Port Authorities.
• Objective of this Policy: Increasing Production to meet domestic demand and also to become an exporter of Green Hydrogen.

 

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Govt-notifies-Green-Hydrogen-Policy-for-production-of-Green-Hydrogen-or-Green-Ammonia-using-renewable-sources-of-energy&id=435760

 

Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility

• Government notifies Guidelines on Extended Producers Responsibility on plastic packaging under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
• These guidelines are coupled with prohibition of identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, with effect from 1st July 2022, to reduce pollution caused by littered plastic waste.
• Key guidelines:
• Mandated Reuse of rigid plastic packaging material to reduce the use of fresh plastic material for packaging.
• The enforceable prescription of minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste collected under EPR along with use of recycled plastic content to reduce plastic consumption and support recycling of plastic packaging waste.
• It allows for sale and purchase of surplus extended producer responsibility certificates, thus setting up a market mechanism for plastic waste management.
• Online platform: Implementation of EPR will be done through a customized online platform, which will act as digital backbone of the system. It will allow tracking and monitoring of EPR obligation and will reduce the compliance burden for companies through online registration and filing of annual returns. To ensure monitoring on fulfilment of EPR obligations, the guidelines have prescribed a system of verification and audit of enterprises.
• Framework for levy of environmental compensation: It prescribe a framework based upon polluter pays principle, with respect to non-fulfilment of extended producer responsibility targets by producers, importers & brand owners. The funds collected shall be utilized for collection, recycling and end of life disposal of uncollected plastic waste in an environmentally sound manner.
• Producers, importers & brand owners, may operate schemes such as deposit refund system or buy back or any other model, in order to prevent mixing of plastic packaging waste with solid waste.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Govt-notifies-Guidelines-on-Extended-Producers-Responsibility-on-plastic-packaging-under-Plastic-Waste-Management-Rules&id=435773