Why in News:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Sri Lanka soon to strengthen bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and regional security efforts.
Relevance for UPSC:
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GS Paper 2: International Relations
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GS Paper 3: Security and Strategic Interests
Key Points:
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India-Sri Lanka Relations: India is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners and has played a key role in post-crisis economic support.
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Strategic Importance: Sri Lanka’s location in the Indian Ocean makes it critical for India’s maritime strategy.
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Cultural Diplomacy: India emphasizes civilizational ties through Buddhist heritage and people-to-people exchanges.
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Security Cooperation: Maritime security, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy cooperation under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
UPSC Angle:
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Neighborhood First Policy
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SAGAR Doctrine
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India’s role in regional crisis management (economic and humanitarian aid)
2. Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
Why in News:
Recent reports indicate a decline in Left Wing Extremist violence, but concerns remain in parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Relevance for UPSC:
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GS Paper 3: Internal Security
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Essay & Ethics: Governance and social justice in conflict zones
Key Points:
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What is LWE? Maoist insurgency rooted in issues of land rights, tribal displacement, and socio-economic inequality.
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Red Corridor: Stretches across central and eastern India – including states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
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Government Response:
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SAMADHAN doctrine (Security and development approach)
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Civic action programs and road infrastructure
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Use of specialized forces and technology (drones, tracking systems)
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UPSC Angle:
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Role of development in conflict resolution
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Federal structure and law & order (State vs Centre responsibilities)
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Human rights and civil liberties in counter-insurgency
3. Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Why in News:
With the upcoming MILAN naval exercise and PM Modi’s renewed outreach in the IOR, India is repositioning itself as a net security provider.
Relevance for UPSC:
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GS Paper 2: International Relations
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GS Paper 3: Security, Disaster Management, Economy (Blue Economy)
Key Points:
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Geostrategic Importance: IOR connects major sea lanes vital for trade and energy.
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Key Initiatives:
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SAGAR
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Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
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Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
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India’s Maritime Diplomacy: Port development (e.g., Chabahar, Colombo), naval exercises, and anti-piracy missions.
UPSC Angle:
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Role of India in Indo-Pacific
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Blue Economy & Marine Resources
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Balancing China’s influence in IOR
Mains Practice Questions:
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Discuss the strategic importance of Sri Lanka for India in the context of regional maritime security.
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Analyze the changing nature of Left Wing Extremism in India and assess the effectiveness of government interventions.
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How does India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region contribute to its aspiration of becoming a regional power?
