Subject: Economy – Bond Markets; Global Inflation; Foreign Portfolio Investment; Iran War Impact; Asian Equities.

Why in News?

• Global long-term bond yields have climbed to their highest level in almost two decades, reaching levels last seen during the 2008 global financial crisis.
• The surge is driven by rising global inflation expectations following the Iran war, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and sent Brent crude above $110 a barrel.
• Foreign investors have accelerated selling in Asian equities in response, with net outflows of $24.75 billion so far in May 2026.

What are Bond Yields?

Definition

• The return an investor earns on a government bond, expressed as a percentage.
• Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions:
  • When bond prices fall → yields rise
  • When bond prices rise → yields fall

Long-term yields (10 years and above)

• Reflect market expectations of future inflation and economic growth.
• Rising long-term yields indicate expectations of higher inflation and tighter monetary policy.

Current Situation (May 2026)

Key Drivers of Yield Surge

• Iran war (West Asia crisis) – disruption of Strait of Hormuz (25-30% of global oil passes through).
• Brent crude surged above 110 per barrel – up from 70 pre-war.
• Rising global inflation expectations – central banks expected to keep interest rates higher for longer.

Yield Levels

• Average yield on sovereign debt due in 10 years or more – highest since July 2008.
• 30-year US Treasury yield – climbed to highest level since 2007.

Impact on Asian Equities

Foreign Portfolio Outflows (May 2026 so far)

• Total outflows: $24.75 billion from Asian equities (South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines).
• Outflows in the last week alone: $17.27 billion (record).

Why Rising Yields Hurt Equities

Higher long-term borrowing costs weigh on valuations, particularly in growth-heavy markets (technology, future earnings).

Mechanism

• Higher bond yields → investors shift from equities to bonds (risk-free returns more attractive).
• Higher discount rates → reduce present value of future earnings (especially for growth stocks).
• Tightening financial conditions → corporate borrowing costs rise → margins compress.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Bond Yield: Return on a government bond (inversely related to bond price)
• Long-term yields: Yields on bonds with 10+ years maturity; reflect inflation expectations
• Strait of Hormuz: Key oil chokepoint (25-30% of global oil); disrupted by Iran war
• Brent crude: International benchmark for oil prices
• Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): Short-term, volatile capital flows (stocks, bonds)
• Growth stocks: Equities of companies expected to grow faster than market (more sensitive to discount rates)
• De-risking: Reducing exposure to risky assets (equities) during uncertainty
• US Treasury yields: Benchmark for global borrowing costs

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Global long-term bond yields have recently climbed to their highest level since:

• 2008 (global financial crisis)

Q2: The surge in global bond yields is primarily driven by:

• Rising inflation expectations and Iran war

Q3: Bond prices and bond yields have which relationship?

• Inverse relationship (opposite directions)

Q4: The 30-year US Treasury yield has climbed to its highest level since:

• 2007

Source/Reference:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-20/global-long-bond-yields-climb-to-highest-in-almost-two-decades

Subject: Art & Culture – Handloom; GI Tag; Muga Silk; Assam; Diplomatic Gifts; Cultural Soft Power.

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Muga silk stole and a Shirui Lily silk stole to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his five-nation diplomatic tour (UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy) in May 2026.
• The Muga silk stole was also presented to other world leaders, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage.

About Muga Silk

Basic Details

• Known as the “Golden Silk” of Assam.
• A rare and prestigious textile from the Brahmaputra Valley.
• Valued for its natural golden hue, durability, and eco-friendly production (no artificial dyes).

Production

• Obtained from the semi-domesticated, multivoltine silkworm Antheraea assamensis.
• Silkworms feed on aromatic leaves of Som (Machilus bombycina) and Soalu (Litsaea polyantha) plants.
• Reared on trees similar to tasar silk.

Cultural Significance

• Muga culture is specific to the state of Assam – an integral part of Assamese tradition and culture.
• Used in traditional attire: sarees, mekhalas, chaddars, etc.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• Received GI tag in 2007 (under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999).

Shirui Lily Silk (Gifted Alongside)

Inspiration

• Draws inspiration from the misty heights of Shirui Kashong peak in Manipur.
• Inspired by the rare Shirui Lily – a delicate bell-shaped flower with pale pinkish-white petals that blooms nowhere else in the world.

Cultural Significance (Manipur)

• For the Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur, the Shirui Lily symbolises purity, identity, and cultural pride.

Cultural Resonance (Italy)

• The lily holds deep cultural resonance in Italy, where it has long symbolised purity, grace, and artistic refinement, frequently appearing in Renaissance art.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Muga Silk: “Golden Silk” of Assam; GI-tagged (2007); from silkworm Antheraea assamensis
• Som and Soalu: Host plants for Muga silkworm
• Multivoltine: Multiple generations per year (silkworm)
• Shirui Lily: Rare flower endemic to Shirui Kashong peak, Manipur; symbol of Tangkhul Naga community
• Tangkhul Naga: Indigenous community of Manipur
• Renaissance Art: Cultural movement in Europe (14th-17th centuries); Italy was its birthplace
• Madhubani Painting: GI-tagged folk art from Mithila region, Bihar
• Blue Pottery: GI-tagged art from Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Bidriware: Silver inlay metalwork from Bidar, Karnataka (Deccan)
• Rogan Painting: Textile art from Kutch, Gujarat
• Kesar Mangoes: GI-tagged mango from Gujarat (Queen of Mangoes)
• Kalanamak Rice: “Buddha Rice” from Terai region, Uttar Pradesh
• Gobindobhog Rice: Aromatic short-grain rice from West Bengal
• Joha Rice: Aromatic rice from Brahmaputra Valley, Assam
• Red Rice: Indigenous grain from Palakkad, Kerala
• Loktak Tea: Tea from hills surrounding Loktak Lake (largest freshwater lake in Northeast India), Manipur
• Pattachitra (Tala Pattachitra): Ancient palm leaf art form from Odisha

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Muga silk is obtained from which silkworm species?

• Antheraea assamensis

Q2: Muga silk is primarily produced in which Indian state?

• Assam

Q3: In which year did Muga silk receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

• 2007

Q4: The rare Shirui Lily, which inspired a silk stole gifted to Italy’s PM, is endemic to which peak in Manipur?

• Shirui Kashong peak

Q5: The Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur regards the Shirui Lily as a symbol of:

• Purity, identity, and cultural pride

Q6: Kalanamak rice, gifted to FAO Director-General, is also known as:

• Buddha Rice

Q7: Kesar mangoes, gifted to UAE President, are a GI-tagged fruit from which state?

• Gujarat

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pms-gifts-muga-silk-stole-for-italy-pm-ladakhi-stole-for-sweden-pm-kesar-mangoes-for-uae-president/article71006083.ece#google_vignette

Subject: Science & Tech – Rare Genetic Disorders; Health – National Policy for Rare Diseases; Precision Medicine; DBT.

Why in News?

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh dedicated the UMMID Programme to the nation on May 21, 2026.
• The programme is India’s first comprehensive national effort to address inherited genetic disorders through an integrated approach encompassing diagnosis, counselling, prevention, training, and public health awareness.

What is UMMID Programme?

Full Form

• Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders

Launch

• National initiative led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) , Ministry of Science & Technology.

Objective

• To improve diagnosis and management of inherited and rare genetic disorders.
• Promote early intervention and affordable healthcare for families affected by rare genetic disorders.

Alignment

• Supports implementation of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 by creating structured care pathways for patients.

Three Major Pillars

1. NIDAN Kendras

• Centres for diagnostics and counselling.
• Nearly 30 NIDAN Kendras established across the country.
• Ensure advanced genomic healthcare reaches beyond metropolitan centres.

2. Outreach Programmes in Aspirational Districts

• Focused outreach in underserved regions and Aspirational Districts.

3. Specialised Training Centres

• For capacity building of healthcare professionals.
• Clinician training, genetic counselling, and community outreach.

Key Features

Integrated Framework

• Genetic diagnostics
• Prenatal and newborn screening
• Genetic counselling
• Clinician capacity-building
• Community outreach

UMMID Dashboard

• Launched to strengthen nationwide access to diagnostics, counselling, outreach, and programme monitoring for inherited disorders.

National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021

Definition of Rare Disease (India)

• Prevalence of less than 1 in 10,000 population (WHO defines rare diseases as affecting 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 2,000 people globally).

Categories of Rare Diseases (NPRD 2021)

• Group 1: Diseases curable with one-time treatment (e.g., forms of thalassemia, lysosomal storage disorders).
• Group 2: Diseases requiring long-term treatment (e.g., hemophilia, cystic fibrosis).
• Group 3: Diseases with no curative treatment but manageable (e.g., metabolic disorders).

Key Provisions

• Financial support up to ₹20 lakh for treatment of Group 1 diseases (under PM-JAY).
• Focus on prevention, screening, and early diagnosis.
• Promotion of research and development for rare diseases.

Significance

Fills a Long-Standing Gap

• Inherited and rare genetic disorders remained neglected for decades because:
  • Diagnosis itself was difficult.
  • Treatment was inaccessible.
  • Medicines were either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

India’s Genetic Diversity

• India’s vast genetic diversity makes the challenge complex – requires robust ecosystem of early screening, genetic diagnostics, prenatal counselling, clinician training, and community outreach.

Foundation for Precision Medicine

• Genomic and precision medicine will shape the future of healthcare.
• Treatment protocols for diseases such as diabetes, cardiac ailments, and cancers may increasingly be based on the individual genetic profile of patients.

Alignment with Healthcare Reforms

• Affordable, accessible, preventive, and citizen-centric healthcare (Ayushman Bharat, wellness centres, affordable medicines).

Key Terms for Prelims

• UMMID: Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders – DBT initiative for rare genetic disorders
• NIDAN Kendra: Diagnostic and counselling centres under UMMID (Nearly 30 established)
• NPRD 2021: National Policy for Rare Diseases (2021) – framework for rare disease management
• Rare Disease (India definition): Prevalence less than 1 in 10,000 population
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Nodal ministry for UMMID (under Ministry of Science & Technology)
• Precision Medicine: Individualised treatment based on patient’s genetic profile
• Genetic Counselling: Process of advising individuals about genetic risks and testing options
• Aspirational Districts: Districts identified for priority development (NITI Aayog)
• BRIC: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Director General)

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The UMMID Programme is an initiative of which ministry/department?

• Department of Biotechnology (Ministry of Science & Technology)

Q2: What does ‘NIDAN Kendra’ refer to under the UMMID Programme?

• Diagnostic and counselling centre

Q3: UMMID Programme supports the implementation of which national policy?

• National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021

Q4: As of May 2026, how many individuals have benefited from the UMMID Programme?

• 3 lakh

Q5: In India, a rare disease is defined as one with a prevalence of less than:

• 1 in 10,000 population

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263736&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: International Relations – India-Africa Relations; Health – Ebola Outbreak; PHEIC; South-South Cooperation; Vaccine.

Why in News?

• The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28-31, 2026, has been postponed.
• The decision was taken jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the African Union (AU) due to the Ebola virus outbreak in parts of Africa (DRC and Uganda).

About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

What is Ebola?

• A severe, often fatal illness in humans caused by the Ebola virus (genus Ebolavirus, family Filoviridae).
• First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (then Zaire).

Transmission

• Animal-to-human: Through contact with infected animals (fruit bats, primates) – fruit bats are natural hosts.
• Human-to-human: Direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sweat, urine, feces, breast milk) of infected persons.
• Also through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials (needles, bedding).

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat.
• Followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function.
• Internal and external bleeding (hemorrhagic fever).

Fatality Rate

• Up to 90% in severe outbreaks (average ~50%).

Treatment and Prevention

• No licensed cure; supportive care (hydration, oxygen, treating specific symptoms).
• Vaccines available: rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) – approved by FDA and WHO prequalified (2019).
• Two monoclonal antibody treatments (Inmazeb and Ebanga) approved (2020).

Current Outbreak (May 2026)

• Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
• Declared PHEIC by WHO on May 17, 2026.

About India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)

Establishment

• 2008 – highest apex institutional platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and African countries.

Purpose

• Strengthen political dialogue, economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology transfer, capacity building, and people-to-people relations.
• Reflects shared commitment to South-South cooperation, inclusive development, multilateralism, and sustainable partnerships.

Objectives of IAFS

• Strengthen diplomatic and strategic relations between India and African countries
• Promote economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade and investment
• Encourage technology transfer, innovation, and industrialization
• Enhance cooperation in health, agriculture, education, and infrastructure
• Support sustainable development and regional integration
• Foster youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and skills development
• Strengthen peace, security, and maritime cooperation
• Promote South-South cooperation and multilateral collaboration

Key Terms for Prelims

• IAFS: India-Africa Forum Summit – highest institutional platform for India-Africa cooperation (est. 2008)
• African Union (AU): Continental body of 55 African member states; HQ: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Severe, often fatal illness (first identified 1976, Ebola River, DRC)
• PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern): WHO’s highest level of global health alert
• rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo): Ebola vaccine (FDA approved, WHO prequalified 2019)
• Filoviridae: Viral family of Ebola and Marburg viruses
• Fruit bats: Natural hosts of Ebola virus
• South-South Cooperation: Exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries
• ICWA: Indian Council of World Affairs – foreign policy think tank (HQ: New Delhi)
• ICCR: Indian Council for Cultural Relations – promotes cultural exchange (under Ministry of External Affairs)

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) was established in which year?

• 2008

Q2: How many India-Africa Forum Summits have been held so far (as of May 2026)?

• Three

Q3: Which organization declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

• WHO

Q4: In which year was the Ebola virus first identified?

• 1976

Q5: What is the name of the approved Ebola vaccine?

• rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo)

Q6: What are the natural hosts of the Ebola virus?

• Fruit bats

Q7: Which Indian foreign policy think tank’s Africa-related events were also cancelled along with IAFS-IV?

• Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)

Q8: The African Union (AU) is headquartered in:

• Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-africa-forum-summit-postponed-in-wake-of-ebola-virus-outbreak/article71005909.ece

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8p2g8yp8do

Subject: Environment – Wildlife Sanctuary; Art & Culture – Nakshatra System; Haryana; Seonsar Forest; Tropical Deciduous.

Why in News?

• Haryana’s first constellation garden (Nakshatra Vatika) has been developed at the Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary (Seonsar Forest) in the Pehowa area of Kurukshetra district.
• Developed jointly by the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) and the Haryana State Board for Wildlife.
• The garden features saplings representing all 27 Nakshatras, aiming to connect youth with traditional knowledge of plants associated with each Nakshatra.

About Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

• Kaithal and Kurukshetra districts, Haryana
• Also known as Seonsar Forest

Area

• Approximately 4,452.85 hectares

Cultural and Ecological Significance

• Tied to the mythical Saraswati River – believed to have flowed through the region.
• The sanctuary is home to ancient archaeological remains – bricks dating back to Kushan and Gupta periods (over 1,500 years ago).
• A 400-year-old water well made of small lakhauri bricks (associated with Mughal empire era).

Flora

• Tropical deciduous forest vegetation.
• Dense clusters of Kikar, Neem, Shisham, and Peepal trees.

Fauna

• Mammals: Blue Bull (Nilgai), Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, and the rare Hog Deer.
• Birds: Over 250 species of resident and migratory birds, especially during winter.

Nakshatra Vatika (Constellation Garden)

What is it?

• A garden developed on the theme of astrology.
• Saplings representing all 27 Nakshatras have been planted.
• Scientific and spiritual significance of each tree is described and documented at the site.

Purpose

• Disseminate knowledge regarding specific plants associated with each Nakshatra.
• Guide children (increasingly engrossed in digital world) back toward a natural environment.
• Encourage visitors who reach Kurukshetra for religious tourism to explore wildlife and understand scientific principles behind Nakshatras.

Location within Sanctuary

• Developed near the forest rest house in Seonsar Forest.

What are Nakshatras?

Definition

• In Indian astronomy, the 27 (or 28) lunar mansions or constellations that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle.
• Used in Hindu astrology for determining auspicious timings (muhurta).

Connection with Trees

• Each Nakshatra is associated with a specific tree/shrub (e.g., Peepal, Banyan, Palash, etc.).
• These trees are considered sacred or beneficial for those born under that Nakshatra.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary: Also known as Seonsar Forest (Kaithal and Kurukshetra districts, Haryana)
• Nakshatra Vatika: Constellation garden with saplings of all 27 Nakshatras
• Lakhauri bricks: Small-sized bricks used in Mughal-era architecture
• Kushan period: Ancient Indian dynasty (1st-3rd centuries CE)
• Gupta period: Golden age of ancient India (4th-6th centuries CE)
• Saraswati River: Mythical river mentioned in Rigveda; believed to have flowed through Haryana
• Hog Deer (Axis porcinus): Rare deer species found in the sanctuary
• Nilgai (Blue Bull): Largest antelope in Asia; Schedule III under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary (Seonsar Forest) is located in which state?

• Haryana

Q2: The Nakshatra Vatika at Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary features saplings of how many Nakshatras?

• 27

Q3: Which ancient periods are associated with the archaeological remains found in the sanctuary?

• Kushan and Gupta

Q4: What type of forest vegetation is found in Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary?

• Tropical deciduous forest

Q5: Which rare deer species is found in Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary?

• Hog deer

Q6: Lakhauri bricks found in the sanctuary are associated with which era?

• (b) Mughal era

Source/Reference:

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/haryana-saraswati-heritage-development-board-state-wildlife-department-develops-nakshatra-vatika/

GS Paper II – Polity & Governance (Media) | GS Paper IV – Ethics
Press Freedom; International Rankings; Media Regulation; State Control

Introduction

A Norwegian journalist cited the World Press Freedom Index, where India ranks 157, below countries like Ukraine, Qatar, and Oman. Yet such rankings often ignore biases within supposedly “free” media—illustrated when a Norwegian newspaper depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer. International indices are useful for spotting broad trends, but they remain imperfect and cannot be treated as absolute measures.

Main Body

The Ranking: India at 157

World Press Freedom Index (Reporters Without Borders):

• Norway ranked number one.
• India ranked 157.
• Ukraine (at war): 55, Qatar: 75, Burkina Faso: 110, Oman: 127, Kuwait: 136.

The Paradox:

• Countries that do not even hold pro forma elections rank higher than India.
• A country at war (Ukraine) ranks 102 places above India.

What the Ranking Does Not Account For:

• The quality of journalism is not a criterion.
• Racism of the “freest press” does not affect its standing.
• Example: Norwegian mainstream newspaper portrayed Modi as a snake charmer.

Methodological Problems with the Index

Dubious Methodology:

• Rankings are often methodologically dubious.
• Frequently corrupted by subjective factors.
• Sometimes corrupted by outright prejudice.

The Index’s Own Undermining:

• The index’s own methodology undermines its conclusions at the extremes.
• No amount of fine print can sustain the argument that Kuwait belongs far above India on any honest measure of press freedom.

Comparative Context:

• A largely homogenous country (Norway: 95% speak Norwegian, 60% affiliated to Church of Norway) is not comparable to a large, diverse country riven by conflicting viewpoints.

The Real State of Press Freedom in India

Press Conferences and Interviews:

• Modi has not addressed a press conference as Prime Minister.
• After a joint appearance with US President Trump, he took a couple of questions in February 2025.
• Press conferences and probing interviews have become rare across India’s leadership.

One-Way Political Communication:

• No leader wants to take questions—whether in legislature or media.
• Political communication has become a one-way street: principal actor broadcasts without being contested.
• This applies to several Opposition leaders as well.

State Control:

• State control of media is an extension of the control the state seeks to enforce across other domains of people’s lives: movement, thinking, learning, mingling of populations.

Market Forces:

• Indian media is under severe stress from market forces and from state measures alike.

The Problem with Selective Dismissal of Rankings

Curiously Selective Approach:

• Those who dismiss Western standards as irrelevant are selectively selective.
• They dismiss the Press Freedom Index but in the same breath celebrate a random ranking on Ease of Doing Business.
• Or a foreign country’s national honour conferred on their leader.

The Convenience of Dismissal:

• The convenience of the dismissal gives it away.
• No global ranking is required to establish that Indian media is under severe stress.
• No amount of fine print can sustain the argument that Kuwait belongs far above India on any honest measure of press freedom.

The Better Argument: Rankings as Blunt Instruments

What Rankings Are Good For:

• Useful for identifying broad patterns.
• Gauging trends over time.

What Rankings Are Not Good For:

• Unreliable as precise judgements.
• Cannot capture the complexity of a large, diverse country like India.
• Cannot account for cultural, linguistic, and social heterogeneity.

The Norwegian Example:

• Norway: 55 lakh people, 95% speak Norwegian, 60% affiliated to Church of Norway.
• Media, society, and state share broadly the same consensus.
• Not comparable to India’s diversity.

The Indian Reality:

• Large, diverse country riven by conflicting viewpoints about everything.
• State is simultaneously trying to control the thinking of its people.
• Political contestation produces a multitude of media narratives—and a multitude of pressures.

Conclusion

India’s low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index raises concerns, but the index itself has methodological limitations and often overlooks biases within “free” Western media, such as racist portrayals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the same time, India’s media environment faces real challenges—declining press interactions, one-way political communication, market pressures, and state constraints. International rankings are therefore best seen as broad indicators, not absolute judgments.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. International indices like the World Press Freedom Index are useful yet imperfect measures. Critically examine their utility and limitations in assessing press freedom in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/on-measuring-freedom-of-the-press-in-india/article71007644.ece

GS Paper II – International Relations (Regional Groupings; Indo-Pacific)
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad); US-China Competition; India’s Strategic Autonomy

Introduction

Revived in 2017 amid converging Indo-Pacific interests, the Quad—comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—emerged as a key platform for promoting a rules-based regional order, marked by its first Leaders’ Summit in 2021. However, shifting geopolitical priorities under President Donald Trump, including a softer approach towards China and greater focus on the Middle East and western hemisphere, have weakened the grouping’s momentum. As Quad foreign ministers meet in New Delhi, the central question is whether the bloc will be revitalised, sidelined, or gradually abandoned.

Main Body

The Quad’s Journey: Summits and Working Groups

Leader-Level Summits (Six so far):

• Four in person, two virtual.
• Two summits each in 2021 and 2022, one each in 2023 and 2024.
• Vision statement issued at the fifth summit (2023).

Working Groups and Partnerships Added Over Time:

• Maritime Security (IPMDA, joint exercises, MAITRI).
• Critical and Emerging Technologies (technology standards, supply chains, 5G, open RAN, semiconductors).
• Health Security (initially vaccine working group during Covid, later broadened).
• Climate (green shipping network, clean hydrogen partnership, Q-CHAMP).
• Cyber Security (launched as working group, upgraded to partnership).
• Space (satellite data portal, space situational awareness cooperation).
• Infrastructure (coordination group; cable connectivity, ports of the future, HADR).
• Critical Minerals Initiative (announced at July 2025 foreign ministers’ meeting).

Progress:

• Progress by working groups has varied from fair to negligible.
• Quad spread itself too thin over a wide canvas of activities.

China as a Constant Theme

Evolution of Quad Statements on China:

• Initial references remained generic: “opposing coercion.”
• Later became more specific and pointed: militarisation of disputed islands, maritime militia, aggressive actions of coast guard.

The Quad’s Position:

• Quad was never meant to contain China.
• Purpose: safeguard against ongoing and potential unfair practices and coercion.
• Enhance soft power deterrence and resilience against coercion.

China’s Response (2018):

• Quad is a “headline-grabbing idea…that would dissipate like the sea foam in the Pacific or Indian Ocean.”

Why the Quad is on “Life Support”

De-prioritisation by Trump Administration (Second Term):

• Lack of interest from the US became evident from mid-2025 onwards.
• Next summit expected end of 2025/early 2026 in India did not materialise.
• US signaling lower emphasis on centrality of Indo-Pacific region.
• US may prefer to approach Western Pacific and Indian Ocean with separate, distinctive strategies.
• US stress on “burden sharing” by allies and partners (hard power deterrence).

New Tensions in US-India Relations:

• US tariffs on India.
• Realignments and narratives after Operation Sindoor.
• Severe adverse impact of Middle East war.
• Russia and Iran-related sanctions by the US.

US Warming Up to China:

• New conception of future international order.
• “Constructive Strategic Stability” announced – elevates China to peer status with US.
• Aims to avoid competition turning pernicious and causing extensive economic damage.

Trump’s Upgraded Priorities:

• Western hemisphere.
• Middle East.

India’s Position: Supportive but Adaptable

Despite Difficulties (Last 16 Months):

• India has continued to proactively support Quad initiatives.
• India sees the value this group brings to the region.

India’s Strategic Autonomy:

• India should be able to adapt if Quad remains relegated to low priority.
• India has faced bigger challenges: US tariffs, Operation Sindoor aftermath, Middle East war, US sanctions on Russia and Iran.

India’s Contributions:

• US has assessed that India can make meaningful contributions only in the Indian Ocean region (not the Western Pacific).

The Strategic Rationale for the Quad Remains Strong

China’s Trajectory:

• China continues to focus on political economy, not addressing an increasingly fragmented international system.
• Great leap forward through industrial scale, pole position in supply chains, leverage in resources and input materials.
• Progressively creating material structures to enhance ability to dominate across domains.
• Seeking consequent subordination of others in the region.

The Risk of Inertia:

• Any inertia in collective efforts to provide alternatives would only hasten Chinese dominance in the region and beyond.

Stability and Rule of Law:

• Critical as the global community has no bandwidth left to absorb another shock.

The Way Forward: Options for Quad Foreign Ministers

Option 1: Rejuvenate

• Trim, sharpen, and make the agenda more outcome-oriented.
• Increase quantification of targets under various pillars.
• Reassure other countries in the region that Quad will continue to work for the common good.
• Announce plans for the next leaders’ summit.

Option 2: Neglect

• Continue without clear direction or leadership.
• Working groups continue but without momentum.
• Gradual decline in relevance.

Option 3: Abandon

• Quad dissipates like sea foam, as China predicted in 2018.
• Collective efforts to provide alternatives to Chinese dominance cease.

Current Indications:

• Support is likely for reenergising momentum.
• If all members agree on enduring value, the Quad can be revived.

Conclusion

Since its revival in 2017, the Quad—comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—has expanded its agenda across security, technology, health, climate, and infrastructure, though with uneven outcomes. The grouping now faces uncertainty due to shifting priorities under President Donald Trump, growing US-China accommodation, and new US-India tensions. Yet, with China continuing to expand its regional influence, the Quad remains strategically relevant. Re-energising it through a sharper, more focused, and outcome-oriented agenda is essential to prevent the grouping from losing credibility and momentum.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. The Quad faces growing uncertainty due to shifting U.S. priorities and emerging strains in U.S.-India relations. Critically examine the challenges before the Quad and suggest the future course the grouping should adopt. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/quad-indo-pacific-geopolitics-life-support-trump-china-10701639/