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UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress.
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Discuss the metaphor of the ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ in the context of India-China relations. How does this concept promote peaceful cohabitation and regional stability?
Examine the problems involved with India’s approach to promoting regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region via BIMSTEC.
Introduction
— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.
Body
— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.
— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.
— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.
Way forward/ conclusion
— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.
— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.
Self Evaluation
— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.
QUESTION 1: Discuss the metaphor of the ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ in the context of India-China relations. How does this concept promote peaceful cohabitation and regional stability?
Introduction:
— India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1950.
— Both countries should strengthen collaboration, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Indian President Droupadi Murmu, portraying their relationship as a “Dragon-Elephant tango,” a dance between their emblematic animals.
— The two leaders exchanged congratulations and greetings to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Body:
— Both countries should strive for peaceful coexistence and demonstrate a willingness to improve international communication and collaboration while maintaining border stability.
— During a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that both nations are ancient civilisations, big emerging countries, and vital members of the Global South that are currently in a critical period of modernisation. He went on to say that the history of their bilateral relations demonstrates that working together as partners for mutual success, as represented by the “dragon and the elephant,” is the best way for both parties.
— Regarding the 75th anniversary celebrations, both parties are determined to use this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations. Specific event information will be provided in due course.
— Diplomatic negotiations took place in Beijing, with an emphasis on border control and the restoration of cross-border cooperation, including trans-border rivers and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
— A report suggests that, in addition to restarting government-level contact, the two countries’ economic ties may be strengthened.
Conclusion:
— The Ministry of External Affairs noted that both parties discussed gradually reintroducing dialogue mechanisms to address mutual concerns and strive towards more stable relations.
— The discussion reviewed the restoration of direct flights, the interaction of media and think tanks, the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the arrangements for resuming the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
— There are, however, major differences between the two sides on a wide variety of topics, beginning with the state of affairs at the border, the question of India attracting Chinese investment, and reciprocal access for key Indian commodities and services to the Chinese market.
(Source: India, China should strengthen ties in ‘Dragon-Elephant tango’: Xi Jinping to President Murmu, India and China talk about cooperation but strategic barriers are unlikely to fall soon)
Points to Ponder
Border disputes between India and China
Trade between India and China
Related Previous Year Questions
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of the Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further, discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition. (2024)
‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)
QUESTION 2: Examine the problems involved with India’s approach to promoting regional integration in the Bay of Bengal region via BIMSTEC.
Introduction:
— The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation created on June 6, 1997, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
— Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the group is currently known as BIMSTEC and has seven Member States, including Myanmar, which joined on December 22, 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004.
— During the first summit in Bangkok on July 31, 2004, the grouping was renamed the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Body:
— India’s strong participation in international relief and rebuilding operations in Myanmar must also meet the longer-term goal of revitalising the BIMSTEC forum.
— BIMSTEC ultimately acquired a charter during the 2022 Colombo conference, which became effective last year when all members ratified it. The leaders gathered in Bangkok will release a vision document defining the forum’s goals. Several new initiatives, including one focused on maritime connection, are scheduled to be announced. With its complete international image established, BIMSTEC may work with other regional actors and global institutions.
Problems associated with BIMSTEC
— Any mention of BIMSTEC always brings to mind its terrible reputation as an alternative to SAARC, the subcontinent’s moribund forum for regional cooperation. Despite complaints about SAARC’s failure or India’s alleged neglect, it is critical to note that Pakistan continues to refuse to join in any regional integration that includes India.
— While the Bay of Bengal is a natural region with historical links, the postwar evolution of the littoral has hindered efforts to restore these natural bonds.
— The British Raj’s geopolitical control over the Bay of Bengal waned as Britain declined and Japan emerged as a significant power in the east around the turn of the twentieth century.
— The inward-looking economic policies of postcolonial India and Myanmar isolated the Bay of Bengal from new trade flows. India’s economic reforms in the 1990s, as well as the end of Myanmar’s economic isolation, raised new hopes for integration in the Bay of Bengal, which have yet to be realised.
Conclusion:
— At the regional level, Delhi must continue to construct BIMSTEC institutions and develop plans for further economic integration. As the global economic order is disrupted, India must preserve regional trade links, especially those with BIMSTEC.
— This regional effort must be supplemented by exploring prospects for increased bilateral commerce and connectivity with BIMSTEC members.
— India cannot rely primarily on international and bilateral approaches to foster Bay of Bengal regionalisation. It must identify areas of unilateral action. Thailand’s decision to grant visa-free entrance to Indian tourists exemplifies the power of unilateralism – this single policy has significantly increased India-Thailand engagement, despite years of BIMSTEC connectivity discussions.
(Source: BIMSTEC summit and India’s unilateral role in Bay of Bengal by C. Raja Mohan)
Points to Ponder
Read more about BIMSTEC and SAARC
Read about relations between India and southeast Asian countries
Related Previous Year Questions
‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023)
Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (2022)
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