Content
- An anti-terror role that defies logic
- SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase
An anti-terror role that defies logic
Basics
- Pakistan’s Track Record: Long history of harbouring terrorists (Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad), backing LeT, JeM, etc.
- Recent Attacks Linked: 2008 Mumbai, 2019 Pulwama, 2025 Pahalgam attack → evidence of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure.
- India’s Response: Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror launchpads along LoC.
- Controversial UN Role: Despite terror links, Pakistan made:
- Chair of UNSC’s Taliban Sanctions Committee.
- Vice-Chair of UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).
- President of UNSC for July 2025.
- Parallel Cases: Libya (UNHRC Chair), Saudi Arabia (UN Women’s Rights Commission) — show UN’s credibility issues.
Relevance
- GS-2 (International Relations, Governance):
- UN reforms, credibility crisis of multilateral institutions.
- India’s diplomatic challenges, narrative management, counter-terrorism diplomacy.
- GS-3 (Internal Security, Economy):
- Cross-border terrorism, asymmetric warfare, cyber threats.
- Terror financing risks via IMF loans, FATF mechanisms.
Practice Question :
- What do paradoxes like Pakistan’s UNSC counter-terror appointments indicate about the politics of global governance? Evaluate in light of India’s demand for UN reforms.(250 Words)
Comprehensive Analysis
Pakistan’s Terror Nexus
- Direct Support: Evidence of ISI + Army providing logistics/tactical backing.
- Public Glorification: Funerals of terrorists attended by Pakistan’s civil + military officials.
- State Sponsorship: ₹14 crore compensation announced in May 2025 for families of terrorists, incl. Masood Azhar’s kin.
- Duplicitous Narrative: Shows “custody” of Hafiz Saeed, but allows public appearances at PoK launchpads.
UN’s Credibility Crisis
- Geopolitical Compromise: Elevation of Pakistan reflects lobbying by powerful states prioritising strategy/economics over moral imperatives.
- Weak Vetting: FATF grey-list removal (2022) despite concerns on terror financing shows systemic loopholes.
- Dangerous Precedent: Sends message that state-sponsored terror can be diplomatically whitewashed.
- Resource Misuse: IMF $1 billion loan (2025) risks terror financing misuse, undermining sanctions regime integrity.
Implications for India
- Diplomatic Challenge: Despite outreach, India couldn’t block Pakistan’s UN appointments → signals limitations.
- Narrative War: Pakistan can now project itself as “responsible actor”, delegitimise India’s claims, and even blame India for unrest (e.g., Balochistan).
- Operational Risks:
- Pakistan shaping UN counter-terrorism policies.
- Blocking sanctions on Pakistan-based groups.
- Undermining India’s Taliban engagement.
- Encouraging more asymmetric warfare (terror, infiltration, cyber-attacks).
India’s Counter-Measures
- Diplomatic Strategy:
- Leverage alliances in UNSC (U.S., France, UAE, Japan).
- Push for periodic reviews & accountability in UN committees.
- Narrative Building:
- Use global media, academia, diaspora to expose Pakistan’s terror links.
- Highlight misuse of IMF funds and state glorification of terrorists.
- Regional Strategy:
- Engage Taliban regime through humanitarian aid/track-II diplomacy to limit Pakistan’s hold.
- Strengthen ties with Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia to counter encirclement.
- National Security:
- Enhance intelligence, cyber defence, and counter-infiltration capabilities.
- Scale up asymmetric countermeasures if Pakistan escalates.
Conclusion
- Pakistan’s entry into global counter-terrorism leadership is a paradox and a diplomatic setback for India.
- The episode exposes UN’s structural weaknesses, where geopolitical interests override ethical imperatives.
- For India, the path ahead lies in proactive diplomacy, narrative warfare, and national security strengthening.
- The broader danger: global silence normalises state-sponsored terrorism, eroding the credibility of multilateral institutions.
‘SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase
Context
- UN Day for SSTC: Observed on September 12, marking the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA).
- Core Principles: Solidarity, mutual respect, shared learning among developing nations.
- Role: Complement to traditional aid → cost-effective, replicable, context-specific solutions.
- Relevance: Critical amid funding decline, climate crisis, inequalities, and geopolitical tensions.
Relevance
- GS-2 (IR & Governance): India’s role in South-South cooperation, multilateralism, global solidarity, diplomacy for Global South.
- GS-3 (Economy & Development): Food security, digital public infrastructure, sustainable financing, climate resilience.
Practice Question :
- South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a transformative development tool. Examine its role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (250 Words)
South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)
- Combination: A hybrid model where developing countries cooperate (South-South) but are supported/partnered by developed countries or institutions (Triangular).
- Why Important:
- Scales up successful local innovations from Global South.
- Mobilises finance, technology, expertise from traditional donors or multilateral agencies.
- Promotes mutual accountability and inclusivity.
Examples of SSTC
- India–UN Development Partnership Fund: Supports projects in Africa, Pacific Islands, with UN agencies as facilitators.
- India–WFP Rice Fortification Project: India shares expertise in fortified rice distribution → replicated in Nepal & Lao PDR with UN/WFP partnership.
- Brazil–Japan–Mozambique Agricultural Project: Brazil shares tropical farming know-how, Japan provides technology/finance, Mozambique hosts the project.
Overview
Evolution & Relevance of SSTC
- Framework shifted from aid-recipient dynamic → mutual partnership model.
- Effective in delivering frugal, replicable solutions suited to local contexts.
- Key instrument for achieving SDGs 2030, esp. Zero Hunger (SDG-2), climate resilience, digital equity.
India’s Leadership & Philosophy
- Guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family).
- Major Contributions:
- Voice of Global South Summits → platform for Global South solidarity.
- G-20 Presidency → secured African Union’s permanent membership.
- Development Partnership Administration (MEA) → coordinates Indian aid/partnerships.
- ITEC Programme → trained professionals in 160+ countries.
- India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017) → 75+ projects in 56 countries.
- Export of Digital Public Infrastructure → Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN models.
India–WFP Collaboration (Over 60 years)
- Pilot Ground: India as lab for innovations later scaled globally.
- Examples:
- Annapurti (Grain ATMs) → automated ration vending.
- Optimisation of Food Supply Chains → efficiency in PDS.
- Women-led Take-Home Rations.
- Rice Fortification Project.
- Outcome: Strengthened food security + models for replication in other developing nations (Nepal, Lao PDR).
Triangular Cooperation
- Definition: Partnerships linking developing nations + traditional donors + emerging actors.
- Advantages:
- Amplifies best practices.
- Unlocks diverse resources.
- Enhances mutual accountability.
- Broadened Partnerships: Beyond states → civil society, private sector, grassroots communities.
Financing & Scale
- UN Fund for SSTC: Contributions from 47 governments, reaching 70+ countries, 155 nations benefited.
- India-UN Development Fund: Prioritises LDCs & SIDS.
- 2024 WFP mobilisation: $10.9 million from Global South & private sector.
- India’s South-South Fund in Action: Rice fortification (Nepal), supply chain optimisation (Lao PDR).
Challenges & Way Forward
- Challenges:
- Declining development finance.
- Need for stronger institutions.
- Gaps in accountability and performance review.
- Way Forward:
- Invest in knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Expand access to concessional finance.
- Encourage innovation-driven partnerships.
- Ensure periodic monitoring and peer accountability.
Conclusion
- SSTC has evolved into a transformative development tool, not just a diplomatic phrase.
- India’s leadership — through philosophy (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), innovation (digital public goods), and partnerships (WFP, South Fund) — positions it as a central pillar in Global South solidarity.
- To meet the 2030 SDGs deadline, scaling up SSTC and fostering a renewed spirit of partnership is vital.
