CONTENTS
- India, Mauritius Forge Strategic Ties
- RUSA and PM-USHA: Making Higher Education Future Ready
India, Mauritius Forge Strategic Ties
Context:
The joint inauguration of projects supported by India in Agalega island of Mauritius highlights a growing concern to adapt and innovate strategic approaches. These endeavors aim not only to bolster economic and commercial ties but also to reinforce surveillance and security in the Indian Ocean Area. The virtual conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth marks a significant milestone in fostering closer collaboration.
Relevance:
GS2- International Relations-
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.
Mains Question:
The joint inauguration of India-assisted projects on the Agalega island of Mauritius marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the nations. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words).
India- Mauritius Ties:
Cultural Affinity:
Around 70% of Mauritius’ populace traces its ancestry back to India, fostering deep cultural connections between the two nations.
Strategic Collaboration:
- India and Mauritius share a strategic partnership, particularly in bolstering maritime security and addressing common security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
- This collaboration encompasses joint efforts in countering piracy, enhancing maritime awareness, and conducting joint patrols to safeguard vital sea lanes.
Infrastructure Upgrades:
- The recent upgrades to the airstrip and jetty hold strategic significance for India, enabling broader reach in the Indian Ocean and extending coverage over the waters adjacent to East Africa.
- These developments aim to counter the increasing influence of China in the region, including its endeavors in the Maldives.
Military Cooperation:
- Indian defense personnel are actively involved in various capacities within the Mauritian Defense Forces, with officers leading key units such as the National Coast Guard and the Police Helicopter Squadron.
- Additionally, India has provided substantial military assistance, including helicopters, ships, aircraft, and fast interceptor boats, alongside aiding in setting up a Coastal Surveillance Radar System.
Bilateral Engagement:
- Mauritius occupies a central position in India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and is considered a significant partner under Vision SAGAR.
- The relationship between the two countries is characterized by vibrancy, strength, and uniqueness.
Development Assistance:
India’s assistance in the development of Agaléga showcases its commitment to supporting Mauritius in improving infrastructure, enhancing maritime security capabilities, and overall well-being.
Respect for Sovereignty:
The emphasis is on building trust and cooperation through transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships, devoid of any imposition or encroachment on Mauritius’ sovereignty.
Economic Collaboration:
- Mauritius holds significance as an essential economic partner for India, boasting substantial bilateral trade and investment relations.
- India views Mauritius as a gateway for investment into Africa, facilitated by the strong presence of the Indian diaspora and favorable tax arrangements between the two nations.
Regional Stability:
A stable and prosperous Mauritius contributes to maintaining regional stability in the Indian Ocean region, aligning with India’s interests in securing its neighborhood and preventing the proliferation of instability or conflict.
Diplomatic Alignment:
- Historically, Mauritius has lent support to India’s diplomatic initiatives on international platforms.
- Nurturing a positive relationship with Mauritius ensures continued diplomatic backing, bolstering India’s standing in global affairs.
Maritime Security and Defense:
- Amidst ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the global spread of transnational terrorism, and China’s ambitious global dominance agenda, international security faces significant challenges.
- As the dynamics of international relations evolve, recent shifts necessitate a collaborative approach towards a shared strategic vision, emphasizing mutual economic prosperity and employing multilayered and multilateral strategies when necessary to address emerging challenges.
- A fresh perspective is imperative, emphasizing a mature reliance on international cooperation among nations to formulate a new retaliatory strategy, signaling a strong response to any attempts to disrupt the existing order.
- In response to the escalating assertiveness of China, particularly concerning India’s maritime security through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), establishment of naval bases in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) regions, the development of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, and the implementation of its “Strings of Pearls” strategy aimed at encircling India by fostering strategic partnerships with Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries, India has proactively engaged with neighboring nations such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
- India has pursued a defense strategy that involves establishing a coastal radar system among these countries and has initiated a Fusion system to share information relevant to the security of the Indian Ocean Region.
- Recent acquisitions, including the India-Russia Joint Venture BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile for the Indian Navy and aero-engines for MIG-29 Jets for the Indian Air Force, represent significant steps in bolstering India’s defense capabilities.
- Furthermore, India has devised a “Necklace of Diamonds Strategy,” involving the establishment of strategic bases such as the Changi naval service Base in Singapore, Chabahar Port in Iran, and ports in Myanmar and Oman.
- This strategy aligns with India’s Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing economic and trade ties with East Asian neighbors, complemented by initiatives such as the development of a comprehensive network of ports and Coastal Surveillance Radar (CSR) systems.
- India’s recent endeavors to enhance security in the Indian Ocean Area (IOA) through collaboration with Mauritius are poised to strengthen their ties and foster an environment conducive to stabilizing economic growth, ensuring the unhindered flow of goods and services, bolstering strategic security, promoting prosperity, stability, and addressing emergent challenges stemming from climate change, maritime threats, and border security.
- Cooperation among Quad Group countries has paved a new path through diplomatic initiatives aimed at establishing a novel mechanism for counterterrorism management. The panel discussion titled “The Quad Squad: Power and Purpose of the Polygon” held in early 2023 marks another step towards addressing expansionist agendas.
- Member countries have demonstrated their commitment to supporting Pacific Island nations through regional institutions, fostering cooperation in various areas including combating terrorism, climate change mitigation, resilient infrastructure development, and maritime security. These efforts aim to fortify the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- India’s leadership in advancing cooperation within the India-Pacific region has been widely acknowledged, underscoring its esteemed reputation.
Way Forward:
- India’s recent strategic initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to adopting new technologies and devising innovative strategies to meet the needs of its partners.
- A crucial aspect remains the engagement of neighboring countries in negotiating maritime security strategies and safeguarding economic interests collectively.
- The growing consensus on addressing climate change issues, promoting renewable energy, advancing technological expertise, and diversifying power generation sources, alongside efforts to counter potential threats posed by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), bode well for the peace and prosperity of all member countries.
- Continued negotiations may lead to the establishment of a strategic framework to address challenges such as maritime security threats, piracy, drug trafficking, armed robbery, terrorism, international crime, smuggling, and cyber threats posed by non-state actors.
- Such initiatives could further enhance maritime-friendly relations and reinforce security in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, which have recently emerged as areas of concern.
- Therefore, fostering a collaborative partnership among nations surrounding the Indian Ocean Area, characterized by equity and accessibility during times of unprecedented crises, demonstrates a keen understanding of empowering and inspiring people across the spectrum to extend assistance and save lives.
- Moreover, prioritizing the promotion of well-being would catalyze significant efforts toward enhancing overall development in India and neighboring countries.
- The essence of this concept lies in ensuring that new structural perspectives and orientations are embraced, offering a fresh framework for addressing key demands while maintaining synergy among diverse stakeholders, even in the face of differing perspectives.
Conclusion:
Diplomatic relations thrive on effective diplomacy, characterized by appropriate gestures, cooperation, and coordination during times of crisis. India stands out as a leading partner in this realm. As a mature democracy, India’s leadership is adept at seizing opportunities and implementing strategies that blend tactical strength with resilience.
RUSA and PM-USHA: Making Higher Education Future Ready
Context:
Education, as the cornerstone of comprehensive development, empowers individuals, societies, and nations alike. High-quality contemporary education facilitates economic, intellectual, and social advancement by equipping young people with essential qualities such as critical thinking, creativity, skill enhancement, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Given India’s significant demographic dividend, the nation’s commitment to providing high-quality education tailored to the demands of the 21st century will shape its future trajectory.
Relevance:
GS2- Education
Mains Question:
The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) has emerged as a key driver for promoting equity, access, and excellence in higher education. Comment. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA):
- In this regard, the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), a comprehensive centrally sponsored scheme, has emerged as a crucial catalyst for promoting fairness, accessibility, and excellence in higher education.
- RUSA’s primary objective is to establish an environment conducive to top-notch higher education by strategically funding higher education institutions across state governments and union territories.
- RUSA also prioritizes achieving equity in higher education by advocating for the inclusion of women, tribal communities, minorities, persons with disabilities, socially disadvantaged groups, and economically disadvantaged sections.
- Additionally, it aims to ensure quality assurance, infrastructure enhancement, faculty recruitment, and the promotion of research and innovation.
- Implemented in mission mode, RUSA funds state government universities and colleges to attain educational goals.
- This approach has enabled state governments to strategically plan and execute comprehensive reforms in the higher education landscape, addressing issues related to access, equity, quality, and other pertinent concerns.
- Following the completion of its initial phase, RUSA was extended as RUSA 2.0 until March 2020, with further extensions granted until March 2021 under the same programmatic and financial frameworks.
Outcome of RUSA:
- RUSA, structured around norms and outcomes, has significantly influenced sectoral outcomes through various targeted components. In its first phase, RUSA covered a total of 2,107 institutions across different components, with an allocated budget of 8,118 crore for infrastructural grants.
- Under the second phase, approximately 1,050 institutions received funding, with a total allocation of 6,475 crore.
- Within this allocation, infrastructure grants comprised 35%, while quality and research initiatives constituted 31%.
- Notably, the second phase has witnessed better target achievement in certain areas, indicating an enhanced level of implementation maturity and efficiency in processes.
- An independent evaluation conducted by IIT Bombay in 2017 revealed that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) surged from 19.4% in 2013 to 25.2% in 2018, and there was a notable improvement in the teacher-student ratio following the implementation of RUSA.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA):
- In alignment with the National Education Policy, the RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) Scheme has been introduced as the “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)” in June 2023.
- The revamped version of RUSA aims to extend its reach to underserved areas, including remote, rural, and challenging geographies, as well as regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), the North-eastern region, aspirational districts, tier-2 cities, and areas with low GER.
- Its objective is to benefit the most marginalized communities and socio-economically disadvantaged groups while revitalizing the education system to align with the key recommendations of NEP-2020.
- PM-USHA represents the central government’s dedication to fulfilling the potential of India’s state universities.
- These campuses hold the key to the nation’s future by fostering quality education, transformative research, and fostering skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- The focus of strategic funding under PM-USHA has shifted towards transformative initiatives such as gender inclusivity, multidisciplinary education and research, ICT integration, and enhancing employability through vocational training, skill development, and innovation.
- This initiative is set to support approximately 1,600 projects amounting to Rs 12,929.16 crores, with a 60:40 cost-sharing arrangement with state governments.
Concerns:
- While the number of accredited institutions have risen during the scheme’s duration, a significant portion of institutions remains unaccredited.
- Despite the scheme’s emphasis on bolstering infrastructure, previous surveys have highlighted deficiencies in infrastructural availability and quality in some institutions.
- Additionally, there has been limited utilization of ICT-based teaching methods in certain sampled institutes.
Conclusion:
As a centrally sponsored initiative, RUSA’s vision is clear: some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned beyond the confines of a classroom. This approach aims to strengthen the connection between education and employment by addressing the skills gap and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among youth. Ultimately, it seeks to equip young people with essential life skills to actively contribute to India’s economic, intellectual, and social progress, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047.
