Introduction
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman is embarking on a state visit to India from December 16, marking his first visit since assuming office in January 2020.
This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark trip to Oman in February 2018, where pivotal agreements on trade, defense, and security were forged, solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Oman’s Geopolitical Significance
Situated as India’s closest neighbor in the Arabian Gulf region, Oman boasts strategic importance due to its key ports along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, connecting to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden.
Alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Oman completes the trio of crucial strategic partners for India in the Gulf region.
Historical Connections and Diplomacy
- The ruling family of Oman has historically maintained a strong bond with India. Sultan Qaboos, in particular, was favorable towards India, encouraging Indian projects and sourcing supplies.
- The substantial Indian community, numbering around seven lakh people, further enhances the robust relations between the two nations.
- During periods of the Cold War and beyond, when many Arab nations were ambivalent or supportive of Pakistan, Oman stood out by keeping its doors open to India.
- Its foreign policy, characterized by moderation and mediation, prioritizes deliberate neutrality in regional conflicts.
- Oman played a vital role in defusing tensions during the 2019 Persian Gulf crisis and has consistently pursued balanced relations with both Western powers and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
India-Oman Strategic Partnership
Formally established in 2008, the India-Oman strategic partnership is built on mutual trust and shared interests.
Key pillars include
- defense and security,
- marked by joint exercises and
- a historic MoU on Duqm Port during Modi’s visit.
- Bilateral trade has flourished, reaching $12.388 billion in FY2022-23, and
- India being the second-largest market for Oman’s crude oil exports in 2022.
Future Collaborations
- Looking ahead, both nations aspire to strengthen ties in strategic areas such as space cooperation, joint exploration of rare earth metals, and participation in infrastructure projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEEC).
- Proposals for a deep-sea gas pipeline from Oman to India align with the broader goal of enhanced connectivity.
India’s Gateway to West Asia
- India seeks deeper engagement in West Asia, and Oman, as a critical partner, plays a pivotal role.
- Oman’s ability to navigate regional complexities, coupled with its membership in key regional organizations, underscores its importance to India’s security and diplomatic objectives.
Conclusion
Oman and India, both champions of peace, view each other as gateways to their respective regions. Against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict testing the region’s stability, Sultan Oman’s visit assumes timely and significant importance for India and the broader region.
Introduction
- Born on December 16, 1917, Arthur C. Clarke would have celebrated his 106th birthday today, prompting reflection on the generational changes that lead to fading recognition of once-prominent figures.
- Similarly, the passing of Krishna Dronamraju on December 3, 2020, invites contemplation on the transient nature of fame across generations.
Personal Reflections on a Natural Disaster
- The narrative delves into a personal experience during the devastating earthquake in Gujarat on January 26, 2001.
- The earthquake’s impact prompts considerations about the complexity of life’s dualities, where joyous celebrations of Republic Day clash with the somber reality of a natural catastrophe.
Meeting Arthur C. Clarke: Seeking Perspective
- The author recounts seeking solace and perspective from Arthur C. Clarke, a renowned English science and science fiction writer residing in Sri Lanka.
- Clarke, aged 83 at the time, shares a theory proposed by Indian scientist Krishna Dronamraju, suggesting the earthquake may have been triggered by anti-India forces manipulating fault lines.
- Clarke’s nuanced response reflects on the possibility while cautioning against malevolent actions and the potential backlash.
Connecting Two Scientific Minds: Clarke and Dronamraju
- The author highlights the connection between Arthur C. Clarke and Krishna Dronamraju, with the latter presenting a hypothesis linked to geopolitical motives.
- The author expresses skepticism about Dronamraju’s proposal, considering it “hyper” and finds it challenging to accept the suggested solution involving nuclear explosions within fault lines.
Artificial Intelligence and Earthquakes: A Contemporary Concern
- Twenty-two years after Dronamraju’s hypothesis, the author contemplates the contemporary possibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used to trigger earthquakes.
- The discussion delves into India’s stance on AI, acknowledging its potential for both benevolent and malevolent applications, raising questions about humanity’s understanding of this emerging technology.
Lessons from Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse
- The recent tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand serves as a poignant example of the need for sustainable mountain policies.
- The author advocates for cherishing and nurturing the Himalayas, emphasizing the importance of aligning development goals with nature to prevent disasters.
- Increased seismic activity in the region is seen as a warning, underscoring the urgency of responsible environmental practices.
Conclusion: The Call for Vigilance
- The editorial concludes with a poetic reference, urging action against environmental neglect.
- The Himalayas, personified as an ascetic, are called upon to roar against human actions that jeopardize their silence.
The metaphor invokes a plea for heightened human intelligence, transcending the ordinary to become a force that protects, preserves, and redeems.
The Federalism Debate in India: A Closer Look at the Supreme Court's Ruling on Article 370
Introduction:
A recent Supreme Court ruling on the abrogation of Article 370 has sparked a debate on the future of Indian federalism. The article, granting special status to Kashmir, is now being reevaluated in the context of federalism, with some arguing that its removal signifies an attack on Indian federalism.
Asymmetric Federalism vs. Special Status:
- The Supreme Court has characterized the situation as asymmetric federalism, emphasizing the equality of all states without the need for special dispensations.
- The removal of Article 370, which granted unique status to Kashmir, is seen by some as a correction of an anomaly rather than an assault on federalism.
Constitutional Perspective:
The Supreme Court’s perspective aligns with the idea that the States list in the Constitution is sufficient, emphasizing the principle of equal states. This constitutional framework limits the scope of federalism, as the Concurrent List allows the Central Government to legislate on state subjects, making it a unitary government in practice.
Historical Context:
- The federalism debate dates back to the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
- The Concurrent List and a 1960s Supreme Court ruling affirming India as a “unitary state with federal features” have historically circumscribed states’ rights, shaping the ongoing discourse on federalism.
Challenges in the Current System:
- Despite the removal of Article 370, concerns persist about the imbalance of power, particularly the excessive financial authority wielded by the Central Government.
- The need for a more balanced federal structure prompts suggestions for reforms to empower states financially and regulatory.
Proposed Reforms:
Two key reforms are proposed to enhance federalism in India:
- Transfer of Items to State List: Advocates propose shifting items from the Concurrent List to the State List, fostering more autonomy for states and reducing the dominance of the Central Government.
- State Income Tax Collection: Allowing states to impose and collect their own income tax is proposed as a means to reduce the Center’s control. A suggested constitutional requirement ensures that the combined income tax collected by the Center and states does not exceed 40%, with a specific distribution.
Conclusion:
To achieve genuine federalism, the removal of special status alone is insufficient. The focus should be on empowering states through financial and regulatory measures.
The call for increased decentralization and reforms finds resonance not only in constitutional principles but also in the political realities faced by states, a sentiment recognized by leaders like Mr. Modi.
