Topic: “On Mute: Asserting Strategic Autonomy in a Volatile Year”

Source: The Hindu (Lead)

1. Comprehensive Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
• GS Paper IV: Ethics in International Relations; National Interest vs. Global Morality.

2. Context and the ‘Appeasement’ Trap

The editorial critiques the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) “puzzling silence” regarding recent aggressive moves by the U.S. administration. While the U.S. has threatened 500% tariffs on Russian oil buyers and hinted at “regime changes” in South America, India has remained largely “on mute.” In early 2026, with the BRICS+ Summit on the horizon, The Hindu argues that silence is not a strategy; it is an abdication of Strategic Autonomy.

3. Extended Multi-Dimensional Analysis

I. The Global Geopolitical Turmoil: A New Era of Coercion

The editorial highlights that 2026 has begun with unprecedented “unilateralism” from Washington. The U.S. Congress is debating a law to impose 500% tariffs on oil and uranium imports from Russia, while President Trump has threatened an additional 25% tariff on any nation doing business with Iran. This isn’t just trade policy; it is “Economic Warfare.” The editorial argues that by staying silent, India risks signaling that its foreign policy is susceptible to “Extortionary Diplomacy.”

II. The Iran-Chabahar Crisis: A Strategic Snub

India has invested billions in the Chabahar Port as a gateway to Central Asia. However, the U.S. is now pushing India to “wind up operations.” The editorial notes the hypocrisy: the U.S. expects India to be a “Net Security Provider” in the Indo-Pacific while simultaneously cutting off India’s vital strategic assets. India’s silence on the U.S. threats against Iran—a close neighbor with historical ties—is described as “strategically short-sighted.”

III. Reputational Risk and the BRICS+ Leadership

In 2026, India hopes to host a landmark BRICS+ Summit. The editorial warns that if India appears too eager to appease the U.S., it will lose its standing as a leader of the Global South. Countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are looking to New Delhi for a counter-narrative to Western “Bullying Tactics.” A “Muted India” cannot lead a multipolar world.

IV. The ‘Pax Silica’ Carrot vs. The Tariff Stick

The MEA’s silence is likely driven by the hope of concluding the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and joining ‘Pax Silica’—the U.S.-led high-tech partnership. The editorial critiques this “Transactionalism.” It argues that 2019 proved that giving up Iranian oil under U.S. pressure did not result in better trade terms. “Appeasement of a global power, however strong, cannot ensure India’s interests.”

V. Economic Dimension: The Cost of Compliance

If India complies with the 500% tariff threat and stops Russian imports, its energy bill will skyrocket, triggering domestic inflation. The editorial argues that “Strategic Autonomy” is an economic necessity. India must protect its right to buy energy from the cheapest source to maintain its 8% GDP growth trajectory.

VI. Ethical Dimension: International Law in Jeopardy

The editorial points to the U.S.’s “egregious actions” in South America and its “plans to annex Greenland” as violations of the basic tenets of international law. By not naming these overreaches, India—a nation that prides itself on being a “Vishwa Bandhu” (Global Friend)—fails its moral duty to uphold a rules-based order that is actually “rules-based,” not “might-based.”

VII. Way Forward: A 4-Point Strategic Assertion

1. Multi-Alignment as Policy: Explicitly state that India’s energy and infrastructure projects (like Chabahar) are non-negotiable and independent of third-party sanctions.
2. BRICS Financial Architecture: Use the 2026 summit to operationalize a non-dollar payment system for essential commodities to bypass the “Tariff Walls.”
3. Diplomatic Reciprocity: Communicate to Washington that ‘Pax Silica’ and trade deals must be based on “Mutual Respect,” not “Compulsory Compliance.”
4. Strengthening INSTC: Accelerate the International North-South Transport Corridor to make the Russia-Iran-India route a fait accompli that cannot be easily dismantled by sanctions.

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Editorial 2:

Topic: “Momentum and Math: The Fiscal Strategy for Budget 2026-27”

Source: The Hindu (Editorial)

1. Comprehensive Syllabus Mapping

• GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting.
• GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development.

2. Context and the Pre-Budget Dilemma

As the countdown to the Union Budget 2026-27 begins, the editorial analyzes the central policy challenge: “Growth vs. Consolidation.” While India has remained resilient despite global headwinds, the 2026 fiscal year requires a delicate balance of targeted public spending in infrastructure while adhering to the “Fiscal Consolidation Glide Path.”

3. Extended Multi-Dimensional Analysis

I. The Capex Continuum: Beyond the Trillions

The editorial argues that the government must sustain its focus on Capital Expenditure (Capex). In 2025, infrastructure spending drove the 7.2% growth rate. For 2026, the demand is to move from “Mega Projects” to “Productivity-Linked Infrastructure.” This includes the “last-mile connectivity” for the new Defense Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

II. Defense as an Industrial Lever

A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to the defense sector. In 2026, defense is no longer just about security; it is an “Industrial Lever.” The editorial advocates for increasing the Capital Outlay for Defense to 30% of the total budget. This would fund indigenous innovation through DRDO and support the “Make in India” goal for critical platforms like submarines and jet engines.

III. The Critical Mineral Supply Chain

India’s transition to electric mobility and semiconductors in 2026 is reshaping resource requirements. The editorial calls for a “National Critical Minerals Mission.” This involves funding for overseas mine acquisitions and a “Tailings Recovery Program” to extract lithium and cobalt from industrial waste, fostering a circular economy.

IV. Export Competitiveness: Fixing the Inverted Duty Structure

In a period of global trade fragmentation, Indian exporters face “Tightening Margins.” The editorial critiques the “Inverted Duty Structure” where raw materials are taxed higher than finished goods. It demands a rationalization of customs slabs and a significant hike in the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) budget to offset the high embedded costs in the Indian economy.

V. Institutional Efficiency: The Pendency Crisis

The editorial highlights an “underrated component of competitiveness”: Tax Dispute Resolution. With a 40% vacancy rate at the Commissioner (Appeals) level in the direct tax system, billions are locked in litigation. The 2026 Budget must fund a “Dual-Track Disposal System” to accelerate resolutions and provide “Policy Certainty” to global investors.

VI. Social Welfare and Inclusivity

While focusing on growth, the editorial warns against neglecting the “Social Sector.” It argues that inclusive growth is the only “Resilient Growth.” Increased spending on health and the “First 3,000 Days” of childhood development (as discussed in the Jan 16 editorial) is essential to build the human capital required for a “Viksit Bharat.”

VII. Deepening Capital Markets

To “Crowd-in” private investment, the editorial suggests the 2026 Budget should widen issuer eligibility for corporate bonds and adjust rating thresholds for insurers. By making long-term capital more accessible, the government can reduce the burden on the public exchequer for infrastructure funding.

VIII. Way Forward: A 4-Point Budgetary Vision

1. Fiscal Discipline: Stick to the 4.5% fiscal deficit target to maintain macroeconomic stability and attract foreign capital.
2. R&D Fund: Establish a dedicated, multi-billion dollar R&D fund for the “Commercialization” of technologies like Green Hydrogen and AI.
3. Tariff Simplification: Move toward a “Three-Slab” customs structure to reduce administrative friction and corruption.
4. Agri-Tech Infrastructure: Shift subsidies toward “Climate-Resilient Infrastructure” like micro-irrigation and digital mandis to protect the farm sector from 2026’s volatile weather patterns.

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Mains Practice Question

“India’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ in foreign policy and its ‘Fiscal Consolidation’ in economic policy are two sides of the same ‘Sovereignty’ coin. Critically analyze how the 2026-27 Budget can provide the industrial strength needed to sustain India’s independent stance on the global stage.”