23 June 2025 THE HINDU EDITORIALS SIMPLIFIED

23 June 2025 THE HINDU EDITORIALS SIMPLIFIED

Man of war

Relevance

Subject	Class	Relevance
Political Science	11 & 12	- U.S. foreign policy- Role of leaders in international politics- Diplomacy vs. militarism
History	10 & 12	- West Asian politics and wars- U.S. involvement in modern conflicts- Impacts of broken treaties
Geography	10	- Geopolitical regions (West Asia)- Strategic locations (e.g., Iran’s nuclear sites)
Economics	11 & 12	- Impact of war on global economy- Arms race & global security investments
English	10, 11, 12	- Reading comprehension & article analysis- Vocabulary and critical discussion
General Studies/Current Affairs	All	- Relevant for debates, essays, competitive exams, and social science projects

Vocabulary Table

Word/Phrase	Meaning / Explanation
Peacemaker	One who tries to establish peace
Forever wars	Long, unending military conflicts
Globalists	Those supporting international influence over nationalism
Aggressor	One who starts a conflict or war
B2 bombers	U.S. stealth bombers capable of heavy bombing
Bunker-busting bombs	Bombs that destroy underground or fortified targets
Tomahawk missiles	Long-range U.S. cruise missiles
Weaponisation	Developing or turning something into a weapon
Overtures	Attempts or proposals to start discussion or negotiation
Militarism	Belief in using strong military force
Submarines	Warships that operate underwater
Intelligence agencies	Government bodies that gather national security info
Diplomacy	Peaceful negotiation between nations
Arms race	Competition to accumulate more weapons
Ballistic missiles	Weapons with a high-arc trajectory
Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan	Iranian nuclear sites
Nuclear programme	Country’s development plan for nuclear energy/weapons
Stability	Condition of being steady and peaceful
Escalation	Increase in intensity or seriousness of a conflict
Warmonger	Someone who promotes or supports war

Donald Trump's Contradictory Actions

• While out of power, Trump criticized “forever wars” and claimed he would have prevented the Ukraine War.

• He and his supporters blamed American globalists for prolonged wars.

• However, under his leadership:

  • On June 13, Israel (America’s close ally) attacked Iran, even as United States (U.S.) and Iran were in talks.

  • Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. involvement initially.

  • Iran responded by targeting only Israel, not U.S. soldiers or bases in West Asia.

  • A week later:

    • U.S. B2 bombers attacked Fordow, Iran’s strongest nuclear facility.

    • U.S. submarines launched Tomahawk missiles at Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites.

  • Thus, U.S. officially entered the war—now clearly Trump’s war.

America’s History of Failed Wars

• Afghanistan (2001):

  • Goal: destroy al-Qaeda, defeat Taliban, promote democracy.

  • Outcome: After 20 years, Taliban returned to power.

• Iraq (2003):

  • Justified by false claims of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs).

  • Result: Country destroyed.

• Libya (2011):

  • Intervention in the name of civilian protection.

  • Result: Instability and chaos.

Iran Nuclear Programme and Diplomacy

• In March, U.S. intelligence agencies reported no active nuclear weapon programme in Iran.

• Iran had signed a nuclear deal with U.S. and world powers, accepting inspections.

• Trump withdrew from that agreement.

• Iran rejoined talks, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sabotaged diplomacy.

Consequences for Global Politics

• West Asia’s stability is at major risk.

• Big powers will be less willing to trust Trump’s diplomatic efforts.

• Small countries may pursue nuclear weapons for safety.

Dangerous Outcomes

• North Korea won’t disarm.

• If Iran strikes U.S. bases, war could escalate.

• Netanyahu’s military aggression is partly to save his position at home.

• Trump has made the crisis worse by fully involving the U.S.

• Dark days ahead for West Asia.

Operation Sindoor: Background

Relevance:

Subject	Class	Relevance
Political Science	11, 12	- Foreign policy- Parliamentary diplomacy- India's UN role- BRICS and global forums
History	10, 12	- India’s global image evolution- Post-independence foreign relations
Geography	10	- Geopolitical significance of West & South America- Location of countries like Guyana, Panama
Economics	11, 12	- Trade expansion- Technology and AI in development- India vs. China in global economy
English	10, 11, 12	- Article-based comprehension- Current affairs essays- Public speaking/debate practice
General Studies / Current Affairs	All	- Diplomacy, defence, terrorism- India’s strategic partnerships- UNSC and India’s candidature

Vocabulary Table:

Word/Phrase	Meaning / Explanation
Operation Sindoor	Military + diplomatic action after Pahalgam attack
Outreach	Reaching out, engaging with others (especially diplomatically)
Public diplomacy	Direct communication with global public/media by a country
Gravitas	Seriousness and credibility
Calibrated	Carefully planned and adjusted
Self-defence	Defensive response to an attack
Narrative	A story or version of events
Interlocutors	People engaged in a dialogue or negotiation
Verifiable facts	Facts that can be proven with evidence
Think-tankers	Experts from research organizations influencing policy
Policy-shapers	Influential people who impact public policy
Cultural resonance	Emotional/cultural connection with people
Soft power	Influence through culture and values rather than force
Artificial Intelligence (AI)	Technology simulating human intelligence
Diversify trade basket	Expand trade with more varied products and partners
Narrative vacuum	Absence of storytelling, leading to spread of misinformation
BRICS	Group of 5 nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
Strategic imperative	Urgent strategic need or goal
VVIP	Very Very Important Person
UN Security Council (UNSC)	United Nations body responsible for global peace and security
Geopolitical	Related to global political geography and strategy

• Date of Attack: April 22

• Location: Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

• India’s Response:

  • Military action: Operation Sindoor

  • Diplomatic outreach to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, and United States (U.S.)

• Objective: Explain India’s self-defence, gain global support, and expose terrorism from Pakistan

Power of Unity in Foreign Policy

• Delegations: All-party Members of Parliament (MPs) from diverse political, regional, and religious backgrounds

• Sent a strong message: India is united on national security

• Foreign leaders (e.g., President of Guyana, Vice-President of U.S.) respected India’s collective stance

Justifying Operation Sindoor

• Explained clearly:

  • Rationale: Self-defence against cross-border terrorism

  • Nature: Targeted, measured, civilian-safe, and avoided Pakistan’s military

• Colombia: First issued wrong statement → after Indian outreach, corrected and supported India

• Lesson: Facts + patient diplomacy = success

Exposing Pakistan’s Terror Links

• Repeatedly highlighted Pakistan's links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed

• Even as Pakistan lobbied in Washington D.C., U.S. officials supported India’s facts

• Verified facts helped India’s case over misinformation

Soft Power: Cultural Diplomacy

• Name “Operation Sindoor” had emotional, cultural meaning

• India’s global appeal through Yoga, Bollywood, and tradition helped in diplomacy

• Culture is a strategic tool, not just domestic pride

India's Global Strategy: The 3 Ts

1. Tradition: Cultural influence like Yoga, cinema

2. Technology: From Information Technology (IT) to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

3. Trade: Expand trade, diversify products, compete with China

• India’s stand:

  • Peace is priority

  • If attacked → India will retaliate

  • If not attacked → India seeks peaceful growth

Strengthening Global Public Diplomacy

• Extensive talks with media, think tanks, and policy leaders

• Every country welcomed India's proactive diplomacy

• Need to increase global media presence to fight false narratives

• Consistent storytelling helps build India’s global image

Strategic Outcomes & Future Goals

• UN Security Council (UNSC):

  • Guyana & Panama: Current members

  • Colombia: Possible future member (2026)

  • Panama supported India’s permanent UNSC seat

• Action Plan:

  • Strengthen diplomacy in South & Central America

  • Increase diplomatic staff & language proficiency

  • Engage with United Nations (UN) leadership and global press

  • Deepen ties with Brazil & focus on Guyana’s oil/infrastructure

  • Continue high-level visits and participation in summits like BRICS

Role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• PM Modi’s energy and diplomatic leadership is a key national asset

• Needs more institutional support to expand India’s global influence

Key Lessons for India’s Foreign Policy

• Unity projects strength

• Cultural soft power is effective

• Public diplomacy needs consistency

• Truth-based engagement changes global narratives

• Blend security, trade, tech, tradition for global strategy

Steering the Indian economy amidst global troubles

Relevance:

Subject	Class	Relevance
Economics	11, 12	Trade policy, monetary policy, reforms, globalisation, tariffs
Political Science	12	Bilateral relations, trade diplomacy, government role in economic policy
Geography	10, 11	Trade routes, exports, supply chains, India’s trade partners
Business Studies	12	International trade, government policy, MSME impacts
Current Affairs/GS	10-12	Trade issues, FTAs, RBI role, India's foreign investment policy
English	10-12	Article analysis, essay writing, comprehension practice

Vocabulary Table:

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Global headwinds	Global economic challenges or obstacles
Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)	Trade deal between two countries
Tariff	Tax on imports or exports
Reciprocal tariffs	Matching import taxes imposed by two countries
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)	Agreement to reduce trade barriers between countries
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)	Broad trade pact covering goods, services, and investment
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)	Restrictions other than taxes (like regulations or standards)
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)	Countries agree to recognise each other’s product standards
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)	Small-scale businesses vital to India's economy
Dumping	Selling goods below cost to eliminate competition
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)	Regional group of Southeast Asian countries
Public Capital Expenditure (Capex)	Government spending on infrastructure and assets
Monetary policy	Central bank actions controlling money supply and interest rates
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)	India’s central bank
Inflation	Rise in prices over time
Rate cuts	Reducing interest rates to encourage borrowing and growth
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)	Government scheme to boost local manufacturing by linking output to rewards
Internet of Things (IoT)	Interconnected digital devices
Structural realignment	Long-term reshaping of trade or economic systems
Forex reserves	Foreign currency reserves held by central banks
Current account deficit	When a country's imports exceed its exports

Global Economic Situation

• The global economy is facing:

  • Trade wars

  • Tariff reviews

  • Growing bilateral trade agreements

  • Geopolitical tensions

• Result:

  • Uncertainty in trade, finance, and growth

  • Potential structural realignment of global trade

Impact on Indian Industry

• United States (U.S.) is India’s largest export destination (~20% of merchandise exports)

• Sectors highly dependent on U.S. market:

  • Marine, apparel, carpets, gems and jewellery,

  • Pharmaceuticals, auto components, electronics

• Problems:

  • Possible tariff hikes hurt Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

  • Reduced profit margins → exports may become unviable

Tariff Scenario Uncertain

• Reciprocal tariffs from U.S. are uncertain due to:

  • Ongoing trade agreements (including with India)

  • A challenge in the U.S. Court of International Trade

• Tariff benefit over China, Bangladesh, Vietnam not guaranteed

Export Risks for India

• Despite resilient external economy (e.g., services exports, foreign exchange reserves, remittances),

  • Uncertainty affects exporters' decisions

  • Risk of dumping from China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Medium-to-Long Term Strategy

Strategic Goals (Three-Pronged Approach)

1. Manage external shocks

2. Ensure domestic economic resilience

3. Leverage export growth opportunities

Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with U.S.

• India is negotiating early to gain first-mover advantage

• BTA focus areas:

  • Ensure zero tariffs on priority sectors

  • Protect India’s national interest

  • Maintain strength in services exports

  • Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)

  • Explore Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

Other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• Recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with United Kingdom (U.K.) is positive

• India must fast-track:

  • FTA with European Union (EU)

  • Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia

Import Monitoring & Dumping Risk

• Strengthen monitoring to prevent dumping

• Use trade remedies quickly to protect Indian industries

Boost Public Capital Expenditure (Capex)

• Vital to maintain growth during global slowdown

• Helps to encourage private investments

Supportive Monetary Policy

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should keep policies accommodative

• With inflation under control, rate cuts can support growth

Attract Foreign Investment

• Target industries moving out of China and Vietnam

• Bring global companies to invest in India

Accelerate Reforms & Expand PLI Scheme

• Next-generation reforms (from recent Union Budgets) must be fast-tracked

• Expand Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) to include:

  • Hearables and wearables

  • Internet of Things (IoT) devices

  • Battery raw materials

Conclusion

• Global issues = challenges + opportunities

• With trade deals + reforms, India can:

  • Become a global manufacturing hub

  • Strengthen place in global supply chains