On the evening of June 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Summit.(Photo:Xinhua/IANS)
BRICS is presented as a significant player in this multipolar scenario, while NATO is depicted as a Cold War leftover, excessively aggressive, and a source of global instability, writes Dr Rajesh Sharma
The Chinese government is actively trying to undermine NATO as the defence alliance shifts its focus towards the Asia Pacific, addressing the menace posed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Following the recent NATO summit, China Military Online, the PLA’s official English news portal, stated, “Despite US Secretary of State Blinken describing the NATO Summit held on July 9 in Washington, D.C. as ‘the most ambitious summit since the end of the Cold War’, the organization, which has been around for 75 years, is facing significant internal and external challenges.”
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is employing tactics of misinformation to sway public sentiment towards the BRICS, led by China, and against NATO. Their objective is to contest the supremacy of the West and establish their own global order. BRICS, an international body consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its membership to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as of 2024.
Influencers of the CCP, state-regulated media, the “wumao” or 50 Cent Army, and automated bot accounts are vigorously disseminating propaganda on social media platforms. Their objective aligns with the CCP’s goal to supersede the United States as the leading economic, military, and diplomatic force. Lately, there has been a noticeable increase in efforts to portray BRICS as wealthier, more influential, and stronger than the Group of Seven (G7) and NATO.
BRICS, essentially a tool for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to bolster its influence and challenge the US, is portrayed in pro-BRICS messaging as a symbol of a multipolar world. In this depiction, power is shared among various global centres, unlike the Western-dominated NATO. BRICS is presented as a significant player in this multipolar scenario, while NATO is depicted as a Cold War leftover, excessively aggressive, and a source of global instability. NATO acknowledges being targeted by CCP’s disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining its unity. Conversely, BRICS is portrayed as a peaceful, cooperative group that respects sovereignty.
The Global Times, a CCP-backed outlet, claims NATO’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict could spark a global war. The CCP’s propaganda paints NATO’s actions as disturbing regional peace and meddling in Russia’s affairs. This narrative is tied to the international support for Taiwan, seen by the CCP as a breach of China’s sovereignty.
Propaganda often emphasizes BRICS for its economic collaboration and potential to establish a financial system alternative to the IMF and World Bank, dominated by the West. However, due to economic disparities and hesitance to relinquish national currencies, BRICS is merely a coalition without a free trade agreement or shared currency. It lacks a central bank, crucial for a common currency, and its only institution is the New Development Bank, a predominantly dollar-denominated development bank steered by China.
While the CCP encourages nations to distrust the US and NATO, recent wumao activities assert that BRICS possesses a stronger military than NATO. This claim is paradoxical as BRICS lacks defence agreements, unlike NATO, a defence alliance. The US, on its own, has greater military strength than either Russia or China, and its alliance with NATO nearly doubles this power. The US also maintains military bases in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and is enhancing its defence cooperation with India, a participant in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue aimed at countering China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. These realities question BRICS’ portrayal as a military and diplomatic powerhouse.
NATO’s strength lies in its close ties with the G7 and the European Union. Many NATO countries are also part of the EU, enhancing its diplomatic and economic influence and expanding common interests. The G7, comprising some of the world’s largest economies, facilitates joint economic strategies and sanctions against China, Russia, and Iran. This alliance, coupled with the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, bolsters NATO’s military prowess and promotes cohesive responses to security threats, including those from the CCP. The combined diplomatic influence of NATO, the G7, and the EU covers a vast global area. The CCP’s efforts to undermine these Western alliances indicate Beijing’s awareness of BRICS’ comparative insignificance.
The CCP’s disinformation campaigns aim to sway public sentiment towards BRICS and away from NATO, especially in strategically crucial regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This is evident in China’s emergence as a leading arms supplier to Africa and its growing influence in Latin America. The CCP employs military diplomacy to discourage nations from aligning with or supporting NATO, with the goal of curbing the alliance’s expansion into Asia. China is already a significant arms provider to heavily sanctioned Asian nations such as Burma (Myanmar) and is striving to increase arms sales to countries like Indonesia and other current and potential U.S. allies to create discord and undermine the cohesion of Western alliances.
Xi Jinping with Russian President Vladimir Putin.(photo:instgaram)
This social media activity is part of a broader geopolitical rivalry in which the CCP seeks to challenge Western dominance and promote its governance models. This use of social media is a key component of modern information warfare, in which winning hearts and minds is as crucial as traditional military engagements. By leveraging these tactics, the CCP aims to erode trust in Western institutions and reshape the global balance of power to its advantage.
A flood-affected woman prepares food in Jamshoro district in Pakistan's Sindh province on Sept. 8, 2022. (Str/Xinhua/IANS)
The Pakistani government has been spending a huge amount on observing the ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ – an event to condemn India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu & Kashmir state. It is observed on August 5thevery year … writes Sakariya Kareem
Pakistan’s economy is in a dire state and a majority of its population is suffering from worst-ever food inflation. Yet, Islamabad’s priority remains inciting enmity with neighbouring India. The Pakistani government has been spending a huge amount on observing the ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ – an event to condemn India’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu & Kashmir state. It is observed on August 5thevery year.
Islamabad has not kept the observation of the ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’ event restricted to Pakistani cities but the embassies in different countries have been directed to mark the anniversary. South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Sweden, United States, China, Nepal, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, France, Japan, and Ghana are among the countries where Islamabad held the event.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif speaks in an interaction with foreign media in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 30, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua/IANS)
Pakistani embassies in different countries regularly hold the Youm-e-Istehsal event, which adds a burden on its public exchequer. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has always been blamed for making inordinate expenses. Recently, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had to enforce austerity measures amid growing criticism about exorbitant expenditure on foreign matters.
The Auditor General of Pakistan has expressed concerns over the excess expenditure incurred by the foreign missions in its 2022-23 and 2021-22 reports. “(Foreign) Ministry incurred an expenditure of PKR 11.550 million against the budget allocation of PKR 38,373, resultantly excess expenditure of PKR 11.512 million (29,998.32 percent in excess) was incurred in violation of rules,” it said. The audit reports slammed foreign missions for irregular payments and mishandling of funds when holding events abroad.
Pakistan’s 68 percent population cannot afford a healthy diet and half of their earning goes into buying food. This led the World Bank to demand urgent reforms to strengthen Pakistan’s food system. However, Islamabad appears apathetic as its priorities are placed on inciting enmity with India by fuelling the Kashmir issue.
It seems a political compulsion for Pakistani leaders to keep the Kashmir controversy alive to keep the local population calm and distracted from seeking basic rights. “For Pakistan, Kashmir stands as its jugular vein. Altering its status poses challenges to Pakistan’s security and integrity,” admitted former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Notably, the local people of Jammu & Kashmir have not ever held any such event to condemn the move to fully integrate the region with the rest of India. It has seen bloodshed for decades, which India claimed was supported by Pakistan. Now the revocation of special status has ensured the infrastructure and human development in Jammu & Kashmir occurred at a faster rate.
Leaders from different countries including the US and Russia have clarified that the Jammu & Kashmir issue is an internal matter of India. US Congressmen including Scott Perry said the Indian decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution led to the welfare of local people and economy. He said it allowed India to “address the stagnant economy and high youth unemployment plaguing the region by providing economic opportunity and sound governance.”
UK parliamentarian Bob Blackman was among the big voices that supported revocation of the special status of Jammu & Kashmir. He said those who migrated out of Kashmir due to alleged Pakistan-sponsored militancy could return to their homes. “Kashmiri Pandits must be guaranteed right of return after they were the victims of ethnic cleansing and this move should prevent any other minority groups being forced to leave the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
While Islamabad raises the issue of the plight of Kashmiris in Jammu & Kashmir, the situation is very bad for those Kashmiris living in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. In Jammu & Kashmir, the unemployment rate is just 4 percent where as it is a staggering 14.4 percent in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. In Jammu & Kashmir, the per capita income is USD 950, which is almost five times that in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
When the people of Kashmir, experts, and global leaders welcomed the change in the status of Kashmir, Pakistan’s criticism seemed irrelevant and futile. Yet, Pakistan continues to spend a huge sum of money on the event of ‘Youm-e-Istehsal’. Pakistani leaders harped on resolving the alleged problems of Muslims living in Jammu & Kashmir when the average Muslim in Pakistan is struggling to earn daily bread and butter.
Pakistani journalist Imad Zafar said activities by Islamabad such as observing Youm-e-Istehsal or printing a map showing Indian areas inside Pakistan’s territory would not help Kashmiris. “Maps do not change realities, and a country only has control of those areas under its administration. Everything else is dreaming, perhaps for the consumption of respective audiences. In Islamabad’s case, it is the Kashmir dispute that justifies billions of dollars of investment on defense,” he said.
The 11-day China-Belarus military drill, named ‘Eagle Assault, is taking place near Poland’s border. Belarus’ alignment with Russia has posed challenges for NATO, particularly due to its proximity to Poland. The introduction of China into the equation, given its budding relationship with Moscow and limited Eastern European presence, is expected to complicate matters further … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem
The Chinese and Belarusian military forces initiated a joint anti-terrorism exercise on July 8 in Brest, close to Poland’s border, a NATO affiliate. The 11-day operation, named ‘Eagle Assault,’ is set to end on July 19. Intriguingly, the eagle, specifically the bald eagle, has been the United States’ national bird and symbol since 1782, appearing on the Great Seal and other official insignia.
As per the Chinese Defence Ministry’s earlier statement, the primary focus of these exercises is on counter-terrorism activities, including tasks such as hostage rescue. Images shared by the Defence Ministry of Belarus depict troops from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) landing in Belarus aboard a Y-20 strategic transport plane. Chinese specialists, in discussions with the government-run Global Times, suggested that these joint exercises would contribute to peace and stability in Eastern Europe amid unconventional security threats. They further stated that both China and Belarus stand to gain from enhanced security and defence collaboration within the SCO context.
Following Belarus’ official entry into the SCO as the tenth member, Chinese and Russian-led drills have commenced. This marks the first landing of a Chinese transport plane in Belarus, despite previous invitations to Russia. This could be the PLA’s inaugural joint exercise near NATO borders.
Belarusian Foreign Minister, Maxim Ryzhenkov, expressed appreciation, stating that Belarus swiftly acknowledged the SCO’s potential and steadily pursued full membership. He emphasized that the SCO is not merely an international structure, but a strategic perspective and a new security for Belarus. However, the drills have been met with disapproval from Poland and Ukraine. Ukraine perceives it as an extension of Belarusian and Russian psychological warfare amidst the ongoing violent conflict in Ukraine.
In May, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council’s Disinformation Counteracting Centre warned of Belarus initiating an info-psychological campaign against Ukraine. The aim, it suggested, was to stir fear among Ukrainians and force Kyiv to divert some forces to the Belarusian border, thereby creating a second front.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, remained silent on whether the joint drills with China were linked to the Ukraine conflict, despite escalating tensions with Kyiv. Belarusian military officials accused Ukraine of attempting to pull Belarus into the conflict by deploying troops near the border, a claim Kyiv denies. Belarus, Russia’s sole regional ally, has allowed Russian forces to use its territory and airspace, though it hasn’t directly engaged in combat. Furthermore, Russia has stationed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and conducted tactical nuclear drills, sending a potent signal to NATO.
Belarus’ alignment with Russia has posed challenges for NATO, particularly due to its proximity to Poland. The introduction of China into the equation, given its budding relationship with Moscow and limited Eastern European presence, is expected to complicate matters further.
China’s Inroads In Eastern Ukraine Bordering NATO
China’s growing military ties with Belarus and the forthcoming exercises are noteworthy, especially as NATO nations are increasingly engaging in the Indo-Pacific, a region where China is asserting its dominance. For instance, this month will see 30 aircraft from Spain, France, and Germany’s Air Forces participating in training drills with Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force. This marks the first joint deployment of these NATO nations in the Indo-Pacific, as part of the two-month Pacific Skies initiative. Interestingly, these exercises coincide with the conclusion of the Chinese-Belarusian drills on July 19.
Military observers on social media suggest that China’s intensifying alliance with Belarus serves to signal NATO and establish deterrence. Experts highlight that Belarus, previously used by Russia, is now a strategic asset for China to assert power and communicate its presence on NATO’s vulnerable eastern flank.
US defence analyst Ben Lewis, when queried about China’s deployment vis-a-vis NATO, stated that China’s growing ties with Belarus are part of a broader strategy to unite Western-averse states into an alternate global order. This move also serves to challenge NATO, which perceives China as a threat.
Lewis elaborated, “Beijing’s assistance to Moscow in Ukraine has been inventive. It’s not just about material aid; psychological operations and information warfare, aimed at influencing motives, reasoning, and ultimately the behaviour of governments and large foreign powers, have been integral to this support.”
Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst based in the Philippines and lecturer at DLSU, shared with the media that “China sees Belarus as an additional stronghold in Eastern Europe. This aligns with China’s objective of maintaining proximity to Western-opposed countries for potential long-term geopolitical plans. Despite Belarus’ material limitations, its geographical position in Europe is of significant interest to Beijing.”
In light of this theory, China’s growing relationship with Hungary, an Eastern European NATO member, is noteworthy. Hungarian leader Viktor Orban began a Beijing visit on July 8. Some speculate that China’s Belarus outreach may be a Russia-China strategy to constrain Ukraine. While the US and NATO allege China is aiding Russia’s military against Ukraine, China denies these claims.
It’s worth noting that China’s military presence in Belarus follows recent criticism from NATO’s chief regarding China’s supposed support for Russia’s Ukraine invasion over several months. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stated last month, “On the surface, President Xi appears to be distancing himself from the Ukraine conflict to evade sanctions and ensure uninterrupted trade. However, the truth is that China is contributing to the most significant armed conflict in Europe since World War Two, while simultaneously seeking to maintain positive ties with the West. Beijing can’t play both sides.”
Despite nationalist rhetoric, voters chose change. Sunak conceded and congratulated Starmer, who promised national renewal, shifting from Conservative economic stability to Labour’s social justice focus…writes Buddhdev Pandya MBE
Outgoing Prime Minister The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP could not have imagined that his party might lose 240 seats when he called a snap General Election for June 4, 2024. The landslide victory for the Labour Party -Moderate Socialists – has ended an era in Britain marked by its first Prime Minister of Indian heritage.
Perhaps Britain may not see another Prime Minister of Indian heritage for a long time, as Nigel Farage, Party Leader of Reform UK, exposed one of the most sensitive inherited sentiments during the campaign debate, claiming, “The Tory leader, Rishi Sunak, doesn’t really care about our history; he doesn’t really care -frankly- about our culture.” This statement was categorised as a ‘dog whistle’ designed to awaken communal nationalist sentiments.
Sunak conceded defeat earlier in the night and said he had called Starmer to congratulate him on his victory. The country has voted for a significant historical change, as the political ideologies of the Conservative and Labour parties are diametrically opposed in terms of economic and social policies. In a true political sense, the country’s politics have moved beyond the ideals of figures like Nigel Farage, as ‘diversity’ has become a widely accepted norm in public life.
“Change begins now,” Sir Keith Starmer said in his victory speech. “We said we would end the chaos, and we will. We said we would turn the page, and we have. Today, we start the next chapter, begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal, and start to rebuild our country.” “Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides,” Sunak said after losing his seat. “There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss to the many good hardworking Conservative candidates… I am sorry.”
Comparative Analysis of Labour’s Keir Starmer vs Conservative’s Rishi Sunak Leadership
Keir Starmer’s Labour Vision may provide a helpful start for the new Labour government. As Chancellor and then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak focused on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while managing inflation and public debt. His leadership reflected a blend of fiscal responsibility and growth-oriented policies, emphasising economic stability through efforts to control inflation and public debt. He also had to address the post-pandemic recovery and the economic impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit.
He implemented key strategic public spending norms, shifting from austerity to increased spending in response to significant challenges. His political fortune depended on fostering economic growth through targeted investments and innovative solutions. Under Sunak, the Conservative economic strategy evolved from initial austerity under David Cameron to a more balanced approach of fiscal responsibility and strategic spending.
In February 2024, Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a draft Race Equality Act designed to expand equal pay rights to Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) workers, as well as disabled individuals. The proposed legislation aimed to align protections for ethnicity and disability with those currently available for women, allowing for unified claims against discrimination based on multiple characteristics. Additional elements of the proposal included expanded equal pay rights, single claims for multiple discriminations, mandatory reporting, ethnicity pay gap reporting, and mandating organizations to report pay disparities based on ethnicity. Starmer also intended to introduce training for police and update school curriculums to reflect diversity. Other social support measures included expanding mental health services, addressing maternal health gaps for BAME women, and updating clinical training for diverse populations.
Under Starmer’s leadership, Labour is expected to shift from the Conservative era’s austerity policies towards an agenda focused on social justice, economic equality, and sustainable growth. The Labour government’s priorities include boosting funding for the NHS, education, and infrastructure, reversing austerity measures, introducing tax reforms, strengthening rights for gig economy workers, supporting trade unions, and implementing a Green New Deal for climate action and job creation. Their position on public ownership may involve re-nationalizing industries for improved service quality and public accountability.
Labour’s approach under Starmer aims to foster a fairer and more equitable society through comprehensive social and economic reforms. Key initiatives include addressing systemic inequalities, improving transparency in public services, and expanding support for disadvantaged communities.
The Conservatives, under Sunak, focused on managing economic stability and growth through a pragmatic balance of public spending and fiscal responsibility. Their strategy represented a transition from austerity to a more adaptive economic policy framework.
In summary, while Labour under Starmer seeks to tackle deep-rooted social injustices and promote inclusivity through reforms and expanded public services, the Conservatives under Sunak aimed to ensure economic stability and recovery, reflecting a pragmatic response to contemporary economic challenges.
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive at Number 10 Downing Street upon his appointment. Picture by Rory Arnold/ No 10 Downing Street
Key Expectations for a Labour Government Under Keir Starmer
Social Justice: Enacting the Race Equality Act and other measures to combat systemic discrimination.
Economic Reform: Increasing investment in public services and exploring new tax policies.
Public Accountability: Enforcing transparency in public services and addressing disparities.
Education and Training: Reforming curriculums and providing anti-racism training.
Health and Support Services: Expanding mental health resources and addressing maternal health disparities.
The Labour Party needs to relocate and reaffirm its ‘political soul’ during its term in office. There are many fundamental policy differences between Keir Starmer’s Labour and Rishi Sunak’s Conservative leadership. However, future expectations for Britain highlight their respective focuses on social justice versus economic stability. Both parties offer distinct visions for Britain’s future, with Labour focusing on social equity while needing to gain a foothold in areas of economic stability and growth traditionally seen as the Conservatives’ forte.
The Transfer of Power Moment
During the ensuing ceremony, Rishi Sunak offers his resignation to the King at Buckingham Palace. After he leaves the Palace, Keir Starmer arrives for the ceremony. Starmer participates in the formal “Kissing of Hands” ceremony where he is asked to form a government. After receiving formal approval from the King, Starmer emerges as the new Prime Minister, driven in the official car to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister. He then makes a public statement and begins his term as Prime Minister.
Dubai, Dec 01 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), in Dubai on Friday. (ANI Photo)
A New Chapter
India’s Relationship with the UK: Potential for Change with the New Starmer Labour Government
Overview: The Current Landscape
At first glance, one might not anticipate a drastic alteration in trade relations between India and the United Kingdom with the advent of a new government. Under Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, the UK and India have enjoyed a period of strengthened diplomatic and trade relations. Sunak’s administration and supporters closely aligned with Narendra Modi’s BJP, fostering high-level visits and focusing on economic cooperation, strategic defence partnerships, and managing human rights issues with a delicate balance. This partnership was driven by shared economic interests and a common geopolitical strategy, especially in the context of the Indo-Pacific region.
However, the potential for change is significant with the prospect of a Labour government under Keir Starmer. While immediate and drastic shifts might not be expected, there are several nuanced ways in which the Labour Party could reshape the future of UK-India relations.
Potential Shifts with a Labour Government
Revaluation of Diplomatic Relations
Current State: The Conservative government has been characterised by its strong alignment with Modi’s BJP, driven largely by economic and strategic interests.
Labour’s Likely Stance: A Labour government may reassess the UK’s diplomatic stance towards India, potentially moving away from the close alignment with the BJP. This reassessment could involve a more balanced and nuanced approach to diplomatic relations, with greater emphasis on human rights and democratic values. Labour may seek to establish a more diverse and inclusive dialogue that goes beyond the current strategic and economic considerations.
Shift in Economic Priorities
Current State: Under the Conservatives, there has been a strong focus on expanding trade relations, including efforts towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and significant investment in various sectors.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour is likely to continue supporting the expansion of trade but with a fresh perspective. While the goal of doubling UK-India trade by 2030 remains a priority, Labour may diversify the economic strategy to foster a broader range of international partnerships. This might include a renewed focus on fair trade practices and addressing global economic challenges through multilateral engagement.
Cultural and Political Dynamics
Current State: The Conservative government has been supported by the Hindu nationalist lobby, which has influenced the cultural and political engagement between the UK and India.
Labour’s Likely Stance: A Labour government might shift away from this influence, aiming to foster a more inclusive
and culturally diverse relationship. This could involve engaging more broadly with India’s diverse communities and supporting cultural exchanges that reflect the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
Human Rights and Values
Current State: Human rights concerns have been managed with a careful balance under the Conservative administration.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour is expected to place a stronger emphasis on human rights and democratic values in its diplomatic discussions. This could involve advocating for more robust human rights protections and addressing concerns related to democratic freedoms in India.
Detailed Overview of the ‘2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations’
The ‘2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations’ is a comprehensive framework aimed at deepening the bilateral partnership between the two countries. Launched on May 4, 2021, the roadmap outlines several key areas for future collaboration. If the Labour Party assumes power, there are specific aspects of the roadmap that are likely to be continued and possibly expanded upon:
Enhanced Trade and Investment Relations
Current Focus: The roadmap sets a target to double UK-India trade by 2030 and advance bilateral investments through an Enhanced Trade Partnership and a Free Trade Agreement.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour is expected to support the completion of FTA negotiations and advocate for a trade policy that benefits both nations. This includes exploring opportunities in technology, pharmaceuticals, and green industries, as well as promoting fair trade practices and economic collaboration.
Strategic Partnership and Security Cooperation
Current Focus: Strengthening strategic ties through defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour has historically supported robust international security collaborations. Under Labour, there is likely to be continued or enhanced cooperation in defence and security, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and efforts to ensure regional stability.
Climate Change and Green Energy Initiatives
Current Focus: Committing to climate action and promoting green energy projects, including renewable energy and climate resilience.
Labour’s Likely Stance: With a strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, Labour would likely enhance efforts in climate change mitigation, renewable energy collaborations, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with the ‘2030 Roadmap.’
Education and Research Collaboration
Current Focus: Supporting increased academic partnerships, student exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour values educational and research collaborations and would likely continue to support and expand opportunities for academic exchanges and joint research projects between UK and Indian institutions.
Health and Pharmaceutical Cooperation
Current Focus: Strengthening health sector collaboration, including public health initiatives and vaccine development.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Given Labour’s focus on public health, a Labour government would likely maintain or increase efforts in health sector cooperation, focusing on joint research, public health strategies, and addressing global health challenges.
People-to-People Links and Diaspora Engagement
Current Focus: Strengthening cultural exchanges, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour supports cultural diplomacy and would likely continue to promote initiatives that enhance people-to-people connections between the UK and India, including cultural festivals, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
Digital and Technological Collaboration
Current Focus: Advancing digital and technological partnerships, including cybersecurity and innovation.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Labour acknowledges the importance of the digital economy and technological innovation. They are expected to continue supporting tech collaborations, including joint ventures in startups, cybersecurity research, and digital infrastructure development.
Global Governance and Multilateral Cooperation
Current Focus: Collaborating on global governance issues through international forums like the UN and G20.
Labour’s Likely Stance: Committed to multilateralism, Labour would likely continue working with India on global issues, addressing challenges such as climate change, security, and economic development through international institutions. On a much broader economic scale, it is worth noting Britain’s anticipation of significant Indian investment.
In recent years, India’s economic environment has seen a wave of affluent individuals and businesses seeking more economically and politically stable investment destinations. Concerns about the Modi administration’s economic policies, regulatory environment, and political climate have driven many Indian millionaires to explore opportunities abroad. This presents a prime opportunity for Britain to attract significant investment and foster deeper economic ties with India.
As India’s economic landscape undergoes significant changes, Britain is positioning itself to attract a considerable amount of targeted investment from Indian millionaires and businesses. This shift comes at a time when many wealthy individuals are seeking new opportunities outside the Modi administration’s economic policies. The evolving dynamics of the UK-India relationship offer a unique opportunity for a new chapter in bilateral relations, particularly under the potential leadership of a Labour government.
Britain’s Strategic Goals for Indian Investment
Britain aims to become a prime destination for Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and businesses by offering favourable investment conditions, establishing welcoming policies for foreign investors, and promoting the UK as a hub for business and financial activities.
The focus will be on sectors such as technology, finance, real estate, and green energy, which are attractive to Indian investors. Under a Labour government, there is strong potential for targeted initiatives designed to attract Indian investment.
Labour’s approach may involve introducing or expanding financial incentives for Indian investors, such as tax breaks or favourable regulatory conditions. The Labour Party may also explore ideas for simplifying visa and investment procedures for Indian nationals, making it easier for HNWIs and businesses to invest in the UK.
Promoting Strategic Sectors: Labour could focus on key sectors for investment, including green technologies, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Britain’s approach will likely aim to build on existing economic ties with India through strategic partnerships and trade agreements.
The transition from a Conservative to a Labour government represents a potential shift in the dynamics of UK-India relations. While the foundational elements of the ‘2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations’ are likely to remain, Labour’s approach may introduce new priorities and strategies. This includes a more balanced diplomatic stance, a diversified economic strategy, a focus on human rights, and a commitment to green energy and technological advancement.
By focusing on these areas, a Labour government would aim to strengthen the UK-India relationship, building upon the roadmap’s vision for a deep and mutually beneficial partnership.
BJP Flag.
Challenges Related to the Changing Political-Economic Landscape in India
The relationship between the Modi government’s ideological Hindutva agenda and its economic policies—favouring a few mega-corporates—has complex implications for the ideological commonality with the Labour Party in the UK. In contrast, the Conservative Party has been more closely aligned with Modi’s BJP, engaging significantly with the Hindutva lobby.
To understand this relationship, it is essential to break it down into several components: ideological Hindutva, economic policies favouring monopolies, and Labour movements and their legacy.
Ideological Hindutva and Its Impact
The Hindutva ideological foundation of the Modi government promotes Hindu nationalism, emphasising on subtle the cultural and political dominance of Hindu values and practices in Indian society. Historically, the Labour Party’s ideology has been influenced by socialist principles advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and equitable economic policies. Labour has emphasised social justice, economic equality, and the role of the state in protecting workers.
Modi’s policies have shifted focus from worker protections to facilitating large corporate interests, potentially conflicting with Labour’s emphasis on rights and fairness. Additionally, the consolidation of economic power among a few corporations can deepen economic inequality. These issues introduce new dynamics that might overshadow trade interests.
Economic Policy Favouring Monopolies and Labor Movements.
Modi’s economic policies, characterised by a laissez-faire approach that benefits mega-corporates, contrast with Labour’s focus on protecting workers and promoting fair economic practices.
There are serious limitations imposed by the sovereignty protocols and non-interference into domestic politics or policies of other countries. However, understanding these differences is crucial for evaluating future UK-India relations under a Labour government, as it will navigate between trade interests and a commitment to equitable economic policies.
Summary of thoughts
The snap General Election called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on June 4, 2024, resulted in a dramatic shift in the British political landscape, with the Labour Party securing a landslide victory and taking 240 seats from the Conservatives. This marked the end of Rishi Sunak’s tenure as the first Prime Minister of Indian heritage, a milestone that may not be repeated soon given the significant electoral defeat. It may also leave the Conservative Party into a state of considerable infights for leadership of varying factions and in chaos that may take a long time to recover form.
The campaign was marked by divisive rhetoric, notably from Nigel Farage of Reform UK, who accused Sunak of being indifferent to British history and culture, a statement viewed as a “dog whistle” for nationalist sentiments. Sunak gracefully conceded defeat, congratulated Labour’s leader Keir Starmer, and acknowledged the electorate’s desire for change.
Rishi Sunak’s administration had focused on economic recovery post-COVID-19, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic public spending. This approach represented a departure from the austerity measures of previous Conservative governments. However, the election outcome indicated a public preference for Labour’s platform of social justice and economic reforms.
Keir Starmer’s Labour government promises significant changes, including enacting a Race Equality Act to ensure equal pay rights for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) workers and the disabled, introducing measures to combat systemic discrimination, and boosting investment in public services. Labour’s agenda contrasts sharply with the Conservative focus on economic stability, highlighting a shift towards addressing social inequalities and promoting inclusivity.
The transition of power was orderly, with Sunak offering his resignation to the King and Starmer being formally invited to form a new government. Starmer’s vision includes comprehensive reforms in education, healthcare, and climate action, aiming to rebuild and renew the nation.
The Labour government is also expected to reassess UK-India relations. While Sunak’s administration enjoyed a strong partnership with Narendra Modi’s BJP, more aligned to the ideology of exclusivity of Hindutva driving India towards a Hindu Rastra. Modinomics also has more aggressive focus on ‘Laissez-faire model of economy with preference to exclusivity of monopoly for a dew mega-rich corporate family. The new Labour government may need to adopt a more balanced approach, emphasising human rights and democratic values alongside economic cooperation.
The strategic goals for UK-India relations under Labour include continuing efforts to enhance trade and investment, fostering cultural exchanges, and supporting joint initiatives in technology and green energy. The relationship is poised for evolution, reflecting Labour’s commitment to a fairer and more inclusive global engagement.
Tourists spend time on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States on Oct. 30, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua/IANS)
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the United States faces numerous systemic challenges that impact the daily lives of its residents. When compared to other developed countries, the US often falls short in critical areas such as healthcare, education, child welfare, cost of living, and public safety, writes Dr Tausif Malik
As the election season kicks off, Joe Biden and Donald Trump are both ramping up their campaigns, yet neither candidate seems to be addressing the critical issues plaguing regular Americans.
Trump’s rhetoric of “America sucks” stands out as one of his most offensive claims, especially when considering the tangible problems highlighted in recent analyses. From exorbitant healthcare costs and crippling student debt to child poverty and rampant gun violence, the challenges facing the United States are severe and multifaceted.
Despite these pressing issues, the political discourse remains focused on divisive rhetoric rather than meaningful solutions.
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations, the United States faces numerous systemic challenges that impact the daily lives of its residents. When compared to other developed countries, the US often falls short in critical areas such as healthcare, education, child welfare, cost of living, and public safety.
This article explores these issues, highlighting the areas where America lags behind and how it affects regular Americans, including reactions from South Asian ‘Desi’ Americans who offer a unique perspective on these challenges.
Healthcare: Poor and Expensive
The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than any other country, yet it ranks poorly in healthcare outcomes. According to the Commonwealth Fund, the US is the only high-income country without universal health coverage, resulting in high premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs for many Americans. This expensive and often inaccessible healthcare system places a significant financial burden on families, with nearly 25% of Americans reporting they or a family member delayed medical treatment due to cost.
Tourists spend time on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua/IANS)
Reaction from Indian American: “Coming from a country with more affordable healthcare options, it’s shocking how expensive and inaccessible healthcare is in the US. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs are daunting,” says Ananya, a software engineer from California.
Reaction from Bangladeshi American: Saqkib, an IT specialist from Virginia, adds, “The infrastructure issues are surprising. Back home, we often hear about America’s technological advances, but the reality on the ground is different.”
Reaction from Pakistani American: “In Pakistan, there are issues with healthcare, but at least basic treatments are affordable for most people. Here, it’s a different story,” says Saad, a financial analyst in New York.
Reaction from Afghani American: “The cost of healthcare in the US is overwhelming. In Afghanistan, even though the quality of care might not be as high, it’s at least accessible to everyone,” shares Fatima, a community organizer in California.
High Cost of Education
The cost of higher education in the US is among the highest in the world. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the average annual cost of attending a four-year public college exceeds $25,000, with private institutions averaging over $50,000. This has led to a student debt crisis, with Americans collectively owing over $1.7 trillion in student loans. Unlike many European countries that offer free or low-cost education, American students face a lifetime of financial strain.
Reaction from Indian American: “In India, education is much more affordable, even in private institutions. Here, my family and I are burdened with loans that will take decades to repay,” comments Rakesh, a graduate student in New York.
Students enjoy day time outdoors on the campus of Columbia University. (Xinhua/Wang Ying/IANS)
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: Madushka B, a marketing professional in Texas, notes, “Public transport in the US is a far cry from the systems in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Here, we have to rely on cars, which adds to our expenses.”
Reaction from Bangladeshi American: “Education costs in Bangladesh are much lower, even for quality institutions. The debt burden here is enormous,” says Hossain, an engineer in New Jersey.
Reaction from Nepalese American: “In Nepal, higher education is affordable for most families. The US system puts a lot of pressure on students and their families,” shares Laxmi, a healthcare worker in Illinois.
High Rents and Expensive Housing
The United States faces a severe housing crisis, with rents and home prices skyrocketing across the country. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is no state in the U.S. where a person working full-time at minimum wage can afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. This issue disproportionately affects low and middle-income families, who often spend more than 30% of their income on housing, leaving less for other essentials like food, healthcare, and education.
Pakistani American: Sarah, a Pakistani American living in San Francisco, shared her struggles: “The cost of housing here is insane. Even with two incomes, my husband and I find it hard to save for the future. Back home, housing is more affordable, and families can live more comfortably on a single income.”
Afghani American: Rahimi from Virginia expressed his frustration: “Rent takes up most of my paycheck. It’s stressful knowing that despite working hard, I can barely make ends meet. The government needs to address this housing crisis.”
Bangladeshi American: Nusrat in New York commented, “The housing market here is brutal. Many of us live in overcrowded apartments because we can’t afford anything better. It’s a stark contrast to Bangladesh, where living costs are lower.”
Nepalese American: Shrestha, a Nepalese American residing in Seattle, noted, “The high rents are forcing people to live farther from their workplaces, leading to long commutes and less family time. This is not the American dream we envisioned.”
Sri Lankan American: Fernando from Los Angeles highlighted, “In Sri Lanka, owning a home is more attainable. Here, it’s a distant dream. The high cost of living, especially housing, makes it hard to save and plan for the future.”
The Desi community’s reactions highlight a common theme: the high cost of housing in the U.S. is a significant burden, affecting their quality of life and financial stability. As election season approaches, these issues are critical for candidates to address to improve the lives of all Americans.
Child Poverty and Food Deserts
Child poverty is a persistent issue in the US, with the Census Bureau reporting that 16.2% of children live in poverty. This is considerably higher than in other developed nations. Additionally, food deserts—areas where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited—are prevalent in many urban and rural communities. These conditions contribute to poor health outcomes and hinder the development of children growing up in these environments.
Reaction from Indian American: “It’s disheartening to see such levels of poverty in a country as wealthy as the US. In many South Asian countries, community support systems help mitigate these issues,” shares Priya, a community organizer in Chicago.
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: “The community support back home ensures that children don’t go hungry. It’s surprising to see food deserts here,” says Perera, a teacher in Texas.
Child Mortality and High Cost of Living
The child mortality rate in the US is alarmingly high compared to other developed countries. According to the World Bank, the US has a child mortality rate of 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, significantly higher than in nations like Canada and Germany. Furthermore, the cost of living in major American cities is prohibitive. Housing, healthcare, and education expenses consume a large portion of household income, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.
Reaction from Indian American: “The high cost of living here is something we didn’t fully understand until we moved. It’s a daily struggle to balance expenses,” says Deepak, a financial analyst in New Jersey.
Reaction from Pakistani American: “In Pakistan, we have a support system that helps mitigate the cost of living. Here, everything is so expensive,” notes Asma, a homemaker in Virginia.
High Debt and Poor Public Transport
Debt is a significant issue for many Americans. The Federal Reserve reports that total household debt reached $14.6 trillion in 2021, encompassing mortgage, student loan, and credit card debt. Public transportation in the US is also lacking compared to other developed nations. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the US infrastructure a C- grade in 2021, citing aging and inadequate public transport systems that increase reliance on personal vehicles and elevate transportation costs.
Reaction from Indian American: “Public transport in the US is a far cry from the systems in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Here, we have to rely on cars, which adds to our expenses,” notes Sneha, a marketing professional in Texas.
People visit the National Mall in Washington. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua/IANS)
Reaction from Bangladeshi American: “Public transport in the US is lacking. In Dhaka, despite the traffic, public transport options are more accessible,” comments Anwar, an engineer in New Jersey.
Crumbling Infrastructure
Infrastructure in the United States is in dire need of investment and repair. Bridges, roads, and water systems are often outdated and in poor condition. This crumbling infrastructure poses safety risks and economic inefficiencies, impacting the quality of life for many Americans.
Reaction from Indian American: “The infrastructure issues are surprising. Back home, we often hear about America’s technological advances, but the reality on the ground is different,” says Ahmed, an IT specialist in Virginia.
Reaction from Nepalese American: “The infrastructure here is not as advanced as we expected. Roads and public facilities need significant improvement,” says Laxmi, a healthcare worker in Illinois.
Maternity Leave and More Work Hours
The US is one of the few developed countries that does not mandate paid maternity leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, which many families cannot afford to take. This contrasts sharply with countries like Sweden and Norway, which offer generous paid parental leave. Additionally, Americans work more hours on average than their counterparts in other developed countries, leading to higher stress levels and less work-life balance.
Reaction from Indian American: “The lack of paid maternity leave is a significant drawback. In many South Asian countries, extended family support and better leave policies help new parents,” shares Pooja, a new mother in Florida.
Reaction from Afghani American: “In Afghanistan, families support each other during maternity periods. The absence of paid leave here is tough for new parents,” comments Razia, homemaker in California.
Drugs and Gangs
The proliferation of drugs and gang violence remains a critical issue in many American cities. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug overdose deaths have increased significantly over the past decade. Additionally, the FBI reports that gang-related violence continues to be a pervasive problem, particularly in urban areas. This creates unsafe living environments and contributes to a cycle of poverty and crime.
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: Ravi from Los Angeles expressed concern: “The drug problem here is alarming. We hear about overdose deaths and gang violence almost every day. It wasn’t something we expected to be so prevalent when we moved here.”
Reaction from Nepalese American: Maya from Chicago shared her worries: “I fear for my children’s safety because of the gang activities in our neighborhood. We need more community programs and better law enforcement to tackle these issues.”
Reaction from Indian American: Anil Patel from Houston added, “The availability of drugs and the influence of gangs are ruining young lives. More needs to be done to provide support and opportunities for the youth to stay away from such destructive paths.”
Homelessness
Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States, with over half a million people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment contributes to this crisis, affecting cities nationwide.
Reaction from Bangladeshi Americans: Rumana from New York City commented: “It’s heartbreaking to see so many people living on the streets. In Bangladesh, community and family support systems are stronger, and we don’t see homelessness at this scale.”
Reaction from Afghani Americans: Khan from Sacramento said, “The sight of homeless camps under bridges and in parks is a stark reminder of the failure to address basic human needs. This isn’t the America we envisioned.”
Reaction from Pakistani Americans: Maheen from Dallas remarked, “There needs to be more effort in providing shelters and rehabilitation programs. The government should take immediate action to tackle this growing issue.”
Safety and Security: Gun Violence
Gun violence is a major public safety issue in the US. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were over 43,000 gun-related deaths in 2020, a stark contrast to other developed countries with stricter gun control laws. This epidemic of violence affects communities across the nation, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity.
Reaction from Indian American: “The constant threat of gun violence is terrifying. We never had to worry about this level of danger back in India,” remarks Rajesh, attorney Illinois.
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: “Gun violence is a major concern here. In Sri Lanka, strict gun laws make such incidents rare,” says Ruwan, a teacher in Texas.
Retail Theft and Its Impact on Shopping and Retail Entrepreneurs
Retail theft has become a major concern in the United States, with significant impacts on both shoppers and retail businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft, including shoplifting and organized retail crime, costs the industry nearly $70 billion annually. This not only increases prices for consumers but also affects the bottom line for retail employers and entrepreneurs, often leading to store closures and job losses.
Reaction from Indian American: Rajesh, Gas Station owner in New Jersey, shared his experiences: “Retail theft has hit my business hard. We have to invest in more security measures, which increases our operating costs. Unfortunately, we have to pass some of these costs onto our customers. It’s a tough situation because it impacts our ability to compete and serve our community effectively.”
Reaction from Pakistani American: SA, who manages a boutique in Texas, voiced her concerns: “We face theft almost daily, and it’s discouraging. It’s not just about the lost merchandise, but the sense of insecurity it brings to our staff and customers. Many small business owners like us are struggling to keep our doors open.”
Reaction from Bangladeshi American: FA, a grocery store owner in California, added: “Theft affects our profits significantly. We have to work extra hours to make up for the losses, and it’s exhausting. Moreover, it disrupts the sense of trust and safety in our store environment.”
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: Desilva from Chicago said, “Retail theft is a serious issue that needs more attention from law enforcement and community leaders. It not only harms businesses but also affects the overall shopping experience for honest customers. We need stronger measures to prevent these crimes and protect our livelihoods.”
Reaction from Afghani American: Zainab, who runs a convenience store in Virginia, noted: “The frequent incidents of shoplifting have forced us to reconsider our business model. We’re thinking of moving to a different location or even closing down. It’s disheartening because we’ve built strong relationships with our customers over the years.”
Conclusion
While the United States excels in many areas, it faces significant challenges that hinder the well-being of its residents. From poor healthcare and high education costs to child poverty and gun violence, these issues require urgent attention and reform. By learning from the successes of other developed nations, America can strive to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all its citizens.
Reaction from Indian American: “America has many opportunities, but it also has many challenges. It’s crucial for policymakers to address these issues to improve the quality of life for everyone,” concludes Anjali, an entrepreneur in California.
Reaction from Pakistani American: “Addressing these systemic issues is vital for creating a better future for all Americans,” says Saad, a financial analyst in New York.
Reaction from Afghani American: “Reforming these areas can significantly improve the lives of millions,” shares Fatima, a community organizer in California.
Reaction from Bangladeshi American: “It’s important for the US to learn from other countries and implement changes that benefit everyone,” comments Hossain, an engineer in New Jersey.
Reaction from Nepalese American: “Policymakers need to prioritize these issues to ensure a better quality of life for all residents,” says Sharma, Retailer in Illinois.
Reaction from Sri Lankan American: “With concerted effort, America can overcome these challenges and become a more supportive”. Premdasa, Florida.
Recommendations
Despite these challenges, the United States remains a land of immense potential and opportunity. Addressing these issues head-on can help restore and maintain the dignity of the nation, ensuring it remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Tackling Retail Theft
Politicians can implement and support stronger laws and policies to combat retail theft. Enhanced security measures, better coordination with law enforcement, and community programs to deter crime are essential. Grants and incentives for small businesses to invest in security technologies can also make a significant difference.
Improving Healthcare
To address the high cost of healthcare, politicians should advocate for reforms that increase transparency and competition among providers. Expanding access to affordable healthcare through public options or subsidies can ensure that all Americans receive the care they need without financial strain.
Making Education Affordable
Investing in education is crucial. Politicians can work towards making higher education more affordable by increasing funding for scholarships, reducing interest rates on student loans, and supporting community colleges and vocational training programs. These steps can help reduce the burden of student debt and make education accessible to all.
Reducing Child Poverty
Combating child poverty requires comprehensive social safety nets. Expanding programs like the Child Tax Credit, SNAP, and affordable housing initiatives can provide the necessary support for families in need. Policies promoting fair wages and job opportunities are also vital in lifting families out of poverty.
Addressing Food Deserts
To tackle food deserts, politicians can support initiatives that bring grocery stores and farmers’ markets to underserved areas. Incentives for urban farming and community gardens, as well as partnerships with local businesses, can help provide fresh and affordable food to all communities.
Improving Public Transport and Infrastructure
Investing in public transportation and infrastructure is essential for the country’s growth. Politicians should push for comprehensive infrastructure bills that address the needs of urban and rural areas alike. Improving roads, bridges, and public transit systems can enhance mobility and economic opportunities for all citizens.
Enhancing Safety and Reducing Gun Violence
To improve safety and reduce gun violence, politicians can advocate for common-sense gun laws, including background checks and restrictions on high-capacity magazines. Community-based programs that address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of education, are also crucial.
Providing Better Maternity Leave and Work-Life Balance
Supporting policies that provide paid maternity leave and promote a healthy work-life balance can improve the quality of life for American workers. Politicians should advocate for family-friendly workplace policies that enable parents to spend time with their children without sacrificing their careers.
Combating Homelessness
Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach. Politicians can support affordable housing projects, increase funding for mental health and addiction services, and provide job training programs to help individuals reintegrate into society. Collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments are essential in tackling this issue effectively.
By focusing on these areas, politicians can help create a more equitable and prosperous America. Addressing these issues not only enhances the quality of life for all citizens but also upholds the values of freedom and bravery that define the United States. Through dedicated effort and collaboration, the nation can overcome its challenges and continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the world.
About the Author
Dr. Tausif Malik is an Indian American social entrepreneur, publisher, and academician, renowned for his innovative ventures. He founded and publishes The Desi Buzz, GCC Startup News, Startup Berita, and Halal Biz News, amplifying entrepreneurship globally. Dr. Malik also spearheads AIMBSN, Halal Angels Network, and Startup Villages, fostering startup ecosystems. His groundbreaking initiative, RiseBack.org, offers affordable edtech solutions, providing Indian university programs starting at $50 per month and professional IT courses priced at $250-$350. Through his diverse endeavors, Dr. Malik empowers individuals with access to education and opportunities.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Chinese President Xi Jinping.(photo:facebook.com/ShehbazSharif)
Any alteration in the status quo by China and Pakistan in the Shaksgam Valley infringes upon India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, such changes could disrupt the existing security dynamics in this mountainous terrain … writes Sanal Kumar Sharma
Recent commercial satellite imagery reveals that China has built a road across the Aghil Pass and this road stretches into the lower Shaksgam Valley in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Further, China has also built a parallel track to the road in the Shaksgam Valley in the Trans-Karakoram tract. While India has been aware for quite some time of Chinese road construction activity in the Shaksgam Valley, territory that Pakistan illegally ceded to China in 1963, the threat to India has increased with the road ahead coming close to the Siachen Glacier.
The road branches off from a highway in China’s Xinjiang province and disappears into the mountains around 50 kms north of the Siachen Glacier. The groundwork for this road was laid between June and August of last year. Given China’s rapid construction abilities, this distance is easily bridgeable and poses a clear and present danger to India’s national security.
India has regularly documented the frequent border violations by China along the border. However, a more concerning development is their militarisation of PoJK and the Shaksgam Valley. China has been building military infrastructure and roads in the Shaksgam Valley as a strategic move to distract India from its land grab in PoJK, a region over which India has territorial claims. China and Pakistan’s collaboration on building infrastructure in this 590 km long border area disregards India’s rights and creates a direct military threat. Satellite imagery suggests this road construction may have begun in mid-2017, after a border stand-off between India, Bhutan and China. The construction that passes through Aghil Pass (India’s frontier with Xinjiang before 1947) was first flagged on X (formerly Twitter) by ‘Nature Desai’, an observer of the Indo-Tibetan boundary.
Any alteration in the status quo by China and Pakistan in the Shaksgam Valley infringes upon India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, such changes could disrupt the existing security dynamics in this mountainous terrain. These apprehensions are compounded by reports of increased military collaboration in the area. In 2021, the Gilgit-Baltistan province unveiled plans for a new road linking Muzaffarabad to Mustagh Pass, bordering Pakistan’s Shaksgam Valley. This road is proposed to connect with Yarkand in Xinjiang, suggesting a potential route through the Shaksgam Valley to link with China’s G219 national highway.
China-Pakistan.
The Indian government has consistently claimed the Shaksgam Valley, which is currently controlled by China, as part of its territory. This includes the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). In a 2019 speech, Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed this position, stating that the Indian constitution defines Jammu and Kashmir to include both PoJK and Aksai Chin. The road reportedly enters the disputed territory at Aghil Pass, which historically marked the border between Kashmir and Tibet. This fact was even acknowledged by past Chinese rulers. India frequently cites Aghil Pass and the Shaksgam Valley in border negotiations with China, pointing to historical evidence to support its claim. This evidence includes Indian government maps, dating back to 1907, that consistently showed the area as Indian Territory. Interestingly, archival Chinese maps from the early 20th century also seemed to agree, according to a website run by Claude Arpi, a scholar specialising in Tibet, with India’s stand.
There are implications of China taking physical and military control of the Shaksgam Valley. The first is that by having de facto control, it gives China the opportunity to claim that the border between India and Xinjiang extending from the Karakoram Pass to Afghanistan, a distance of some 590 km, does not exist and is actually the border between China and Pakistan. This is a result of the 1963 border agreement between China and Pakistan. By pushing in military infrastructure into the Shaksgam Valley, China has effectively altered the status quo of the 1963 Agreement making it null and void. The next point of note is that China has used geography to its advantage to create a pincer from two sides on the Siachen Glacier towards India. It also means that the border with China is today only 3,488 km, whereas in reality, it is a little over 4,000 km, if the Shaksgam Valley border up to Afghanistan is included!
From a military perspective, Chinese infrastructure could potentially threaten Indian troops stationed in Ladakh in the future. This latest development is significant and should be seen as part of China’s ongoing strategy of pressuring India through incursions all along the Line of Actual Control. Essentially, they are part of a larger Chinese plan to establish a permanent military presence in the contested areas. Chinese Border Defence personnel have also been observed patrolling the area along the newly constructed road in the Shaksgam region. At least two military posts are also visible. Older satellite imagery of 24 October 2016 showed no roads or posts in the entire Shaksgam Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir is a strategically vital area for India. Control of parts of the Union Territory by Pakistan and China over time have created challenges for India diplomatically and militarily. The China-Pakistan concert in PoJK creates multiple challenges. India has thus far, avoided direct conflict to reclaim these areas, while Pakistan has used military force on several occasions. It is only recently that India has articulated the need to ensure the re-integration of PoJK with India. When India revoked J&K’s special status in 2018, China sided with Pakistan and called Kashmir “disputed.”
Currently, China is mainly backing Pakistan publicly, helping them get international attention, and putting troops near the Ladakh border to put pressure on India. The emergence of a second Chinese road intersection in the Karakoram, this time through the Aghil Pass in the Shaksgam Valley, represents a significant development. Recall that the pre-existing route in the PoJK, i.e., National Highway 35/G-314 through the Khunjerab Pass, serves as a vital link of the CPEC, the construction of an alternative route through the Shaksgam Valley introduces a new dynamic. The Chinese infrastructure project in the Shaksgam Valley directly threaten India’s sovereignty and security, especially given their proximity to the Siachen Glacier. The strategic significance of the Siachen Glacier underscores the urgency for India to fortify defences and pursue proactive diplomatic and military solutions.
The state, especially the army, had created and supported extremely rabid extremist outfits like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) which has been given a free rein in running vicious online campaign against minorities, especially the Ahmadis, writes Sakariya Kareem
Pakistan’s downfall can be measured not only in terms of its economic crisis and political subjugation to the military alone but more truthfully how its young are being radicalised online by extremist groups patronised by the state.
The radicalisation of the youth has not been new to Pakistan. Ever since Pakistan turned to `jihad` as its strategic instrument of war and manipulation, the young have been brainwashed to kill innocents in the name of religion. Radicalised young became easy fodder for jihadi groups mushrooming across Pakistan during the Zia-ul Haq days. Hundreds of terrorist groups were created, during the East Pakistan crisis, the Afghan Jihad and the proxy war against India in Kashmir. These groups needed unsuspecting young men who could be sent to die in the name of religion. Radicalisation became an agenda in hundreds of madrasas set up across the country.
When these same radicalised men turned towards Pakistan, there was panic and quick de-radicalisation programmes became the buzzword. Copious amounts of articles, research reports and seminars were produced and trashed. Programmes were introduced across the country. But it was merely a ruse, an excuse to tap into western funding sources for such programmes. In reality, the Pakistan Army continued to support and finance extremist and terrorist groups in different parts of the country. Jihadi literature became easily available online. Special coaching classes were held to promote such vicious literature among madrasa students and rich schools.
The sordid truth became known when the state, especially the army, created and supported extremely rabid extremist outfits like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) which has been given a free rein in running vicious online campaign against minorities, especially the Ahmadis. Of the several thousands of young men radicalised online by TLP was a young madrasa student who shot and killed two Ahamdis in Punjab’s Phalia town last week. He confessed of being influenced by what he read or saw online posted by extremist groups. He saw TLP leaders baying for the blood of Ahmadis. The Ahmadi community has complaining to the authorities about such online hate campaigns for long. Many have fallen victim to extremists in the recent past. The Ahmadi religious places have been destroyed and their graveyards dug up. Mobs, instigated by online campaigns, have even prevented burials of Ahmadis in the recent past.
But it is not only the Ahmadis who have been bearing the brunt of radical groups. Last year, Christian families and churches were set on fire in Jaranwala, Punjab, by blood-thirsty mobs influenced by online allegations of two Christian youths reportedly making blasphemous notes on Quran. Both were later found to be innocent of these charges but by then the town had been set on fire and Christians made to flee to safer areas.
The shocking aspect of the Jaranwala episode was the involvement of young men and boys as young as 14. More than half of the mob were teenage boys armed with sticks, stones, incendiary items and other weapons. The fanatical mobs attacked not only those areas where the alleged incident of blasphemy had taken place but other Christian areas. During the attack, the boys were seen smiling and laughing as they set houses on fire. The mob of young boys chanted hateful slogans which were once heard only in terrorist camps.
Many experts blame TLP for such mass scale radicalisation of young boys in Punjab. The group holds weekly gatherings, monthly religious events and anniversaries of different saints which draw a large number of youths and boys. These platforms are used to radicalise and brainwash the boys against minorities. The outfit posts highly contentious matter on Facebook and Twitter which incites young boys to attack the minorities. The shooting of two Ahmadis by the young madrasa student is merely a tip of the iceberg.
Toronto, July 09 (ANI): Members of the Indian community holding national flags counter the pro-Khalistani protesters, who were protesting in front of the Indian consulate, in Toronto on Saturday. (ANI Photo)
Codenamed “Operation K”, China has been exploiting the gangster killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada to incite the international Sikh diaspora and create fake anti-Indian protests in Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere, a report by Dr Sakariya Kareem
In August 2018, the then Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui had donned a turban during a visit to the Dr Kotnis acupuncture clinic in Ludhiana. This was a symbolic act as the ceremony was held in Punjab. However, today the Chinese are using social media to incite anti-India Sikh protests in the West. Codenamed “Operation K”, China has been exploiting the gangster killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada to incite the international Sikh diaspora and create fake anti-Indian protests in Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Meta, the company operating Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in May 2024, as part of its “Meta’s Quarterly Adversarial Threat Report” released a notice on the fake social media accounts created by China for this purpose. The company has since dismantled the Chinese network of false accounts titled “Operation K.”
The Meta notice states that the network “originated in China and targeted the global Sikh community, including in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the UK, and Nigeria.” Meta removed “37 Facebook accounts, 13 Pages, five Groups, and nine accounts on Instagram. About 2,700 accounts followed one or more of these Pages, about 1,300 accounts joined one or more of these Groups, and under 100 accounts followed one or more of these Instagram accounts.” Although the figures appear to be low, they are normally the tip of an iceberg. Meta found a parallel behaviour coming from the same Chinese source on Telegram and X.
Khalistani elements attempting to pull down the Indian flag but the flag was rescued by the Indian security personnel at the High Commission of India, in London. (ANI Photo)
“They appeared to have created a fictitious activist movement called Operation K which called for pro-Sikh protests, including in New Zealand and Australia,” Meta explained. That the Chinese are behind Operation K is clear; the origin of the messages, where “the operatives posed as Sikhs and proceeded to post content as well as manage Pages and Groups,” was traced back to a “network from China targeting India and the Tibet region” that had been shut down in early 2023 but is now resurfacing.
Meta noted that the content included “images likely manipulated by photo editing tools or generated by AI, in addition to posts about floods in the Punjab region, the Sikh community worldwide, the Khalistan independence movement, the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan independence activist in Canada, and criticism of the Indian government”. One instance network has been cited by India Today. It talks of Adya Singh, who portrayed herself as a Punjabi girl with a UK education and living in Delhi. She claimed to be deeply passionate about Sikh heritage, language, and culture, and was an outspoken critic of the Indian government. Her social media posts often called for the US to “support Khalistan to counter Indian hegemony”. However, the reality is that Adya Singh did not exist! This account was part of the network of fake profiles linked to China.
Source: Data Compiled by The Defence Horizon Journal through Innefu Report
For those unfamiliar with Chinese use of social media to target and malign India, one would do well to recall the 2017 Chinese video with racist overtones that sought to parody Indians (21 August 2017). This was issued by Xinhua news agency and claimed to give China’s position on the Doklam standoff. The video mocked and parodied Indians, a salvo against India against the backdrop of the military standoff at Doklam near the Sikkim border. The video in English was a little more than three minutes and was titled the “7 Sins of India: It’s time for India to confess its seven sins”. Notably, the video featured a man with a turban and a fake beard, an apparent attempt at parodying a Sikh, speaking the way Indians are perceived to speak English. The video targets the Sikh minority, and for some perplexing reason, the “Indian” is seen to be brandishing a pair of scissors.
In a larger sense, it is not surprising that China has chosen social media platforms to air an anti-India narrative. Social media is today the favoured destination for expression of anti-India sentiment. One report (The Defence Horizon Journal, January 23, 2023) argues that the pro-Khalistani sentiment on social media was amplified after the announcement of the Kartarpur corridor in 2018. One such example cited is the Twitter activity of Aston University’s ‘Khalistan Society’, which joined the platform in November 2018 and had 1,055 tweets and posts about Sikh history and Sikh prisoners. It referred to the Indian state of Punjab as ‘Indian-occupied Khalistan.’
Meta notice about “Operation K.” (via Bitter Winter)
A similar account idolizing Khalistani leaders, ‘Greater Khalistan’, joined the platform around November 2019 and made 3,464 tweets, as of November 2022. The operatives of such accounts attempted to propagate the idea of injustices faced by the Sikh community at the hands of the Indian state. On other social media platforms, like Instagram, there has been an increase in engagement with phrases such as Khalistan. There were nearly 92,500 posts with the hashtag #Khalistan Zindabad (Long Live Khalistan). The social media agenda of pro-Khalistan accounts are primarily built upon what happened during Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh riots that followed Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
China’s latest Operation K is reminiscent of Operation Topac launched by Pakistan against India and more specifically, in Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s, which started the insurgency. The only difference is that Operation K has been conducted on the social media. One suspects that Pakistan’s ISI is somehow behind Operation K. However, Meta’s report clearly says it originated somewhere in China. That it has used an anti-India Sikh sentiment in countries in which the Sikhs are present in large numbers is an important indicator of their efforts to target India.
Uddhav Thackeray’s popularity graph has grown up tremendously in the state and also at national level. As political observers feels that Maharashtra and Mumbai can play a crucial role of “King Maker” in the formation of the government … writes VINOD RAGHAVAN
INDIA’s financial capital – Mumbai is all set to decide the fate of three heavyweight political leaders’ their future on June 4th.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is eyeing to break the record of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by occupying the country’s top post for the third consecutive term, is not leaving any stone unturned. While, his close ally turned bitter foe Uddhav Thackeray, who has been bruised and badly hurted for breaking his Shiv Sena, which was founded by his late father, who is popularly addressed as Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray, in his home turf Mumbai capital of Maharashtra state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uddhav Thackeray interacting during the Dwishatabdi Mahotsav (200 Years) of Mumbai Samachar, in Mumbai. (File Photo: ANI)
Political veteran 84-year-old, Sharad Pawar, is all set to take revenge against Modi-led BJP for engineering split in his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and dividing his joint family, with Ajit Pawar taking away his party symbol of “Wrist Watch” and also the party symbol, which was founded by senior Pawar after leaving Congress party.
Mumbai, has six Lok Sabha seats, which is believed to be the stronghold of the united Shiv Sena. After the split in Sena led by Eknath Shinde with 40 MLAs and 13 MPs, the power equation shifted to the Shinde faction supported by BJP in Maharashtra. This is the time for Uddhav Thackeray to flex his muscle and to show Modi-Shah and also to the Election Commission of India, that the party cadres and the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra are with him and his is the real Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena was founded way back in 1960s by Balasaheb Thackeray to fight for the causes of Marathi Asmita (Maharashtra’s pride) and to regain the Maharashtrian pride, Uddhav has toured every nook and corner of Maharashtra with his alliance partners NCP-Sharad Pawar group, Indian National Congress with other smaller parties, addressed in all the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies with huge rallies and systematically played the victim card vigorously, which has gone down well with the masses of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray speaks during the floor test in assembly, Eknath Shinde, Jayant Patil and Aditya Thackeray is also seen. (File Photo: ANI)
Many old-timers from Mumbai and neighbouring Thane district feels that Uddhav has been back-stabbed by BJP-led by Modi-Shah. Shiv Sena which helped BJP for nearly three decades to grow from 2 MP party with Vajpayee and Advani at the helm, today they have become too big for their shoes.
In desperation, Modi addressed around 25 rallies in Maharashtra and Mumbai, also held a Road Show in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, which shows his panic. Modi might have realised Uddhav’s importance, thus recently, he told selected journalists that “I will be the first to reach Uddhav for any help” but while addressing public rallies, he takes potshot on Uddhav and also calls his Sena as “Nakli Sena” (Duplicate Sena)
Earlier, in 2014 and 2019 BJP with united Shiv Sena the combine had sweeped all the six Mumbai seats and also the neighboring Thane and Kalyan-Dombivali seats were in their kitty. While, the alliance had bagged 42 seats from Maharashtra in 2014 and 2019.
Interestingly, political observers feels that Uddhav, got good support from the people of Maharashtra and also Muslim communities are whole-heartedly supporting him, as they have seen him in discharging his duties as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Communists were Sena’s bitter rivals for decades, are also supporting Uddhav openly and sharing dias in many of their strongholds, with a sole aim of stopping Modi to come back to power for the third time, as they fear that he will change the Constitution and will sell off all the government properties to his good friends.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in conversation with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) chief Sharad Pawar during the INDIA bloc joint press conference, in Mumbai. (ANI Photo)
NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, is also facing the same problem, as his nephew Ajit Pawar, ditched him and fielded his wife Sunetra against Supriya Sule, a sitting MP and senior Pawar’s daughter from their stronghold Baramati near Pune.
Modi, who was seen as a new ray of hope in 2014 and 2019 with his charisma and speech, looks like he is fading as he has remained mum on his earlier poll promises of giving every year two crore jobs, bringing black money, giving Rs15 lakh, price rise of essential commodities. However, he is talking about his vision of 2047 and to make India powerful nation globally.
People burst into laughter to Uddhav Thackeray calling Modi as “Gajini” Aamir Khan’s film, where he forgets and moves ahead with new promises.
Uddhav Thackeray’s popularity graph has grown up tremendously in the state and also at national level. As political observers feels that Maharashtra and Mumbai can play a crucial role of “King Maker” in the formation of the government.
Pakistan’s new cyber crime unit under controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law endangers freedom of speech and press, writes Dr. Sakariya Kareem
The Pakistani government recently launched a special cyber crime investigation unit under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, shifting the role from the Federal Investigation Agency (FDA).
The new agency will be led by a director general with 15-year experience in digital forensics or public administration, as per reports.
According to an editorial published in the Dawn newspaper, the newly launched National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which has been set up to replace the FIA’s cybercrime wing, raises substantial concerns about the motive behind it.
In the opinion piece, the Dawn mentioned that the NCCIA is mandated to handle offences under the PECA, which, activists allege, was used routinely by the FIA to silence dissent.
Experts say the introduction of NCCIA poses fresh threats to journalists and activists in Pakistan as the PECA law, which was originally enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime such as cyber terrorism, unauthorized access, electronic fraud and online harassment, and to enhance the security of cyberspace for users and businesses, is used by the country’s authorities to suppress dissent and curb the freedom of press and speech.
The Dawn, in its editorial, also raises concern about the exact objective of the NCCIA that the FIA could not achieve as the writer of the piece believes the reuse of the FIA’s main resources — personnel, assets, and existing cases — under a new banner (NCCIA) raises a fundamental question.
The Dawn, in a report published in December, 2022, termed the PECA as a weapon of the state to “harass, intimidate and silence critics.”
In the report titled “Project PECA I: How to silence a nation”, the Dawn mentioned that scores of politicians, journalists, activists and sometimes, even ordinary citizens, who dared pour out their frustrations on digital spaces have been hounded by law enforcement agencies ever since the law came into effect.
The Dawn also called PECA a tool for political victimisation as PECA has been routinely used against political workers, journalists, academics, activists and citizens since 2017.
Al Jazeera reported, citing the reports of a media rights watchdog, that Pakistan has been establishing a “chilling pattern” of using the threat of legal action to silence dissent.
The “crimes” Pakistani journalists were charged with included “bringing the armed forces into disrepute”, “bringing the judiciary into disrepute” and “bringing the intelligence agencies into disrepute”, according to the report.
The Doha-headquartered international media outlet reported that human rights groups and journalists have warned that journalists in Pakistan are facing increased strictures from the authorities not to cover certain topics, particularly allegations of the military’s increasing role in governance and politics.
According to IFEX, a nexus of more than 120 independent non-governmental organizations for free expression, as underlined is Section 37(1) of PECA, which empowers the authorities to regulate online content, the restrictions imposed on online speech include content that is against the “glory of Islam, security of Pakistan, public order, decency and morality and; integrity and defence of Pakistan.”
The IFEX opined that these categories were sufficiently broad and vague to target anything that might “challenge the status quo, which the state, via PECA, can then arbitrarily dub ‘unlawful’.”
According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, Pakistan government’s amendment to the PECA, which was made in 2022, was the latest in a concerted campaign to restrict freedom of expression and stifle dissent.
Acting deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, Nadia Rahman, said, “PECA has been used to silence freedom of expression on the pretext of combating ‘fake news,’ cybercrime, and misinformation.”
“The amendment not only violated the Pakistan Constitution, but also put anyone who questions the government or other state institutions at further risk. It particularly endangered journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents who run the risk of prosecution for merely doing their jobs,” Rahman added.
Lahore High Court.
The amendment to PECA also made it incumbent upon courts to conclude trials within six months and furnish monthly progress reports of pending trials, and ordered federal and provincial officials to remove any obstacles that may hinder the progress of the proceedings, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Asia associate director at Human Rights Watch, Patricia Gossman, said that the PECA was introduced neither to protect the public from legitimate cybercrime concerns nor to respect fundamental human rights, and the new amendments to the law further embedded violations of basic rights with a thin veneer of legality.
However, Islamabad High Court later declared the ordinance unconstitutional, passing which Pakistan attempted to make the PECA more restrictive, and restrained the Federal Investigative Agency (FDI) from making any arrests under the ordinance, reports IFEX.
PECA is a draconian law that contains vague and overly broad offenses, and it has been criticized by Pakistan’s human rights defenders and civil society organizations for criminalizing legitimate forms of expression based on supposed national security concerns and to protect majoritarian interpretations of Islam, according to Amnesty International.
