Context: This article is based on an Editorial Spotlighting another border point, the rogue channel from The Hindu which explores the role of Border Security Force at Harami Nala. 

Why in NEWS: 

In early August this year, for the very first time, any Indian Union Home Minister visited “Harami Nala”.  He also visited the Border Observation Posts (BOPs) of the Border Security Force (BSF) in that sector in the Sir Creek area of Kutch, Gujarat, along the India-Pakistan international border. This article assesses security measures at Harami Nala on the Pakistan border. 

Border Security Force Faces Challenges in Securing Harami Nala Due to Rich Fishing Resources

Harami Nala, a 25-kilometer-long water body flowing from Pakistan to Kutch, poses challenges for surveillance due to rich prawn fishing, harsh marshy terrain, and scorching temperatures. Cross-border issues and a lack of infrastructure once hindered BSF patrols on the Indian side. Major Challenges are listed below – 

• Harami Nala: A natural water body, approximately 25 kilometers long, flows west to east from Pakistan into Kutch, flanked by vast marshy mud flats that are affected by low and high tides. 
  • It is extremely rich in fishing, especially prawns which create difficulty for Border Security Force (BSF) during surveillance.

• • The Border’s Harshest Terrain: One of the most inhospitable places along the border. 
    • The formidable marshy terrain through which it runs makes it impossible to approach or patrol on foot even during low tide. 
    • Treacherous tides, morass and mirages are matched by scorching temperatures (above 50° Celsius) in summer.
  • Cross-Border Troubles: It has also been at the center of cross-border mischief and exploitation by infiltrators.
    • Earlier the entry point of the Harami Nala on the Indian side could not be approached by the BSF personnel due to a lack of infrastructure. 

Border Security Force Enhancements: Steps taken for Better Surveillance:

India has been rapidly building composite Border Outposts (BOPs) along the border, including Creek and Harami Nala. They’ve improved mobility with all-terrain vehicles, used speed boats to deter Pakistani fishing boats, and enhanced infrastructure to reduce infiltration. Step taken by Border Security force to enhance Border security are –   

• Creation of Composite BOPs by Border Security Force: In the past few years, India has speeded up the creation of composite BOPs all along the border, including in the Creek and Harami Nala area. 
  • A modern composite BOP 1175 was constructed in 2016 and BOP 1170 in 2022. 
• Use of Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): A set of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) were procured from Italy and stationed at border pillar 1175 helped in improving the situation and mobility of the border security force personnel. 
• Use of Speed boats: It prevents high ingress by Pakistani fishing boats.
• Better Infrastructure: The construction of embankments and road infrastructure along the “vertical line” of the International Boundary (IB) have enabled the new observation posts to come up between border pillars 1164 and 1153 in a manner that infiltration can be reduced in the early stages at the entry points along the IB by Border security force. 
• Mooring Place Project: The Home Minister laid the foundation stone for a mooring place at Koteshwar in Kutch. 
  • The Mooring Place project, with an allocated budget of ₹257 crore, will make a huge difference by allowing berthing, repairs and maintenance for bigger vessels, including the floating BOPs, thus bolstering the Border Security Force capabilities in the Creek area.
• Link Road and Tower: He also inaugurated the newly constructed Chidiyamod-Biarbet Link Road and OP Tower in the Harami Nala area. 
  • He had inaugurated a 9.5 meter tall observation post tower equipped with high resolution pan-tilt-zoom cameras, to bolster intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Conclusion 

• To enhance security at Harami Nala, Border security Force should continue improving infrastructure, deploy modern equipment, and cooperate with Pakistan for better cross-border management.

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Why in NEWS: This article is based on an Livemint article Can Africa solve world’s critical mineral challenge? which explores the role of Africa in resolving the Critical Mineral Supply chain in the world.     

Role of Africa in ensuring Critical Mineral supply: 

The inclusion of the African Union into the G20 Grouping as its 21st member has given a new voice to the global south, providing an opportunity in ensuring global critical mineral security.

Africa’s Crucial Role in Global Critical Mineral Supply Chains: 

• Resources Availability: It has approximately 30% of the world’s reserves, including about 85% of manganese, 80% of platinum and chromium, 47% of cobalt, 21% of graphite, and 6% of copper.
  • Global Supply: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with its cobalt reserves and Zimbabwe’s lithium deposits play pivotal roles in the global supply chain.

• Reducing Supply Chain Dependence: AU offers an opportunity to reduce the world’s dependence on a single source, such as China, for critical mineral requirements.

Navigating Minefield: Africa’s Challenges in Securing Critical Mineral Supply Chains:

• Africa’s Resource Curse: It has hindered the development of domestic industries, leading to economic stagnation and political instability. 
  • For example, the DRC provides only 19% of its population with electricity.
• African High Indebtedness: It is holding back public spending on energy projects, while private investors are reluctant to invest because of the prevalence of fragile states.
• Resource Nationalism in Africa: Some African nations may adopt resource nationalist policies, seeking a larger share of mining profits or greater control over their resources.
• Security Concerns in Africa: Including risks associated with civil conflicts, terrorism, and theft of mineral resources.
• China taking the Lead in Africa: China has pursued a decades-long strategy to secure a reliable supply of critical minerals through its Belt and Road Initiative and other efforts.
• Environmental Degradation in Africa due to Mining: Mining operations can lead to extensive environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. 

Roadmap for Empowering Africa’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain:

• Promoting Regional Cooperation in Africa: Need to develop common standards for mining and processing and sharing information on investment opportunities. 
• Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC): The idea of AAGC emerged in the joint declaration issued by India and Japan in 2016 can be utilized to overcome challenges posed by lack of infrastructural development.
•  Value Addition and Local Processing in Africa: Encourage investments in mineral processing and refining facilities within African countries to add value to raw materials before export. 
• Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): To tackle poverty reduction, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
•  Diversification of Trade Partners by African Countries: Forge partnerships with a diverse range of countries to reduce dependency on a single market and enhance resource security.

Conclusion

Africa role in the world’s supply of essential minerals will be extremely beneficial to the world. With its large reserve base and the African Union’s membership in the G20, there is a chance to improve resource security, advance sustainable development, and lessen reliance on a single source. 

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Context: This article is based on an Editorial “PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince MBS chair SPC meeting: What is the Strategic Partnership Council” from the Indian Express. It explores the recent meeting between India and Saudi Arabia, both nations co-chaired the first meeting of the India – Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in New Delhi.

A Comprehensive Overview of Key Collaborations between India and Saudi Arabia

India and Saudi Arabia relationship is known for cooperation in various sectors such as energy, trade, and culture. Both nations Conducted important meetings and made significant financial commitments, which has made their partnership even stronger. Both nations have come forward to collaborate effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Energy Security: A central pillar of the Indo – Saudi Arabia bilateral ties.
  • Crucial Energy Partnership: Saudi Arabia remained India’s third-largest Crude and Petroleum products supplier for Financial Year 2022-23. India and Saudi Arabia have a joint cooperation in the fields of electricity and grid interconnection, in addition to cooperating in the field of hydrogen and its derivatives.
    • Energy Collaboration: India and Saudi Arabia have Signed an Agreement on Cooperation in the Energy Sector that covers renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen electricity and investments in petroleum reserves.

• Economic Cooperation, Trade and Investment: India is the second largest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest trade partner of India. Bilateral trade has increased to more than US$ 52 billion in 2022-23, marking a growth of more than 23%.
• Enhancing Science and Technology Collaboration: Saudi Arabia and India agreed to strengthen partnership in the areas related to communications and information technology, digital economy, innovation and space, remote sensing, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation.
• Defence Cooperation, Counter Terrorism and Security: A comprehensive security dialogue mechanism between the two countries focuses on security cooperation and collaboration in defence industries.
• Commitment to Global Climate Goals:  Saudi Arabia and India reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

Challenges and Considerations in India-Saudi Arabia Relations

Challenges like energy dependence and geopolitical dynamics persist between India and Saudi Arabia. India faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as managing its ties with the United States in the complex Middle East politics.

• Energy Security and Oil Prices: India is highly dependent on imports of crude oil and natural gas for its energy security and high oil prices can have a significant impact on India’s economy on  Saudi Arabia. 
• Geopolitical Alliances: The influence of external power in the region such as the United states, Russia and China can affect the dynamics of india-Saudi Arabia relations. 
• Instability and Regional conflicts in Middle East: Saudi Arabia is the third pole in regional politics with Iran and Israel and balancing diplomatic relations with other two poles can be challenging.
• Trade imbalance: There is a trade imbalance of $31.3 billions as per the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, a private organization, CMIE-2023 between Saudi Arabia and India
• Human Rights and Cultural Differences: Saudi Arabia and India have different cultural and political systems, differences can lead to concern and challenges.
• Indian Diaspora and migrant workers: Approximately 8 million of the Indian diaspora work in the Middle-East. Ensuring their rights , welfare and security is an ongoing concern.
• Counter Terrorism And Security:  Saudi Arabia and India face threat from terrorism and extremism, ever-evolving nature of these threats pose ongoing challenges.

Way Forward to Strengthen ties between India and Saudi Arabia 

To navigate these challenges, India and Saudi Arabia should prioritize diplomacy, foster economic partnerships, and promote regional stability. Maintaining open channels of communication and engaging in dialogue with all parties involved will be essential for successfully balancing its Middle East relationships. Various step that can be taken are: 

• Diversification in Economic Ties: Need to explore opportunities in digital technology, renewable energy and healthcare. 
  • Multilateral Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and India: Coordinate efforts in international Forums and organizations to address global challenges, including climate change, health crisis and globalization.
  • Strategic Alignment with Saudi Arabia: Explore new areas  of strategic alignment in regional and global matters, such as United Nations initiatives.
• Trade and Investment Promotion: Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 plan Offers Opportunities for Indian Business to invest will contribute to economic growth, innovation and job creation.
• Energy Transition: They Need to transform  buyer-seller relationship into a much broader strategic partnership based on mutual complementarity and interdependence and need to adapt to the changing global energy landscape. 
  • Engage in Constructive Diplomacy: To contribute to conflict resolution and stability in the region, with a balanced approach of respecting the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.
• Cultural and Educational Exchanges with Saudi Arabia: It will promote a deeper understanding of each other’s culture and societies.
  • Welfare and Rights: Saudi Arabia should ensure the welfare and rights of the Indian diaspora and workers.

Conclusion 

• India and Saudi Arabia alliance is known for strong relationship in the field of energy, trade, defense and climate goals. India and Saudi Arabia can diversify their economy, geopolitical goals and energy security by strengthening ties. Common Commitment is the essential key to find a middle ground between both nations to navigate obstacles. 

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