TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 192

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 192

1. Can India play a meaningful mediating role in the Russia–Ukraine conflict?

Answer: India has an advantage because it maintains substantial relations with Russia while also engaging Ukraine, Europe and the United States. The supplied Indian Express summary reports that Ukraine's Foreign Minister described India's proposal as a broad initiative for ending the conflict. Contemporary reporting also records the Ukrainian Foreign Minister describing India's proposal as particularly comprehensive. However, mediation succeeds only when the conflicting parties find the terms acceptable. India should therefore facilitate dialogue rather than impose a settlement. Strategic autonomy becomes more valuable when it creates diplomatic space for conflict resolution, humanitarian relief and confidence-building.

2. Why is an India–U.S. trade agreement difficult despite their strategic partnership?

Answer: Strategic partnership does not mean identical economic interests. India wants better market access but must also consider agriculture, domestic manufacturing and other sensitive sectors. The U.S. has its own concerns about market access and trade practices. The supplied summaries therefore describe negotiations as being in their difficult final phase. Reuters similarly reports U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer saying that a deal is not imminent despite continuing negotiations. India should judge the agreement by reciprocity, investment, technology and policy space—not by speed alone. Strategic friendship can support negotiations, but it cannot remove legitimate economic differences.