Agenda of the Raisina Dialogue 2025
Why in News?
The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue is set to take place in New Delhi from March 17-19, 2025, with global leaders discussing major geopolitical shifts, including U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, the Russia-Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific strategies, and emerging security challenges.
Key Points
1. Major Themes and Issues
- The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivering the keynote address.
- The theme for this year’s dialogue is “Kalachakra” (Wheel of Time), reflecting the evolving global order.
- Key topics include U.S. foreign policy changes, NATO tensions, Indo-Pacific security, and global trade disruptions due to U.S. tariff policies.
2. U.S. Presence and Policy Shifts
- A significant U.S. delegation, led by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, will address issues such as:
- The Russia-Ukraine war and ceasefire negotiations.
- Indo-Pacific strategies and U.S.-China relations.
- Trade tariffs impacting global economies, including India.
- Notable U.S. officials attending include Special Assistant to President Trump, Ricky Gill, and Senior Counsellor James Carafano.
3. Ukraine War and Global Security
- Following critical developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, discussions will focus on ceasefire talks and the role of global powers.
- Eleven European Foreign Ministers, including Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha, will attend.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, will discuss nuclear security concerns.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a regular participant, will be absent this year.
4. Indo-Pacific and Quad Cooperation
- A Quad panel featuring senior Navy leaders from India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan will discuss maritime security and defense collaboration.
- The discussions will set the stage for the upcoming Quad Leader Summit hosted by India.
5. Global Representation and Diplomatic Signals
- South Asian Participation:
- Foreign Ministers from Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives will attend.
- No representation from Bangladesh signals possible diplomatic shifts.
- China’s Presence:
- A speaker from China’s Fudan University indicates a thaw in India-China relations after Modi-Xi talks in 2024.
- Canada’s Representation:
- The presence of Canadian Security Intelligence Director Daniel Rogers may signal improved India-Canada ties.
- West Asia & ASEAN Underrepresentation:
- Limited participation from GCC and ASEAN, with only the Philippines and Thailand representing the regions.
- Global South Engagement:
- Foreign Ministers from Ghana, Cuba, Peru, and Antigua & Barbuda will attend.
6. Origins and Significance of the Raisina Dialogue
- Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier geopolitical forum.
- It aims to rival global platforms like the Munich Security Conference and the Shangri-La Dialogue.
- Named after Raisina Hills, the seat of India’s government, the forum strengthens India’s role in global policymaking.
Understanding the Reach of an ICC Warrant
Why in News?
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been flown to the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the deadly “war on drugs.”
Key Points
1. What was Duterte’s ‘War on Drugs’?
- ICC’s Pre-Trial chamber found reasonable grounds to hold Duterte “individually responsible” as an indirect co-perpetrator of crimes against humanity.
- The investigation covers extrajudicial killings in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019, spanning Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.
- Human rights groups estimate that about 30,000 people were killed in police operations and by unidentified assailants.
2. Domestic Political Dynamics
- Duterte withdrew the Philippines from ICC jurisdiction in 2019, but the court retained authority over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal.
- Investigation was formally launched in 2021 but faced resistance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who later shifted position after the collapse of the Duterte-Marcos alliance.
- The Philippine government justified cooperation with the ICC by citing obligations to Interpol.
3. ICC’s Jurisdiction and Challenges
- Duterte’s allies challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
- ICC ruled in 2023 that the Philippines failed to prove it was investigating the crimes, allowing the ICC to proceed under the principle of complementarity.
- ICC relies on national governments to enforce arrest warrants, but compliance is inconsistent. Non-compliance may lead to UN Security Council intervention.
4. Implications for the ICC
- Duterte’s indictment is a rare success for the ICC, contrasting with unenforced warrants for Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The ICC faces political pushback—past U.S. threats against ICC officials over investigations into Israel and China’s criticism of politicized cases.
- The case reflects geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Philippines-China dispute over the South China Sea.
5. What Lies Ahead for Duterte?
- Duterte’s legal team argues that his extradition is “kidnapping.”
- The next step involves a Pre-Trial hearing to confirm charges, where Duterte may also seek interim release.
- If a trial is approved, proceedings may take a long time before reaching a verdict.
Environmental Mapping Reveals Melioidosis Peak During Monsoon
Why in News?
A study conducted in Odisha has revealed that melioidosis infections peak during and after the monsoon season. The research links disease occurrence with environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, and solar radiation.
Key Points
1. Understanding Melioidosis
- Melioidosis is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, primarily contracted through soil and water exposure.
- The disease manifests in varied forms, from mild skin infections to severe pneumonia and sepsis, with a fatality rate of up to 50% in severe cases.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to the bacteria’s similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the requirement for prolonged incubation.
2. Global and Indian Context
- A 2016 Lancet study estimated 1,65,000 annual cases worldwide, with South Asia contributing 44% of the global burden.
- In India, research on melioidosis has primarily focused on comorbidities (diabetes, renal diseases), occupational risks (farming), and behavioral factors (alcoholism).
- AIIMS Bhubaneswar has reported an increase in melioidosis cases over the years.
3. Study Findings in Odisha
- Conducted by AIIMS Bhubaneswar and IIT Bhubaneswar, the study analyzed 144 cases from 2015-2023.
- It correlated disease cases with environmental conditions such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and solar radiation.
- Mapping identified high-risk districts including Cuttack, Balasore, Khordha, and Jajpur.
4. Climate and Disease Dynamics
- The study confirmed that melioidosis follows a clear seasonality, peaking during and after the monsoon.
- Climate change, rapid urbanization, and poor sanitation could increase the spread of the disease.
- Incorporating climate analytics in public health systems is crucial for early disease prediction and intervention.
5. Broader Implications
- The study highlights the potential for climate-driven disease modeling beyond melioidosis.
- Odisha’s research model can guide other regions in integrating climate science with medical research to address emerging health risks.
