Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– NB8 Grouping
– Raisina Dialogue
– Indo-Pacific region
Context
Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its ramifications for global security and stability, the NB8’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue assumes profound significance, signalling a collective commitment to defending democratic principles, upholding international law, and advancing a rules-based world order.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 24th February 2024
The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust
The NB8 grouping refers to the Nordic-Baltic Eight, a regional cooperation format consisting of eight countries in Northern Europe:
- Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
- Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The NB8 was established in 1992 as a platform for informal discussions and cooperation on regional and international issues. It facilitates regular meetings between government officials, including Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and experts, to discuss various topics like:
- Regional cooperation: This encompasses areas like infrastructure, energy, environment, and economic development.
- International issues: The NB8 countries cooperate on global challenges like security, climate change, and human rights.
- European Union: Six NB8 countries are EU members, and the grouping provides a platform for discussing and coordinating EU policies.
The group shares historical, cultural, and geographical ties, fostering collaboration and cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics, trade, security, and culture.
- It is an informal cooperation format, not a formal organization.
- It focuses on dialogue, collaboration, and joint action.
- It has played a significant role in promoting regional integration and cooperation in Northern Europe.
- It has expanded to include partner formats, such as the Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe (e-PINE) with the United States.
Nordic-Baltic Cooperation at Raisina Dialogue
The eight Nordic-Baltic countries, are participating in Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. It is the first joint high-level NB8 delegation outside Europe.
Purpose of Participation
- Emphasize the importance of global cooperation amidst turmoil and conflict.
- Advocate for trust, dialogue, and cooperation to protect peace, stability, and oppose aggression
- India chosen as a partner due to its commitment to multilateralism and shared agendas.
Significance of Visit to India
- Strategic Partnerships: India stands to benefit from strengthening strategic partnerships with Nordic-Baltic countries, which are champions of democracy, human rights, and multilateralism.
- Closer cooperation with these nations can enhance India’s standing as a responsible global actor committed to upholding shared values and principles.
- Economic Collaboration: The NB8 delegation’s visit offers avenues for enhanced economic collaboration between India and the Nordic-Baltic region.
- Given the advanced economies and innovation-driven industries of NB8 countries, India can explore opportunities for technology transfer, investment, and joint ventures across sectors such as green transition, innovation, and digitalization.
- Trade and Investment: Increased dialogue and cooperation with NB8 countries can facilitate greater trade and investment flows between India and the Nordic-Baltic region.
- This collaboration can help diversify India’s trade partnerships and access new markets for Indian goods and services, contributing to economic growth and development.
- Knowledge Exchange: The NB8’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue provides a platform for knowledge exchange and learning opportunities for India.
- Collaboration in areas such as innovation, technology, and sustainable development can enable India to leverage the expertise and best practices of Nordic-Baltic countries to address its own developmental challenges effectively.
- Regional Security and Stability: Strengthened cooperation with Nordic-Baltic countries can contribute to enhancing regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Closer dialogue on geopolitical issues, maritime security, and defense cooperation can foster a conducive environment for peace and prosperity in the region, aligning with India’s strategic interests.
- Promotion of Shared Values: Engagement with NB8 countries reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting shared values of democracy, human rights, and international law.
- By collaborating with like-minded partners, India can amplify its voice on global platforms and advance common objectives related to peace, stability, and the rule of law.
Conclusion
India stands to gain significantly from deepening its partnership and cooperation with the Nordic-Baltic countries. Strengthening strategic alliances with nations committed to democracy and multilateralism enhances India’s global reputation.
Related Topics
The Raisina Dialogue
It is an annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, which aims to address the most challenging issues faced by the world. The conference takes place in New Delhi and is attended by people from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.
Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, hosts the conference.
The theme of the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.”
During the three-day conference, the participants will engage with each other over six “thematic pillars”. These include:
- Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities;
- Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate;
- War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries;
- Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion;
- The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress;
- Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty,
References:
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of the Nordic-Baltic Cooperation’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue for India’s foreign policy objectives. [150 words]