How India Maintains Peace Amid Global Turmoil

Source: The post How India Maintains Peace Amid Global Turmoil has been created, based on the article “Why we’re lucky to be Indians in such a terrible world” published in “Live mint” on 30th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Important aspects of governance and International Relations

Context: The article discusses how despite global turmoil and internal issues like corruption and poor governance, India has managed to maintain relative peace. How India Maintains Peace Amid Global Turmoil, It contrasts India’s situation with violent regions globally and examines factors like the Indian populace’s general disinterest in violent extremism and effective suppression of violence by security forces.

What is the Current Global Situation?

1. Global Conflicts: The article mentions ongoing devastating wars in Ukraine and the Levant, showcasing regions engulfed in violence and political turmoil.
2. Economic Collapse: It highlights the economic breakdowns in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, which have faced severe financial distress.
3. Regional Unrest: Bangladesh is also experiencing upheaval, adding to the list of countries with significant internal conflicts.
4. Comparative Stability: Against this backdrop of global instability, the sentiment among Indians that they are fortunate to live in a relatively stable country stands out, as India does not face such extreme crises.

Are Indians Really Better Off?

1. India’s stability seems greater compared to the economic collapse in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
2. Comparing Lebanon’s orderly evacuation to chaotic Bengaluru traffic questions if Indians are truly better off.
3. India’s issues with bad air and dirty water kill more people than wars in some regions.
4. Despite visible poverty and rubble in places like Gurgaon, India provides a shot at a peaceful life.

Why Has India Maintained Relative Peace?

1. Low Extremism Involvement: Proportionately, few Indian Muslims have engaged in acts of terror. A 2015 intelligence report highlighted that the Islamic State found Indian recruits underwhelming and unsuitable for roles like suicide bombers.
2. Political Dismissals: The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE led to a significant political backlash in Tamil Nadu, showing a domestic intolerance for extremism linked to political violence.
3. Effective Security Measures: Indian security forces have been quick to suppress violent uprisings, often disregarding the human rights of the poor, thus preventing sustained violence.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s relative peace amidst global turmoil and internal challenges is maintained according to the article.