ASEAN
BRICS
- Jim O’Neil
- Fortaleza Summit 2014: NDB, CRA
- initiatives
- BRICS Pay: blockchain based alt to SWIFT
- BRICS Vaccine R&D, EWS
- Remote Sensing constellation
- CRA
- NDB
| Year | Happening |
|---|
| 2006 | BRIC informal dialogue (sd/ UNGA) |
| 2009 | first formal summit, Russia |
| 2010 | SA joins, BRICS |
| 2014 | Fortaleza Summit: NDB, CRA |
| 2017 | Xiamen Summit: BRICS Plus outreach model |
| 2023 | Johannesburg Summit: expand membership |
| 2024 | Kazan Summit: first expansion |
| 2026 | India chair |
| Point | info |
|---|
| Population | expanded BRICS: 50% world population |
| GDP - PPP | $63.2T, exceeding G7 $52.3 |
| Global growth | China alone: 22% global growth over next 5 years (IMF) (larger than G7 combined) |
| Manufacturing | 40% of manufacturing |
| Agri | 42% wheat |
| 52% rice |
| Crude oil | 44% |
Significance for india
- knowledge exchange - tech, edu, healthcare
- india’s voice on global issues
- bilateral dialogue eg. India-China 2026
- Development finance: NDB
- Energy security: BRICS = 44% global crude oil
De-dollarization
- India-russia rupee trade
- china africa barter
- local currency push; alternative to SWIFT/USD
- challenges:
- exchange volatility, fear - chinese dominance; limited global trust
- US threatens tariffs
New Development Bank
- funds infra in emerging economies
- challenges
- capital
- weak project pipeline
- coordination with MDB
- sustainability & risk mgmt
- governance issues
| Aspect | NDB | AIIB |
|---|
| Estd. | BRICS | China |
| Membership | BRICS | 100+ Countries |
| Egypt | India included |
| UAE | |
| Bangladesh | |
| Voting | equal share | share based |
| | China dominant |
| Focus | sustainable infra in developing nations | Infra development, Asia centric |
| Eg. | MP solar grid, smart cities | Mumbai metro, Andhra roads |
| India’s benefit | S-S coop, equal say | regional leadership, flexible terms |
Issues
- diverging geopolitics
- India - China
- Iran - Saudi
- Low intra BRICS trade: only 2.2%
- weak global alt: NDB underfunded vs. IMF / WB / AIIB
- limited influence in global economic systems
- overlap with IBSA / BASIC 2009
- Differing visions of BRICS
India’s 2026 Presidency
TODO
Way forward
- P2P, academia, art, sports
- multilateral unity in UN, G20, WTO
- multisectoral engagement - Health, edu, agri, anti corruption
- infra connectivity - joint efforts in transport, digital, energy grid
Other current affairs
SAARC
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation 1985 Dhaka
- 21% population, but 4% Global GDP
- objectives
- cultural & social cohesion
- intra regional trade & development
- transform region from poverty to well being
- establish stability & progress through regional coop
- achievements
- SAPTA, SAFTA
- South Asian Identity
- SAU, New Delhi
- SAARC Arbitration Council for fair dispute resolution in trade & commerce
Significance for India
- regional interaction, diplomatic outreach
- economic stability eg. SAARC Currency Swap 2024-27 for liquidity
- Link to Act East Policy
- Soft Power
- Support for global aspirations through regional peace & unity
Why dysfunctional
| Challenge | Example |
|---|
| India-Pak Tesnion | Uri attack 2016, summit cancelled; not held since |
| Trust deficit, border issues | Kalapani Dispute, perception of india as big brother |
| Poor trade integration | Intra SAARC trade <5% of total trade, despite SAFTA |
| Unanimity rule | consensus based decisions allow obstruction eg. Motor Vehicle Pact |
| Bilateral Political Irritatnts | CAA-NRC w/ Bangladsh, Madhesi Issue with Nepal |
| China’s influence | BRI, Tariff exemptions |
| Asymmetry in development | India’s economic lead causes resistance & mistrust |
| Interference allegations | Pak’s Kashmir Support, meddling in Afghanistan & Bangladesh politics |
Way Forward
- revive SAARC
- Bangladesh’ Mohd. Yunus: “Reviving SAARC is key to regional stability”
- Counter chinese influence
- P2P contact through civil society, edu exchange
- prioritize SAARC over BIMSTEC
- BIMSTEC excludes Afghanistan & Pakistan
- Boost intra regional trade
BIMSTEC
- BoB Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical & Economic Cooperation 1997
- 7 member states
- 1.68B people, $3.7T DP
Significance for India
- bypass SAARC constraints eg. Pak veto
- +Act East (myanmar, thailand)
- regional connectivity
- counter china influence
- SAGAR vision
6th BIMSTEC Summit 2024
- Thailand host
- Bangkok Vision 2030: economic integration, tech infra
- India led initiatives
- CoE in DM, UPI, Maritime transport
- BODHI Program
- BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce (proposed)
- P2P focus
- India hosting BIMSTEC Games 2027
- 21point Action Plan incl. cultural festival
Compared to SAARC
| Criteria | BIMSTEC | SAARC |
|---|
| membership | S/SE Asia, BoB | South Asia |
| focus | trade, connectivity, energy, tech | poverty, edu, culture (social) |
| Geopolitical functioning | active, avoids bilateral conflicts | inactive; India-Pak tensions |
| Overlap | 5 shared members | |
| Thailand, Myanmar extra | |
| Strategic scope | bridge b/w S - SE Asia | Limited to S.Asia |
Issues
- secretariat lacks funding, staffing resources
- low trade volume: $44.32B (2023-24)
- trust deficit; members import from non BIMSTEC
- no coastal shipment framework ⟹ cross-border fishing disputes
- only 6 summits held in 28 years
Way forward
- conclude BIMSTEC FTA (pending 2004)
- implement BIMSTEC Master Plan on Transport Connectvity 2020
- deepen cooperation in renewable & security, DM, counter terrorism
- cultural, P2P ties - festival, sports, student
Shanghai Cooperation Organization 2002
- 30% global GDP, 40% world population
Geopolitical role
- 30% global GDP, china-russia strategic interest
- security vacuum filling thru Afghanistan Contact Group post NATO withdrawal
- counterterrorism - RATS
- China push - Global South narrative
- connectivity: INSTC, Chabahar
Challenges
| Challenge | details |
|---|
| Expansion | Belarus entry shifts focus from C.Asia |
| Afghan fracture | varying approach to Taliban |
| China dominance | pushes BRI within SCO |
| Weak enforcement | no executive authority, no binding outcome |
| conflicting interest | india-pak, divergent priorities |
| India specific | china-pak nexus, sovereignty concern, balancing SCO benefits |
India’s Constructive Role
- HEALTH Proposal (2022)
- non aligned stance during tensions
- economic engagement eg. SCO Business Conclave 2023
- Connectivity support - backed INSTC to link C.Asia
- Security cooperation - SCO Peace Mission 2021, hosted RATS Meet 2022
- Soft power: SCO Film Festival 2023
- cultural/edu ties
2026 Summit - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
TODO
2025 SCO Summit
- Tianjin Declaration - Pahalgham
- SCO Development Bank (proposal)
2024 SCO Summit
- SCO Anti Drug Strategy 2024-29
IORA
GCC
QUAD
Global Significance
- strategic balance - counter china assertiveness indo pacific
- maritime security eg. IPMDA
- health diplomacy - 1B COVID vaccinnes indo pacific
- tech & resilience: SSCN - semiconductor supply chain network TODO
- trade & infra: eg. Quad Infra Coordination Group 2022
- Economic bloc: lowering trade barriers, economic integration
Significance for India
- strategic leverage: counterweight to China post Galwan 2020
- Act East Boost: strengthen engagement with ASEAN
- defence strengthening: Malabar 2024 maritime interoperability
- tech & economic: SCRI support Atmanirbhar Bharat
11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026
6th Quad Summit 2024
- Quad cancer Moonshot to combat cervical cancer
- Tech: MoU on semiconductors, AI-ENGAGE, Open RAN, BioExplore Initiative
- Climate: Clean Energy Supply Chain Program
- India to develop climate web portal for Mauritius
- MAITRI training
Challenges to QUAD
| Challenge | Details |
|---|
| No formal structure | depends on summits, voluntary coordination |
| China’s opposition | labels as Asian NATO, cold war relic |
| resists IPMDA initiatives |
| diverging interests | India - Borders; USA - Taiwan; Aus - China trade; Japan - US Security |
| Overlapping forums | SCO, BRICS |
| Uneven capabilities | |
| Geographic focus split | India emphasies Indian Ocean; others → Pacific domain |
India’s concerns
- strategic autonomy, resists formal military alliances
- avoid overt militariation, as only country with China border
- SQUAD focus sidelining QUAD
- ties with Russia (defence) & Iran (Chabahar) contrast w/ Quad
Way forward
- diversify trade, reduce reliance on China
- strengthen common focus on maritime, security, HADR, counter terrorism
- regular joint naval drills, tech collab
- address trust gaps and chinese threat perception through dialogue
- QUAD Plus
- tackle non traditional threats: cybersec, climate resilience, public health, DM
NATO
Objectives
- collective defence - Article 5
- political cooperation, democratic values
- military operations for crisis mgmt
Concerns regd. expansion
- complicates consensus
- financial pressure on USA
- diversion from core task
- Russian hostility: Crimea Annexation 2014, Ukraine 2022
- militarisation eg. Russian troop in Kaliningrad
- preference to Eats/North europe
- functioning:
- few meet 2% defence GDP target
- rise of nationalism in Hungary, Italy
- uncertain USA commitment
Challenges for India
- Russia relations
- Sanctions pressure eg. Iran Oil disruption
- Tech transfer hurdles eg. FGFA with Russia
- higher defence spending norms
- strategic autonomy dilemma
Opportunities for India
- security cooperation counter terror, intel sharing w/ USA, France
- economic stability, supports indian exports
- access to tech eg. Rafale
- climate collab
- healthcare particpation
- edu linkage
- Energy security: nuclear, clean energy partnerships
- Indo pacific focus - QUAD
G20
- 19 countries + EU + African Union
- 85% of global GDP
- 75% of trade
- 2/3 population
Role & Focus
India’s G20 Presidency Dec 2022 - Nov 2023
Delhi Declaration
Challenges before G20
| Challenge | Details |
|---|
| diverging priorities | developed vs developing nation |
| limited authority | not a treaty based org, no legal power |
| effectiveness issues | limited impact on inequality, climate change |
| transparency deficit | |
| Protectionism | trade wars, nationalism |
| geopolitical tensions | US-China, Russia-Ukraine, Middle east |
| underrepresentation | global south sidelined in all major decisions |
G7
- address realtime conflicts eg. Red Sea attacks, Israel Hamas
- global governance initiatives
- Democracy & rule based order: free fair electinos
- inclusion of global south
India - G7 strategic engagement
- platform for voice
- strategic leverage, bridge N-S divide
- secure FDI inflow, WTO reforms
- tech & climate cooperation, green energy, clean tech financing
- represent voice of global south
- Russia - Ukraine mediation potential, as a neutral nation
Challenges
| Challenge | Details |
|---|
| declining share of global GDP | 60% 1970s → 26% 2023 |
| lack of inclusivity | India, Brazil, AU not permanent members |
| Inernal discord | US opposition to climate goals |
| Non binding resolution | limited enforceability |
| Exclusion of key players | ignore influence of non democratic nations eg. China, Russia |
| Limited Global south impact | |
| Pledge overreach | over-reliance on voluntary commitments reduces accountability |
Way Forward
- build permanent structures to ensure continuity & impact
- global south engagement - on climate, tech, debt, development
- fulfil pledges on clean energy, climate resilience
- strengthen focus on Indo Pacific, Africa, emerging conflicts
World Bank
- 1994, Bretton Woods Agreement, HQ Washington DC
- assists developing countries in reducing poverty & promoting development
- through financial aid, policy advice, tech assisstance
World Bank & India
First loan: $34M in 1948 for railway rehabilitation
Recent collaborations:
- edu/skills: STRIVE initiative, girls schooling
- Social: Tejaswini (women empowerment), COVID aid
- Health: National AIDS & TB control programs
- Nutrition: POSAN abhiyan
- Energy: Rewa Solar Park in MP
- Water & Sanitation: Jal Jeevan mission
- Logistics: Improved Logistics Performance Index
Challenges
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| unequal rep | voting based on financial contribution |
| rich countries dominate |
| restrictive conditionalities | eg. 1991 Reforms |
| Implementation gaps | weak follow through o ninternal evaluation reccos |
| unsustainable models | weak follow through on internal evaluation reccos |
| Geopolitical influence | aid aligned with donor interest eg. in Afghanistan |
| Lack of legal accountability | sovereign immunity limits member states’ recourse |
| one size fits all approach | western models ignore local economic / social contexts |
| harmful structural reforms | marked liberalization & pvtization hurt local food & industries |
Way forward
- reform voting power (reflect current global economy, empower developing nations)
- contextual loan terms, align w/ local needs
- sustainable development projects
- local impact projects - community driven, small scale
- wider partnership - NGO, multilateral players
- inclusive growth model - equity, human development over austerity
- enhance accountability - act on IEC recommendations to build trust & transparency
WTO
- Marrakesh Agreement 1995
- replaced GATT 1948
Functions
- trade rule enforcement, compliance, prevent trade discrimination
- negotiation forum on trade rules
- dispute resolution to memers
- capacity building of developing nations in trade participation
- promoting freer & fairer trade flow
WTO Governance
- Ministerial Conference: top body, meets biennially
- General council: regular body - daily fn
- TPR body: reviews trade policies
- Dispute Settlement Body
Achievements:
- reduced tariffs, 4x trade since 1995
- boosted global value chains
- supported LDC through duty free quota free access
- promoted sustainable practices & services trade
Core principles of WTO
- non discrimination
- MFN: equal treatment to all WTO members
- National Treatment
- reciprocity in trade benefits
- binding commitments
- transparency in trade policy
- safety valves - for health, env, public safety
India & WTO
- founding member
- used WTO to boost exports, tech access, raise concerns of global south
- advocates food security, fair IPR, movement of professionals
India’s concerns
| Area | Position |
|---|
| Food security | supports public stockholding & invokes WTO peace clause |
| Agricultural subsidies | wants flexibility for MSP & subsidy limits |
| Market access | seeks reduced NTB & opposes EU carbon tax |
| IPR | pushes for TRIPS flexibilities & traditional knowledge protection |
| Mode 4 (Services) | demands easier professional movement (opposed by developed nations) |
| SDT | stronger spl protections for developing countries |
| Dispute | Summary |
|---|
| India-US trade | 6 disputes mutually withdrawn in 2023; tariff access adjusted |
| China app ban | justified under sovoreignty / security under IT Act |
| IT Tariff Case | WTO ruled against india; india appealed the decision |
Subsidy classification
| Box | Nature | Eg. |
|---|
| Amber | trade distorting, limited | price support eg. MSP |
| Blue | Conditional, limited | EU direct payments for limiting output |
| Green | non distorting, unlimited | R&D, PM-KISAN, env subsidies |
Challenges
| Challenge | impact |
|---|
| Appellate dysfunction | no appeals possible, weakened enorcement |
| Outdated rules | can’t address digital trade, data flows |
| Unilateralism | US-China tariffs undermine multilateralism |
| Negotiation deadlock | Doha round stuck over subsidies & market access |
| Rise of FTA | dilutes MFN principle |
| geopolitics | US China rivalry, Russia Ukraine confilct |
| SDT Disputes | no consensus on benefits for large developing nations eg. China |
- restore appellate body, timely appointments, stick to mandate
- promote MPIA, use as temporary appeals mechanism
- clarify SDT - define eligibility fairly for developing nations
- modernize framework for e-commerce
- push equitabel decision making to protect global south local markets
- inclusive plurilateralism
- coordinate & cooperate with UN on SDG
IMF
- 1944, Bretton Woods Conference
- promote monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, global stability growth
Functions
- policy coordination, economic cooperation eg. 2008 Crisis, Covid 19
- Exchange rate stability through Article IV Consultations
- Payment system support eg. to Argentina, Sri Lanka
- financial assisstance - short term, for BoP crises
- SDR
Funding of IMF
- member quota - based on economic size, affects vote share, borrowing limits
- multilateral borrowing
- bilateral borrowing agreements for liquidity
India & IMF
- founding member
- support during 1991 BoP crisis
- borrower to contributor: no loans post 1993; completed repayments by 2000
- receives technical advice on macroeconomic issues - growth & stability inputs
- Currently among top quota holders
1991 Crisis
- foreign reserves fell below 3 Week import cover
- IMF Support: SDR 3.6B loan conditional on reforms
- rupee devaluation to boost exports
- fiscal consolidation to reduce deficits
- LPG
IMF vs WB
| Aspect | IMF | WB |
|---|
| puprose | financial stability, exchange, BoP support | Long term development, poverty reduction |
| Type of support | short term loans, macro policy advice | long term grants, technical support |
| focus area | currency, inflation, fiscal balance | infra, health, edu, agri |
| structure | single 191 membr body | IBRD, IDA, 189 members |
| funding | member quota | bonds in global markets |
| conditions | structural reforms eg. Greece Crisis | project specific conditions |
Criticism
- developed countries dominate voting - USA 16.5%
- harsh conditionalities, hurt local economies eg. Greece Crisis, Indonesia IMF event
- one size fits all
- geopolitical bias eg. selective bailout of Pakistan
- limited global south impact
- quota rebalancing - inc share for emerging economies (India, BRICS)
- voting fairness, address gaps
- leadership reform - replace Euro-US duopoly with merit based selection
- modernize Article IV Consultations - use transparent data tools for ↑ credibility & fairness
- share: 2.75% - 8th largest globally
- advocates higher quota, better GS representation, 50% IMF fund increase
- justification
- enhance legitimacy of IMF decisions
- reflect real GDP PPP contributions
- avoid institutional irrelevance
Way forward
- democratize IMF voting & leadership
- support for developing nations - climate finance, infra funding, pandemic preparedness
- inclusive decision making: engage GS in IMF policies
- maintain India IMF engagement - technical, policy
WHO
- 1948, UN Specialized agency to promote health, serve vulnerable populations
- global health standard setting, research, emergency coordination
Mandate
- sets health priorities & policy options
- guides global health research
- frames intl standards & practices
- assists countries in improving health systems
- tracks & reports on global health trend
+ve role during COVID 19
- timely protocols, travel guide
- COVAX for equitable vaccine access
- trained nations in pandemic response
- realtime data, testing, vaccine trial support
- intl. solidarity & funding efforts
WHO & India
- member since 1948
- partners on UHC, disease control, nutrition, maternal health, digital health
- supports key programs - Ayushman Bharat, Tejaswini, POSHAN, AIDS/TB control, National Digital Health Blueprint
WHO Priorities in India
- universal health hcoverage: AB, digital tools
- NCD, Air pollution, mental health, nutrition
- emergency preparedness, disease surveillance
- boost pharma exports, promote traditional medicine, digital health
WHO India initiatives
- Vaccine hesitancy countered in J&K during COVID19
- estd. Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, Gujarat
- GAVI & Equal access to vaccine
- health research & digital health
Criticism
| Issue | details |
|---|
| funding dependence | <20% from contributions; rest donor |
| delayed repsonse | COVID pandemic declared very late |
| past failure | weak ebola response 2014 |
| political influence | from USA, China |
| Weak enforcement | only advisory guidelines, not binding |
| bureaucratic delays | regional office autonomy leads to inefficiences |
| conflict of interest | allegations of pharma influence on decisions |
WHO Funding
- Assessed contributions: mandatory, based on GDP: <20% of total funding
- voluntary contribution - main funding source
- challenges
- overdependence on specific donors
- politically vulnerable eg. US withdrawal under Trump
- 2017 Transformation agenda: strengthen leadership, accountability, country specific support
- 3 Level Model: unified coordination across HQ, Regional & Country offices
- Chief Scientist Role to promote evidence based policy
- rapid emergency response via Incident Management System
- Results based monitoring
- Broad partnership w/ Youth, civil society, Google, FIFA
Way forward
- diversity funding, stabilitize, sustainable
- EWS
- transparent & timely communications to build trust
- empower member states in local health systems
- independent review
FAO
TODO
UN
- founded 1945, 193 member states
- foremost multilateral platform addressing peace, HR, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, intl law
- India founding member
Structure
- GA: deliberative forum w/ equal vote
- SC: peace; 15 members, 5 w/ veto
- ECOSOC: coordinates socio-economic activities
- ICJ: legal dispute settlement
- Secretariat
- Trusteeship Council: defunct
Key functions
- peacekeeping, conflict mediation, post conflict recovery
- HR protection - legal mechanism, field missions
- humanitarian response - disaster relief
- SDG promotion
- codification & promotion of intl law
Major issues
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| Funding constraints | over-reliance on voluntary funds |
| peacekeeping underfunded |
| SC gridlock | veto paralyzes decisions eg. Ukraine, Gaza |
| conflict ineffectiveness | limited impact in crises (Sudan, Gaza) |
| outdated charter | rigid amendement process |
| duplication & bureaucracy | coordination issues among UN bodies |
- revise charter, update outdated clauses eg. Article 2(7)’ “Energy states”
- UNSC reforms - expand representation, limit veto abuse
- financial: timely contribution, new revenue eg. Tobin Tax
- secretariat: increase diversity, cut red tap, boost developing country participation
- trusteeship council: abolish or refine mandate
India & UN
- strong peacekeeping contributor (>275k troops historically)
- advocates UNSC permanent membership as part of G4
- pushes for terrorism accountability, SDG, climate equity
- seeks fair IPR rules, greater aid access
| Body | Concern by India |
|---|
| UNSC | lack of permanent seat |
| veto imbalance |
| UNHRC | perceived bias, questions on objectivity |
| UNCTAD | seeks more pro-developing country approach |
| UNESCO | opposes politicisation of cultural heritage |
UNGA
- fn: deliberation, budget approval, appointments
- Significance for India: voice for GS, reforms, climate justice
- limitation: non binding resolutions, reflects geopolitical divide
UNSC
| Issue | desc |
|---|
| veto | blocks global action ukraine gaza |
| regional imbalance | asia/africa under-represented |
| opaque process | P5 dominates decisions |
| crisis response | delayed, ineffective |
India’s path to permanent seat
- leverage peacekeeping, diplomacy
- G4 lobbying, support from major powers
- emphasize multilateralism (G20, BRICS)
- highlight inclusivitiy, regional leadership
UNHRC
- india role: member 2022-24, 26-28
- criticism of India: CAA, J&K detentions, EIA changes
- UNHRC limitations: bias, weak implementation, GS under representation
- way forward
- strict membership criteria
- quicker response to crises
- NGO accreditation reform
- frequent field assessment
ECOSOC - Indian engagement
- coordinates SDG, development aid, NGO participation
| Commission | Indian Contribution |
|---|
| CSW | gender empowerment: SHG, Beti Bachao |
| CPD | alignp opulation policy with global terds |
| CSTD | tech missions, digital india, quantum mission |
| CSocD | social justice, PM DAKSH, accessibility |
| CND | drug control, NDPS Act, UN Seat |
| Statistical Commission | elected 2023, strengthen global data norms |
IMO - India’s Role
- India is maritime nation, actively engages in IMO to ensure safe, sustainable seas
| Domain | Role/Action |
|---|
| Env | MARPOL |
| Ballast Water Convention |
| Anti foulding |
| ship recyling at Alang |
| Safety | SOLAS, ISM Code compilance |
| marine accident protocols |
| Security | ISPS Code adoption, anti piracy ops |
| seafarer welfare under MLC |
UNESCO
- estd 1945, to promote peace, human rights, sustainable development
- through global coop in edu, science, culture, communication
Core objectives
- education & SDG4: global education 2030 Agenda
- Cultural heritage protection
- India chaired 46th world heritage committee in 2024
- Moidam of Ahom Dynasty, Assam became Indias’s 43rd WHS
- Science for sustainability: International Decade of Sciences: 2024-33
- Freedom of expression, fack checking training for influencers
Memory of World Programme 1992
- manuscript, audio-visual, oral records, universal access, diversity
- preserve documentary heritage of global significance
- India’s contribution: Bhagavad Gita, Bharat’s Natyashastra
Issues
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| shifting priorities | fund cut for edu, undermines SDG4 goals |
| Heritage site protection | weak safeguad eg. Bamiyan Buddha |
| Opaque site selection | for WHS |
| Financial crisis | US withdrawal → budget constraints |
Way forward
- enhance funding from developed nations
- improved governance, inc tranpsarency, accountability
- stronger collaboration: partner with other UN bodies, civil society, global institution
- transparent heritage listing - reform nomination process with independent global committee for fairness
International Criminal Court
- Rome Statute 1998
- world’s first permanent court for prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity & aggression
- HQ: Hague
- NON members: US, China, India
Core crimes
- genocide: destroy national / ethnic / racial / religious group
- crimes against humanity
- war crimes - breach of geneva conventions
- crime of aggression
Jurisdiction
- crimes covered on/after 1 July 2022
- applies if:
- crime occurs in or by citizen of a state patry or
- UNSC refers to the case
- Crime of aggression
- no jurisdiction over minors
Why India didn’t join ICC
- sovereignty concerts: UNSC can refer to non member states, undermining authority
- prosecutor powers: can independently initiatite cases - raises fears of misuse
- political interference: influenced by UNSC veto powers
- exclusion of key crimes: terrorism, nuclear weapon
Limitations
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| Legitimacy doubts | perceived political motives |
| lacks dedicated investigation arm |
| UNSC influence | P5 members can block / steer ICC actions via veto |
| Bias allegaions | targets developing nations |
| procedural delays | complex trials, takes years |
| Enforcement issues | no police force, relies on state for arrest & implementation |
Way Forward
- universal membership: encourage wider ratification
- impartiality: geographical balance in investigations & staffing
- faster procedures: streamline case process + ensure fair trials
- wider jurisdiction: collab w/ other global bodies to expand scope
ICC vs ICJ
| Aspect | ICC | ICJ |
|---|
| Estd. | 2002 | 1945 |
| Governing treaty | Rome Statute | UN Charter |
| Jurisdiction | individuals | states |
| membership | 123 rome statute signatories | all UN members |
| location | Hague | Hague |
| Judges | 18 (9 yr term) | 15 (9 yr term) |
| Proseution | independent office of prosecutor | no prosecution role |
| enforcement | depends on state cooperation | relies on compliance; UNSC may enforce |
| eg. | Darfur, Uganda War Crimes | border/maritime disputes, diplomatic issues |
IAEA