Table of Contents
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 1 : Building on goodwill
Introduction
In a historic step to reinforce bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Federal Republic of Nigeria on November 16-17, marking a new chapter in the India-Nigeria partnership. This visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 16 years, with the last being by Manmohan Singh in 2007. Such high-level engagements, beginning with Jawaharlal Nehru’s landmark visit in 1962, have continually underscored the significance of this relationship.
Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit
During his two-day visit, PM Modi met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, engaged with the Indian community in Abuja, and led a delegation-level meeting. This interaction culminated in the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), setting the stage for future collaboration in key areas.
Special Recognition
In a moment of pride for India, PM Modi was honored with Nigeria’s prestigious national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. Notably, the only other foreign recipient of this honor is the late Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring the esteem in which India is held.
Historical Ties Between India and Nigeria
India and Nigeria’s relationship is deeply rooted in history, marked by cultural and developmental exchanges that began soon after Nigeria’s independence.
| Era | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1962 | Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit included discussions on healthcare, education, and governance assistance. |
| Post-1962 | Tens of thousands of Indian experts contributed to Nigeria’s development in teaching, healthcare, and infrastructure. |
| Cultural Impact | Indian doctors, educators, and movies left an enduring mark, fostering goodwill among Nigerians. |
These early interactions laid a strong foundation, positioning India as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s growth story.
Opportunities in the Current Context
Demographics and Potential
With a population of 233 million and a median age of just 19.3 years, Nigeria presents enormous potential for collaboration in education, healthcare, and employment generation. Addressing the aspirations of its youth remains a shared priority for both nations.
Trade and Investment
India has historically been Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Africa, though trade volumes have dipped recently due to India’s pivot to Russian crude oil.
| Trade & Investment Highlights | Figures/Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Investment in Nigeria | $27 billion with room for growth. |
| Indian Companies in Nigeria | About 200 companies employing thousands. |
Revitalizing this partnership could lead to mutual economic benefits, especially through sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Defence Cooperation: A Legacy of Partnership
Historical Context
India’s role in shaping Nigeria’s military infrastructure dates back to 1964 when the Indian Army helped establish the National Defence Academy in Kaduna. Over the decades, nearly 27,500 Nigerian personnel have received training in India, including leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari.
Current Scope
To combat long-standing security threats like the Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria seeks India’s expertise in counter-insurgency and access to advanced military equipment.
Healthcare and Education: Pillars of Collaboration
Healthcare
India is already a preferred destination for Nigerians seeking quality medical care, owing to its skilled doctors, state-of-the-art facilities, and cost-effective treatments.
| Opportunities for Growth | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Tourism | Increased connectivity through restored air routes facilitates easier travel. |
| Local Healthcare Investments | Indian companies can establish hospitals and wellness centers in Nigeria. |
Education
With Nigeria’s youthful population, India can play a pivotal role in higher education and skill development. Expanding vocational training programs and student exchange initiatives could further cement ties.
Strategic Defence and Security Partnerships
As Africa’s most populous country with its fourth-largest standing army, Nigeria’s security needs are substantial. Collaborating with India offers Nigeria access to advanced military training and technologies while providing India an avenue to strengthen its strategic influence in West Africa.
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 2 : Apathy in the air
Introduction
Delhi’s perennial struggle with air pollution raises two crucial questions: Is the issue as insurmountable as policymakers make it appear, or does the root lie in ineffective governance? Answering these questions is not only key to solving Delhi’s pollution woes but also sheds light on the broader indifference toward environmental challenges in India.
The Multifaceted Causes of Delhi’s Pollution
Delhi’s toxic air is the result of a complex interplay of factors, each contributing to the deteriorating air quality:
| Source of Pollution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Emissions | Major contributor to particulate matter in the air. |
| Waste and Biomass Burning | Releases harmful toxins into the atmosphere. |
| Industrial Emissions | Adds to the mix of pollutants, especially near hotspots. |
| Farm Fires | Seasonal crop stubble burning worsens winter smog. |
| Geographical Factors | Landlocked geography traps pollutants over the city. |
This intricate combination calls for comprehensive, well-coordinated strategies that move beyond fragmented approaches.
Why Working in Silos Won’t Solve the Problem
The air pollution crisis cannot be addressed by isolated efforts. Yet, the lack of coordination between Delhi’s government and the central authorities often turns into a political blame game, particularly during winter months when pollution peaks.
Every year, the air quality index deteriorates to “severe” levels, sparking short-lived emergency measures. However, these quick fixes do little more than provide temporary relief. The winter haze fades, and so does the urgency to act. This cycle underscores the urgent need for a year-round, integrated approach to tackle pollution sustainably.
The Patchwork Nature of Current Solutions
Despite the gravity of the situation, policy responses have largely been reactive rather than proactive. The Supreme Court has issued strict directives to both the central and Delhi governments, yet the reliance on emergency measures fails to produce long-term improvements.
| Key Issues | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Emergency Response | Offers only limited and temporary solutions. |
| Year-Round Efforts | Largely absent despite data on pollution sources. |
| Policy Implementation | Lacks accountability and sustained focus. |
The root of the problem lies in the absence of a strategic vision that views pollution as a year-round issue demanding consistent action.
Insights from Research and Potential Solutions
Delhi’s pollution problem is not due to a lack of information. Numerous studies by institutions such as the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), IIT Delhi, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have mapped the primary sources of pollution and proposed actionable solutions.
Recommendations for Reducing Pollution
| Solution | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Transition to cleaner commuting modes | Long-term |
| Promote public transportation | Short to medium-term |
| Regulate industrial emissions | Immediate to medium-term |
| Support green cooking fuels | Medium to long-term |
While these steps have been identified, they require more than just awareness—they demand implementation. Unfortunately, despite years of attention on Delhi’s smog, there is no significant trend indicating progress in air quality improvement.
The Role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
In 2021, the central government established the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to bridge the gap between various pollution control agencies. The CAQM’s mandate was forward-thinking, emphasizing an airshed approach—a regional perspective that considers pollution across cities and states, rather than in isolation.
However, in practice, the CAQM has functioned mostly as an emergency regulator, stepping in when pollution levels become critical. A lack of proactive policymaking has undermined its potential, reflecting a broader issue: Delhi’s air quality is rarely treated as an electoral priority.
The Missing Element: Accountability and Public Pressure
One of the biggest obstacles in addressing air pollution is the apathy among policymakers and citizens alike. Environmental issues often fail to dominate public discourse or influence elections. Without electoral significance, governments lack the incentive to commit to meaningful reforms.
Breaking the Cycle
- Make Pollution an Election Issue: Environmental challenges must feature prominently in political manifestos.
- Set Clear Accountability: Assigning responsibility for policy implementation can ensure sustained action.
- Involve Citizens: Public participation in advocacy and behavioral change can amplify efforts.
Conclusion
The toxic air choking Delhi every winter is not just an environmental challenge but a governance failure. Tackling this crisis requires breaking the pattern of apathy and embracing a holistic, year-round strategy. By making pollution a central electoral issue and holding policymakers accountable, Delhi—and India as a whole—can finally chart a path toward cleaner, breathable air.
Environmental action, after all, is not just about policies; it’s about prioritizing the right to a healthy life.