EU Chief in New Delhi:Why Europe Needs India Now More Than Ever

 

 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India marks a pivotal moment in EU-India relations. With trade between the two reaching $126 billion in 2024 and long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations underway, the visit underscores the European Union’s urgent need for new partnerships. As the EU faces challenges from both the United States and China, strengthening ties with India has become a strategic imperative.

 

 

Why the EU Seeks Stronger Ties with India

 

Recent global developments have reinforced the importance of a robust EU-India partnership. US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on European imports and China’s expanding economic influence have left Europe at a crossroads. In this uncertain landscape, India offers the EU both economic stability and strategic alignment.

 

Von der Leyen’s two-day visit, accompanied by a high-level EU delegation, included meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key Indian ministers. This visit accelerated cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and security.

 

 

A Mutually Beneficial Economic Partnership

 

Trade remains the backbone of the EU-India relationship. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching nearly $126 billion in 2024—an impressive 90% increase over the past decade.

India’s rapidly growing economy, projected to become the third-largest by 2030, presents vast opportunities for European businesses. Key sectors such as automobiles, wines, and spirits view India as a crucial market amid rising global protectionism. Additionally, India’s “Make in India” initiative and its drive to become a manufacturing hub provide avenues for European investment and trade diversification.

For India, the EU represents an essential partner in reducing its dependence on China. European expertise in technology, infrastructure, and investment aligns with India’s “Developed India” (Viksit Bharat) vision and its ambitious goal of boosting total exports to $2 trillion by 2030.

 

 

Shared Strategic Interests in the Indo-Pacific

 

Beyond trade, India and the EU share common security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. China’s growing assertiveness, cyber threats, and maritime security issues have pushed the EU to deepen its engagement in the region.

 

India, with its expanding naval capabilities and strategic partnerships, plays a key role in maintaining regional stability. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2022, has become a crucial platform for cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance, and green technologies. This initiative aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, economic security, and technological collaboration—critical needs for both partners.

 

Another key development is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to enhance connectivity between India and Europe via the Gulf states, Israel, and Jordan. This project reduces reliance on traditional trade routes like the Suez Canal and diversifies supply chains, making it a significant geopolitical and economic initiative for both India and the EU.

 

 

India’s Role in Balancing Global Power Shifts

 

The EU’s increasing focus on India is also driven by global political shifts. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has strained EU-Russia relations, while India’s neutral stance has positioned it as a potential mediator. Despite India’s historical ties with Russia, the EU has chosen engagement over isolation, recognizing India’s rising geopolitical influence.

 

Rather than pressuring India to sever its economic ties with Russia, the EU is exploring ways to collaborate on shared priorities, such as securing supply chains for critical minerals and advancing defense cooperation.

 

 

The Road Ahead for EU-India Relations

 

While the potential for deeper EU-India ties is clear, success depends on translating diplomatic rhetoric into tangible outcomes. Key priorities include finalizing the long-delayed trade agreement, strengthening regional security partnerships, and enhancing technological collaboration.

 

As global uncertainties grow, India’s role in the EU’s strategic calculations will only become more significant.

 

 

It's the Economy: Trump and Putin Squeeze Zelensky

 

The year 2024 proved to be a turning point for Ukraine. With Putin securing a fourth term and Donald Trump returning to the White House, US-Russia relations entered a new phase. In this geopolitical shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky found himself increasingly sidelined.

 

Strengthening Critical Mineral Supply Chains

 Importance of Critical Minerals

 

Critical minerals are the backbone of the modern economy, essential for advanced technologies in industries ranging from defense and energy to electronics and transportation. However, the mineral supply chain remains highly vulnerable, posing a significant risk to national, economic, and energy security. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive strategy to build resilient supply chains that can withstand geopolitical disruptions and market fluctuations. 

 

Challenges in Securing Critical Mineral Supplies

 

Despite ongoing efforts by both the government and private sector, major vulnerabilities persist. Policymakers must secure stable supplies of crucial minerals such as lithium and graphite—key components in advanced batteries—and tungsten and rare earth elements, essential for next-generation military technologies. India must take a multi-pronged approach, focusing on:

 

- Domestic resource development to reduce dependency on foreign sources- Advancing processing and recycling technologies to maximize existing resources

- Strengthening international partnerships to diversify supply chains

- Promoting sustainable mining practices to ensure long-term availability

 

 

STATE OF USA ASSESSMENT BY DEAR FRIEND IN USA

 Trump addressed the joint session of Congress on March 04. Technically it was not called the State of the Union address, but a Joint address to the Congress. As per the U. S. Constitution  the President updates the Congress, highlighting the achievements of the previous year and laying down the policies for the coming year. However as per Trump, what he had achieved  in 43 days was more than what others have achieved in 4 or 8 years. He sure has shaken the world. Everyone is talking about him, so his address was also the longest, lasting an hour and 40 mins, beating Clinton's record. 

He started with America is Back and he is going to usher in a Golden Era. The long speech had lots of exaggerations and stretching of facts. It was a blatant partisan speech, where instead of talking of inclusion, he kept berating the Democrats and the previous President. There were clearly two sets of audience. The Republicans were jumping up and applauding, whereas Democratic side was sitting with long faces and showing placards - FALSE, Musk Steals, Protect Medicaid, etc.  Trump couldn't care about political correctness or being presidential, he went after Democrats and nearly the whole world like a street fighter, not caring about facts and niceties. One of the Congressman Al Green was escorted out, and a number of other democrats kept walking out at various intervals.

All the major media channels, with the exception of Fox, criticized Trump's boastful and partisan speech. Social media is a different kettle of fish. I used to watch Trump's reality show Apprentice. That's how he came into the limelight. He actually enjoyed saying "you are fired". That time I used to think that he was acting, now I have realized that it was for real. It is said that Trump's deal can never be a win-win deal, it is I win you lose. It is said that if you enter his office, he will lob a grenade at you to watch your reaction. Then what is Trump's recipe for success?

Extreme actions of Democrats is the key to success for Trump. They literally opened the borders for illegal migrants. Even migrants started coming in from far away countries. Lot of Indians sold their property to pay the human traffickers, whose rates kept shooting up in the four years of Biden. The Democrats took wokeism to new levels. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion was taken to extremes, where it seemed that the Govt was paying people for not to work. Single mothers' allowances encouraged them not to enter wedlock. Lax laws were encouraging teenagers to ransack stores and carjack. LGBTQI had gone to extremes, resulting in sex change of minors. Trump is an expert in judging the pulse of the masses and doing more than the straight talk. His sealing of the borders using the Army and visual deportation of illegal immigrants is appreciated by citizens. He is also taking care of wokeism, stopping transgender people from taking part in women's sports and supporting law enforcement. 

The principle behind reciprocal tariffs can't be questioned. Why should a country be at the receiving end if it is doing well financially. The abruptness and sudden implementation may be wrong, but then that is Trump's style. After the demise of the USSR, European Countries also took advantage by shifting the NATO borders towards Russia. Wokeism also kept increasing, till recently, wherein some Countries have voted in Nationalist governments. 

All this has allowed Trump to take the other extreme, causing panic and concern in the whole world. The pendulum is moving from one extremity to another. Extreme actions have extreme outcomes as will be judged by History. The silver lining for European Countries is that this is a good time to look inwards and get their act together, which may help to improve their economy. 

China's Military Modernization: An Assessment by Rand corporation PART 1

  Military Might: A Surface-Level Assessment

China's military appears formidable, boasting one of the world's largest and most modern forces. Its naval strength surpasses that of the U.S. Navy, and its air force is rapidly closing the gap in combat aircraft numbers. Furthermore, China's advanced weaponry, including stealth aircraft, warships, submarines, and hypersonic missiles, rivals or even surpasses that of the United States in certain areas. This has led to warnings of China's ascendance as the dominant military power in the Indo-Pacific region, with predictions of a potential decisive military advantage by 2027, increasing the risk of conflict over Taiwan. War game simulations further reinforce this perception, often depicting significant losses for intervening U.S. forces.

The Reality Behind the Hardware: Questioning Combat Effectiveness

Despite its impressive arsenal, the PLA's ability to translate material power into genuine combat power remains unproven. History provides cautionary tales of militaries failing to effectively utilize advanced weaponry. The Qing dynasty's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Nationalists' loss in the Chinese Civil War highlight the importance of skill and resolve over mere equipment. Similarly, the overestimation of Russia's military capabilities before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine underscores the danger of equating hardware with combat proficiency. The PLA, having not engaged in combat since 1979, presents a similar enigma. While doctrinal writings and training exercises offer insights, they provide mixed results. The PLA demonstrates competence in non-combat missions and shows some ability to execute joint operations in training. However, its avoidance of combat and internal criticisms of its joint operational capabilities raise significant doubts. The weak correlation between peacetime training and wartime performance further fuels skepticism, as demonstrated by Russia's lackluster performance despite extensive pre-war exercises.

The PLA's Core Purpose: Upholding CCP Rule Over External Warfare

A crucial, often overlooked, question is the fundamental purpose of the PLA. While militaries ostensibly protect the state from external threats, their actual roles vary significantly. Militaries are inherently political entities, reflecting the priorities of their respective states. In countries with insecure governments, militaries may prioritize internal stability and regime protection over external defense. This can lead to practices that enhance political reliability at the expense of combat effectiveness, such as loyalty-based promotions and fragmented command structures. Conversely, militaries focused on external threats prioritize meritocracy, flexible command systems, and institutional loyalty. The PLA, fundamentally, is optimized to uphold the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) rule.

Historical Precedence: Political Goals Over Combat Readiness

Throughout its history, the PLA has prioritized the CCP's political goals over combat readiness. This historical trend, particularly evident since the Korean War, underscores the PLA's primary role as a guarantor of CCP power.

Modernization's Motive: Securing CCP Supremacy

The PLA's modernization efforts are primarily driven by the imperative to maintain the CCP's power, rather than solely preparing for external warfare. The impressive equipment is more for the purpose of internal and external political posturing, than for actual warfighting.

China's Decline and the PLA's Evolving Role

As China potentially faces a period of decline, the PLA's mission of upholding CCP rule is likely to gain even greater urgency, while its focus on combat readiness may further diminish.

Implications for U.S. Defense Planning

The prospect of a large-scale, high-intensity conventional war between the U.S. and China remains improbable. However, if tensions escalate, China is likely to favor indirect methods of conflict. U.S. defense planning should therefore adopt a broader threat framework that considers a wider range of potential threats alongside the remote possibility of conventional war.

2

The PLA's Primary Directive: Securing CCP Rule, Not Battlefield Supremacy

Origins and Evolution: The PLA as the CCP's Armed Vanguard

What is the fundamental nature of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)? Is it a military designed primarily for external warfare, or is it an instrument for achieving the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) political objectives? From its inception, the PLA's core mission has been to ensure the CCP's political ascendancy. Born as the "armed wing" of the CCP, this foundational identity persists today. However, the PLA's execution of this mission has varied considerably, shaped by China's evolving security landscape and the CCP's strategic aims.

Early Years: Combat Effectiveness as a Necessity for Survival

During the tumultuous early 20th century, the CCP waged an insurgency to seize power amidst widespread conflict. In this context, a combat-effective PLA (initially known as the Red Army) was essential. Mao Zedong's 1938 dictum, "power grows from the barrel of a gun," reflected the reality of a China ravaged by civil war and Japanese invasion. The CCP required a formidable military to overcome Kuomintang, warlord, and Japanese adversaries. Consequently, there was a strong alignment between the CCP's political goal of seizing power and the imperative for a highly capable military.

REDUCING Symptoms of bloating, fullness, and gas even with minimal food intake

 

Symptoms of bloating, fullness, and gas even with minimal food intake could be due to factors like slow digestion, weak gut health, acid reflux, or even mild Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Here’s a structured approach to managing it:

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1. Exercises to Reduce Bloating & Gas

Engaging in gentle movements can improve digestion, release trapped gas, and reduce bloating.

A. Walking & Cardio

• A 15-30 minute brisk walk after meals helps in digestion.
• Cycling or swimming can also stimulate bowel movement.

B. Yoga Poses for Digestion

1. Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) – Lie on your back, pull knees to the chest, and hold for 30 seconds.
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – Helps with acid reflux and strengthens digestion.
3. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) – Sitting in this posture for 10 minutes after meals aids digestion.
4. Malasana (Squat Pose) – Opens up the stomach and relieves bloating.

C. Core Strengthening Exercises

• Light abdominal crunches can tone digestive muscles and prevent bloating.
• Planks (hold for 30 seconds) help strengthen the stomach muscles.

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2. Naturopathy Remedies for Bloating & Gas

A. Diet Changes

✅ Eat smaller, frequent meals – Large meals cause more gas buildup.
✅ Avoid gas-producing foods – Reduce dairy, excess pulses, cauliflower, and carbonated drinks.
✅ Soak lentils (dal) overnight – Reduces their gas-producing effects.
✅ Increase probiotics – Homemade curd, buttermilk, or fermented foods help gut bacteria.

B. Home Remedies

🔹 Ajwain (Carom seeds) & Saunf (Fennel seeds) – Take ½ tsp after meals with warm water.
🔹 Ginger & Lemon Tea – Aids digestion and reduces gas.
🔹 Triphala powder (Ayurvedic remedy) – 1 tsp with warm water before bedtime helps digestion.
🔹 Drink warm water – First thing in the morning and before bed.

C. Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy)

• Drink lukewarm water in the morning to flush out toxins.
• Placing a hot water bag on the stomach relaxes gas and bloating.

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3. Ayurvedic & Homeopathic Medicines

A. Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Hingwashtak Churna – ½ tsp with warm water before meals for bloating relief.
2. Avipattikar Churna – If acidity and indigestion accompany bloating.
3. Gulkand – Helps cool down the stomach and prevent gas.

B. Homeopathic Medicines

1. Carbo Veg 200 – For excessive gas and bloating.
2. Nux Vomica 30 – If bloating is due to overeating or acidity.
3. Lycopodium 200 – If you feel bloated even after small meals.

🔹 Consult an Ayurvedic or Homeopathic doctor before starting any medication.

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4. Lifestyle Modifications

✅ Chew food properly – Digestion begins in the mouth.
✅ Eat in a stress-free environment – Anxiety can worsen bloating.
✅ Avoid eating late at night – Have dinner at least 2-3 hours before bed.
✅ Ensure regular bowel movements – Constipation can increase bloating.

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Naturopathy Methods:

• Dietary Changes:
• Identify and avoid gas-producing foods: Common culprits include beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli), onions, and carbonated drinks.  
• Increase fiber intake gradually: Fiber can help regulate bowel movements, but too much too quickly can worsen gas. Focus on soluble fiber.  
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with digestion and prevent constipation.  
• Consider a low-FODMAP diet: FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest. A doctor or registered dietitian can help you implement this diet.  
• Eating smaller more frequent meals, instead of large meals.
• Herbal Remedies:
• Ginger: Ginger has carminative properties that can help relieve gas and bloating.  
• Peppermint: Peppermint tea or capsules can help relax the intestinal muscles and relieve gas.  
• Fennel: Fennel seeds can help reduce gas and bloating.  
• Abdominal Massage:
• Gentle abdominal massage in a clockwise direction can help stimulate bowel movements and release trapped gas.  

Medicines:

• Over-the-counter medications:
• Simethicone: This medication can help break down gas bubbles in the digestive tract.  
• Activated charcoal: This can help absorb gas in the intestines.  
• It is very important to consult with your doctor before taking any over the counter medication.
• Prescription medications:
• If your bloating is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the condition.
• Probiotics:
• Probiotics can help to regulate the gut flora, which can help to reduce gas and bloating.   

 

मराठी साहित्य आणि भारताची सुरक्षा, चीनी हायब्रीड वॉर, ग्रे झोन वॉर, अनरिस्ट्रीक्टेड युद्धावर मराठी साहित्य जरुरी- भाग 1

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