In Today’s News:

1. Navy concludes Samudra Setu.
2. Dhaka diverges from India on the Rohingya issue.

1. Navy concludes Samudra Setu

News Summary

Indian Navy has concluded Operation Samudra Setu yesterday after 55 days of operation bringing back 3992 Indian citizens from abroad.

Prelims GS – Security

Operation Samudra Setu:

• Indian Navy launched Operation Samudra Setu on May 5 to repatriate Indian citizens from abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The evacuated Indian citizens landed at Kochi, Thoothukudi, and Porbandar.
• Indian Navy maintained excellent hygiene measures and safety protocols in ships and prevented any outbreak of infection during the evacuation operation.

Other similar operations by Navy: (Note: UPSC Prelims Match type question)

• Operation Sukoon – 2006 – Beirut
• Operation Rahat – 2015 – Yemen

2. Dhaka diverges from India on Rohingya issue

News Summary

Bangladesh claimed that  India supports the fast repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. But actually Hon’ble Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar said that India understands the “urgency of this issue and an early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons from Rakhine is in the collective interest of all”.

Prelims GS – International Relations

Rohingya issue:

• Rohingyas are minority groups in the Rakhine state of Myanmar.
• The problem arose because of the 1982 Burma Citizenship Act which defines Rohingyas as “resident foreigners”.
• As a result, they are kept away from regular civilians in Myanmar and they illegally migrate to various countries around Myanmar especially India and Bangladesh.
• India alone accounts for more than 40,000 Rohingya refugees.

Mini Insights

Mains GS2 – International Relations

India’s approach towards Rohingya refugees: (Note: Important UPSC Mains Question)

• India stresses on the deportation of these Rohingya refugees in its own security interests.
• Though India’s stance is clear, India has not openly criticized Myanmar for this issue as democracy is taking roots on the one hand and it is their internal matter on the other hand.
• Instead, India has promised to build 40000 homes for them and also launched Operation Insaniyat to help Bangladesh in handling the refugees by providing them mosquito nets, bed sheets, and other basic commodities.
• These are some of the reflections of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Look East Policy.
• India is also pushing for the operationalization of the Bangladesh-Myanmar repatriation agreement.
• India’s stance is currently changing from deportation to “Safe, speedy and sustainable return of Refugees“.
• This will ensure peace in India’s neighborhood as well as safeguard India’s own national interests.

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