Multilateral Treaties — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
India's Withdrawal from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Negotiations
November 2019India's decision to withdraw from RCEP negotiations after seven years of talks illustrates the complex considerations involved in multilateral treaty commitments. Despite potential economic benefits, India cited concerns about trade deficits, impact on domestic industries, and inadequate safeguards for its services sector. This decision reflects India's approach of prioritizing national interests over multilateral commitments when they conflict with domestic priorities. The withdrawal also highlighted the challenge of balancing multilateral economic integration with protection of domestic industries and workers.
UPSC Angle: Questions may focus on India's trade policy, challenges of multilateral trade agreements, balance between international commitments and domestic interests, and India's approach to economic multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region
India's Ratification of the Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol
September 2021India's ratification of the Kigali Amendment demonstrates its commitment to multilateral environmental agreements while securing favorable terms for developing countries. The amendment phases down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in refrigeration and air conditioning. India negotiated a longer phase-down schedule and technology transfer provisions, showing how countries can participate in multilateral treaties while protecting their development interests. This reflects India's strategy of engaging with climate multilateralism while ensuring differentiated responsibilities.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on environmental multilateralism, India's climate commitments, differentiated responsibilities in international environmental law, and the relationship between development needs and environmental obligations
India's Participation in COVAX and Vaccine Diplomacy
2020-2022India's engagement with COVAX, the multilateral initiative for equitable vaccine distribution, showcased both the potential and limitations of multilateral cooperation during global crises. While India initially supplied vaccines through COVAX and bilateral channels, it later restricted exports during its second COVID wave, highlighting the tension between multilateral commitments and domestic priorities. India's subsequent proposal for TRIPS waiver at WTO demonstrates its approach to using multilateral forums to address global challenges while protecting its interests.
UPSC Angle: Questions may examine global health governance, multilateral responses to pandemics, intellectual property rights in multilateral trade agreements, and India's role in global health diplomacy