Daily Editorial Analysis: December 9, 2025
This analysis covers significant editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express, offering insights pertinent to the UPSC examination.
Democracy’s Paradox: Citizenship and Governance
A central debate in India’s democratic landscape involves defining and proving citizenship. Indian passports and electoral rolls serve as typical identifiers of belonging, but neither can conclusively establish citizenship as they are susceptible to forgery. This ambiguity is highlighted in the current discourse on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which raises fundamental questions about how states ascertain membership in a political community.
Legal Framework and Institutional Authority
The legal challenges to the ECI’s authority stem from three main arguments:
- The ECI lacks the jurisdiction to determine citizenship, a power assigned to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Current laws do not support a widespread SIR, as revisions are designed to be selective.
- Issues regarding foreigner status should be handled by bodies established under the Foreigners Act rather than the ECI.
Contrarily, the ECI maintains that its constitutional obligation to maintain electoral accuracy necessitates verifying citizenship. This conflict symbolizes a shift in democratic principles, where individuals now bear the burden of proof regarding their citizenship status.
The Quest for Proof of Citizenship
India lacks a universal document that definitively proves citizenship. While the Citizenship Act of 1955 and rules from 2003 have proposed frameworks for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Identity Cards, these remain incomplete. The principle guiding this verification process places the onus on individuals to prove their citizenship, a shift that complicates the relationship between the state and its citizens.
Evolving Citizenship Framework
The initial focus on birthright citizenship (jus soli) has gradually evolved to include ancestry-based elements (jus sanguinis). Amendments made over the years introduced conditions based on parental citizenship and designated illegal migrants, altering the dynamics of who can claim citizenship based on birth.
Administrative Challenges
The process of determining citizenship is paradoxical: while democracy derives its legitimacy from its citizens, it is the state that controls the mechanisms defining who qualifies as a citizen. Local officials often handle these determinations, emphasizing the administrative complexities and the potential for exclusion, as seen in Assam’s NRC exercise, which has classified many individuals as “D-voters” due to insufficient documentation.
The Democratic Dilemma
The ongoing debate around citizenship verification underlines a core tension within democracy: while the citizens create the state, the state dictates who belongs. Initiatives like the SIR or NRC will likely continue to create anxiety regarding identity and belonging unless there’s a resolution to this conflict.
The Real Story of the India-Russia Summit
The recently held 23rd India–Russia Summit in New Delhi highlighted India’s complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of the Ukraine war, which has frayed relations between key global partners. India’s ability to navigate these relationships showcases its strategic autonomy.
Strategic Engagement
The high-profile welcome extended to President Vladimir Putin was a clear message of India reaffirming its longstanding partnership with Russia amidst global polarization. Despite pressures from both Moscow and its Western allies, India’s measured diplomacy aims to preserve its interests while supporting peace efforts in Ukraine.
Programme 2030: Economic Cooperation
A significant outcome of the summit was the adoption of Programme 2030, aiming to enhance economic ties by targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade through initiatives like promoting national currency trade and diversifying sectors. Key sectors identified include fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and critical raw materials.
Energy Security
Given India’s status as a major fossil fuel importer, establishing reliable energy collaboration with Russia is crucial. The summit underscored the need for India to secure its energy needs against global competition, especially with China’s growing dominance in accessing Russian resources.
Emerging Collaborations
New avenues for cooperation emerged, notably in maritime connectivity, Arctic cooperation, and labor mobility. India is now positioned to send skilled workers to Russia, which faces labor shortages and demographic challenges.
Conclusion: A Re-engineered Relationship
In reflecting on the summit, it’s clear that the India-Russia relationship is being recalibrated to maintain relevance amid shifting global realities. This dynamic partnership is vital for both nations, allowing them to jointly navigate the complexities of international relations, thus reinforcing India’s commitment to a balanced diplomacy approach.
By critically examining recent editorial analyses, aspirants can better understand the intricate socio-political dynamics shaping India’s citizenship policies and international relations.
