The Assumption Island agreement has been a topic of discussion in the news and politics circles for quite some time now. It has been a contentious issue between India and Seychelles, and it has raised several questions about the strategic implications of this agreement. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Assumption Island agreement and its significance for the UPSC exam.

Firstly, let us understand what is the Assumption Island agreement? It is a deal between India and Seychelles to build a naval base on the Assumption Island in the Indian Ocean. The agreement was signed in 2015, during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Seychelles. The deal was supposed to give India a strategic outpost in the Indian Ocean, which would serve as a base for Indian naval ships to operate in the region.

However, the agreement has faced a lot of opposition in Seychelles, with many locals expressing concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed naval base. In addition, there were also concerns over the Chinese presence in the region. The Seychelles government eventually decided to put the agreement on hold until a new government was elected in the country.

The Assumption Island agreement is significant for the UPSC exam for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the growing importance of the Indian Ocean region in the global strategic calculus. The Indian Ocean is becoming increasingly important for trade and commerce, and it is also a hotspot for geopolitical tensions. The Assumption Island agreement is a reflection of India`s desire to play a greater role in this region.

Secondly, the Assumption Island agreement also raises questions about India`s relations with its neighbors. India has traditionally had strong ties with Seychelles, and the Assumption Island agreement was seen as a way of strengthening these ties further. However, the opposition to the deal in Seychelles shows that the relationship is not without its challenges.

Finally, the Assumption Island agreement also highlights the importance of environmental concerns in the global strategic calculus. The concerns raised by locals in Seychelles about the environmental impact of the naval base show that environmental considerations cannot be ignored when it comes to global politics.

In conclusion, the Assumption Island agreement is a significant issue for the UPSC exam. It highlights the growing importance of the Indian Ocean region, the challenges in India`s relationships with its neighbors, and the importance of environmental considerations in global politics. It is a reminder that the world is changing rapidly, and India must be prepared to adapt to these changes.