he most visible expansion in India-China bilateral relations since the turn of the century is in the sphere of their economic and commercial engagement. This expansion coincided with their emergence as the fastest-growing economies in the world. Today, China is India’s largest goods trading partner. And for China, India is its seventh-largest export destination. Even more remarkable, this upsurge in bilateral trade and economic ties has occurred over a short span of time. read more

When Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meet on Monday in New Delhi, India and China will project to the world that the two economic marvels --- with a combined GDP set to surpass the G7’s by 2025 [1] --- are back to business as usual across their contested borders. Certainly, Ladakh will lurk in the shadows of the symbolic meetings. But India needs to put it on the table and demand a genuine stability in relations. read more

On May 6, in its first official indictment of the Chinese governmen t, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) accused Beijing of using espionage to acquire defence technology for its military modernisation programme. In its 83-page annual report to the U.S. Congress, titled 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013,' the Pentagon charged China of also breaking into computer systems in the U.S. to steal technology. read more

The presidential election in Iran, to be held on 14 June 2013, will significantly impact the country’s internal affairs. It is possible that the outcome will create domestic unrest and affect national stability. The outcome will also have implications for the entire region, and for emerging powers such as India, with economic and political interests in Iran. The election will be closely watched by the West. read more