The Hindi-Mandarin bridge
A Chinese professor who brought Hindi studies to China’s top university in Beijing and across the mainland, writes on the power of language to build bridges across borders
What to expect from the India-EU FTA
Negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which began in 2007, have yet to conclude. Deepak Rao blogs about the factors delaying the process, and the implications of the agreement on different sectors of the economy.
China Shining: An Indian déjà vu?
The similarities between China’s ascent in the global arena and India’s rise in 2003 are striking. Manjeet Kripalani blogs about why despite their remarkable rise, it is in Beijing’s interest to take notes from the stagnation that followed India’s growth.
From Lady Hughes to Enrica Lexie
The ‘Lady Hughes incident’, as a confrontation between British and Chinese authorities in 1784 came to be called, perhaps holds lessons for the ongoing dispute between India and Italy. Aniruddha Bose blogs
Bringing Kashmir back on the economic track
The hanging of Afzal Guru – convicted of the terror attacks on the Indian parliament complex in 2001 – has re-ignited the separatist fire in Kashmir. Can a sustained effort by the corporate sector reverse this pro-secession rhetoric in the Valley, where locals yearn for normalcy?
Commentary: A BRICS bank for the South
In 1990, the erstwhile South Commission recommended the creation of a 'South Bank' to aid the economic emancipation of the global South. Can the BRICS bank, which was discussed in length at the 5th BRICS Summit, provide a solution to the problems of the crisis-ridden African continent? Devaki Jain blogs
Lessons from the Chin-Mizo experience
The experience between the people of Myanmar’s Chin Hills and of Mizoram’s Lushai Hills shows that increased cross-border interaction has influenced the economic situation on both sides of the border. Sanjay Pulipaka blogs about the challenges and opportunities that come with increased exchanges across the border.
Keep calm and carry on
The recent allegations of corruption against the sale of AgustaWestland helicopters has renewed serious concerns on foreign defence acquisition in India. The larger question is this: to what extent does corruption really affect national security? Aakash Brahmachari blogs.
Non-Alignment 2.0: Running on fumes?
Lt. Gen. Prakash Menon and Prof. Gautam Sen delivered the keynote address at the two-day National Seminar on Non-Alignment 2.0 organised by the Department of Civics and Politics in the University of Mumbai. Gateway House’s Aakash Brahmachari blogs about the seminar, and India’s strategic rivals.
Testing times for Netanyahu
The 19th Israeli parliamentary election will take place on January 22 and opinion polls indicate the possible re-election of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Regardless of the outcome, there are several simmering issues the winner will have to address upon assumption of the office. Simon Clement blogs.