Courtesy: Japan Ministry of Defense
Japan’s recently-released defence white paper marks a significant turn in intent and policy. The country’s long focus on economic security is now blended with its defence capacity, bringing together foreign policy, intelligence, and economic, technological and industrial capacities into a “comprehensive architecture for national defence.” This is a new conception of national security in Japan.
Courtesy: Twitter/@DrSJaishankar
India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2028-29. This will be India’s ninth time on the UNSC. The election is strict and process-driven. The campaign has been launched well in time to ensure election with the highest possible number of votes to signal global acceptance of India, now the world’s most populous country, as a permanent member of the UNSC.
Courtesy: Gateway House
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia is building a sovereign AI ecosystem. Despite Western sanctions and the brain drain following the Ukraine war, Moscow continues to support AI startups and SMEs through state-backed funding. There are 38 Russian AI companies, and it is worth analysing their backgrounds, classifications, and the links between them and the Russian state.
Courtesy: Manuel Elías
The process of choosing a new Secretary General of the UN, to assume office on January 1, 2027, has begun. The UN Security Council is central to this and has just held its first straw poll on the seven candidates in the fray. Three have done well – all from countries with positive ties to the current U.S. administration. India must keep a close eye on the developments.
Courtesy: The Wall Street Journal
The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum highlighted Russia’s push for technological sovereignty. President Vladimir Putin argued that Russia and the Global South must avoid being held hostage to the West. Since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, sweeping sanctions have accelerated Russia’s efforts to build domestic digital infrastructure, strengthen AI capabilities, and deepen technological cooperation with partners such as India.
Courtesy: Körber-Stiftung
The third Emerging Middle Powers Report reveals interesting trends. In every recent year, the five countries surveyed – India, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia – have been tested by events to prove they can prevail over the contested terrain of global politics. A pattern has emerged linking them together: non-alignment is their preferred response to a fragmenting order.
Courtesy: Gateway House
Pakistan and Afghanistan have long shared one of the world's most volatile borders. Pakistan's 2025 airstrikes inside Afghanistan marked a dramatic rupture in a relationship Islamabad had once carefully cultivated. Regional expert Raghav Sharma examines the evolving military balance, China’s mediation efforts, the role of the Gulf states, and how the Iran conflict is reshaping Pakistan’s economy and internal fault lines. The result is a region facing multiple crises, where traditional strategic assumptions no longer offer clear answers.
Courtesy: Gateway House
Nepal’s ruling party leader, Rabi Lamichhane, visited India from June 1-5, 2026, highlighting Nepal’s evolving political priorities under the leadership of new Prime Minister Balendra Shah. A conversation with Nayanima Basu examines how India is faring under its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies and how New Delhi should navigate an increasingly volatile and sensitive region.
Courtesy: Gateway House
The state elections in the eastern states of Bengal and Assam have given a massive mandate to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The opportunity for transformation and progress is enormous, especially as both these states are the crucial connectors to India’s Act East Policy. Harsh Shringla, Member of Parliament and former Foreign Secretary of India, says India’s foreign policy will see multiple benefits from these states.
Courtesy: Routledge
In this book, C. Raja Mohan analyses Asia’s shifting political, economic, military, and technological balance, with particular focus on U.S.-China and India-China relations. He argues that India’s rise from a middle power to an emerging great power will require stronger hard power, diplomatic creativity, economic vitality, and domestic consensus. Yet, amid tensions over tariffs, Russian oil, Gaza, and the U.S.-Iran conflict, India’s strategic path remains challenging.