Report Courtesy: Körber-Stiftung
17 April 2025

Momentum for Middle Powers: Emerging Middle Powers Report

The world is undergoing profound transformations that are not being driven only by the United States, China or Russia. Small and medium-sized States are carving out a legitimate place for themselves in the emerging new order. This second edition of our annual Emerging Middle Powers Report is a reminder that the signs of the times are showing a new momentum for middle powers.

NarendraModi_JD-Vance Courtesy: Narendra Modi on X
17 April 2025

Stepping up the trade talk with Vance

U.S. President Donald Trump is determined that India lower tariffs on American imports. He is sending his top representatives to communicate with officials in New Delhi before his own arrival in the Indian capital, aiming to finalize the proposed bilateral trade agreement.

10_Bild10L_Evraz_KGOK2L-ironore-7ad449a79aa2d734 Courtesy: Evraz
10 April 2025

A changed India-Russia equation

Three years into the war with Ukraine, Russia has adapted to the changed economic scenario. It’s an ideal time for India and Russia to step up their economic engagement, especially as India seeks resources in energy and critical minerals for growth. However, Indian companies are wary of using these opportunities and are missing out on access to the world’s larges and most mineral-rich region.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes President of the European Union Ursula von der Leyen upon her arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.  Evan Vucci/Pool via REUTERS Courtesy: Atlantic Council
13 March 2025

The EU reaches out to India

The recent visit of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU College of Commissioners to India, is a testament to its view of India as a key voice in the Global South and a stabilising force amidst a rapidly changing global dynamic. However, a strong push is required to elevate their transactional relationship into something more meaningful for both parties.

FILE PHOTO: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, addresses his supporters during an election campaign rally ahead of presidential election, on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Courtesy: Reuters
6 March 2025

Sri Lanka balances India and China

Sri Lanka is playing a balancing act as it manages its ties with India and China. It is heavily dependent on the two rival Asian giants for its economic revitalisation and future growth, but it must be strategic in its approach with both countries as it attempts to manage its foreign debt and ensure project sustainability while maintaining geopolitical neutrality.

20FEb Breifing- event Courtesy: Gateway House
20 February 2025

A new gateway in the Northeast

Japan's growing influence in India’s Northeast and Bay of Bengal region is proving to be a gamechanger, with the potential to transform its economic and geopolitical landscape. With cultural ties and strategic investments, states like Assam and Meghalaya hope to enhance development while fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with Japan. Additionally, the latter could help ensure wider regional stability given the tensions with Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Reuters Courtesy: Reuters
20 February 2025

Twenty Five years of Vladimir Putin

The 18 February bilateral negotiations between Russia and the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine, will take Russia out of western isolation and put it  back into the global mainstream. This is a success for President Vladimir Putin, who has now been ruling Russia for 25 years, by focusing on domestic stability and development and a revival of relations with the West, China and India.

BERNAMA Courtesy: BERNAMA
13 February 2025

High expectations of Malaysia as ASEAN chair

Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is pivotal. It will have to steer ASEAN toward regional peace, stability, and prosperity while reinforcing its centrality. All this during a time of heightened geostrategic rivalry, economic deglobalisation, rising protectionism, and nationalist trends.

Reuters Courtesy: Reuters
11 February 2025

Modi negotiates with Washington

India and the U.S. have a big agenda, bilaterally and geopolitically, to discuss when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump meet in Washington on Feb 12-13. Trade, China and migration are central points of discussion. So will ensuring that Trump allies with India on its neighbourhood as an area of common concern. The big election win in New Delhi will strengthen Modi’s negotiating hand.