Courtesy: Reuters photo
Presidential visits abroad are high-level instruments of statecraft and, more often than not, signals of geopolitical priorities. The recent visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, exemplified this, indicating the administration's policy orientation.
Courtesy: Reuters
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement comes amidst increasing economic uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff policies. The FTA has revitalised previously lethargic discussions for India to conclude FTAs between like-minded countries. An India-EU FTA, along with the India-UK FTA, may reform global rule-making on international trade and perhaps even revive the WTO.
Courtesy: Gateway House
Geopolitics is increasingly intertwined with the economic destiny of South Asia. Even before the U.S. tariffs were rolled out, growing polycrises had hit the global economy, which has been struggling since the pandemic. South Asia seems a relatively bright spark of regional trade and growth. This paper analyses South Asia’s trade architecture in the backdrop of a sluggish world economy in the 2020s, and makes recommendations for closer regional economic integration.
Courtesy: Narendra Modi on X
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.
Courtesy: Evraz
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.
Courtesy: Atlantic Council
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.
Courtesy: Gateway House
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.
Courtesy: Reuters
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.
Courtesy: Reuters
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.
Courtesy: News 18
The India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement will be signed this year. It will complete a unique, two-part trade agreement that will bring India into global trade regimes in a calibrated manner, and with a helping hand. For Australia, with its deep global trading knowledge and pragmatic approach to such agreements, gaining it first-mover advantage in India’s large market is a major win