celac india Courtesy: Embassy of India, Venezuela
29 August 2012

India-CELAC: Beyond commodities?

CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) chose India as its first dialogue partner, expressing its intent to expand trade and diversify. Given the increased political will from both sides, can CELAC be the driver for India-Latin America relations or will bilateral ties maintain the status quo?

NAM Summit: An opportunity for dialogue Courtesy: Non-Aligned Movement
24 August 2012

NAM Summit: An opportunity for dialogue

Originally formed to oppose polarities among nations following the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement is as relevant today as it was till two decades ago. How can it play a role in reducing the violence, and in tempering regional and global rivalries in West Asia and North Africa?

J Ranade interview Courtesy: Gateway House
23 August 2012

The implications of China’s leadership transition

This October, China’s 18th Party Congress will usher in a new leadership in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Liberation Army, amidst increased turmoil in its neighbourhood. What consequences will this have on Indo-China relations, and on the policies of the Party?

democracy in motion neelam Courtesy: Mission Against Corruption/Wikimedia Commons
10 August 2012

Regenerating our democracy

The promise of an egalitarian democratic system in India and abroad, has been tarnished by the entrenchment of dynastic leadership and by an inordinate concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few. It is imperative to find ways to confront the shortcomings that have crept into our cherished democracies.

naxal_0 Courtesy: naxaliterage
9 August 2012

A wounded democracy

India's foreign policy prowess may be growing, but it is governed by the nation's internal health - which is riddled with poverty, corruption and displacement. Such vulnerabilities can threaten the smooth functioning of our democracy, and need to be addressed promptly.

DSC_0465 - Copy Courtesy: Gateway House
31 July 2012

“Re-activating the Stilwell Road”

The Stilwell Road, which once connected India to China via Myanmar before falling prey to neglect, is now being restored. Gateway House interviews former Special Director of India's Intelligence Bureau, R. Ravi, to discuss the strategic importance of this road and its relevance to our 'Look-East' policy.

kp fabian 2 Courtesy: Gateway House
25 July 2012

“India’s diplomacy is textual, not contextual”

Understanding the rationale behind India’s diplomatic decisions is essential for policymakers and citizens alike, so as to take better decisions in the future. Gateway House interviews former Ambassador to Italy, K. P. Fabian, to discuss how India's assessment of policy values the spoken word over context.

xerxes china Courtesy: Ministry of Defence, India
12 July 2012

The spectre of China

Though India may seem to be mirroring or competing with China’s military build-up, it doesn't seem to be doing so in consonance with a long-term plan. New Delhi would be better served by avoiding an arms race; staying away from the U.S.-China rivalry and fostering stronger relations with its immediate neighbours.

debnath shaw Courtesy: Gateway House
5 July 2012

“Russia still dominates Central Asia”

Though some countries like Russia gained a strong foothold in Central Asia and the Caucasus post-1991, India has been a late-comer. Gateway House interviews former Ambassador to Azerbaijan Debnath Shaw to discuss India’s energy interests in the region, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the TAPI pipeline.