Gateway House interviewed Jabin Jacob, assistant director and fellow at the Institute for China Studies, New Delhi, on the relationship between China and Pakistan, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) as well as the China's one belt-one road initiative.

The French media’s reportage of Modi’s recent visit to France was limited but significant, and inevitably a lot of it was about the Rafale deal. Various other issues were covered, including the nuclear reactor project in Jaitapur. Some newspapers recommended that France must heavily invest in India, while some expressed concerns, but on the whole the coverage has generated enthusiasm

The AIIB is a step along a path that started with the Asian financial crisis, which defined ASEAN’s views about the U.S.’s commitment to the region. Although the bank may signal the rise of China, it is also a coming together of Chinese and ASEAN goals—ASEAN’s focus on infrastructure for growth requires another source of finance, and this forecasts its strong relationship with the AIIB

Germany is a crucial partner for India, especially for the Make in India programme. The needs and strengths of both countries are complementary: in India, German companies are among the largest employers, and Germany is the second largest destination for Indian investment in Europe. India needs to develop and enhance the skill of its population, and develop an advanced manufacturing base. For this, a new level of collaboration is required.

As the UN, U.S. and EU sanctions against Iran begin to be lifted, synchronised with Iran fulfilling its obligations on the nuclear issue, there will be a much greater interaction between India and Iran which will certainly benefit both countries.

The JCPA between Iran and the P5+1 countries is being welcomed positively in Iran. President Rouhani was elected in 2013 on a platform to to improve Iran's relations with the world and majority of Iranians wait anxiously for the improved socio-economic benefits that will follow

The annual meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing in March covered wide and significant ground, including President Xi’s vision of deepening reform and law-based governance. The meeting also emphasised environmental protection and enforcement of IPR. But the outcome of these plans remains to be seen

Currently, it appears that the Wahabbis have the upper hand over the "Sabahis" in the middle east. But the war for the hearts and minds of a people as gifted as the Arabs, is far from over.

Lee Kuan Yew transformed a “pestilential and immoral cesspool” into a glittering global city with the world’s highest per capita income and the highest percentage of home ownership. Lee also had grand vision for the role that India could play in Asia.

The average L-1 visa denial rate to Indians is far higher than the average, according the latest NFAP report. This has serious implications for Indian IT professional as well as the global technology industry as a whole, while raising disturbing questions about American protectionism