strategic dialogue seema Courtesy: Embassy of India, Washinton D.C.
18 June 2012

India-U.S.: Another big bilateral shift

The third India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue saw more talk of ‘mutual capabilities’ than of a mere alliance. The larger endeavour in the bilateral is to find the right fit as partners, where both countries can preserve their strategic autonomy and benefit from their unique positions in the international community.

NATO afghan Courtesy: Open Democracy
18 June 2012

The return of the Pashtun problem and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014

The NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014 should be done tactically so that it doesn't destabilize Pakistan. Despite having accepted Pakistani help in the past, the Taliban might empathize with Pakistani Pashtuns and spread the very secessionist tendencies which Pakistan’s Afghan policy was designed to prevent.

tightrope india us Courtesy: The White House
13 June 2012

Iran tests India’s policy

Apart from bilateral ties, also at play at the India-U.S. Strategic dialogue is the difficult triangulation in India’s relations with the U.S. and Iran. It does not serve India to get enmeshed in the U.S-Iran confrontation. Instead, the relationship must develop on the basis of realpolitik and mutual interest.

indo us strategic dialogue Courtesy: U.S. State Department
12 June 2012

India-U.S.: More equal partners

The setting for the third Indo-U.S. Strategic Dialogue is promising: a global shift of economic weight to Asia, U.S. military exhaustion and indebtedness to China and other factors call for a greater convergence in Indo-U.S. interests than ever before. It is essential then, to take bold decisions at the dialogue.

ambassador abhyankar interview Courtesy: Gateway House
8 June 2012

“We are not in the business of ‘civilizing’ nations”

Over the past year, there has been a drastic change in the political scenario in Syria, which is now engulfed with violent sectarian conflict. Gateway House speaks to former Indian Ambassador to Syria, Rajendra Abhyankar, about the changing political scenario and the implications of the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Courtesy: Government of Tonga
29 May 2012

India-Tonga: Old friends, new engagements

After the passing of Tonga's revered King, Tupou V, all eyes are on the new establishment for signs of change in Tonga's foreign policy. How will India, an old friend to the Pacific island-nation, fit into this increasingly important region? Can it build on traditional ties with Tonga?

sudeep chakravarti interview Courtesy: Gateway House
24 May 2012

Myanmar: Liberalization benefits for India

As Myanmar’s economy opens up, neighbouring India is provided with an opportunity to enhance bilateral ties. Gateway House’s Hari Seshasayee interviews South Asia expert Sudeep Chakravarti to discuss the changes sweeping Myanmar and its significance for the region.

hillary clinton articles Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
18 May 2012

Hillary Clinton’s ‘Pivotal’ Moment

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit to China, India, and Bangladesh is keeping with the U.S. pivot to Asia. The choice of countries has strategic significance for the U.S., where India is flagged as balancing the rise of China, and Bangladesh as a strategic base in the Bay of Bengal.

anoop singh interview Courtesy: Gateway House
11 May 2012

IMF interview: How the European crisis will affect India

As India’s growth slows, it becomes increasingly important to enact reforms so it can return to its intended growth rate of 9%. Gateway House’s Hari Seshasayee interviews Anoop Singh, Director of Asia and Pacific at the IMF, to discuss the impact of the Euro zone crisis on India and the way forward for Asia.

Courtesy: Flickr/ccqatar
3 May 2012

Qatar: Geopolitical Cosmopolitanism

Over the last few years Qatar has actively participated in world affairs by holding the Presidency of multilateral organizations, hosting international institutions and investing significantly in foreign markets. What does Qatar hope to achieve from its rising profile and its growing role in international affairs?