indo pacific  (2) Courtesy: Getty Images
24 July 2025

India’s footprint in the Indo-Pacific region

India is strategically expanding its influence across the Indo-Pacific region, positioning itself as a key player in regional affairs. Three elements anchor the effort: development aid, trade and the diaspora. The country now has 20 Free Trade Agreement partners in the Indo-Pacific. The 21.8 million-strong Indian diaspora across the region is a significant source of soft power for India.

trump - japan Courtesy: Kent Nishimura/Reuters
24 July 2025

The Trump effect in Japan

The political setback by the ruling coalition in Japan in the July 20 Upper House elections reflects growing frustration with the mainstream political parties. Young people frustrated with high costs have resulted in a fragmentation of Japan’s political landscape, and the rise of the right. The “Trump effect” has found fertile ground in Japan’s political soil.

shutterstockAllahfoto Courtesy: shutterstock / Allahfoto
17 July 2025

EVs to Hydrogen?

The embargo on rare-earth magnets by China reflects a gap in India’s critical mineral supply chain. India should reduce the need for these minerals by promoting green hydrogen.

Global South World Courtesy: Global South World
17 July 2025

Argentina-India grow the strategic partnership

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Argentina is a boost to the growing bilateral. Modi and Argentinian President Javier Milei are committed to their countries’ economic and political advancement, and see trade with each other as key. Argentina being in the lithium triangle gives India access to critical minerals.

Bernama Courtesy: Bernama
9 July 2025

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship disappoints

The 46th ASEAN Summit led by Malaysia in the chair, concluded in May. Malaysia is one of the founding members of the ASEAN, and is fully cognisant of its prolonged challenges, but as chair it has not addressed the issues. It raises questions on whether the stated deliverable of “inclusivity and sustainability” is merely a diversion from the country’s weakening leadership in the region.

Ricardo Moraes  Reuters Courtesy: Ricardo Moraes / Reuters
9 July 2025

BRICS Summit: strengthening cooperation

While BRICS does have a wise agenda, backed by considerable unity, it is not in a strong position to garner the world’s support for it. The fissures within the G7, the tensions between the U.S. and Europe, and the unilateralism of Washington leave little room for BRICS to develop an international consensus on the issues agreed at the recent Rio Summit.

X  @narendramodi Courtesy: X / narendramodi
4 July 2025

Shaping the future of BRICS

BRICS is undergoing a major transformation—expanding its membership, redefining its global role, and navigating geopolitical tensions. As the group prepares for the Rio Summit in July 2025, key challenges include integrating new members, reforming multilateral institutions, and balancing economic ambitions with strategic unity. With India set to chair in 2026, the bloc’s evolving identity will shape its global influence.

Website articles  (22) Courtesy: Getty Images
3 July 2025

Diversifying supply chains for critical minerals

The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington on 1 July, 2025, underscored the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains, especially for critical minerals. A Gateway House report shows how to strengthen supply chains for rare earths by creating deep financial markets similar to those that exist for bullion and oil.

Hindustan Times (1) Courtesy: X / PMOIndia
3 July 2025

PM Modi forges ties with G7, Cyprus, Croatia

PM Modi's multi-country visit from 15-19 June to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia demonstrated India's expertise in nurturing ties with great powers, middle powers and state powers.  The common thread was twofold: to represent India at the still-important summit of the Group of Seven in Alberta, and to push India’s strategic partnership with the EU, by forging closer ties with the countries of eastern and central Europe.