A giant step for Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi anchors new democratic government, but tough challenges remain
Courtesy: MEA / Flickr
Africa: diplomatic flavour of 2016?
India has hosted a plethora of India-Africa conferences, expressing commitment to deepen mutual cooperation. It is further expected that the president, vice president, and prime minister may visit Africa this year, to follow up actively. Indeed, a senior official predicts Africa will even become “the diplomatic flavour in 2016”. An analysis.
Courtesy: Routledge India
Shifting India-Myanmar relations
“Changing Countours” outlines the changing contours of a newly democratic Myanmar and prescribes the path for India to follow to foster closer links with its next-door neighbour.
Courtesy: Tasnim News Agency
Iran elections: a positive for India
As Iran emerges from three decade of economic sanctions, it has embarked on a quest to reunite with its traditional trade partners like India. Both countries have much to give and take as they invigorate trade ties and explore new possibilities.
Courtesy: MEA / Flickr
India-Saudi: build on what is common
The talking points for Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will include the obvious: oil, diaspora and economic engagement. What remains to be seen is how both countries differing relations with Iran and Pakistan might affect the dialogue.
Courtesy: Reuters
Myanmar: the chessboard of destiny
The power game in Myanmar has become clearer with the election of U Htin Kyaw as President. However unanswered questions remain as to the role of NLD leader, Aung Suu Kyi in this new government as well as how Myanmar will operate with two very different groups at the steering wheel.
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs / Flickr
Building a path to Afghanistan
A more robust foreign policy initiative is required for India to be seen as a serious player in the future of Afghanistan. Building dams and roads has ensured its presence as a partner in rebuilding the country, but its conservative handling of Afghan issues must be challenged, perhaps by following the Iran route, to push forward its geostrategic interests.
India’s Act East Policy and Myanmar’s Role
Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies, Gateway House delivered a lecture on India's Act East Policy at Jadavpur University, Kolkata on 10 March, 2016 as part of the Ministry of External Affairs' 'Distinguished Lecture Series.'
Courtesy: Wikipedia
India and the Syrian quagmire
With a cessation of hostilities been brokered by Russia and the United States, the conflict in Syria has entered a tense pause. India has had a bystander attitude to the conflict in Syria. However, with the truce expected to be short, does India have the incentive or the option to depart from its current position, and deepen its engagement in Syria?
Courtesy: Wikipedia
India: agriculture is in again
With the increase in allocation to the agriculture sector in Budget 2016, the Modi government has revealed a renewed tilt towards rural India. How this financial roadmap will lead to revitalizing agriculture and developing rural India will depend on the politics.