SAARC Courtesy:
2 March 2015

An Indian democracy template for SAARC?

Indian foreign secretary S. Jaishankar’s visit to SAARC countries from March 1 is an opportunity to examine the political trajectories in the region. While democracy in some countries like Sri Lanka is on an upswing, in others, like Bangladesh, it is in decline. With China’s growing economic influence in South Asia, can Indian democracy be an effective counterpoint?

mexico bollywood Courtesy: NPR
26 February 2015

Mexican inspiration for Bollywood

Mexican director Alejendra Inarritu’s Oscar for his work on Birdman comes after his compatriot won the same category award in 2014. This is a matter of pride for the Mexican film industry which is undergoing a renaissance in the last fifteen years. Although Indian cinema dwarfs the Mexican film industry, Mexico’s success in Hollywood should hold as inspiration for Bollywood

Jaishnkar Courtesy: Saddahaq.com
26 February 2015

SAARC sojourn: surmounting the entropy

The SAARC Yatra to be undertaken by foreign secretary S. Jaishankar from March 1 is an opportunity for India to improve relations, resurrect stalled projects and create new synergies with its neighbourhood. An initiative like this could hold the key to India shedding the ‘hegemon’ tag and pursuing mutually beneficial policies with its neighbours

Modi-Obama bromance Courtesy: MEA Flickr
29 January 2015

India and U.S: getting more comfortable

Even as U.S. President Obama’s visit to New Delhi was high on optics critics suggest that the two governments have a long way to go before they achieve a mutually satisfactory partnership. However, the bilateral dialogue did show that both India and U.S. are becoming more comfortable in their engagement with each other

India-U.S. flag_best Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
21 January 2015

A policy menu for Modi-Obama

Speculation abounds about what can be achieved during President Obama’s visit to India, and Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent $500 billion trade vision has raised expectations. Although differences remain—including in the energy and defence sectors—global developments could bring the two countries closer

Obama waving_Airforce1 Courtesy: Romeo Ranoco
19 January 2015

Obama’s visit to India: what’s at stake?

U.S. President Obama’s visit to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations underscores the determination of both administrations to revitalise the bilateral relationship. This visit might not be high on deliverables but emphasises the efforts being made to create a common ground for cooperation

Modi & Obama Courtesy: MEA Flickr
15 January 2015

What Modi-Obama can achieve together

During President Obama’s visit to India to attend the Republic Day parade, if he and Prime Minister Modi announce specific agreements related to the two most vibrant components of the relationship—defence and technology—it will pave the way for real progress on the September 2014 US-India joint statement.