Khurshid in Iraq Courtesy: MEAphotogallery/ Flickr
28 June 2013

India finally reconnects with Iraq

In 2012, Iraq emerged as India’s second largest crude oil supplier thereby shifting focus back on bilateral relations. However, India’s historical and cultural connection with Iraq, as well as common geopolitical concerns, reveal that relations have the potential to go beyond oil

Musharaff Courtesy: World Economic Forum/ Flickr
27 June 2013

Badi Soch: Musharraf caught in the crosshairs

This daily column includes Gateway House’s Badi Soch – big thought – of the day’s foreign policy events. Today’s focus is on why prosecuting former President General Pervez Musharraf has serious implications for regional stability

iranupload Courtesy: openDemocracy/Flickr
22 June 2013

In Iran now, will it be country before cause?

Hassan Rohani’s victory in the June 14 presidential election has demonstrated a growing urge among Iranians for democracy, freedom and integration with the outside world. Will Rohani be able to create an environment where pragmatic policies and national interests take precedence over revolutionary zeal?

Untitled Courtesy: Center for American Progress Action Fund/Flickr
21 June 2013

Kerry: Stepping onto an Asian merry-go-round

The U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to India comes at a time when India is witnessing significant realignments in its domestic politics while the U.S. is busy tackling its cyber-spying allegations. Amidst these preoccupations, will the upcoming India-U.S. talks churn out substantive outcomes?

Obama 210x140 Courtesy: Shotgun Spratling/ Flickr
20 June 2013

Giving up GWOT

U. S. President Barack Obama has strongly indicated a move away from the ‘Global War on Terrorism,’ – a term famously coined by his predecessor George W. Bush after the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Given that a common definition of a ‘terrorist’ hasn’t yet been found, was the war on terrorism ever practical?

chinesearmy Courtesy: cornfed1975/Flickr
7 June 2013

Lessons from Depsang

The Depsang valley incursion by the Chinese army may have moved the Indian Ministry of Defence out of its inertia in implementing long-pending proposals; but the lack of a comprehensive strategy to deal with the Chinese threat was especially evident in the manner in which decisions were taken to handle the situation.

smith antony aus def min Courtesy: Australian Government Department of Defence
7 June 2013

India-Australia: Aligning strategic spheres

Defence Minister A. K. Antony’s visit to Australia this week was a significant step forward in the defence relationship. In coming years an India-Australia partnership will be important for managing maritime security in the Indian Ocean and will also have implications for security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Manmohan - Abe MEA Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
30 May 2013

A new configuration to the East

During his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of the need to increase bilateral consultations on strategic issues. This, and other moves, indicate new developments in India’s Look East Policy, with alternative security and economic scenarios for regional actors in the context of the rise of China