Latin America Update, March 2014
In 'Latin America Update' Gateway House lists some of the important events in Latin America over the past month
Courtesy: Google Maps
Courtesy: Google Maps
Courtesy: durdaneta/Wikimedia Commons
Tough times for Venezuela
On the political as well as economic fronts, Venezuela is facing multiple problems – from protests against shortages and crime, to high inflation and low foreign exchange reserves. The government itself is responsible for creating this situation over the years and a change in leadership may now be the solution
Courtesy: Jeremy Edmunds/Flickr
Decoding natural gas pricing in India
The issue of gas pricing is in the public discourse after the Aam Aadmi Party questioned the logic of linking domestic prices to global rates. In the absence of a single global marker price, it is time India, and other large importing countries in Asia, develop a pricing mechanism that reflects regional realities
Courtesy: Press Information Bureau
India-China: Back to the drawing board
The India-China Defence Dialogue is part of a joint effort to ensure peace along the LAC. The sixth round in New Delhi on 24 February included discussions on border protocols, security cooperation and exchanges in counter-terrorism. Along with these, India must also work on resolving the border dispute
Courtesy: Eugenio/Wikimedia Commons
Lessons from INS Sindhuratna
A string of tragic accidents, an ageing fleet of sub-marines and a lack of vision are hampering the Indian Navy’s growth as a regional force. The new government will have to rethink the system of defence purchases and invest in indigenisation to optimise the strength of the Indian armed forces
Courtesy: G20 Taskforce, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
RBI and G20: Time to recalibrate?
After 2008 the G20 framed guidelines for emerging economies to coordinate their financial actions with the developed world. But the US’s backtracking created havoc in many countries. Now, after the recent G20 meeting, it may be time for the RBI to reconsider some financial measures, which India took in good faith
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
The Gulf comes to India
Talks between India and the delegations visiting this week from Saudi Arabia and Iran revolved around defence, energy, trade, and regional security. High level visitors to India from Bahrain last week also focused on the economy. It is in India’s interests to carry forward this momentum even after the general elections
Courtesy: Spike Call U.S Navy/Wikimedia Commons
Shaping regional diplomacy
The Indian Navy, through multi-lateral exercises, is increasing its sphere of influence and becoming a regional force. Yet, it needs to be supported by policy decisions that enable it to achieve its potential as a state-of-the-art establishment and a powerful tool in India’s diplomatic repertoire
Courtesy: MEA, UK in Italy/Flickr
India-Italy: Turbulent times ahead
The National Investigation Agency’s decision to charge the two Italian marines – who are accused of killing two Indian fishermen – has led to an uproar in Italy. The case, complicated by legal, diplomatic, political and security issues, has implications for India-Italy and India-EU ties
Courtesy: remy steinegger / Flickr
The new inequality debate
German President Joachim Gauck’s visit to India this week is a reminder of how Germany is addressing inequality, with better wages, benefits for the poorest, and other measures. When the gap between the rich and poor is growing globally, it is time for India’s prime ministerial aspirants to also focus on this issue