The post-Pahalgam, 7-10 May conflict between India and Pakistan is clearly not restricted to the two countries. A third is present, strategically, geographically, militarily and unapologetically: China. The Pakistanis used Chinese fighter jets especially the J-10Cs which were pitted against India’s Rafaele and the Russian S-400s. China stood resolutely behind Pakistan after India provided proof of Pakistani backed terrorists in the Pahalgam attacks. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s implacable expression was a constant shadow behind the film rolling in the foreground. read more

Can India continue to grow in a turbulent neighbourhood? In its latest outlook, the IMF has projected a growth rate of 6.2% for India in 2025, and 6.3% in 2026 – the highest amongst major global economies. India is also a standout performer in the South Asian region, with its neighbours projected to grow at 2-5%, the result of deeper issues within those nations. Building a robust engagement with India on the energy front can help offset some read more

India and the United States are on the brink of finalising a comprehensive trade agreement, overcoming decades of complex challenges on bilateral trade issues. It will profoundly transform the economic landscape between the two nations, fostering deeper trade ties and cooperation. This is significant since the U.S. is India’s largest trading partner. The terms of reference of this landmark Bilateral Trade Agreement were finalised in April during U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s maiden visit to India. The goal read more

In the current era of geopolitical uncertainty, the Middle Power states are deepening engagement with countries of the Global South while reducing their exposure to the U.S. and China. Manjeet Kripalani and Carlos Coelho spoke to Eric and Cobus from The China-Global South Podcast, on how countries like India and Brazil are navigating this increasingly contested world. read more