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The reiteration of India-Russia ties as ‘time-tested’ has its roots in the 1940s, when Moscow began reaching out to the Indian public through exchanges in literature, culture and art. In time, Soviet centres of such engagement were established across the large Indian cities, becoming hubs of intellectual learning and discussions. These now need an upgrade, in line with transforming geopolitics and Russia’s global positioning.
Courtesy: Magnific/BBC
The midterm results surprised not just the U.S., but the world. With the Democrats now controlling both houses of Congress, can India finally see an end to ongoing tariff threats and the potential for a faster, more favourable U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement? And hopefully, a perceived de-escalation of the Iran conflict will ease energy prices and supply chain issues.
Courtesy: Gateway House
As global growth slows and geopolitical uncertainty rises, India has an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of its next phase of development. This requires three strategic priorities: diversifying trade pathways, securing access to critical commodities, and building reliable energy and technology capabilities. How effectively India advances these priorities will shape its ability to contribute to and influence the emerging global order in the decades ahead.
Courtesy: Pakistan PMO / X
The recent Maldivian President Muizzu’s state visit to Pakistan has drawn attention in India. What is the Maldives signalling? Since taking office in 2023, Muizzu has pursued a ‘Maldives First’ policy, while recognising India’s importance despite the ‘India Out’ campaign that he led. Its ties with Pakistan reflect multi-alignment, shaped by geography and Islamic affinity. India must devise a strategy to deepen its engagement with the Maldives.
Courtesy: X/ @NationPress
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar from October 20 to 22 reflected a new dimension to the India-U.S. bilateral: economic diplomacy. Referring to India as “a refining superpower” showed how global energy trends have impacted the U.S., whose national interest dictates a deeper energy cooperation with India. The two sides still remain apart on Pakistan, China, Iran, tariffs, and BRICS.
Courtesy: Reuters / Ueslei Marcelino
Brazil’s October 25, 2026, elections witnessed President Lula win a fourth term, at a crucial time when Brasília is navigating a fragmenting global trade order. In this chapter of the KEMP Report 2026, Foreign Trade Secretary Tatiana Prazeres explores Brazil’s dual-track approach: expanding bilateral and plurilateral trade agreements while supporting multilateral trade reform. Brazil demonstrates how middle powers can strengthen resilience and preserve strategic flexibility.
Courtesy: @IsraeliPM / X
Israel's national elections took place on October 27, 2026. Among the tasks for the new government is a $29 million programme to resettle India's 6,000 remaining Bnei Menashe Jews in Israel. These Jews from Mizoram and Manipur trace their descent to the Lost Tribes of the ancient Biblical Kingdom of Israel. They will join Israel's 85,000-strong Indian-origin Jewish community, strengthening the 'living bridge' connecting the two nations.
Courtesy: Gateway House
As Prime Minister Modi heads to the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Manila, India-ASEAN cooperation has gained fresh momentum in 2026, the Year of Maritime Cooperation. Joint naval exercises, new subsea cables linking India to Southeast Asian hubs, and growing information-sharing are turning geography into a practical partnership. The real test, however, is trade, where the review of the India-ASEAN FTA remains unfinished.
Courtesy: Tarushi Aswani / Al Jazeera
Ladakh is getting new districts, even a new High Court bench, but not the statehood it was promised by the Indian government when Article 370 and 35A were abrogated in August 2019. Seven years later, locals are restless and New Delhi has yet to find a permanent solution by way of a Constitutional guarantee.
Courtesy: TATA
The tussle between the directors on the Tata Sons’ board has drawn attention to the company’s largest shareholder: the Tata Trusts. The Trusts hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons and have pushed back against diluting it through a public listing. A look at the vision for and establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay, supported by the Trusts, underscores the pioneering philanthropy the Tatas always practised.