Kenny Holston AP Courtesy: Kenny Holston / AP
4 June 2026

China trumps the U.S.?

BY

President Donald Trump’s May 13-15 visit to China was set against the backdrop of the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. Though the agenda was an economic one, Beijing used the occasion to project itself as a stabilising power, urging dialogue between Washington and Tehran. The visit did produce agreements on trade and investment, but the absence of a joint statement and differing priorities exposed persistent tensions. In this tale of two visits, China seems to have trumped the U.S.

Gateway House Courtesy: Gateway House
4 June 2026

A BRICS Energy Stability Framework

BY

The 2026 Persian Gulf conflict has pushed energy security to the forefront of the BRICS agenda. Divergent national interests prevent the grouping from acting as a unified geopolitical bloc, the growing energy crisis highlights the need for stronger economic cooperation. Proposals such as a BRICS energy reserve, an Energy Stability Fund, and cross-border investments could enhance resilience and be essential if BRICS wants to emerge as a serious economic grouping.

DD India Courtesy: DD India
4 June 2026

BRICS at a Pivotal Moment

BY

BRICS is too significant to ignore but too fragmented to drive meaningful change for the developing world. The West Asia conflict, U.S. tariff threats over de-dollarisation, UNSC reform divisions, and the presence of regional rivals has exposed its internal strains. Will India’s ongoing 2026 chairship rise above the contradictions, and manage to turn BRICS from a reactive forum into a more assertive and credible global force?

oil Courtesy: KNN
28 May 2026

India’s Opportunity in the New Oil Order

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The UAE’s recent exit from OPEC, and the US push to sell more oil to India are markers of a new order in the oil world with demand security at a premium. As a major oil importer, India must respond to it smartly. It must develop deeper partnerships with both the UAE and U.S., and a new financial ecosystem and benchmarks for the new order.

Website articles - 2026-05-28T124708.235 Courtesy: Global Times
28 May 2026

The Quad, reset

BY

The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in New Delhi on May 26, highlighted both the progress and uncertainties surrounding the grouping. Significantly, it reaffirmed U.S. engagement. While the Quad has expanded its agenda and provided some concrete outcomes, the all-important Leaders’ Summit is still not visible – a worry for India’s prolonged chairship since 2024.

Website articles (96) Courtesy: The Secretariat
20 May 2026

Interview with Sheikh Hasina

BY

Bangladesh elected a new government in February this year after former long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a violent mass protest on August 5, 2024. Her party, the Bangladesh Awami League, was banned from participating in this year’s election, which saw the return of the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Hasina has been living in India since then and talks about her plans to return to Bangladesh and revive her party’s activities there. She spoke exclusively to Nayanima Basu.

Rajiv Bhatia with Aung San Suu Kyi Naypyidaw in 2013 Courtesy: Rajiv Bhatia
14 May 2026

Leaves from my Myanmar diary

BY

Myanmar’s latest political transition offers the illusion of closure, but little clarity. After years of conflict triggered by the 2021 coup, a new administration under Min Aung Hlaing takes charge amid continuing resistance and fragmentation. Is this consolidation or another phase of instability? Reflecting on this question, Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia draws upon his three-decade-long association with Myanmar, including serving as India’s Ambassador from 2002 to 2005.

Website articles (92) Courtesy: Gateway House
7 May 2026

India’s quest for sovereign AI

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India is moving from “digital adoption” to “digital swaraj,” a demand for technological self-reliance. The national discourse is shifting from data sovereignty to broader technological sovereignty. India’s goal is a hybrid model where global innovation meets local control and digital services that align with domestic needs. If successful, this model could offer the Global South an alternative to both U.S. private-led and Chinese state-led digital systems.

AP517-519 00_Cover.indd Courtesy: Routledge
7 May 2026

India and the Rebalancing of Asia

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In this book, C. Raja Mohan analyses Asia’s shifting political, economic, military, and technological balance, with particular focus on U.S.-China and India-China relations. He argues that India’s rise from a middle power to an emerging great power will require stronger hard power, diplomatic creativity, economic vitality, and domestic consensus. Yet, amid tensions over tariffs, Russian oil, Gaza, and the U.S.-Iran conflict, India’s strategic path remains challenging.

Website articles (85) Courtesy: FB / @The Statesman
30 April 2026

Legacy and new issues with India-Sri Lanka

BY

India’s Vice President C. Radhakrishnan visited Sri Lanka from April 19-20, reaffirming Colombo’s importance in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR vision. While ties remain stable, legacy issues persist: Tamil demands for devolution, illegal fishing disputes, and the stalled Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement. The hope is for these to be resolved within Sri Lanka; till then, the unresolved challenges will continue to test the depth and durability of the bilateral.