Indo-pac regaining salience Courtesy: CGTN
18 April 2024

Indo-Pacific’s shifting seas

China’s hostile actions in the East and South China Seas have led to a deepening of naval partnerships within the Indo-Pacific such as the U.S., Japan, Philippines, Australia and South Korea. As crises in West Asia escalate and the strategic contest between the U.S. and China hardens in the Pacific Ocean, India – placed strategically in the Indo-Pacific – can’t neglect either the west nor east.

Myanmar needs outside help Courtesy: The Indian Express
11 April 2024

Myanmar needs outside help

Over three years of civil war in Myanmar, and there is no end in sight. The country’s stakeholders are unable to de-escalate the conflict or reliably distribute aid to those affected. Friends, including India, must step in — not only to stop the fighting and alleviate the suffering, but to help facilitate a return to normalcy.

20230309265L Courtesy: The Hindu
28 March 2024

All eyes on the Indian Ocean region

During his visit to New Delhi this week, Australia's navy chief highlighted the need for greater maritime cooperation on security issues in the Indo-Pacific. While India is aware of its growing role in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, it must also convey to its partners that on matters of security, it prioritises dangers closer to home in its Indian Ocean neighbourhood.

GSI Cover IMage Courtesy: Global Times
22 February 2024

China’s many initiatives for dominance

China’s world vision has entered its next phase. After the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), come the Global Initiative on Data Security (GIDS) so Chinese tech standards can lead, Global Development Initiative (GDI) so China leads the development dialogue, and Global Security Initiative (GSI), so China’s security is ‘indivisible’ from other countries – all in time for China’s 2049 goal of becoming a global power.

SA trade Courtesy: Hindustan Times
15 February 2024

South Asia’s trade architecture matters

South Asia requires resilient and cost-effective regional supply chains. This can be achieved through Indian investment, fostering local linkages while reducing dependency on Chinese financing of regional partners. A new approach enhances India's regional influence, creating a win-win scenario for the entire South Asian neighbourhood in a changing global landscape.

skynews-colombo-sri-lanka-port_5811767 Courtesy: Reuters
1 February 2024

Pulling Sri Lanka out of the abyss

Sri Lanka has demonstrated signs of recovery following the stabilising policies implemented by the Wickremesinghe government. However, the road ahead for economic recovery is long, with risks associated with the upcoming Presidential elections, geopolitical tensions and debt restructuring.

161114120351-myanmar-rakhine-1 Courtesy: Arab News
1 February 2024

Finding light in Myanmar’s darkness

The conflict in Myanmar is now three years old. It has created a power struggle within the military, and between the army, political class, and armed ethnic groups, a civil war with little hope for victory. India's policy towards Myanmar needs reassessment, given the rising refugee influx and security concerns.

maldives china Courtesy: Xinhua
15 January 2024

Maldives’ pivot to China

A tiny nation of half a million people, Maldives has drawn enormous attention from the media, diplomats and informed public since Muizzu’s election last September. The interest has only risen after the recent diplomatic row with India and Muizzu’s increased bonhomie with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

20231118_TWLDD002 Courtesy: The Economist
4 January 2024

Reading the tea leaves for 2024

After a year affected by a sustained polycrisis, global geopolitics in 2024 remains a delicate dance between hope and realism. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza cast uncertain shadows, while Taiwan and the South China Sea present potential flashpoints. Indian diplomacy will have to navigate old and new challenges, while promoting India’s expertise in digital technology, as also managing its own upcoming parliamentary elections.

Screenshot 2023-12-21 at 10.24.21 AM Courtesy: Le Monde
21 December 2023

Political risks to Sri Lanka’s economic stability

A stabilising economy in Sri Lanka has eased inflationary pressures and foreign exchange liquidity crises in the past year. As economic recovery steps up, Sri Lanka has also sought free trade agreement-led Asian regionalism. However, with presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2024 and an opposition that wants to renegotiate the IMF agreement, A lasting economic recovery may be derailed by political risks.