Courtesy: Hindustan News Hub
The earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on 6 February devastated those regions. India established its credentials as an early responder, along with the global community. Humanitarian aid may not lead to a significant change in regional foreign policy, but people’s goodwill has been established in Turkey and a window opened in Syria for normalisation with its Arab partners.
Courtesy: Dr. S. Jaishankar /Twitter
Canada is committed to playing a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and has adopted a pragmatic approach to achieving its five objectives. These are promoting peace and security; expanding trade; connecting people; building a sustainable and green future; with Canada serving as an active partner in the Indo-Pacific. India will do well to understand Canada's compulsions and work with it with enthusiasm.
Courtesy: The Diplomat
The Ukraine crisis transferred global anxiety away from China and onto Russia. But this has not happened in the Indo-Pacific, where the Quad countries have followed a policy of economic disengagement from China, in the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and the regeneration of some economies. How the Quad managed this, is a worthwhile assessment.
Courtesy: Gateway House
Significant progress has been made globally in adopting green energy. Technological advances, easier availability of capital and regulatory measures have helped. But progress is likely to slow due to the shocks caused by Covid-19 and the Ukraine crisis. How to continue the green transition whilst ensuring that lower-income countries have access to affordable energy? This Task Force offers recommendations for India’s G20 Presidency.
Courtesy: Reuters
The International Monetary Fund’s recent warning of a slowing global trade comes as a sign for South Asia to reassess its regional trade within the continent. India, in its year of G20 Presidency and as South Asia’s largest economy, can use its platform to lead the way via dialogue, capacity building, and regulatory policies to encourage open regionalism in Asia.
Courtesy: Anna Zieminski/AFP
Frene Noshir Ginwala, best known as the first Speaker of independent South Africa’s democratic parliament, died at age 90, on 12 January, 2023. A contemporary of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, she belonged to a special generation of South Africans who fought hard and long for their country’s freedom.
Courtesy: Reuters
February 1, 2023 marks the second anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. The country is now in a dire situation with a deteriorating economy, rising poverty and high unemployment. ASEAN, the UN and India continue to work with the Myanmarese military leadership, which is the only player able to provide solutions to alleviate the distress.
Courtesy: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Egyptian President El Sisi being the chief guest at India’s Republic Day reflects the importance assigned to it by India. At the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, Egypt is an essential gateway for trade and investment. Its diplomatic presence in the Arab world and Africa, with the largest standing army in Africa, makes it a pivotal player for India which is increasing its footprint in West Asia and Africa.
Courtesy: T20 India
On 17-18 January, 2023, Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies Programme, Gateway House participated in the 14th South Asia Conference on the theme “Think20@G20: Towards a Resilient South Asia” hosted by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. Amb. Bhatia suggests that in due course, BIMSTEC should be given the status of a permanent guest in G20.
Courtesy: Gateway House/Google
India’s new policy of allowing foreign universities to set up their operations in India offers an unprecedented opportunity for Indian cities to revitalise themselves. In Mumbai, the city and state administration can reposition the central business district of Nariman Point and turn this tip of the Arabian Sea into a vibrant international education hub. The model of Lower Manhattan is applicable.