obama Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs
11 January 2014

U.S: Losing friends, gaining nothing

Following Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade’s expulsion, ties between India and the U.S. have hit a new low. This comes at a time when the two countries should be working closely to address the changing security matrix in Asia

emperor akihito Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
6 December 2013

The Japanese emperor’s visit

The ongoing visit to India by Emperor Akihito of Japan is a strategic milestone that can have long-term implications for the bilateral economic relationship and geopolitical engagement in a rapidly-changing Asia. Both countries must now work to sustain this momentum

west asia W123 Wikimedia Courtesy: W123/WikimediaCommons
6 December 2013

Orienting to the new West Asia

Whether backdoor geopolitics rather than careful negotiations brought about the interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, the next six months will determine its fate. Reactions have ranged from a furious and mistrustful Israel to collective relief by many countries, and a worried India welcoming the agreement

18th congress Courtesy:
2 December 2013

Economic reforms with Chinese characteristics

The recently concluded third Party Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party revealed a raft of economic reforms. While questions remain about how they will be implemented, the party leadership will be bold in an attempt to regain China's lost glory. Dev Lewis blogs

Eu iran Courtesy: European External Action Service
26 November 2013

Iran-P5+1 interim accord: An assessment

On November 24, the P5+1 and Iran reached a consensus on the interim agreement regarding Tehran’s long-disputed nuclear program. How comprehensive is this agreement, and what are its potential upshots for U.S., and West Asia – especially Israel and Saudi Arabia? More importantly, can India play a positive role?

devcybersecurity Courtesy: danxoneil / Flickr
15 November 2013

Controlling cyberspace

Across the globe, governments trying to control the internet are violating the privacy and rights of internet users. China’s censorship model is limited to its borders, the U.S.’ surveillance affects everyone internationally. A multilaterally-acceptable mandate for cyber governance is now an imperative.

neelam asia Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
15 November 2013

Asia, Uninterrupted

There are many ideas about how Asia can be re-imagined as a whole even though it is still coming to terms with colonial era map-making and the intellectual domination of the West. Can India, situated at the heart of Asia, promote connectivities and draw the Asian economies together?

china flag Courtesy: Daderot/WikimediaCommons
14 November 2013

Introduction to China’s Plenary Sessions and the CPC Central Committee

The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is being held in Beijing from November 9-12. What are the Plenary Sessions of the CPC’s Central Committee? What are the general functions of each Plenary Session? Why is the Third Plenum this year so significant?

indiachina2 Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
8 November 2013

Women’s voices in India-China talks

At various meetings, Indian and Chinese women researchers are using a gendered lens to discuss the changes in their economies. Making these exchanges a part of bilateral dialogues and India-China summits can be a way to rethink economic policies and change the terms of trade

food sedurity Courtesy: Rigues/Flickr
8 November 2013

Food security and WTO

A recent UN report praises governments for promoting the right to food. At the same time, India’s Food Security Act will encounter resistance at the WTO meeting in Bali in December. Can India play an exemplary role in the global power struggle over food security?