The concern with piracy is in our waters is three-fold: the threat to Indian-owned vessels and Indian citizens; the difficulty in dealing with piracy and hostage-taking on the high seas; and finally, squeezing the organized industry. Can India play a leadership role in this effort?

The India-Africa Conclave and other such platforms of interaction have played a pivotal role in engaging Africa with India’s growth story. Various Indian investments in agriculture and infrastructure, totalling over $20 billion, are soon to boost Africa's economies.

Ivory Coast is yet another African nation in the throes of political transition and continued interference by the global agencies. At stake is a thriving economy and a fragile tribal balance, which threatens to turn into a religious issue. Neelam Deo reviews the options before the country and the global community.