BRICS flags Courtesy: Government/ZA/Flickr
26 March 2013

A mandate for BRICS Bank

At the 5th BRICS Summit that begins in South Africa today, the heads of state of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are expected to ratify the creation of the BRICS Bank. After discussion and study for over a year by the respective governments, the bank will be launched with seed money estimated at between $50 billion to $100 billion, and most likely an equal share of voting rights for the management of the bank. What remains

Slick-O-Bot/Wikimedia Commons Courtesy: Slick-O-Bot/Wikimedia Commons
21 March 2013

China to India: New president, old policy

The five-point formula put forth by newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping to bolster bilateral relations with India signifies once again that Beijing is increasingly going for a semblance of stability in relations with its largest neighbour, without making any strategic concessions on contentious issues.

Gateway House Courtesy:
15 March 2013

Shyam Saran: BRICS must deliver a Development Bank

The establishment of a BRICS Development Bank will be among the prime topics of discussion at the BRICS Summit on March 26. Gateway House’s Akshay Mathur interviews former Indian Ambassador and Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, on the prospects and viability of alternate financial architectures.

Gandhi jappalang wikicommons Courtesy: jappalang/WikimediaCommons
14 March 2013

The relevance of Gandhi in China today

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Gandhian philosophy and values among Chinese citizens. Can the Mahatma’s philosophy of non-violence, social harmony, and environmental protection be applied to address issues facing present-day China?

obama Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
22 February 2013

The pacific pivot: A decade late and five years too soon

The announcement of the Pacific pivot by the U.S. in 2001 has led to several nations making bold political moves. However, the U.S. isn’t yet ready to be a regional protector against China. What does Washington have to do to prepare itself for the Pivot?

mg marg sikkim Courtesy: Kukster/Flickr
22 January 2013

Growth, Gangtok style

‘Sikkimisation’ is a term often used by the Chinese and Nepalese politicians to refer to India's purported Himalayan expansionism. However, Sikkim's economy has set an example that India's Himalayan neighbours would do well to follow, rather than deride

U.S. Department of Defense Courtesy: U.S. Department of Defense
11 January 2013

Chuck Hagel: Revising U.S. strategic postures?

The nomination of Chuck Hagel for the post of the U.S. Defense Secretary has garnered severe criticism from Israel and the Jewish lobby. Given the geopolitical changes unfolding in the Middle East and the rest of Asia, what will Hagel’s assumption of office mean for Israel, India and the rest of the world?

parliament Courtesy: Shwkyn231/Flickr
31 December 2012

India’s foreign policy: A year in review

The year 2012 has been a busy one for foreign policy: from escalating disputes in the South China Sea to alternate financial instruments from the emerging world. India’s foreign policy too has its shown strengths and weaknesses. We present our top foreign policy Hotspots, Sweet spots and Blind spots for 2012.

Courtesy:
28 December 2012

Enhancing Japan-India exchanges

Although there has been a steady growth of the India-Japan bilateral relationship, the full potential of this association remains untapped. Why is it increasingly imperative for New Delhi and Tokyo to enhance their bilateral relations for mutual benefit? Sanjeev Sinha blogs