Obama waving_Airforce1 Courtesy: Romeo Ranoco
19 January 2015

Obama’s visit to India: what’s at stake?

U.S. President Obama’s visit to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations underscores the determination of both administrations to revitalise the bilateral relationship. This visit might not be high on deliverables but emphasises the efforts being made to create a common ground for cooperation

China Long March 5 Courtesy: wantchinatimes.com
16 January 2015

Is India losing the tech race to China?

Economic development and increments in scientific knowledge and technology, which in turn rest on R&D, are interconnected. India is falling behind and must allocate a greater share to R&D, while China must elevate the efficiency of its research expenditure—this focus will allow the two countries to continue to grow

ONGC with Rosneft Courtesy: RIA-Novosti, Mikhail Klimentyev, Presidential Press Service
16 January 2015

Should ONGC buy Rosneft?

A fall in oil prices has pushed down the values of oil companies globally, giving India a rare chance to acquire assets cheap and hedge its economy against future increases in energy prices. There are plenty of plum assets to pick from—such as Rosneft, the state-owned Russian oil major

TCS Chennai office Courtesy: colorlibrary.blogspot.com
15 January 2015

Uruguayan touch to Indian tech

Even though the India-Latin America relationship is yet to realise its potential, there are unique initiatives bridging this gap. The landmark office of Tata Consultancy Services in Chennai, hailed for its energy efficiency, has been designed by two Uruguayan architects—an effort which represents the growing synergy

Modi & Obama Courtesy: MEA Flickr
15 January 2015

What Modi-Obama can achieve together

During President Obama’s visit to India to attend the Republic Day parade, if he and Prime Minister Modi announce specific agreements related to the two most vibrant components of the relationship—defence and technology—it will pave the way for real progress on the September 2014 US-India joint statement.

Rajapaksa Courtesy: Wikipedia.org
15 January 2015

Mahinda Rajapaksa: down but not out

Incumbent Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa lost to his opponent Maithripala Sirisena in the recent elections. The reasons have been attributed to nepotism and dwindling support from the Sinhala community. With considerable challenges awaiting the new government, it would be wise to not rule out a return of Mahinda

Policy Perspectives
India-Africa Courtesy: MEA/Government of India
9 January 2015

Indian banks in Africa: change agents

India’s engagement with Africa currently is trapped in a discourse from another era. With a change in governance structures and demographics, African countries are keen to elevate the level of trade and investment ties. India is in an advantageous position due to historical linkages but China and the U.S. are already ahead in the game

Philippine peace Courtesy: khabrsoutheastasia
8 January 2015

War and Peace

The Islamic State’s violence dominated 2014’s news headlines, masking important non-violent initiatives around the world. But endeavors for peaceful solutions are thriving, and India, with its legacy of a non-violent freedom struggle, must contribute to this process as a counter-force against the advocates of violence