Courtesy: http://photos.state.gov
/libraries/america/3239/
India is revising the model draft agreement of its existing bilateral investment treaties. Some of the new clauses are unlikely to be accepted by either U.S. negotiators or U.S. corporations without substantial dilution
Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
Speculation abounds about what can be achieved during President Obama’s visit to India, and Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent $500 billion trade vision has raised expectations. Although differences remain—including in the energy and defence sectors—global developments could bring the two countries closer
Courtesy: Romeo Ranoco
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
Courtesy: wantchinatimes.com
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
Courtesy: RIA-Novosti, Mikhail Klimentyev, Presidential Press Service
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
Courtesy: Wikipedia.org
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
Courtesy: khabrsoutheastasia
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
Courtesy: psychotropicon.info
Cyber crime has transcended hacking and other online illegal activities—the black markets of the “hidden” internet are now a potent threat. This “darknet” is used by illicit traders, saboteurs and terrorist groups—with serious financial and security implications for the Indian government and business sector
Courtesy: globalsherpa.org
The Indian government has undertaken a massive financial inclusion scheme to bring bank accounts to the poor. But poverty alleviation needs to be addressed at multiple levels for which the Latin American example of using targeted and customised conditional cash transfer programmes can help India
Courtesy: youtkiawaaz.com
In 2014 the Narendra Modi-led government outlined a neighbourhood-first approach, revitalised traditional ties and invited the world to invest in India’s growth story. But, a new year brings new challenges as well as new goals. Gateway House outlines the priorities for India’s foreign policy for 2015