Courtesy: x/@MEAIndia
The recent visit of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to India has re-engaged the two neighbours politically after a six-year gap. Critics and pragmatists had much to say, but the outcome spoke for itself: constructive border management, defence agreements and economic cooperation. And a reminder that India has not forgotten about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the democracy icon.
Courtesy: Business Post
The AI industry in the U.S. is on a high, with three major upcoming public offerings on the table from Anthropic, Open AI and Space X hogging the attention and news. But users are increasingly concerned about costs, and developers are rushing to raise capital. When the effervescence abates, a reduced appetite for AI stocks may eventually see investors return to emerging markets. Can India benefit?
Courtesy: Gateway House
Nepal’s ruling party leader, Rabi Lamichhane, visited India from June 1-5, 2026, highlighting Nepal’s evolving political priorities under the leadership of new Prime Minister Balendra Shah. A conversation with Nayanima Basu examines how India is faring under its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies and how New Delhi should navigate an increasingly volatile and sensitive region.
Courtesy: Gateway House
The 2026 Persian Gulf conflict has pushed energy security to the forefront of the BRICS agenda. Divergent national interests prevent the grouping from acting as a unified geopolitical bloc, the growing energy crisis highlights the need for stronger economic cooperation. Proposals such as a BRICS energy reserve, an Energy Stability Fund, and cross-border investments could enhance resilience and be essential if BRICS wants to emerge as a serious economic grouping.
Courtesy: KNN
The UAE’s recent exit from OPEC, and the U.S. push to sell more oil to India are markers of a new order in the oil world with demand security at a premium. As a major oil importer, India must respond to it smartly. It must develop deeper partnerships with both the UAE and U.S., and a new financial ecosystem and benchmarks for the new order.
Courtesy: Global Times
The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in New Delhi on May 26, highlighted both the progress and uncertainties surrounding the grouping. Significantly, it reaffirmed U.S. engagement. While the Quad has expanded its agenda and provided some concrete outcomes, the all-important Leaders’ Summit is still not visible – a worry for India’s prolonged chairship since 2024.
Courtesy: X/@IndiainZimbabwe
Africa is central to India’s foreign policy, a priority expected to be reaffirmed at the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit. The much-anticipated event will focus on deepening economic partnerships and expanding strategic cooperation. Ahead of the summit, it is necessary to take stock of the current state of the continental engagement, particularly in trade, investment, technology, and capacity-building.
Courtesy: The Secretariat
Bangladesh elected a new government in February this year after former long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a violent mass protest on August 5, 2024. Her party, the Bangladesh Awami League, was banned from participating in this year’s election, which saw the return of the rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Hasina has been living in India since then and talks about her plans to return to Bangladesh and revive her party’s activities there. She spoke exclusively to Nayanima Basu.
Courtesy: Gateway House
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) will take place in New Delhi from May 28-31, 2026. It is being held at a time when Africa has actively engaged with several other major partners, placing high expectations on India. Over the last 18 years, the India-Africa partnership has had ambitious goals and some outcomes across diplomacy, trade, education, capacity building, health, and infrastructure development. This will deepen.
Courtesy: Rajiv Bhatia
Myanmar’s latest political transition offers the illusion of closure, but little clarity. After years of conflict triggered by the 2021 coup, a new administration under Min Aung Hlaing takes charge amid continuing resistance and fragmentation. Is this consolidation or another phase of instability? Reflecting on this question, Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia draws upon his three-decade-long association with Myanmar, including serving as India’s Ambassador from 2002 to 2005.