IMEC map with source Courtesy: The China-Global South Podcast
19 June 2025

U.S.-China rivalry: Middle Powers’ playbook

In the current era of geopolitical uncertainty, the Middle Power states are deepening engagement with countries of the Global South while reducing their exposure to the U.S. and China. Manjeet Kripalani and Carlos Coelho spoke to Eric and Cobus from The China-Global South Podcast, on how countries like India and Brazil are navigating this increasingly contested world.

New Spotlight Magazine Courtesy: New Spotlight Magazine
19 June 2025

A case for South Asia energy connectivity

Building a robust engagement with India on energy can help offset some of the economic and political crises that most of India’s neighbours are facing. Smaller South Asian neighbours will benefit from cheaper electricity and oil, paving the way for greater regional economic cooperation.

QUAD Courtesy: Business Standard
19 June 2025

Reappraising QUAD post Pahalgam

There are partners and there are partners. India, a QUAD member, was attacked by terrorists from Pakistan in April. In a subsequent bilateral conflict the next month, Pakistan received strong political backing and military equipment from its strategic partner China. Despite agreements on countering terrorism and checking China, none of the QUAD countries came to India’s aid.

QUAD (1) Courtesy: Times Now
13 June 2025

India-U.S. Trade Agreement nearing reality

India and the U.S. are now on the verge of establishing a comprehensive trade agreement, overcoming a long history of bilateral trade challenges. This is a pivotal moment that could lead to mutual benefits and a deeper partnership. It will also illumine the path for other modern trade agreements that India is currently negotiating with multiple countries.

Ludovic MARIN  AFP Courtesy: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
12 June 2025

Macron’s strategic Indo-Pacific sail

Macron’s 2025 tour of Southeast Asia was intended to reinforce France’s strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific. By engaging with three key ASEAN members - Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore - France wants to forge partnerships beyond its traditional transatlantic ties. Its Indo-Pacific vision is based on its territorial presence, economic interests, and diplomacy values, which it hopes will be an alternative to the binary logic of U.S.-China rivalry.

Website articles  (21) Courtesy: News Arena India
12 June 2025

G7 Summit: Plethora of opportunities

Canadian Prime Minister Carney can use the upcoming G7 summit he is hosting to advance the North-South dialogue and cooperation and also to discuss the strained bilateral with India. India can articulate the viewpoint of the Global South, stressing its conviction that the G7 is better served by constructively working with developing and emerging economies.

IMEC map with source Courtesy: Gateway House
11 June 2025

IMEC: more than just a corridor

The proposed IMEC corridor connecting India to Europe through the Gulf can be transformative, helping to reduce risks to the global movement of goods and data. It’s early days yet, and there are gaps to be filled in terms of missing infrastructure and overcoming a diplomatic rift.

The Old Stadium (Courtesy: Shashi Prabhu) Courtesy: Shashi Prabhu
5 June 2025

Wankhede Stadium scores a half century

Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium was inaugurated in October 1974, making this year its golden anniversary. The first test match was played on its grounds from 23-27 January 1975. It was the last in the India vs. West Indies test series and was memorable for the 242 not-out scored by West Indian batsman Clive Lloyd. It led to such jubilation in the stands that a fan excitedly ran onto the pitch to congratulate him. He was arrested by the Bombay police.

Website articles  (18) Courtesy: Reuters photo
28 May 2025

Strategy meets statecraft: Trump in Riyadh

Presidential visits abroad are high-level instruments of statecraft and, more often than not, signals of geopolitical priorities. The recent visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, exemplified this, indicating the administration's policy orientation.

Myanmar article Courtesy: X /@antonioguterres
28 May 2025

Quid pro quo for Myanmar’s humanitarian corridor

A proposed humanitarian corridor from Bangladesh to Myanmar’s suffering Rakhine state is the need of the hour. But Chief Advisor Yunus has linked it with repatriation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, mixing up unrelated issues. This is a classic ploy to distract the public from his own shortcomings, and his single-minded focus to extend and legitimise his regime.