WORLD
Russia’s recognition of Taliban government is anything but surprising
It had reached out even before the regime change in 2021 as Taliban is seen as the most capable force countering the dreaded ISIS-KP. Also, it’s promised not to allow anyone to use its soil to target a third country. Along with Russia, others such as India are looking for ways to build bridges with the Taliban
WORLD
New discovery of rare earth deposits in Kazakhstan provides India opportunities
The discovery by geologists potentially puts the country among the top three nations in terms of deposits. India has a long-standing trade relationship with Kazakhstan which is a critical supplier of uranium for its nuclear plants. Moreover, a lasting legacy from the Soviet era is popular goodwill for India on account of its soft power. All the ingredients for a mutually beneficial relationship are in place
WORLD
India’s role in helping Red Army withstand the Siege of Stalingrad
India has been slowly coming around to recognizing the contribution of Indians to the Allied victory in WWII - which has largely been viewed as part of the colonial legacy. As India implements Operation Sindoor this Victory Day, it becomes important to preserve the memory of the myriad contributions and sacrifices made by these brave men
WORLD
How Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s ally earlier, tilted towards India
Pahalgam terror attacks happened when PM Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Following the attack, the Kingdom immediately offered India assistance. It encapsulated the extent of change in its approach, characterised by zero tolerance for terrorism and a deepening of counter-terrorism co-operation with countries such as India
WORLD
India-Indonesia bilateral ties are underpinned by defence partnership
Cultural and trade ties go back at least a millennium and the two countries took a lead role in the formation of the NAM. However, the emergence of China as an unsettling power and India’s eastward focus have opened a new chapter where the partnership is set to deepen
WORLD
India must engage with the Taliban, for regional stability
India's engagement with the Taliban reflects changing regional dynamics, balancing security, trade, and humanitarian aid. India acknowledges the Taliban's influence, focusing on regional stability, security, and continued investments in Afghanistan's infrastructure and development
WORLD
India’s credibility makes it possible to suggest a way out to Russia and Ukraine
By acting as a messenger, a role that requires an impartial but resolute desire for peace, India can play a substantial role. Modi's Kyiv visit, in itself, is a strong message of India's intentions
WORLD
Bangladesh’s Awami-BNP binary trap once again brings the country to the brink
Sheikh Hasina delivered economically but was undone by authoritarianism, corruption and nepotism. The flight of India’s steadfast ally creates uncertainty in the region
WORLD
Will the assassinations of Shukr and Haniyeh ignite a wider conflict in West Asia?
Both Shukr and Haniyeh were killed deep inside enemy territory, which raises many questions. These attacks could ignite a deeper conflict in the Middle East
BUSINESS
Why India is better poised than China to facilitate peace between Moscow and Kiev
Delhi is in an ideal situation to get both -- Russia and Ukraine to sit together at the negotiating table. It is imperative that India takes the lead, to facilitate talks between Russia and Ukraine
BUSINESS
China is now busy navigating headwinds from the Ukraine conflict
The war initially helped China by increasing Russia’s trade dependency on Beijing and diverting the West’s attention. But the economic slowdown, Western sanctions on Chinese entities for supporting Russia’s war effort, and the US gaze on growing North Korea-Russia ties, is prompting China to sing a different tune now
WORLD
Greek Prime Minister’s Visit: Connectivity prospects reboot an ancient dialogue with India
Today, the main pillars of bilateral ties are defence, trade and connectivity. Greece can become an integral part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and to be India’s gateway to the European Union
BUSINESS
Modi In UAE: Why the India-UAE partnership is truly a ‘rab ne bana di jodi’
The leaders at the top are meeting frequently and share great chemistry. Trade and investments are booming. There is realisation on the UAE side that Indian labour helped build today’s UAE and that UAE capital can build the Viksit Bharat of tomorrow.
WORLD
Deaths of US troops in Jordan point to widening of Gaza war
The US is the only power that has consistently vetoed UN resolutions for a ceasefire in Gaza. Yet that may be the only way out as the war is slowly but surely escalating and the US risks getting sucked into another quagmire without an exit plan
BUSINESS
Are old fault lines in the Middle East opening up?
The Saudis and other Arab countries have reason to bristle over Qatar’s success in taking the driver’s seat in the negotiations between Israel-US and Hamas for hostage release. Meanwhile, their peace campaign hasn’t found takers. Pursuing the two-state solution while Hamas continues to lord over Gaza remains a tricky proposition for Arab countries wary of the group
WORLD
Supporting a Palestinian state doesn’t negate Israel's right to exist
Most Indians confuse Palestinian demands as being those on the territory of the state of Israel. What the Palestinians demand however is the rest of the land – the Gaza Strip and the West Bank – that should constitute a viable Palestinian state, already spatially separated by Israel. And Palestinians actually look to Israel with its democracy and knowledge-based society as a future model for themselves. This might seem strange, even bizarre, given the raging conflict there
WORLD
Will Iran escalate the Hamas-Israel war? Improbable, though not impossible
Just the realisation that prolonging the war could be self-defeating may egg the stakeholders to peace. Israel is losing the moral high ground through continuous bombardment of Gaza and Iran wouldn’t want to jeopadise improving relations with Arab neighbours. There’s still some hope for a ceasefire
WORLD
How the Abraham Accords spawned the I2U2 forum
The I2U2 forum has the potential to combine the individual strengths of the four countries like India’s manufacturing base, Israel’s technological prowess, UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, and US’s geopolitical heft. Moreover, India’s integration with West Asia will also help US aims of countering China’s massive footprint
WORLD
Delhi G20 Summit: The promise that is India
Indian diplomacy scored many victories at the G20 summit from getting the warring parties in Ukraine to agree on a joint statement, enabling African Union’s admission into G20, announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance
BUSINESS
Why the International North South Transport Corridor connecting India to Russia has become hot property
The Ukraine war has prompted Russia to refocus attention on the INSTC. The Iranian government has also renewed its commitment to it. For India, INSTC offers time and cost savings over the Seuz Canal for Europe bound shipments, plus there is already the big investment India made in Chabahar port
BUSINESS
India must ignore Azerbaijan’s gripe over arms supplies to Armenia
India isn’t barred by any charter from supplying weapons to Armenia. Moreover, Azerbaijan exhibits lax regard for Indian sensitivities, especially on Kashmir, and treats Pakistan as a strategic ally. Now India is repaying Azerbaijan by the same coin in Armenia
WORLD
Arrest of Islamic State terrorist in Russia underscores threat to Central Asia, India
India has been working with Central Asian countries in counter-terrorism both within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as well as on a bilateral basis
BUSINESS
UAE’s entry into Afghanistan is good news for India
The UAE’s entry into Afghanistan is expected to increase in scope there, giving it a lever over the Taliban. For India, which has sent its high-level delegation to Kabul for talks, and which has forged a unique partnership with the UAE, this is only good news
POLITICS
Challenges before Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
From holding together the coalition to lifting Pakistan’s economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has a plateful of woes
