INDIA
Scrapping Indus Water Treaty will bring no significant gain to India: Former High Commissioner to Pakistan
A unilateral withdrawal by India would provoke an international campaign by Pakistan, which is likely to evoke sympathy among influential countries because of the precious resource involved, says Sharat Sabharwal.
WORLD
Ukraine corruption scandals test West's resolve in supporting war against Russia
If more allegations surface, western nations could face a very tough challenge in convincing their respective domestic audience to make sacrifices in their lifestyle to support Ukraine.
BUSINESS
Support to IMF’s $2.9-bn bailout for Sri Lanka helps India firm up standing in island nation
India’s move has forced China also to support the debt revamp plan for Sri Lanka
WORLD
Germany to send sophisticated Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv
The move, which could potentially change the course of the war, came after the US agreed to shift its earlier stance and send 30 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
WORLD
Communist party purge in Vietnam worries foreign investors
Over 30 party leaders and govt officials have been removed on anti-corruption charges. They include the president and deputy PMs. The move is seen by many as an attempt by the party gen secy to tighten his grip. The fear now is that Vietnam’s image as an investment destination would be hit.
WORLD
India, Egypt to discuss defence, trade and terrorism during Sisi visit
Observers describe Sisi’s visit as redolent with the nostalgia of the bonhomie the two countries enjoyed during the era of Egyptian President Abdel Gamal Nasser and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
WORLD
Why China lifted its objection to the UNSC tagging LeT’s Makki a global terrorist
Whether China’s decision suggests a fundamental shift, reflecting its desire to be more sensitive to India’s concerns, or it’s just a tactical move to refurbish its image, will be understood as things unfold in the Indo-Pacific.
INDIA
It will be a while before India and Pakistan can have a meaningful dialogue. Here’s why
Pakistan’s parliamentary elections are likely to be held in August. A new prime minister with a stable government may be confident in resuming talks with India. However, by then, the ruling BJP-led coalition in India will be gearing up for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
WORLD
What Joe Biden-Fumio Kishida summit means for the Indo-Pacific
While the US has committed to the defence of Japan, there is no clear indication if Japan would support the US decision to deny China access to technologies for chip-making machinery
WORLD
Is Japan still pacifist? What would a change mean for the region and world?
Prime Minister Kishida has argued that the world is at a “historical crossroads” and Japan must act urgently to acquire counterattack capability.
WORLD
Brazilian riots highlight challenges before new President Lula
Lula has his task cut out in uniting Brazil. The storming of Congress is a dramatic sign of how far some Brazilians are willing to go to attack democratic institutions they believe no longer represent them .
WORLD
A first for Egypt: How chief guests are picked for Republic Day celebrations
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi this year.
WORLD
Crossing The Line: More trouble brewing along the Chinese border
The Chinese action in Arunachal Pradesh was an attempt to warn India that it could threaten Delhi at multiple places along the LAC.
TRENDS
After football world cup success, Qatar wants to host 2036 Summer Olympics
The Gulf kingdom had bid for the 2016, 2020 and 2032 Olympics without success. It is likely to face stiff competition from Saudi Arabia and Turkey who also want to host the Games and had previously bid five times.
WORLD
'The situation at the LAC is unlikely to improve and may well worsen in coming days'
Strategic affairs expert Srinath Raghavan points out that the India and China have not had a substantive meeting on the border issue in almost three years, and suggests that New Delhi change course on the issue
ECONOMY
Race for resources: US turns on the tap to wean Africa away from China, Russia
Along with the big boys, India too is jostling for influence in this crucial continent. If the US fails to pursue its Africa policy with seriousness, it may soon find itself a marginal player here
WORLD
Former Indian foreign secretary calls for immediate resumption of political dialogue between India, China
Gokhale said India’s capability of using its geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean and its leverage with the littoral states has the capacity to complicate China’s strategic environment as it seeks to move closer to the centre of the world’s stage.
BUSINESS
China and Gulf nations come closer over oil, US ruffled
The Xi-Prince Salman powwow was full of Christmas cheer. China and Saudi Arabia signed 34 energy and investment agreements worth over $30 billion, among others
WORLD
Jiang Zemin laid to rest as unrest smoulders in China
When India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, Jiang Zemin had demanded that India roll back its nuclear weapons and sign the NPT and the CTBT.
WORLD
Analysis | Protests over Zero-Covid policy unlikely to trigger political change in China
Xi Jinping is caught in a bind. Letting protestors go scot-free might encourage similar or bolder protests in the future. But cracking down on them will worsen the current situation
POLITICS
Pakistan’s leadership under pressure as TTP ends ceasefire, Imran Khan calls for early elections
The combination of political instability, a declining economy and rising security threats within the country poses a big challenge to the Shahbaz Sharif government.
WORLD
Taiwan ruling party loses local elections in setback for pro-independence faction
President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down as DPP chair but she could use her influence to diminish the rhetoric to separate from the mainland or heighten tension with China before the 2024 presidential election.
WORLD
Why Imran Khan is threatening to withdraw his party from all the Assemblies it controls
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party is in power in Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
WORLD
New Malay PM Ibrahim faces conservative challenge, confidence motion
Malaysia is a key trade partner and India will be closely watching this space. Indian PM Narendra Modi has wished Ibrahim and said he looked forward to strengthening their partnership.
