WORLD
Liz Truss: All you need to know about the Tory leader who is about to become the UK’s next PM
No one knows what Truss truly believes in. How this unpredictability will play out if and when Truss finally moves into 10 Downing Street, will be interesting to see.
POLITICS
Primus Inter Pares? Rishi Sunak is on the cusp of making history…
But his wealthy background and perceived disconnect from common folks may prevent this Indian-origin Tory by way of Africa from becoming the first among equals in the UK government, and thereby the first non-white primary minister
TRENDS
India’s stance on Ukraine conflict stays firm after UNSC vote against Russia
However, India also made it clear that its closeness with Russia does not mean it would sacrifice its neutrality on the Ukraine issue to please Moscow
WORLD
China Watch | Nancy Pelosi's visit gave China pretext to test PLA's enhanced capability to blockade Taiwan: Richard McGregor
One of the world's leading China watchers says Xi Jinping could become China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong and hold onto power indefinitely if the Party Congress approves of a third term.
BUSINESS
Will Xi and Modi meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit next month?
Despite expectations in sections of the strategic community about a resumption of dialogue between India and China at the highest political level, the possibility of a summit looks remote.
WORLD
As Western sanctions continue, Taliban seeks to build bridges with India
India has sent its diplomats and officials to its mission in Kabul to address issues relating to humanitarian assistance and to pursue development projects. The question Indian policy planners have to ponder is whether Kabul will remain conciliatory towards New Delhi.
WORLD
Why India’s statement on Taiwan rattles China
While India urged restraint, and de-escalation of tension in the Taiwan Straits, its response to the ‘one-China policy’ question, that India’s position is well known and needs no reiteration, is a message to China that the use of force for Taiwan’s reunification will not find favour with India.
BUSINESS
US seeks to counter China, Russia in Africa, but leaders there chary of a Great Game replay in the continent
A strategy document released this week by the US warned of the growing influence of China and Russia in the continent and promised to advance food security and infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa
WORLD
India holds the middle ground in Russia-Ukraine conflict
New Delhi’s humanitarian aid to Kyiv counterbalances its disinclination to criticise Moscow
WORLD
China, Taipei battle over projecting soft-power through Mandarin
US varsities are closing down China’s Confucius Institutes. And Taiwan is stepping in
BUSINESS
Smoke on the water: Is China going ballistic over chips?
The overheated campaign of intimidation may partly be in response to the US moving Taiwanese chip manufacturers to other locations to secure its supplies and scuttle China
POLICY
Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit lacks strategic component, aim unclear
The fact that Pelosi went ahead with the visit even though she was asked by the US military not to do so has led many to wonder if the trip had more to do with her personal agenda and her desire to leave behind a legacy.
WORLD
Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit could prove to be a diplomatic challenge for Joe Biden, Xi Jinping
By allowing the Pelosi visit, the US government can continue to maintain its 'strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan. Not putting it in her official itinerary has allowed Washington to maintain that its policy towards Taiwan has not changed
WORLD
As India & Afghanistan get closer, is it disadvantage Pakistan?
The Taliban wants India’s help, and has assured Afghanistan will not be used for any anti-India activity. But can it walk the talk.
TRENDS
No change in US policy on Taiwan, Joe Biden assures Xi Jinping in telephone conversation
For Biden, who faces a mid-term poll in November, and Xi, who is seeking a record third term at the helm, the coming months are important. It is in both their interests to lower the tensions over Taiwan and iron out the strains in their bilateral relations.
WORLD
US’s policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ on Taiwan could be tested, going forward
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s proposed visit to the island nation has created tensions with China, which has vowed to ‘resolutely respond and counteract’. How the issue pans out will be keenly watched.
WORLD
Joko Widodo sets out to East Asia, seeking support for inviting Vladimir Putin to G20 summit
Hosting a successful G20 summit will burnish Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s image as he seeks a fresh mandate in February 2024
WORLD
Why the timing of Putin's trip to Iran is significant
Russian President’s trip to the region soon after that of Biden’s is a signal to Washington that Russia will not be easily dislodged from the Middle East.
WORLD
Ranil Wickremasinghe elected Sri Lanka’s new President; faces a tough challenge in restoring order
Wickremasinghe is a known friend of India and this prompted some opposition party members in the country to claim that New Delhi was behind his election—a claim denied by India.
WORLD
Joe Biden may pay dearly at home for volte-face on ‘pariah’ Saudi Arabia
Joe Biden’s maiden visit to West Asia as president was touted as Washington’s re-engagement with the region, but the American president had little to show by way of achievement at the end of his visit. If anything, it will be remembered for his infamous fist-bump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely believed to be responsible for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
