BUSINESS
The Eastern Window | Beyond the Handshake: Why a US-China trade deal may not end their strategic rivalry
The US and China are close to signing an agreement to resolve a range of trade differences between them. If successful, the deal will have far-reaching implications on the global supply chain, and the economies of several countries including India
TECHNOLOGY
Which nation will lead in the technologies that define the 21st century: US or China?
Though a late starter, China is pushing ahead in the race to develop and use critical technologies like AI, drones, robots, electric vehicles and quantum communications. The Trump administration’s immigration policy can put at risk American dominance in several technology areas, giving an edge to China
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window | China's 15th five-year plan: Navigating growth amid global challenges
China’s next 5-year plan will focus on tackling the tariff challenge from the US and resolving domestic issues like weak consumer demand. But it will not be easy for President Xi Jinping because some of the much-needed reforms can result in job losses and damage to the Communist Party’s credibility
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Will Sanae Takaichi reshape East Asian geopolitics as Japan’s Iron Lady?
Japan is on track to appoint its first female prime minister after Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. A staunch conservative who regards former British Prime Minister as a role model, Takaichi might strengthen the military giving sleepless nights to Chinese leaders
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Chinese stocks defy Trump challenge with government-backed bull run
BUSINESS
What to make of the Pakistan-Saudi defence deal?
The recent defence deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has wide ranging implications for several countries including India, the Arab world, Israel and the U.S. Much depends on whether the Saudi intention is limited to gaining capability to counter Israel or will it try to empower Pakistan as well
POLITICS
Nepal’s political reset under Sushila Karki: A new chapter in India-Nepal relations?
A golden opportunity lies ahead of Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki who can channel the energy of young people to check corruption and carry out important reforms. How she uses the opportunity to conduct a free and fair election and initiate the process of change will determine the future of the Himalayan country struck between India and China
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: China's weak economic growth remains Xi Jinping's Achilles heel
China’s Xi Jinping projected tremendous power as the country displayed sophisticated weapons at the Victory Parade. But his real challenge lies in reviving the Chinese economy which is facing low consumer demand, declining exports, rising unemployment and a sharp reduction in net FDI
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Modi's diplomatic balancing act -- Strategic autonomy or economic pragmatism?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic engagement with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin marks a calculated attempt to rebuild India-China relations five years after the Galwan clash, driven by economic necessities and the need to counter aggressive US trade policies
BUSINESS
Japan's Big Pivot: Why Modi's visit marks a new chapter in Asian partnerships
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Japan at a time when it is dealing with major challenges thrown up by the Trump administration, which is making stiff financing demands on Tokyo. Modi may receive an enthusiastic welcome because Japan is looking for new markers and political partners to reduce its reliance on Washington
BUSINESS
Trump faces European revolt at Monday Ukraine meeting after controversial Putin summit
Trump's negotiations with Putin have expanded beyond Ukraine into a broader realignment of US-Russia relations, prompting European leaders to unite in protecting Ukraine's interests while raising concerns about territorial concessions
BUSINESS
Can Trump broker peace in Ukraine without Zelenskyy's consent?
BUSINESS
Elections may legitimise Myanmar’s military junta, not foster democracy
Myanmar’s military junta is holding elections after a gap of four years to solidify its rule. Two junta-backed parties are in a strong position because the National League for Democracy, the biggest party, will not contest elections. NLD’s leaders including Nobel prize winning Aung San Suu Kyi are in jail
WORLD
What China’s $137B dam on the Brahmaputra means for India’s Northeast & Bangladesh
There are serious concerns about the risks from dam construction by China in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra. But the risks may have been exaggerated, because this is mostly a hydropower project. Besides, any flooding would first hit China’s Tibet region. India should focus on getting river flow data from Beijing
BUSINESS
US law on stablecoins may impact Indian financial system
The new U.S. legislation to support stablecoin, a digital currency backed by the US dollar, will have global implications. It will open up risks and opportunities for India. The government may have to make legal and financial arrangements to deal with the new situation, which will enhance the dominance of the U.S. dollar on the international financial system
BUSINESS
Trump turns tariffs into political weapons
U.S. President Trump has gone beyond using tariffs to raise additional revenue. He has set out to use tariffs as a political tool to intervene in Brazil’s politics and force BRICS to give up its de-dollarisation agenda. There are concerns that such a tool can be used on other countries.
BUSINESS
India walks the thin line between BRICS and strategic independence
BRICS has severely criticised the tariff policy of the Trump administration. But this group, which represents 40% of global economic output, is not strong enough to bring about major changes in world affairs. An important reason is its internal differences
BUSINESS
Trump-brokered Congo-Rwanda peace deal aims to unlock critical mineral access for US
The US brokered a peace deal between two warring nations, Congo and Rwanda. But the Trump administration’s real purpose is to muscle in on Congo’s mining belt, which produces critical minerals required for advanced technologies
BUSINESS
Is the US attack on Iran a turning point for the world order?
Iran’s latest plans to block the Strait of Hormuz, if implemented, would affect trade by several countries, including India and China, besides unsettling energy and stock markets. This is one of the several repercussions that are likely to result from the U.S. bombing of nuclear sites in Iran
BUSINESS
India's interests at risk as Israel-Iran conflict threatens key trade routes
India has several economic interests in West Asia, including the Chabahar and Haifa ports. It will also suffer from increased oil prices. India’s plans to enhance trade and connectivity to Europe has also come under a threat
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Will the US-China trade talks defuse tensions?
The US and China will attempt to resolve their differences in a meeting in London, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. But there are many layers to their differences, and one meeting may not be enough. At best, they would be able to formulate a tariff-focused agreement for a short trial period
POLITICS
China, Yunus, and the Crisis in Dhaka: Why India’s next move on Hasina matters
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s hopes of political revival appear to have been dashed. A judicial tribunal has indicted her while the Supreme Court has lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami which is believed to be close to Pakistan. On his part, Chief Advisor Mohmmed Yunus is trying to survive the political storm
POLITICS
Military glory or political gambit? What Munir’s new title means for Pakistan’s future
Pakistan’s army chief Gen. Asim Munir pressured Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to make him the Field Marshal. But the new position has attracted widespread criticism and exposed his failure in dealing with four different armed insurgent groups and people’s anger against the army’s interference in civilian life
BUSINESS
Decoding India’s Strategy: Amplifying the anti-terror narrative amid Western ambivalence
Seven teams of MPs visiting different countries should do more than convey India’s role in the fight against cross-border terrorism. They need to find out why many countries are reluctant to support India publicly and find ways to rectify this problem. The battle of narratives needs to be won for both military and economic reasons
