BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Time for India to change its policy towards Chinese investment?
In a sign of policy reversal, the government’s Economic Survey has argued in favour of attracting Chinese funds. What is driving this move other than the economic logic of using Chinese funds and machinery to improve the manufacturing sector? The government must consider the political and military implications of such a move
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Hasina's response to Court order would determine the fate of violent unrest in Bangladesh
The Supreme Court order slashing the controversial job quota system is a serious loss of face for Bangladeshi PM, Sheikh Hasina. The question is whether she will try to use legislative means to derail the order leading to a resurgence of student protests
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: NATO seeks to expand its ambit to contain China, fully isolate Russia
Strapline: NATO, the Western military alliance, has accused China of feeding the Russian war machine engaged in Ukraine. Western countries including the U.S. want both India and China to join in their effort to isolate Russia. They are in a tearing hurry because they fear that former president Donald Trump may get elected, and undo their efforts in Ukraine
BUSINESS
Modi to strengthen ties with Russia without upsetting the West
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would discuss key issues like a non-dollar payment agreement and arms purchases during his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But he would be careful not to cause anxiety among Western countries that are suspicious about India’s relations with Russia
BUSINESS
World leaders anxiously watch Trump’s election moves as Biden shows signs of weakness
US President Joe Biden is slipping in popularity ratings, strengthening the possibility of former President Donald Trump returning to power. But this is making several countries, including China and some European nations, nervous because he has promised to impose heavy tariffs and reduce US support for Nato
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: India weighing options as US pushes it to play Tibet card
The U.S. is geared to use the Tibet controversy to embarrass the Chinese leadership. India must weigh its options before deciding whether to use the Tibet card though Washington is pushing it to do so
BUSINESS
India’s enhanced democratic credentials could pay it rich dividends in foreign policy
India’s democratic credentials have been greatly enhanced since the recent election. This is evident in the enthusiasm of 14 world leaders who met PM Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit recently. India’s world image would be greatly enhanced if the government appeared more accommodating to all sections of society
BUSINESS
Biden in a tight spot over ceasefire proposal for Gaza
As the death toll mounts in Gaza, Western governments are pushing for a ceasefire. But they are unable to obtain guarantees from Hamas about releasing abducted Israelis, and from Israel to stop the killing of civilians
BUSINESS
The new government must try to better ties with our neighbours
The election results leading to a coalition government have raised questions about whether India would tweak its foreign policy. Though major policy shifts are not expected, the new government may consider improving relations with immediate neighbours
BUSINESS
Did China achieve its objective by conducting a war-like drill near Taiwan?
China conducted a war-like military drill near Taiwan, but it does not seem to have rattled Taiwan. China was also trying to send a message to the US to stop supporting Taiwan if it wants Beijing’s help to resolve the Ukraine issue
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: China, Russia join hands to dare the US
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have not only bonded more tightly, but they have come together to challenge the US in the economic and military spheres. Xi is clearly taking serious economic risks to meet his strategic and geopolitical goals which include weakening US influence in the world
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: India displays muscular diplomacy amid spats with different countries
India is dealing with diplomatic spats with the US, Canada, Germany and Maldives in an assertive manner. Though this posture has raised India’s status in the world, it is not enough to resolve complicated disputes that require delicate backroom negotiations and not public spats
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Can Xi Jinping really persuade Europe to be less dependent on US?
China’s President Xi Jinping is visiting Europe with a bag of goodies to expand its influence and persuade France and other European countries to reduce their reliance on the US. Whether or not he will succeed will be visible in the kind of deals that French President Macron enters with him
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Falling Yen, possible Yuan devaluation: What next?
World markets are anxiously watching the Japanese regulators and the US Federal Reserve as the Yen is falling continuously and there are signs of a possible devaluation of the Chinese Yuan. The question is whether it would affect broader markets and other countries, including India
BUSINESS
Is the US really working for de-escalation in the Middle East?
The US is siding with Israel in the conflict with Iran. The US has also blocked the move for statehood of Palestine. Arab states like Saudi Arabia do not support Iran. This is making it easy for the US to isolate Iran and Palestine
POLITICS
The Eastern Window: Suspense deepens over the Middle East after Iranian attack
Even as the world watches the emerging Middle East situation with bated breath, it is the political leaders of Iran and Israel who will decide the course of the conflict based on their personal political compulsions. India has called for de-escalation, joining several other countries on this issue. As expected, US President Joe Biden has taken a clearly partisan stance in favour of Israel
WORLD
The Eastern Window | Myanmar's descent into civil war: implications for India
With the military junta in Myanmar coming under increased attacks from armed rebels, there is a possibility of the junta collapsing. The Indian government is under pressure to review its pro-junta policy and build communication lines with democratic forces and rebel groups
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Xi Jinping tries to charm US CEOs as foreign investment slides
The Chinese President is directly lobbying American business as foreign investments have slipped drastically. China is also worried about the potential of Donald Trump getting re-elected. Trump has already threatened to impose harsh tariffs on Chinese cars and other goods
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: What prompted the US to finally allow the UN vote for ceasefire in Gaza
The US has withdrawn its protection of Israel allowing the UN to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration is trying to save itself from blame as thousands are massacred in Gaza, particularly at a time when it is preparing for the next election.
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Modi tries to wean Bhutan away from China
India has doubled its assistance to Bhutan during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Thimphu. But will this stop Bhutan from conceding sensitive areas in Doklam near India’s border to China
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window | China deploying robots at scale to tackle product quality, labour shortage issues
The 2023 World Robot Conference revealed that China’s 'robot density' has risen to 392, up from 140 in 2018 and 68 in 2016
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: India set to counter China’s drive towards Indian Ocean
The government’s decision to establish a second naval base in Lakshadweep is part of a larger objective of countering China’s influence building in the Indian Ocean region. The issue has become complex as the Maldives has responded by announcing plans to build a base for surveillance drones 750 km away
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: China's 2024 budget estimates deflate stimulus hopes
The Chinese premier's work report did not hold out any decisive moves to address the concerns of investors over the sluggish economic growth and low consumer demand
BUSINESS
The Eastern Window: Japan searching for a balance between national security, economic ties with China
Japan is taking steps to cut down its dependence on China for strategic reasons. But it faces resistance from the private sector which is closely intertwined with Chinese companies and regards market-based relationships as an essential part of business. Tokyo is trying to find a balance between market reality and national security. In some ways, India’s situation is similar to that of Japan
