Trump’s Transactional Diplomacy: Trade as leverage in conflict mediation
Trump's mediation efforts blend diplomacy and trade, seeking economic benefits for the US and allies. This transactional approach raises concerns over sustainability, conflicts of interest, and long-term peace outcomes
India's 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill: Why consensus remains key to anti-corruption reform
India's proposed constitutional amendment on ministerial accountability highlights the complex challenge of balancing anti-corruption measures with democratic principles
As Washington sows chaos, India faces old challenges in a new form
A surprising thaw in US-China ties and an unsurprising bonhomie between Pakistan and Bangladesh alter the nature of India’s security risks. At this juncture, India should try to preserve and strengthen ties with Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, and not neglect the importance of that regional buffer
BJP’s communication apparatus needs a rejig
BJP’s ascent to power in 2014 was shaped, among other things, by an astute communications strategy which had Arun Jaitley’s imprint. His absence has had an adverse effect on the party’s communication and other aspects which today don’t reflect its unprecedented political dominance. The next party president needs to introspect on these matters
Why India must stay firm against US pressure and wary of China’s charm
Sanghnomics: The US tariff war is disrupting global trade, hitting India’s MSMEs hard. While diversification offers opportunities, India must remain cautious of China and prioritise self-reliance to safeguard economic sovereignty
US’ targeting of Baloch Liberation Army shows its layered approach to Pakistan and China
It underscores three intersecting dynamics: first, the fragility of CPEC projects amid sustained insurgent violence; second, the possibility of a modest US-Pakistan reset on counterterrorism measures; and third, Washington’s careful navigation of its broader rivalry with China in the region
A Constitutional amendment aiming to uphold probity in public life, or to serve as a tool of distraction?
Government’s effort to amend the Constitution to mandate resignation of ministers, CMs or even the PM if they are arrested for 30 straight days, has evoked fierce opposition from its political rivals. While the BJP claims the legislation’s goal is to clean up public life, the opposition sees it as a mortal threat, given their distrust of enforcement agencies. The Bills have a long way to go but the moot point is will it change the political narrative in the forthcoming election season
Sudershan Reddy was a judge committed to upholding human rights and a critic of neoliberalism
Opposition grouping INDIA’s VP candidate described himself as a “liberal Constitutional democrat”. A scrutiny of his most widely discussed verdicts as a Supreme Court judge shows that this description is accurate. His deepest commitment lay in upholding human rights
Silent Architects: A rare glimpse into the lives of RSS functionaries
RSSFACTS: Ramesh Prakash, a dedicated RSS organiser, quietly shaped the Sangh’s growth in North India, mentored BJP leaders, and played a key role during the Emergency and in educational initiatives
Strategic Autonomy Needs Influence: Neutrality without engagement is isolation; India’s moment to lead in the Middle East is now
Demonstrating strategic autonomy without influence results in strategic isolation. India’s economic stake in a transforming Middle East is huge. As the West loses its attraction there, India, which doesn’t carry historical baggage, needs to capitalize on emerging opportunities
Wang Yi’s Delhi visit signals a thaw in Sino-India ties but meaningful progress will depend on political directions of leaders’
A tentative step forward has been taken by both sides but it’s unrealistic to expect quick progress. For now, China holds more cards than India and Delhi will have to move with caution and perspicacity
India needs a clear-eyed China policy that serves its own interest, not that of other powers
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited India this week, which led to an uptick in the bilateral relationship and the promise of enhanced trade and investment flows. It represents a prudent step as buying-in to the Western narrative of India as a counterweight to China comes with big risks that can undermine the country’s strategic autonomy
NDA’s choice for VP: A symbol of southern outreach and Sangh–BJP cohesion
This choice should put to rest the rumour mill which has been working overtime to establish that there is a rift between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). CP Radhakrishnan is an RSS swayamsevak
How Russia finances its war against Ukraine
Oil and gas revenues account only for 30 per cent of Russia’s budget expenditure. Russia has other significant sources for funding its expenditure, including war expenditure. Russia’s war finance is ‘an independent variable’ and largely immune from international sanctions
Rahul Gandhi vs. EC: 'Vote theft' charge is dubious but electoral rolls have a problem
Rahul Gandhi’s example of Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura assembly constituency to make his case is unconvincing. However, he has brought to the fore a long festering wound which needs to be addressed squarely, rather than attacking and intimidating a leader, who after all is playing the role of a “messenger”
Quad’s future after the Trump tariff shock
For now, it would be desirable for Delhi to remain committed to the bilateral track with Washington as regards security and technology cooperation and strengthen the structural and institutional elements of what could still be the most consequential relationship of this century, even as negotiators try to hammer out a modus vivendi
Trump is a short-term irritant; overlapping Indo-US interests are a long-term reality
Cold War politics and commercial interests in the backdrop of a menacing China will help both countries get over this phase. Don’t expect an immediate rapprochement but never underestimate the binding power of mutual self-interest
The way to protect Indian companies from secondary sanctions
A robust blocking statute must bar Indian persons and companies from complying with any extraterritorial sanctions that conflict with national law or policy unless they obtain an explicit waiver from a designated Indian authority
‘Let BJP-JD(S) leaders comment, if we speak…’: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar on silence on life sentence for Prajwal Revanna
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Shivakumar said, JD(S) leaders and their alliance partner BJP are competent to comment on the Prajwal Revanna issue, and questioned as to why they are not speaking.
How misinformation aims at thwarting the India-UK FTA
For India and the UK, while the signing of the FTA has been a historic moment, fact remains that for both, there will be mobilisation in their democratic civil societies to thwart the positives of the FTA. Misinformation and disinformation will emerge in bigger ways. The best way to counter it is to pre-empt and ensure easily understandable information is made available on the FTA
US Tariffs: India must hold the line on more concessions
US tariffs on Indian exports are set to rise, influenced by geopolitical issues like India’s ties with Russia and BRICS. Negotiations for a trade deal remain complex, requiring careful diplomacy from India
Second in Line, Not in Power: The office of India’s Vice-President
The Indian Vice-President occupies a high office structurally, but his influence is largely circumscribed by the limited and situational nature of his executive authority. A close examination of the powers and functions of the Vice-President reveals that they are almost entirely rooted in his role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Rage without Resolution: A year of disappointment for Bangladesh
The July Uprising removed an entrenched regime, the aftermath has revealed deeper, structural problems. The interim government, instead of unifying the country and ensuring peace, has largely contributed to the national discontent. With no end to protests and no election date in sight, Bangladesh stands at a dangerous political crossroads
India-UK FTA: The devil is in the details
India’s historic deal with UK will require significant reforms on gender representation, labour competitiveness to capitalize on the FTA opportunity
