Geopolitics

Short War, Long Shadows: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and a new flashpoint

Any attempt to reconcile Pakistan, and curb its insurgencies and terror groups using economic statecraft, is difficult—possibly futile—as China’s experience has shown

Global powers need to focus on the threat posed by nexus between the nuclear arms race and AI

Threat factors multiply when placed against the backdrop of power rivalries, the rise of middle power regional contestations and alignments, and the rising role of AI in warfare—both conventional and nuclear

Can strategic realism in Asia drive India, China closer?

Jaishankar’s recent Beijing visit underscores the high-stakes, high-wire act India must perform to balance economic realism with geopolitical rivalry in a shifting Asian order

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

IMF flags geopolitical shocks as threats to global markets

The IMF’s latest Financial Stability Report underscores the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on global asset markets, warning that trade disruptions and policy uncertainty pose systemic risks

Houthis Warn Of 'Escalation'| U.S. Airstrike Pounds Yemen| U.S.-Iran Tension| Netanyahu| N18G

Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned that continued U.S. aggression against Yemen would lead to "escalatory options" and more painful retaliation from the rebels. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent airstrikes on Houthi positions, which killed at least 53 people, including children, and injured many others. Trump’s airstrikes are part of a broader campaign to pressure Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, with Trump linking Houthi actions to Tehran and threatening consequences for further attacks. In response, Houthi supporters rallied in several cities, vowing revenge against the U.S. and Israel. The United Nations has called for a halt to military activities in Yemen. Meanwhile, the Houthis’ maritime attacks on over 100 merchant vessels between November 2023 and January 2024 raised their profile in the Arab world. Trump also warned Iran against arming the Houthis, alleging a reduction in Tehran's military support for the group.

U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance To Visit Greenland| Trump's acquisition talks| U.S. Takeover| N18G

U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance is set to visit Greenland this week, marking the highest-profile visit to the territory since the Trump administration expressed interest in acquiring it. During her three-day trip, Vance will be accompanied by one of her children and will explore Greenland's historical sites, learn about its heritage, and attend the Avannaata Qimussersu, the national dogsled race. The race, featuring 37 mushers and 444 dogs, celebrates Greenlandic culture and athleticism. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, will join Vance during the visit. Despite the opposition of Greenland's parliamentary parties, Trump has consistently claimed that U.S. control over Greenland is inevitable, citing national security concerns rather than territorial expansion. The U.S. maintains a military presence in Greenland, which was visited by Donald Trump Jr. earlier this year. Trump has also made other controversial territorial suggestions, including claims about Panama's canal and Canadian statehood.

Putin make Trump wait for over an hour | Netizens call its ‘Putin’s Power Play’

Russian President Vladimir Putin left US President Donald Trump waiting for more than an hour before the two were supposed to connect for their high-stakes phone call over the Ukraine-Russia war. Social media buzzed with reactions to Putin making Trump wait, but a viral video of the Kremlin leader attending an event during the scheduled call stole the spotlight

Trump Halts Military Aid to Ukraine, How Kremlin and Kyiv reacted? | N18G

U.S. President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following a clash with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, citing a review to ensure it contributes to peace. The White House and Pentagon have not disclosed details on the suspension’s scope or duration. Ukraine has not officially responded, but Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed confidence in maintaining battlefield stability while hoping for continued cooperation with Washington. The decision deepens U.S.-Ukraine tensions as Trump takes a friendlier stance toward Russia. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the aid pause, calling it a step toward peace. Trump hinted at potential U.S. investment in Ukraine’s minerals.

British PM Starmer meets Trump | Ukraine issue discussed | U.S.-U.K. talks | N18G

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Washington, D.C., on February 26, 2025, where he emphasized that the most important relationship for the UK is with the United States. During his visit, he met with business leaders at the British ambassador’s residence, hosted by Peter Mandelson. Starmer expressed a desire to forge a new partnership with the U.S., sharing the belief that their best days lie ahead. Starmer’s visit also included a meeting with President Donald Trump. Prior to his trip, he called on Washington to provide a security "backstop" for European peacekeepers in Ukraine. He argued that this would ensure lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire. Furthermore, Starmer stated that Britain would contribute to any peacekeeping efforts in the region. Overall, the visit highlighted the importance of strengthening the UK-U.S. relationship and advancing international cooperation on global security issues.

Trump, Macron differences on Ukraine | Macron fact checks Trump | Russia-Ukraine conflict | N18G

In a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, both leaders discussed their differing approaches to resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump expressed a desire for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized that this moment might be the only opportunity for a peace agreement. He also suggested meeting with Putin in Moscow once a deal is reached. Macron, on the other hand, advocated for a more cautious approach, starting with a truce and followed by a peace deal with robust security guarantees. He stressed the importance of verifying any agreement. Both leaders agreed on the idea of deploying European peacekeeping forces to maintain peace once a deal is made. Additionally, Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations for a minerals revenue-sharing agreement with Ukraine to help recoup the U.S. costs of military aid. Despite friendly relations, their discussions highlighted a significant divide in their strategies for Ukraine.

China to build its first deep-water space station 2,000 metres below the sea; here's everything you should know

China's new deep-sea research station in the South China Sea, set to launch by 2030, will advance marine science, energy exploration, and China's geopolitical influence in the region.

Israeli PM Netanyahu hails Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza | N18G

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has voiced strong support for President Trump's controversial plan regarding Gaza. Following recent developments including hostage releases and heightened regional dynamics, Netanyahu's endorsement underscores ongoing efforts between Israel and the US against Iran's influence. Stay updated on this critical geopolitical issue.

Trump discusses Ukraine war with Putin and Zelensky, says both leaders want peace | N18G

On February 12, 2025, former President Donald Trump shared that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a desire for peace during separate phone calls. Trump ordered U.S. officials to begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The conversations followed comments from Trump’s defense secretary, who suggested that Ukraine might need to abandon its NATO ambitions and give up its territorial goals to reach a resolution, signaling a shift in U.S. policy. Trump spoke with Putin for over an hour and said the Russian leader wants to end the war, discussing a potential ceasefire in the near future. Trump emphasized that both Putin and Zelensky desire peace, and he also expressed his wish for the violence to stop. While Trump has long claimed he could quickly end the war, he has not detailed how he would achieve this peace.

Trump Seeks Ukraine’s Rare Earths as ‘Equalization’ for $300 Billion in Aid | N18G

President Donald Trump stated that he wants Ukraine to supply the U.S. with rare earth minerals in return for aid, emphasizing the need for “equalization” for the nearly $300 billion in support. He also addressed Panama, saying the country had agreed on “some things” after his threats over China’s influence on the canal. Trump signed an executive order to create a sovereign wealth fund, suggesting it could purchase TikTok, though details remain unclear. He also defended Elon Musk’s role in shrinking the U.S. government, stating that Musk’s actions are approved and that he “will not be allowed” into conflicts.

Does India Inc have a geo-strategic policy in place?

Without a clear geostrategic policy in place, Indian corporates face the risk of market access disruption, financial losses through sanctions and tariffs, heightened instability in operations and compliance headaches

MC-Deloitte CEO Survey: Global slowdown seen as greatest risk to businesses

Intensifying geopolitical risks, export restrictions and uncertainty over trade policies are the other big worries for India Inc

Will geopolitics derail natural gas markets in 2025?

Ukraine’s refusal to allow transit of Russian gas is a signal of how geopolitics could upend economics in 2025 and beyond. The US, Iran, the Middle East and China all figure in the risk equations

Australia To Strengthen Solomon Islands Police Force Amid China Security Concerns | N18G

Australia has announced a 190 million Australian dollar investment to enhance security in the Solomon Islands, including funding for additional police and the creation of a police training center in Honiara. This initiative is designed to reduce the Solomons' reliance on external security partners over time and build a stronger local police force. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that this investment would ensure the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force can maintain primary responsibility for security in the country. The move comes after concerns over a 2022 security pact between the Solomon Islands and China, which raised fears among U.S. allies, including Australia, about the potential establishment of a Chinese naval base in the region. In response, Australia has signed new security deals with Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Nauru, allowing it to effectively veto any security agreements with third parties, including China.

China Warns U.S. Against Crossing Red Lines On Taiwan In Diplomatic Speech | N18G

China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, emphasized that the Taiwan issue is one of the key "red lines" in the relationship between China and the U.S., which cannot be crossed. China claims Taiwan as its territory and rejects the island’s sovereignty, while the U.S. supports Taiwan’s government and provides military aid for its defense. Wang delivered a comprehensive speech on China’s foreign policy at a Beijing symposium, citing President Xi Jinping’s four red lines in U.S.-China relations. He reiterated China’s ongoing desire to maintain a stable relationship with the U.S., referencing President-elect Donald Trump. However, Wang made it clear that China will oppose any "illegal and unreasonable suppression" by the U.S., especially concerning Taiwan. Despite these tensions, Wang's remarks reflected China’s firm stance on Taiwan while also signaling its commitment to stable diplomatic ties with the United States, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in international relations.

Russia Claims Gains in Donetsk; Ukraine Holds Ground Amid Rising Tensions

Russia claimed control over the Petrivka and Illinka settlements in Donetsk, while Ukraine reported holding its positions and disrupting Russian operations. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that its forces repelled multiple Ukrainian attacks in various regions and shot down 55 drones. Ukraine’s military confirmed 111 frontline battles, with success in repelling Russian assaults in Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan clarified that the U.S. is not considering returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine, despite some officials suggesting it. Russian official Dmitry Medvedev warned that transferring nuclear weapons to Ukraine would be considered an attack on Russia.

“Didn’t know she was afraid of dogs…”Vladimir Putin apologises to ex-German Chancellor Merkel | N18G

During a news conference in Astana, the Russian President said he did not know former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was afraid of dogs saying he apologized earlier and wants to repeat his apology again. Germany's Angela Merkel has recalled tricky dealings with world leaders from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin during her 16-year chancellorship in her frank memoirs, published as her legacy comes under intense scrutiny. "Someone who was always on his guard to avoid being treated badly and always ready to dish it out, including power games with dogs and making others wait for him.

IMF report says markets ignoring rising economic, geopolitical uncertainties