Editorial: Tectonic Geopolitical Developments 2024, World Ahead 2025
The year 2024 saw no shortage of tectonic geopolitical developments – Israeli strikes in Iran and Lebanon, election of Donald Trump as President of U.S.A., Ukrainian forces’ incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, entry of long-neutral Sweden into NATO, fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol soon after he declared martial law. Read More
India-CARICOM Key Sectorial Partnership: How PM Modi’s Proposed Online Portal Will Empower SMEs and Drive Innovation, Trade, and Economic Growth in CARICOM Countries
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed online portal aims to connect Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in CARICOM countries with Indian stakeholders, fostering economic growth, innovation, and capacity building in the Caribbean. The platform will help CARICOM SMEs form strategic partnerships with Indian businesses, access new markets, and integrate into global supply chains. It will focus on technology transfer, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, while offering financial support through grants and investment opportunities. Additionally, the portal will provide training and resources to enhance the digital and managerial skills of SME owners and employees. By promoting trade, cultural exchange, and research collaboration, the initiative will strengthen business ties between CARICOM and India, driving sustainable development in the region. Read More
How Palestine Policy of China would impact the Geopolitical Configuration in West Asia
For some time, China is constantly in the geopolitical talk of West Asia. It is viewed as the power to fill the vacuum left by gradual US draw-down from the region. Chinese policy of ‘Partnership Diplomacy’ across the geopolitical divides in the conflict-ridden region is being received positively. Chinese proposition of the developmental peace instead of Western idea of democratic peace has found increasing momentum of acceptance by countries of the region for stability, security and shared future of prosperity. The central intent of this paper is to understand and analyze the evolving patterns of changes, challenges and prospect of this expanding Chinese influence on the region’s geopolitical landscape with Israel-Palestine conflict underway and spill-over of the conflict into Lebanon and Syria. How the Chinese stand on Palestine and its responses during the on-going conflict would shape geopolitical landscape of the region and have implications for the wider world. Read More
Biological Warfare in The Age of Globalisation: Risks and Mitigation Strategies
In the age of globalisation, the nature of warfare is changing from conventional to chemical, Biological, and Nuclear warfare which are way too dangerous than that of conventional warfare. Even though there are some international restrictions on the development and proliferation of biowarfare agents under ‘Biological Weapons Convention’, 1972 which was entered into force in 1975, still some countries are having their clandestine bioagents development programmes. If the bioterror attack happens, where does India stand in this biological arms race? There is an absolute risk to the health of humankind as these Bioweapons have the potential for mass destruction of not only people but also the animals. It is wrong to assume states and terrorists lack the will or the means to build biological weapons. This article goes deep in understanding the historical events of bioterror attacks, current preparedness and current strategies to mitigate the risk, and also future challenges that could evolve in upcoming years. Read More
BRICS Plus and India: Driving Climate Action Through Collaboration
BRICS Plus is a major geopolitical and environmental development, which opens new paths for climate action among emerging economies. As a central member of BRICS Plus, India can not only contribute but also play a pioneering role in constructing the bloc's sustainability agenda. This article analyses India’s strategic involvement in renewable energy initiatives, climate policy agenda-setting, and technological leadership. India's commitment to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities also applies to the climate negotiations. The India component discusses the country’s ability to drive innovation in climate technologies. Through the partnerships and South-South cooperation promoted by BRICS Plus, India can help strengthen its role in global climate governance. India's leadership in green technology, policy development, and collaborative frameworks can thus lead to the accomplishment of the environmental and socio-economic objectives of BRICS Plus. Read More
India’s Theatre Command Model and it’s Strategic Connotation
As India starts re-organizing its military command matrix to effectively deal with the external security challenges, it will be interesting to see how this reconstitution will be perceived in the years to come and the sum effect it will have on New Delhi’s evolving Grand Strategy.(1) Read More
The Modern India-Israel Defence Nexus
India and Israel share a multifaceted relationship that has evolved significantly over the past few decades. While their diplomatic relations were formally established in 1992, the historical ties between the two nations trace back much further1 . The historical connection between India and Israel can be traced back to ancient times, with mentions of Jewish communities in India as early as 2,500 years ago (Embassy of India, Tel Aviv, Israel, n.d.). India has been a welcoming home for Jews for centuries, providing a safe haven throughout various historical upheavals2 . The Jewish community in India, including the Bene Israelis, Cochin Jews, and Baghdadi Jews, has contributed significantly to Indian culture, commerce, and society3 . Their legacy is intertwined with India's rich tapestry of diversity, demonstrating the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and cultures. The relationship between India and Israel is thus not merely defined by diplomatic ties and defence collaborations, it is deeply rooted in a shared civilizational heritage that spans over two millennia. Read More
Manipur – Ethnic Conflict, Endemic Violence, Elusive Peace
India’s North East has over the centuries seen an extraordinary mixing of different races, cultures, languages and religions, adding to diversity of India. With an area of about 2.6 lakh sq. kms., and population of little over 39 million, seven states of North East comprising of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim is a conglomeration of around 475 ethnic groups and sub-groups speaking over 400 languages / dialects. The region accounts for around 8 per cent of India’s total geographical area and little less than 4 per cent of India’s total population. Of 635 communities listed in India as Tribal, more than 200 are in North East. Of 325 languages listed by ‘People of India’ project, 175 belonging to Tibeto – Burman group are spoken in North East (Bhaumik, 2009). Read More
Economic Slowdown in China: A Reality Check for India’s Economic Diplomacy
In recent years, economic data from Beijing has shown a declining GDP growth rate, high unemployment, rising deflation, and a steady trade surplus, indicating that China faces significant challenges. This article compares China's and India's economic performance using indicators such as GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, and trade balance. It signals that China's economy may not be as troubled as predicted and is not caught in a long-term downward spiral. India can learn from this situation by importing critical raw materials from China during its deflationary phase, which could help reduce India's trade deficit. Additionally, India should reassess its foreign economic policy to engage with China effectively, aiming to tap into its growing consumer market as China shifts from an export-led to a consumption-led growth strategy. Read More
Perspective: Bangladesh – The New Islamic Caliphate?
As a landmass, the country today known as Bangladesh has been known for both; the effects of social divisions, famine, natural disasters and religious warfare, and also the land of wealth and culture; from its times of being the land of successive empires and sultanates, to its transformation into a wealthy province under the Mughal Empire, to its conquest by the British East India company which led to its economic and social decline, the effects of the 1947 partition of India, the 1971 War of Liberation (from Pakistan), and currently the menacing divide between the Muslims and the Bengalis, a social divide among the people themselves. Read More
Book Review - Like War: The Weaponization of Social Media
Like War: is a compelling exploration into the profound impact of social media on modern warfare, politics, and society. Released in 2018, the book delves deep into how social media platforms have been leveraged as tools of influence, manipulation, and conflict in the digital age. Read More
