Policy Perspectives
Tejas 2 Courtesy: Wikipedia
12 May 2015

Defence and India’s private sector

Rapidly evolving security threats in India's neighbourhood and a number of accidents means it is critical for India to invest in the modernisation as well as the indigenisation of India's rapidly obsolescing defence equipment. This policy perspective provides recommendations on what role Indian private sector can play in the modernisation of India's defence sector

car mexico Courtesy: Taneli Rajala
7 May 2015

Make in India Mexican-style

The 'Make In India' campaign could learn from the manufacturing success story of Mexico which has come to be called as a 'rising global star in manufacturing’ and 'the China of the Americas'. Prime Minister Modi can seek inspiration from President Enrique Peña Nieto who has brought about a dozen major reforms by forging a historic consensus with the opposition parties through the Pact for Mexico.

India’s Skill Development: a German solution
7 May 2015

India’s Skill Development: a German solution

If India is to harness its demographic dividend and the 'Make in India' campaign is to succeed it is important that the growing working force is equipped with the necessary skills. India's current system is lacking in both quality and size, the German model holds a number of solutions for India

central asia Courtesy:
7 May 2015

Central Asia: back in India’s sight

India must quickly recognise the evolving changes, challenges, and opportunities in Central Asia to avoid being relegated to the periphery of Eurasian trade AND geopolitics. It is now up to Prime Minister Modi to manage a rebalancing in Central Asia through diplomacy and cooperation rather than competition

UK elections Courtesy: Getty images
6 May 2015

UK elections: the Scottish conundrum

In the exceptionally divisive general election on May 7 in the UK, no party is expected to win a majority. Smaller parties like the SNP are fragmenting votes and another coalition may emerge, or the Conservatives-Liberal Democrats or Labour may seek outside support. With the Scotland issue adding to the divisiveness, the post-poll scenario is precarious

Uber China Courtesy: Review Journal, Xinhua
30 April 2015

Can Uber in China counter local e-taxis?

Although Uber has a $41billion global valuation, over 99% of the taxi app market in China is controlled by local competitors offering personalised services, informal networks, and a familiarity with regulations that Uber cannot match. In such a scenario, can Uber live up to its valuation? And will local entities eventually also have an advantage in the crowd-sourced trucking and waterways sectors?

17111184050_a38f69f6cb_z Courtesy: MEA/Flickr
29 April 2015

Ghani and India: circles of separation

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani visited India from April 27-29. Ghani accords a very different priority to India than his predecessors – both the timing and the outcome of his visit reflected this. He is choosing to play to Pakistan, by keeping India out of Afghanistan's security sector

Ghani-Sharif Courtesy: Arya News
29 April 2015

India’s game of patience with Afghanistan

Afghanistan president Ghani has placed his eggs in the Pakistani basket and is waiting to see whether its actions match the plentiful words. However, New Delhi knows it enjoys a depth of support in Afghan society and can bide its time while Ghani tests the waters, as he will likely reach the same conclusions as most others