Courtesy: Mint
As part of India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, India will make the necessary regulatory and legislative amendments to enhance its nuclear power production, including through Small Modular Reactors or SMRs. No longer a fad, SMRs can bring public and private sector innovation and capital together to give India the energy it needs, and the potential for export. India could have SMRs ready for use by 2033.
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U.S. President Trump is prioritising strategic competition with China and seeking stability with Russia. This approach involves sanctions relief, sidelining Ukraine, and fostering economic ties with Moscow to weaken its reliance on China and reshape global power dynamics. Europe is divided on the outreach to Russia, but the U.S. wants to leverage energy markets and investment opportunities to expand its influence over Moscow.
Courtesy: Times of India
The allocation for defence in India’s annual budget for 2024-25 was, for the first time, not included in the budget speech. The country is upgrading its military, with new programmes and schemes, encouraging a start-up domestic defence industry, and reforming the defence research establishment. The separation will allay fears that India’s defence budget is never adequate.
Courtesy: X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Mauritius reinforced the strategic partnership between the two nations amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. The visit introduced the Mahasagar vision for regional security and growth while advancing cooperation in trade, defence, digital infrastructure, and people-to-people ties. With the shared historical, cultural, and economic ties, Mauritius remains pivotal to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Courtesy: India Spend
The anti-migration movements in the West have had a dampening effect on students traveling for study. There is diminished intake, higher fees and no guarantee of a job after graduation. This can play well for India, whose new education policy seeks to attract foreign students to its shores. Delhi must offer reciprocal work visas to foreign students, creating a cohort of those with valuable India experience.
Courtesy: AP
Saudi Arabia has been the new centre for mediation between warring states and their sponsors. It reflects the shifting dynamics in an increasingly multipolar world and the redefinition of power structures. This role has extended to other Gulf states, which have strategically positioned themselves as neutral players, leveraging their strong relations with the great powers, and adopted culturally sensitive to consensus-building.
Courtesy: Atlantic Council
The recent visit of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU College of Commissioners to India, is a testament to its view of India as a key voice in the Global South and a stabilising force amidst a rapidly changing global dynamic. However, a strong push is required to elevate their transactional relationship into something more meaningful for both parties.
Courtesy: Institute for Global Dialogue
The G20 and South Africa - its presiding nation - will both face a difficult year. The U.S., one of the G20’s most vital members has not yet participated, notable by its absence from two important ministerial meetings. The U.S.’ changed foreign policy stance will be a tough challenge for G20; the Global South members will have to step up and become proactive.
Courtesy: Reuters
Sri Lanka is playing a balancing act as it manages its ties with India and China. It is heavily dependent on the two rival Asian giants for its economic revitalisation and future growth, but it must be strategic in its approach with both countries as it attempts to manage its foreign debt and ensure project sustainability while maintaining geopolitical neutrality.
Courtesy: International House
Frank G. Wisner was the most consequential U.S. ambassador to post liberalisation India. He used his three years in India to put the economic and commercial elements into the heart of the bilateral. He had friends on both sides of the aisle in India. He was an astute diplomat, but also accessible, making everyone feel comfortable regardless of their hierarchy in business or in official circles.