Big_Gallery_Image_43_0 Courtesy: EmbassyofIndia,WashingtonDC
15 August 2011

Women ambassadors shine for India

The job of forging partnerships while sustaining India’s interests is done by its ambassadors –and New Delhi has the unique distinction of sending two women ambassadors in a row to the US. A study of Indian envoy Meera Shankar’s tenure, and what awaits her successor –and former foreign secretary–Nirupama Rao.

Andy Armstrong Flickr Courtesy: AndyArmstrong/Flickr
12 August 2011

Why Britain is not a ‘broken’ society

Explanations for the riots in England must go deeper than the easy targets of race, consumerist greed, and the socio-economic environment. It is necessary to understand the way socially-wired youth approached the riots as an opportunity for consequence-free action.

diaspora india Courtesy: Gateway House
12 August 2011

The Indian Diaspora: a new chapter in India’s story

This decade records a new trend for the Indian Diaspora: as the Indian economy registers strong growth, thousands return to India amidst growing employment and investment opportunities. But does India have the ability to effectively reintegrate them into society?

Sonia_Gandhi Courtesy: Yann/WikimediaCommons
4 August 2011

Gandhi dynasty: Politics as usual

As Sonia Gandhi receives medical treatment in the U.S., foreign - and not Indian - media reported about the leader of the Congress Party. Can Indians hope that the party will have the maturity to elect one from amongst itself or will the limp Indian opposition cohere into a credible force?

bangladesh article_210x140 Courtesy: PMO
15 July 2011

The Bangladesh bilateral: Looking to the future

The constant engagement between India and Bangladesh in the recent past has garnered a more suitable political atmosphere for enhanced bilateral relations. Looking beyond political blunders and focusing on socio-economic cooperation is at the advantage of both nations.

Thaksinbeschermddemocratieyeahright_210x140 Courtesy: WaltervanKalken/Flickr
7 July 2011

Thailand: Democracy in, monarchy out

Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of formerly deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected to power. Yingluck's win marks a move towards a move democratic Thailand and possibly the end of the Thai monarchy.

afghanistan article_210x140 Courtesy: TheU.S.Army/Flickr
2 July 2011

U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan: Politics wins over policy

The 10-year old war in Afghanistan has reached a hazy stage as the U.S. announced a quicker withdrawal of troops, with NATO countries soon to follow. The South Asian region will undergo another makeover, hopefully opening doors for New Delhi and Islamabad.

schengen spirit of openness Courtesy: FourthFloor/Flickr
23 June 2011

The Schengen spirit of openness

Despite their economic downturns, domestic tensions keep developed countries from embracing the revitalizing potential of foreign workers. Ambassador Neelam Deo argues that India should continue to leverage its history of diversity and capitalize on a world more open to the free flow of goods and services.