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In two years, the Modi government’s Act East Policy has gone well beyond the focus on economic ties of its predecessor, the Look East Policy. It has made progress on many wider fronts, including connectivity and defence collaboration. India must now build on this success and further consolidate relations and trade links with ASEAN and beyond
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Are we witnessing a new genre of diplomacy for development? Prime Minister Modi’s clear articulation and vigour have convinced most people that a fast, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic development of India is the government’s primary goal, and increased cooperation with external partners and effective diplomacy are critical to achieve this mission.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
India needs a more developed strategic focus on its eastern-western seaboards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the lead, investing considerable diplomatic capital and time in his visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and island nations in the Arabian Sea. In the east, he is progressively engaging with ASEAN, Japan and Australia
Courtesy: Wikipedia
With the increase in allocation to the agriculture sector in Budget 2016, the Modi government has revealed a renewed tilt towards rural India. How this financial roadmap will lead to revitalizing agriculture and developing rural India will depend on the politics.
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Is China actively building up its maritime presence in the Arabian Sea, to dominate vital sea lanes and perhaps encircle India with a chain of naval bases? There can be little doubt that China views Gwadar as a potentially useful asset. China, however, will know better than anyone that Gwadar has two considerable limitations.
India has long sought China over Taiwan, so is it too late to rectify foreign policy? The recent election results in Taiwan have upset China as China fears it will lose control over Taiwan. Gateway House interviews noted China expert Professor Nalapat to get his take on Taiwan's new president-elect and what lies ahead for tenuous Sino-Indian-Taiwan relations.
Courtesy: Mehdi Hasan Khan/ Wikipedia
At a time when Islamic fundamentalism is threatening the world, Bangladesh as a moderate muslim democracy occupies a unique position in actively confronting this threat under Sheikh Hasina. Instead of the unjustified criticism levied against its war trials, the West must actively support its fight against terror.
Courtesy: Presidencia Ecuador / Flickr
The Ecuadorian president’s first-ever state visit to India this month was cancelled, possibly because four of seven helicopters supplied by HAL to Ecuador have crashed. But this hurdle can be overcome, and ties between the two countries can expand beyond defence and oil to sectors such as pharma, IT, and agribusiness.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Barely three weeks after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s official visit, the other Sharif -- General Raheel Sharif -- sets foot on U.S. soil, albeit without an official invitation. Will Gen. Sharif get what he wants from the U.S. to further his game plan?
Courtesy: Claude TRUONG-NGOC
The elections in Myanmar finally come to a close with Suu Kyi-led NLD’s landslide victory. The military establishment has accepted defeat. Suu Kyi, who can't be the president, has made it clear that she would be 'above the president'. How should India read Myanmar now and act to safeguard its interests?
