mia-main Courtesy: wikimediacommons
31 October 2014

State-to-state diplomacy

After a brief a spell of bonhomie marked by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attending Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, the hostilities between the two countries have resumed. Amidst the backdrop of increased tensions on the LoC, Gateway House recommends some small, realistic steps forward through state-to-state diplomacy, to mend the bilateral

Yal Railway Line Courtesy: flickr.com/presidentrajapaksa
17 October 2014

India’s imperatives in Sri Lanka

India has tried to address the concerns of Sri Lankan Tamils through projects such as the recently-inaugurated railway between Jaffna and Colombo. But their aspirations for autonomy in the North and East remain unfulfilled, and New Delhi faces a dilemma—pushing Colombo on political issues can drive it closer to Beijing

Untitled Courtesy: GoI
30 September 2014

Time to refocus on the LBA

Although the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh was discussed when Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina met on the sidelines of the UNGA, a timeline for ratification was not clarified. But both leaders have the numbers in their governments to move forward this critical agreement and must do so with urgency

IS Courtesy: U.S. Staff Sergeant Aaron Allmon
16 September 2014

Modi, Obama and the Islamic State

Obama’s strategy to target the IS in Syria within the framework of a U.S.-led international coalition has met with a tepid response. There are reports that the U.S may offer India a non-NATO ally status during Modi’s upcoming visit in a bid to seek greater support – a gesture that India will do well to disregard.

Arab Republics Courtesy: Synthesio.com
14 August 2014

Federalism for the Arab Republics?

Many Arab Republics are mired in political discord after the departure of the old tyrannical regimes opened up spaces for new struggles. In Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, attempts to address the turmoil through constitutional reform are facing challenges. Will a democratic federalism be attained when the battles are done?

Hagel2 Courtesy: Joshua Martin
7 August 2014

Hagel in India: building greater synergy

U.S. defence secretary Chuck Hagel’s visit is the third in a flurry of visits by top American officials before the scheduled Modi-Obama meet in September. Hagel’s visit will aim to enhance an already well-established defence-trade partnership and allay fears of the Pentagon’s bias towards Pakistan

Karnali_River,_Nepal_6 Courtesy: Wikipedia\commons
28 July 2014

India-Nepal: a Himalayan opportunity

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit all the right notes in his landmark visit to Nepal this week. Modi’s announcement of hydropower being a key area of synergy in the bilateral will help India solve its electricity shortage and also provide the country a renewable energy import from a friendly neighbour

nepal Courtesy: Wikipedia
22 July 2014

India-Nepal: dignifying interdependence

India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is in Nepal this week in line with the government’s commitment to prioritise ties with neighbours. Ties between India and Nepal have not been smooth with Nepal seeking a review of the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between the two countries

River_Teesta Courtesy: WIkimedia\Commons
18 July 2014

The benefits of a settled border

Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House, talks about the implications of the UN tribunal’s recent ruling on the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary dispute. In this interview, she also examines how India can follow up on the decision, what it could mean for our energy imports, and how it will impact global perceptions