Courtesy: durdaneta/Wikimedia Commons
On the political as well as economic fronts, Venezuela is facing multiple problems – from protests against shortages and crime, to high inflation and low foreign exchange reserves. The government itself is responsible for creating this situation over the years and a change in leadership may now be the solution
Courtesy: Press Information Bureau
The India-China Defence Dialogue is part of a joint effort to ensure peace along the LAC. The sixth round in New Delhi on 24 February included discussions on border protocols, security cooperation and exchanges in counter-terrorism. Along with these, India must also work on resolving the border dispute
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
Talks between India and the delegations visiting this week from Saudi Arabia and Iran revolved around defence, energy, trade, and regional security. High level visitors to India from Bahrain last week also focused on the economy. It is in India’s interests to carry forward this momentum even after the general elections
Courtesy: Spike Call U.S Navy/Wikimedia Commons
The Indian Navy, through multi-lateral exercises, is increasing its sphere of influence and becoming a regional force. Yet, it needs to be supported by policy decisions that enable it to achieve its potential as a state-of-the-art establishment and a powerful tool in India’s diplomatic repertoire
Courtesy: MEA, UK in Italy/Flickr
The National Investigation Agency’s decision to charge the two Italian marines – who are accused of killing two Indian fishermen – has led to an uproar in Italy. The case, complicated by legal, diplomatic, political and security issues, has implications for India-Italy and India-EU ties
Courtesy: remy steinegger / Flickr
German President Joachim Gauck’s visit to India this week is a reminder of how Germany is addressing inequality, with better wages, benefits for the poorest, and other measures. When the gap between the rich and poor is growing globally, it is time for India’s prime ministerial aspirants to also focus on this issue
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
The P5+1 negotiations with Iran, mostly a Washington-Tehran affair, may be a means to a complex and ambitious end: a new strategic and energy equation in Southwest Asia. U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union address indicates that to reach this goal, the U.S. is steering away from war to diplomacy
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
Japan’s reaching out to India, as demonstrated by the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reflects the urgency with which Japan sees the threat of a rising China. India too has experienced Chinese aggression and must work with other democracies towards creating a multi-polar Asia
Courtesy: Secretary of Defense/Flickr
U.S. President Barack Obama’s focus on domestic issues has sidelined his country’s foreign policy at a time when China is ascending as a superpower. With China’s economy set to surpass the U.S.'s by 2017, a recent report presents a ‘grand strategy’ for the U.S. to counter China’s economic and strategic expansion
Courtesy: The Prime Minister's Office/Flickr
The return of the Awami League to power has generated protests and violence in Bangladesh. India’s support to the January 5 election was aimed at keeping at bay anti-India forces in Bangladesh, but anti-India sentiment in the country is high and fresh elections may throw up a result that does not suit New Delhi