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Indian foreign secretary S. Jaishankar’s visit to SAARC countries from March 1 is an opportunity to examine the political trajectories in the region. While democracy in some countries like Sri Lanka is on an upswing, in others, like Bangladesh, it is in decline. With China’s growing economic influence in South Asia, can Indian democracy be an effective counterpoint?
Courtesy: NPR
Mexican director Alejendra Inarritu’s Oscar for his work on Birdman comes after his compatriot won the same category award in 2014. This is a matter of pride for the Mexican film industry which is undergoing a renaissance in the last fifteen years. Although Indian cinema dwarfs the Mexican film industry, Mexico’s success in Hollywood should hold as inspiration for Bollywood
Courtesy: Saddahaq.com
The SAARC Yatra to be undertaken by foreign secretary S. Jaishankar from March 1 is an opportunity for India to improve relations, resurrect stalled projects and create new synergies with its neighbourhood. An initiative like this could hold the key to India shedding the ‘hegemon’ tag and pursuing mutually beneficial policies with its neighbours
Courtesy: Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
The story of Darah Shikoh, heir-apparent to the Mughal throne in the mid-17th century , enacted by the National Theatre in London, offers insights on how to get beyond the increasingly polarising global discourse on faith, reason and Islam
Courtesy: gatewayhouse.in
India has welcomed President Sirisena’s recent electoral victory largely because he is willing to check China’s rise in Sri Lanka. His visit to India next week is an opportunity for New Delhi to overcome its difficult relationship with former president Rajapaksa and offer its unconditional partnership to Colombo
With the crisis in Ukraine worsening, Europe seems to have realised that the solution is not military, though the U.S may push to send in arms. Although no country wants a war with Russia, the conflict over Ukraine between the West and Russia could escalate. What are the future scenarios for the region and with what global implications?
Courtesy: sodere.com
The last ten years had signalled the Saudi intention of building closer relations with India based on their immense crude oil resources and India’s growing market and skill sets. With a new king on the throne and the on-going turmoil in West Asia it is in New Delhi’s interest to initiate high-level visits with Riyadh as soon as possible
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Even as U.S. President Obama’s visit to New Delhi was high on optics critics suggest that the two governments have a long way to go before they achieve a mutually satisfactory partnership. However, the bilateral dialogue did show that both India and U.S. are becoming more comfortable in their engagement with each other
Courtesy: usembassy.gov
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives U.S. President Obama as his first guest at India’s Republic Day parade, the invitation to Obama and his consequent decision to visit India speak volumes about the prospects for the India-U.S. relationship
Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
Speculation abounds about what can be achieved during President Obama’s visit to India, and Secretary of State John Kerry’s recent $500 billion trade vision has raised expectations. Although differences remain—including in the energy and defence sectors—global developments could bring the two countries closer
