rouhani opbama wikimediacommons Courtesy: WikimediaCommons
26 September 2013

U.S.-Iran thaw is good news for India

The positive advances made by newly-elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and U.S. President Barack Obama at the 68th UN General Assembly indicates a strong potential for a thaw in Tehran-Washington relations. However, it will take sincere efforts from both sides to turn this into concrete reality. Can India help?

Indira Lyndon Jerchel wikimediacommons Courtesy: Jerchel/WikimediaCommons
24 September 2013

The case for India-Alignment

India often finds itself in the right place at the wrong time or vice versa, as our dogma of non-alignment trumps honest calculations of self-interest in policy-making – rendering it unfavourable. The national interest, hence, calls for selective alignment on some issues with Washington and on others with Beijing

George wyeth piece image Courtesy: Rajesh_India/Flickr
20 September 2013

An unseen revolution in Indian manufacturing?

Indian manufacturing’s share of GDP has been stagnating. Some of the industry’s problems stem from a business culture of hierarchy and bureaucracy. But competitive pressure is forcing a transformation, and the new management models now being adopted can change how investors and customers perceive Indian companies

shale gas himani Justin Woolford Flickr Courtesy: Justin Woolford/Flickr
13 September 2013

The real cost of shale gas

India’s ability to meet its growing gas demand from shale depends on the availability of land and water, and minimising social and environmental costs. The government’s 2012 draft shale gas policy does not offer solutions. How can India create a stable investment environment for the shale gas market?

Manmohan Humala flickr Courtesy: WikimediaCommons
12 September 2013

Peru: India’s new billion-dollar trade partner in Latin America

Today, despite Indian exports to Peru expected to cross the $ 1 billion mark in 2014, we are at a disadvantage vis-a-vis the exports from Peru's free trade agreement (FTA) partners. Why is it imperative for New Delhi to initiate negotiations with Lima and address the disadvantages of our exporters to their markets?

g20akshay Courtesy: The Prime Minister's Office/Flickr
12 September 2013

G20: The new Bretton Woods?

Global institutions responsible for price discovery and speculation in commodities are suspected of fuelling price hikes. With the world experiencing turmoil in the food and energy markets, fixing the global pricing architecture for commodities should be the priority for the G20

manmohan obama seema Courtesy: U.S. Embassy New Delhi
11 September 2013

India-U.S: Last chance to salvage ties

Since 2009, distraction and dysfunction in both India and the U.S. have dissipated the enthusiasm for greater bilateral ties. However, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has one last chance to salvage India-U.S. ties during his visit to the country this month, and he must utilise it appropriately

bob obama Courtesy: Systemman/WikimediaCommons
10 September 2013

Obama: Syria, spying and sellouts

Twelve years since the Taliban attacked the country, U.S. President Barack Obama is preparing for yet another war with a country in West Asia, for breaching a ‘red line’ he had drawn. However, the red line he needs to draw is about where the moral fiber of his presidency lies in the waning months of his tenure.