India Trilateral Forum: building bridges

The 11th India Trilateral Forum, a meeting series between India, Europe and the U.S., reflects a more confident India from whom expectations – especially to counter China – are high. This will require a realistic re-labelling of India by the Western powers.


Balochistan: India’s trump card?

Prime Minister Modi’s reference to Balochistan in his Independence Day speech, which coincided with the Kashmir unrest, sparked speculations of this being smartly retaliatory. But the province’s geo-strategic complexities mean that New Delhi will have to play the ‘human rights’ card carefully.


India bolsters Indian Ocean strategy

In the last few years, India has stepped up its engagement with the countries of the Indian Ocean. At the first Indian Ocean Conference held last week, a consensus emerged that New Delhi needed to redouble their efforts to foster political, security, economic, and cultural cooperation in the region.


GST: adding edge to exports

The GST will not only advance domestic market efficiencies but also add teeth to India’s economic diplomacy by improving the ease of doing business and enhancing competitiveness for exports.


T20: Thinking for G20

The T20 Summit held in Beijing last week provided an opportunity for scholars, think tank representatives, and government officials to engage in meaningful discussion of global economic governance in preparation for the G20 summit in September. The summit's organisers and participants are now taking greater steps to produce more tangible and relevant policy options for the consideration of states worldwide, in the context of fostering global good.


Reaffirming a different globalisation

Globalization appears to be giving way to a wave of nationalist protectionism. At this juncture, it is vital to focus on alternative visions of globalization anchored in concern for the environment, human rights, and economic democracy. The World Social Forum in Montreal from 9-14 August will gather more than 5000 people from across the world and serve as a window to the diverse endeavours in favour of a pro-local globalization based on trans-national solidarity.




Immediate outcomes of Modi in Africa

Prime Minister Modi has just returned from his five-day tour (7-11 July) of eastern and southern Africa. The visits to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, were productive and saw the signing of 19 different agreements, all which highlight the India-Africa connection. The long term benefits, however, are yet to be seen.


Do we really need the Army?

The recent unrest in Kashmir has once again vilified the Indian Army, be it the accusation of murder, or the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, all of it seems to be the fault of the Army. It's time for a reality check.