rr2 Courtesy: World Economic Forum/Flickr
16 December 2013

Decoding RBI’s invite to foreign banks

The recent statement by the governor of the RBI that foreign banks might be allowed to take over Indian banks, has rekindled the debate on the status of foreign banks. What has prompted the RBI’s new position and how does it weigh against the existing policy landscape? Why are foreign banks waiting and watching?

abdulla yameen The President's Office Republic of Maldives Courtesy: The President's Office, Republic of Maldives
13 December 2013

Maldives: Stability after a storm?

The November 16 election of Abdulla Yameen as president of the Maldives may have ended the two-year long political turmoil, but for the country’s economy to recover Yameen must ensure the stability of his government. He also has to consolidate ties with India, and his visit here on December 23 will be a start

Bangladesh flag Mostaque Chowdhury flickr Courtesy: Mostaque Chowdhury/Flickr
12 December 2013

India, U.S: Divided over Dhaka

Come January, Bangladesh will elect its next prime minister. Although it has emerged as a significant player in the region, India and the U.S. are yet to develop a synergy in their policies towards this important nation – even as the deeper struggle for influence and resources in Asia continues

pakistanchange Courtesy: Flickr
9 December 2013

Pakistan: the change within

Trade and investment over acrimony with India is the dominant sentiment in Pakistan, as was evident at a recent conference in Lahore. Gateway House’s Manjeet Kripalani blogs about how the Pakistani people are looking for ways to reconcile with their neighbour and be part of a South Asian Century

Mandela UN NMF Photo Matthew Willman UN Courtesy: Matthew Willman/UN/NMF Photo/
6 December 2013

Honouring Nelson Mandela

In 1993, Nelson Mandela said: “We will have to go on striving to prove that King was right…when he said that humanity can no longer be tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war.” By learning from the tenacity of this striving, rather than by measuring outcomes, we can best honour Mandela

election rally Courtesy: Al Jazeera English/Flickr
29 November 2013

Indian state elections: winds of change?

In India, there are some powerful forces now in play in the election-bound states – and the 2014 general elections. Manjeet Kripalani, who toured the states during the polls, blogs about the increasing focus on issues such as job creation, sanitation, nutritious food, and technological innovation, among the electorate

Eu iran Courtesy: European External Action Service
26 November 2013

Iran-P5+1 interim accord: An assessment

On November 24, the P5+1 and Iran reached a consensus on the interim agreement regarding Tehran’s long-disputed nuclear program. How comprehensive is this agreement, and what are its potential upshots for U.S., and West Asia – especially Israel and Saudi Arabia? More importantly, can India play a positive role?