Hands_Modi-Obama Courtesy: http://photos.state.gov /libraries/america/3239/
23 January 2015

India-U.S. BIT: not a done deal yet

India is revising the model draft agreement of its existing bilateral investment treaties. Some of the new clauses are unlikely to be accepted by either U.S. negotiators or U.S. corporations without substantial dilution

India-U.S. flag_best Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
21 January 2015

A policy menu for Modi-Obama

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

Obama waving_Airforce1 Courtesy: Romeo Ranoco
19 January 2015

Obama’s visit to India: what’s at stake?

U.S. President Obama’s visit to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations underscores the determination of both administrations to revitalise the bilateral relationship. This visit might not be high on deliverables but emphasises the efforts being made to create a common ground for cooperation

Darknet Courtesy: psychotropicon.info
6 January 2015

The ‘deep web’: new threat to business

Cyber crime has transcended hacking and other online illegal activities—the black markets of the “hidden” internet are now a potent threat. This “darknet” is used by illicit traders, saboteurs and terrorist groups—with serious financial and security implications for the Indian government and business sector

Modi at G20 Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs/GoI
26 December 2014

India’s foreign policy reimagined

The style and substance of the foreign policies of Narendra Modi’s six-month-old government have been remarkably different from those of his predecessors. Gateway House examines the changes in India’s equations with three critical countries—the US, China and Pakistan—and outlines a foreign policy forecast for 2015

china check or mate v3 Courtesy: Make in India & Wikimedia commons
19 December 2014

India 2015: China’s check or mate?

From the Indian perspective, how China manages the readjustment of its economy and how secure South Asia remains, will be two major determinants that will influence world affairs in 2015. Gateway House has developed four scenarios to explain the outcomes that will ensue, starting 2015, when these two determinants intersect.

Fidel Castro with Nixon Courtesy: Getty Images
19 December 2014

Cuba: end of isolation

The U.S. has finally ended its outdated policy of isolating Cuba. It is a triumph for the proud and courageous Cubans who have withstood so many overt and covert destabilisation attempts by the U.S. It is also a victory for Latin America which has opposed the U.S. embargo and advocated normalization of relations with Cuba

Carter_final Courtesy: defence.gov
11 December 2014

Ashton Carter knows India well

Chuck Hagel’s unremarkable stint as the U.S. Defence Secretary should soon be forgotten if Ashton Carter’s nomination is confirmed. Even though Carter’s nomination bodes well for the India-U.S. bilateral due to his work on furthering the defence partnership he will be faced with more immediate concerns and the onus will then be on India to strategically enhance the relationship