DSC02882 (1) Courtesy: Gateway House
21 July 2011

The Indian diaspora: A diplomatic tool

Robert O. Blake, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, spoke to Manjeet Kripalani in an exclusive interview about the role of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. in fostering bilateral engagement between India and the U.S.

us india dialogue 210x140 Courtesy: U.S.DepartmentofState/Flickr
19 July 2011

India-U.S.: Converging interests, at last

The upcoming strategic dialogue between India and the U.S. could prove significant: deepening people-to-people ties via the diaspora and collaboration on regional solutions could also enhance bilateral ties. Can this dialogue turn out to be a game changer in India-U.S. relations?

christine lag bob Courtesy: WorldEconomicForum/Flickr
13 July 2011

Christine Lagarde: In the hot seat

As the new head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde’s experience in cajoling world leaders will go some way in negotiating the European bailouts. The real challenge, however, will be trying to raise funds for anything as large as Italy.

afghanistan article_210x140 Courtesy: TheU.S.Army/Flickr
2 July 2011

U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan: Politics wins over policy

The 10-year old war in Afghanistan has reached a hazy stage as the U.S. announced a quicker withdrawal of troops, with NATO countries soon to follow. The South Asian region will undergo another makeover, hopefully opening doors for New Delhi and Islamabad.

schengen spirit of openness Courtesy: FourthFloor/Flickr
23 June 2011

The Schengen spirit of openness

Despite their economic downturns, domestic tensions keep developed countries from embracing the revitalizing potential of foreign workers. Ambassador Neelam Deo argues that India should continue to leverage its history of diversity and capitalize on a world more open to the free flow of goods and services.

the latin road to arab democracy Courtesy: JonathanRashad/Flickr
17 June 2011

The Latin road to Arab democracy

As the Arab world remains engulfed in protests, there may be lessons to be learned from other recent democratic converts. Latin America’s growth story may provide the Arab world with some recommendations on how to address socio-economic issues in the post-revolution scenario.

pragati june issue_0 Courtesy: Pragati
8 June 2011

Why India matters in Afghanistan

The execution of Osama Bin Laden has led to a decline in international military presence in Afghanistan, opening the door for developmental agencies and regional actors to play a more active role. Can India take advantage of this critical juncture and work towards achieving peace in Afghanistan?

brics leaders_210x140 Courtesy: dilmarousseff/Flickr
6 June 2011

BRICS: Convergence or dissonance?

As Europe stands united in its support for France's Finance Minister Christine Lagarde as a candidate to head the International Monetary Fund, many have begun to question if BRICS is truly an effective and united bloc. Will they be able to put forth a candidate all emerging countries can support?

christine lagarde_380x270 Courtesy: WorldEconomicForum/Flickr
31 May 2011

The IMF: Emerging economies aren’t ready for prime time

With the post for the head of the International Monetary Fund up for grabs, the emerging market countries are yet to unite and provide a suitable candidate who receives formidable support for his or her candidature. China, however, may boldly question the status quo and step ahead.