Beyond the Rafale deal
The France-India relationship must not be overshadowed by the Rafale deal. Modi’s visit can be the opportunity to add fresh energy in the economic relationship by harnessing economic complementarities.
The France-India relationship must not be overshadowed by the Rafale deal. Modi’s visit can be the opportunity to add fresh energy in the economic relationship by harnessing economic complementarities.
If the sanctions against Iran are eased following the April 2 agreement with the P5+1 on the country’s nuclear programme, it will increase global oil and gas supplies, bringing stability to energy markets. It could also resolve the issue of the Farsi Block in Iran, where further exploration of gas by Indian companies has been held back
Germany’s Mittelstand or medium and small companies are the heart beat of Germany’s successful economy. They will be showcased at the Hannover Fair, which Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate on April 12. It can be the perfect blueprint for his Make in India effort.
One of the long-standing issues in the Iran-P5+1 negotiations was Iran's Arak nuclear reactor because of its potential to produce weapons grade plutonium. The recent Iran-P5+1 agreement includes a resolution that has specific measures to ensure it is not used to used to produce nuclear weapons
As the UN, U.S. and EU sanctions against Iran begin to be lifted, synchronised with Iran fulfilling its obligations on the nuclear issue, there will be a much greater interaction between India and Iran which will certainly benefit both countries.
The JCPA between Iran and the P5+1 countries is being welcomed positively in Iran. President Rouhani was elected in 2013 on a platform to to improve Iran's relations with the world and majority of Iranians wait anxiously for the improved socio-economic benefits that will follow
With the EU, Iran, and other entities taking decisive steps on April 2 to ensure a non-nuclear Iran, President Obama must now counter interests in the U.S. that want to stymie the final agreement. But having come this far, and considering the comprehensive benefits of an agreement, all sides are sure to deliver
The annual meeting of the National People’s Congress in Beijing in March covered wide and significant ground, including President Xi’s vision of deepening reform and law-based governance. The meeting also emphasised environmental protection and enforcement of IPR. But the outcome of these plans remains to be seen
The announcement that major European powers will join the AIIB as founding members means the bank is now clearly accepted as a tangible game changer in the multilateral financial architecture. The formidable intentions of AIIB and the new transnational corridors project are both a challenge and an opportunity for India
Currently, it appears that the Wahabbis have the upper hand over the "Sabahis" in the middle east. But the war for the hearts and minds of a people as gifted as the Arabs, is far from over.