bd energy Courtesy: Bloomberg
9 January 2025

Energy crisis in Bangladesh and way forward

Bangladesh faces an energy crisis due to increasing prices, depleting foreign exchange reserves and political instability. Amit Bhandari, Senior Fellow, Energy, Investment and Connectivity, Gateway House, speaks with Rayhan Rashid on an episode of the South Asia Democratic Forum’s podcast on challenges affecting Bangladesh’s energy sector and potential solutions such as diversification of energy sources, a shift toward low-carbon energy production, and regional integration.

longmen Courtesy: UNESCO
9 January 2025

India-China: learning from each other

India and China are the world’s most populous countries, with much in common and much divergence. Reform, discipline, long-term thinking and scale brought China to its present near first-world conditions; India is accommodative with its democracy, cultural diversity and all-round religiosity to achieve development, wealth creation, cultural preservation and self-respect. There’s a great deal that the two Asian giants can learn from each other.

AFP_36MX2BE Courtesy: The Hindu
12 December 2024

India’s summit diplomacy 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana in November resulted in several bilateral agreements on economic, developmental, energy and technological cooperation. The trip highlighted India’s strategic and diplomatic priorities in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and offered the country an opportunity to position itself as a key partner for sustainable development and multilateral cooperation in the Global South.

15-Patel-Prakash Courtesy:
5 December 2024

Applying a multi-sector analysis to financing forced displacement response

Conversations on forced displacement in many cases still centre on the climate versus conflict dichotomy, but multiple factors including social inequality, poor infrastructure and weak governance, often combine as triggers for displacement. A more analytical approach to financing forced displacement response is necessary to enable humanitarian actors to work more effectively in the allocation of resource and disaster preparedness.

nigeria Courtesy:
14 November 2024

Abuja begins the African safari

Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Nigeria on November 16-17 marks the first leg of his transcontinental diplomatic tour and offers a valuable opportunity to advance cooperation with Africa and the Global South. The trip, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment and defence, signaled India’s recognition of Nigeria’s significance as Africa’s regional and continental powerhouse.

2024-10-24T162134Z_1804345792_RC23RAA5M4T3_RTRMADP_3_RUSSIA-BRICS-PUTIN Courtesy:
13 November 2024

BRICS gains heft while in transition

The 16th BRICS Summit, held in Russia’s Kazan in October, was the first summit of the expanded grouping. With 13 new partner states invited, it revealed how increased membership has the potential to enhance the grouping’s influence. For India, BRICS serves as a bridge between the west, the east, the north and the south, making New Delhi the geopolitical sweet spot.

Screenshot 2024-10-28 at 9.42.41 AM Courtesy:
29 October 2024

From Zambia, with love and friendship

Zambia celebrated 60 years of independence last week. The African nation's position at the crossroads of eastern central and southern Africa and unbroken democratic rule makes it a vital strategic partner for India in the continent. The country’s vibrant political institutions and abundant natural resources indicate opportunities in the energy, mining, and tourism sectors that can revitalize a historically cordial relationship between India and Zambia.

1281930c-c6c5-f298-0128-3e43ef8407c0 Courtesy:
24 October 2024

Partners for progress

Sri Lanka's sovereign debt default in April 2022 triggered a paralyzing economic crisis. Steep inflation and widespread financial uncertainty hampered any efforts at recovery. The economy is now showing signs of stabilization. Internally focused government policies, foreign investment, aid from development partners like India and the U.S., and the IMF’s recovery program have set Sri Lanka on the path to recovery and, hopefully, eventual economic success.

cats-524 Courtesy:
24 October 2024

India’s expanding African outreach

President Droupadi Murmu made state visits to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from 13-19 October. It was the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to these African nations, reflecting New Delhi's interest in strengthening its multidimensional strategic partnership with the continent. It also provides an opportunity to understand and respond to the needs of nations in the Global South.