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In its election manifesto for Maharashtra, the winning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set a goal of transforming Maharashtra into a $1 trillion economy by 2028. To achieve this, the state will need to focus on increasing its share of Foreign Direct Investment which, although the biggest in the country, has stagnated over the past decade.
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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.
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The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)’s Clean Economy Agreement is unique in that it offers multiple benefits for investment, capacity-building and standards-setting, all while pursuing a clean economy agenda, voluntarily. India has already seen success in this area and is a hopeful example for others in the Indo-Pacific.
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Donald Trump has re-entered Washington with the backing of a solid political base, a redefined Republican Party, and a more seasoned presence on the international stage, including in the Middle East. Since his last imprint on that region in 2016, 2024 presents significant shifts: alliances redefined, regional power dynamics realigned, trade networks transformed, and urgent security challenges restructured. These changes demand strategic recalibration from all stakeholders.
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The G20 Leaders' Summit, held in Brazil on November 18-19, focused on advancing climate action, addressing hunger and poverty, and global governance reform. Along with welcoming the African Union as a full member, it balanced continuity with innovation and highlighted the forum's role in creating and pushing multilateral solutions to pressing global challenges.
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The Asia Pacific Economic Community summit, held in Peru from Nov 13-15, attracted many leaders, but most eyes were on President Xi Jinping of China who cut the ribbon on a Peruvian port, China’s largest investment in South America. Meanwhile the APEC CEO Forum was more interested in the impact of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump on their economies and on the region.
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Domestic concerns regarding the cost of living, immigration and crime were the key issues that brought about change in the U.S. Presidential elections. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, former Indian ambassador to the U.S., discusses the election outcome and its geopolitical implications, the potential economic and political trajectory of a Trump presidency, and the future of the India-U.S. bilateral.
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On October 31, Adani Power halved the electricity supply to Bangladesh, owing to outstanding dues. Bangladesh’s already weak economy has become worse under the new regime, with the country running short of funds to pay for imports of fuel and electricity.
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The Israel-Hezbollah war has become the dominant event in the Middle East. The Israeli army has entered southern Lebanon, and Israel’s air force is targeting selected Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut. The year-long Israel-Hamas war is now a regional conflict, with international actors from the Gulf monarchies to Iran, the U.S., Europe, and the UN, trying to influence the course of events towards a ceasefire.
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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.