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Between Chips and China: South Africa’s Foreign Policy Tightrope
International Affairs Oct 17, 2025

Between Chips and China: South Africa’s Foreign Policy Tightrope

As technology reshapes the contours of geopolitics, countries will increasingly need to balance ideological commitments with practical considerations of economic and technological resilience. ...

Australia’s Defence Overhaul and India’s Strategic Opportunity
International Affairs Oct 16, 2025

Australia’s Defence Overhaul and India’s Strategic Opportunity

Canberra’s ongoing military modernisation and forward-defence posture reflect a strategic shift in its regional outlook, aligning closely with India’s Indo-Pacific vision amid questions over Washington’s commitment to the region. ...

China–North Korea Ties: Old Allies, New Calculations
International Affairs Oct 16, 2025

China–North Korea Ties: Old Allies, New Calculations

Beijing and Pyongyang are restoring warmth to their long-frosted ties, but questions remain over whether this is tactical convenience or a true strategic reset. ...

Semiconductors as the Spark for an India-Japan-South Korea Trilateral
International Affairs | Cyber and Technology Oct 16, 2025

Semiconductors as the Spark for an India-Japan-South Korea Trilateral

A transitioning global semiconductor supply chain can serve as an immediate incentive for formally establishing an India-Japan-South Korea trilateral.   ...

Indonesia’s Nickel Strategy: Downstreaming and Development
Critical Minerals Oct 15, 2025

Indonesia’s Nickel Strategy: Downstreaming and Development

Indonesia’s nickel strategy demonstrates that downstreaming can be more than industrial policy—it can be a development and diplomatic tool, enabling resource holders to capture value at home while fostering cooperation in a fragmented global economy. ...

India, China, and the Early Harvest: Understanding Bhutan’s Border Bet
International Affairs Oct 15, 2025

India, China, and the Early Harvest: Understanding Bhutan’s Border Bet

India and China’s decision to explore the early harvest solution presents an opportunity for Bhutan to resolve the complex trijunction issue, though it is not without challenges. ...

World Food Day 2025: Building Sustainable Food Systems for All
Healthcare Oct 15, 2025

World Food Day 2025: Building Sustainable Food Systems for All

As FAO marks 80 years, World Food Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for inclusive, sustainable partnerships to end hunger and strengthen food security. ...

Gaza Ceasefire Tests America’s Middle East Clout
International Affairs Oct 14, 2025

Gaza Ceasefire Tests America’s Middle East Clout

Trump brokers a landmark Gaza peace deal, freeing hostages and reviving hopes of stability — but questions over enduring U.S. power in the Middle East linger. ...

APT36’s Linux Campaign Marks New Phase in India-Pakistan Cyber War
Cyber Security | Cyber and Technology Oct 14, 2025

APT36’s Linux Campaign Marks New Phase in India-Pakistan Cyber War

APT36’s targeting of India’s BOSS Linux system reveals the expanding scope of Pakistan’s cyber-espionage operations, underscoring the urgent need for India to strengthen its digital defence architecture.       ...

India’s Climate Transparency Gap: Why Delay Undermines Credibility
Climate Change Oct 13, 2025

India’s Climate Transparency Gap: Why Delay Undermines Credibility

India’s delayed Biennial Transparency Report exposes deep structural and institutional gaps in its climate data systems, raising concerns about its readiness to meet global transparency standards ...

Contributors

Dhaval Desai

Dhaval Desai

Dhaval is Senior Fellow and Vice President at Observer Research Foundation, Mumbai. His spectrum of work covers diverse topics ranging from urban renewal to international relations. He currently heads research and administrative functions at ORF Mumbai. Dhaval started his career in ...

Read More + Shruti Jain

Shruti Jain

Shruti is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), where her research examines the intersections between policy, economic diplomacy and development, with a particular focus on how emerging economies navigate shifting geopolitical and economic ...

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