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Two-speed regionalism
Jun 24, 2015

Two-speed regionalism

Instead of agonising over the failures of the Saarc, Delhi has recognised that two-speed regionalism is quite common around the world. Also, India has often looked beyond the Saarc to benefit from trans-regional cooperation, like BIMSTEC

U.S. Election: A horse race in the final stretch
Oct 26, 2012

U.S. Election: A horse race in the final stretch

Ohio remains the key for the Romney campaign. Without Ohio, Romney will likely lose. If Obama continues to hold on to Ohio, he can win reasonably comfortably. So, in the final stretch, Obama is ahead by a nose, but it is still too close to call.

U.S. policies in the Eurasian region
Dec 12, 2005

U.S. policies in the Eurasian region

There is a preponderance of storms around the Black Sea. Its ancient beaches are littered with shipwrecks from the classical world. Some American geologists insist the great Biblical flood occurred there.

Ufa BRICS Summit boost for Indian economy
Jul 21, 2015

Ufa BRICS Summit boost for Indian economy

There are three major takeaways for India from the Ufa BRICS Declaration. First, the focus on increasing trade-ties amongst BRICS nations, second, strengthening cooperation amongst BRICS in areas of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICTs) and third, India's role at the United Nations.

UIDAI-NPR row: Identity politics of a different kind
Apr 07, 2012

UIDAI-NPR row: Identity politics of a different kind

The tussle between the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the National Population Register (NPR) is not about turf. It's about bureaucracy's control over us.

UK Deploys Aircraft Carrier in the Indian Ocean
Apr 30, 2021

UK Deploys Aircraft Carrier in the Indian Ocean

The upcoming “global deployment” is intended to reinforce the U.K.’s tilt toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Ukraine Conflict: Putin’s desperation and cracks within Russia are beginning to show
Oct 12, 2022

Ukraine Conflict: Putin’s desperation and cracks within Russia are beginning to show

The tide of the war has turned against Moscow. But the Russian president and his close advisers do not acknowledge that reality and have resorted to nuclear sabre rattling

Ukraine crisis affects Tokyo's efforts to improve ties with Moscow?
Mar 31, 2014

Ukraine crisis affects Tokyo's efforts to improve ties with Moscow?

Going by Japan's response to the Ukraine crisis, it appears that Tokyo attaches more importance to its alliance with the US than to the prospects of a robust Russo-Japanese partnership. And, with President Obama scheduled to make a visit to Japan in April, Abe is keen to maintain full solidarity with the US.

Ukraine crisis: Are Cold War clouds gathering again?
Mar 28, 2014

Ukraine crisis: Are Cold War clouds gathering again?

For Ukraine, joining EU or NATO would not be prudent as well as joining the Eurasian Union as it would not serve Ukraine's national interest. A close association with Russia as well as special partnership with EU may be a better option.

Ukraine crisis: China gains at the cost of Europe
Apr 03, 2015

Ukraine crisis: China gains at the cost of Europe

Former Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr Goran Persson, feels that India should take an active role in negotiating between the European Union and Russia, who are fighting over Ukraine. He believes that new developments will mean that China-Russia relations will prosper at the cost of Russia-Europe relations.

Ukraine is about the future of Europe
Oct 13, 2015

Ukraine is about the future of Europe

President of Germany's Green Party affiliated Heinrich Boell Stiftung, Ralf Fuecks, thinks that Ukraine has to "return to sovereignty within certain safeguards" and that "an agreement with Russia is possible". He hinted this could be in the form of a free trade zone and a more comprehensive economic cooperation.

Ukraine needs a West-Russia deal for stability
Mar 07, 2014

Ukraine needs a West-Russia deal for stability

What Ukraine really needs at this point is for both the West and Russia to work towards Ukraine's political and economic stability. The solution should see the territorial integrity of Ukraine being upheld and a common solution acceptable to all the sections of that country.

Ukraine stand-off a lose-lose situation
Jan 28, 2022

Ukraine stand-off a lose-lose situation

Regime change policies are the staple of Anglo-American interventions in various parts of the world, including Ukraine.

Ukraine's future not in either East or West
Aug 25, 2014

Ukraine's future not in either East or West

It may be the strategy of Russia to bleed Ukraine dry, says Dr Andrew Kuchins, an expert on Russia. Ukraine has had 5-6 per cent negative economic growth this year. He says even a 30 plus billion dollar package from the IMF and others may not be enough to put Ukraine back on its feet again.

Ukraine-like change not acceptable to EU, says official
Apr 10, 2015

Ukraine-like change not acceptable to EU, says official

The past 18 months of the crisis in Ukraine has brought back memories of the Yugoslavian crisis, says Mr. Césare Onestini, the Deputy Head of delegation of the European Union in India.

Ukraine: Heading towards civil war?
Jan 30, 2014

Ukraine: Heading towards civil war?

There have been fears expressed that if the situation in Ukraine worsens, it could spread across the border to Russia. While that appears highly unlikely at present, an escalation of the confrontation raises the spectre of a civil war in Ukraine.

UN committee pulls up Pakistan for racial discrimination
May 01, 2009

UN committee pulls up Pakistan for racial discrimination

Pakistan's record in fulfilling its international commitments to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination came under strong criticism when its periodic report on implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination came up for examination

UN honour for Bangladesh: Demands new approach in visualizing the country
Oct 05, 2010

UN honour for Bangladesh: Demands new approach in visualizing the country

On September 19, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed received a UN award for the country's extraordinary performance in reducing child mortality rate, a millennium developmental goal (MDG).

Unbated PWG Naxal Violence in Chhatisgarh
Dec 04, 2003

Unbated PWG Naxal Violence in Chhatisgarh

A wave of pre-election violence, intimidation and destruction unleashed by Naxalites of the People¿s War Group (PWG) has been continuing in the post election phase in the central Indian State of Chhattisgarh. Legislative Assembly polls were held there on December 1, 2003. Polling could not be held in parts of Konta constituency, Dantewada district,

Unbundling state effectiveness: Current perspectives
Aug 20, 2018

Unbundling state effectiveness: Current perspectives

Decentralisation, with all its limitations, is the way to go for India to make the state effective in fulfillment of its sovereign functions.

Unbundling the coal-climate equation
Oct 07, 2015

Unbundling the coal-climate equation

Ahead of the Paris climate summit, India announced on October 2 its INDCs for climate change mitigation and adaptation. While this commitment has drawn fulsome praise from many, the green ayatollahs have predictably ignored its herculean clean energy ambitions and focused on Indian dependence on coal. It is time to lay bare the 'coal hypocrisy' of these privileged 'western greens'.

Unbungle up Bangladesh: Delhi has reached, now Dhaka needs to reciprocate
Dec 13, 2024

Unbungle up Bangladesh: Delhi has reached, now Dhaka needs to reciprocate

India-Bangladesh relations face a challenging period following Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Anti-India rhetoric, violence against minorities, and the arrest of a Hindu monk have strained ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit aimed to refocus on economic cooperation and address concerns. The interim government must reciprocate to rebuild the partnership crucial for South Asia's future.

Uncertainties and concerns about the forthcoming Nigerian elections
Feb 04, 2015

Uncertainties and concerns about the forthcoming Nigerian elections

With barely two weeks left, there is still no clarity on the details of the forthcoming elections in Nigeria. Will Nigeria hold Presidential elections on February 14 and the Governors of the States poll on February 28 as scheduled?

Uncertainty about Yemen's future
Aug 21, 2013

Uncertainty about Yemen's future

As Yemen's two-year transitional period comes to an end, there is increased anticipation regarding Yemen's future. Main points of contention in the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) were pertaining to the solutions to the southern issue.

Uncle Sam's bear hug
Jul 19, 2005

Uncle Sam's bear hug

Through most of the Cold War and for over a decade after it ended, the phrase that best described Indo-US relations was ¿estranged democracies¿, coined by Dennis Kux, a former US diplomat. The two democracies, the world¿s largest and the world¿s most populous, regarded each other with wary suspicion.

Uncovering the influence of ISIS in India
Jul 12, 2018

Uncovering the influence of ISIS in India

This paper examines the influence of Islamic State (ISIS) in India, chronicling its rise beginning in the early 2000s to its supposed demise in 2017. It seeks to understand the effects of ISIS’ ideology and brand via India’s neighbouring countries and the people who joined the group (or came close to doing so). The author studied more than 80 cases to cull trends unique to the landscape of terrorism in India, and ponder the peculiar societal

Under China's Shadow, India Looks to Australia
Feb 11, 2013

Under China's Shadow, India Looks to Australia

More than the growth of the Indian diaspora in Australia or two-way commerce, the potential for naval cooperation and reshaping the political geography of the Indo-Pacific excites the relationship's strategic proponents.

Under the Radar, Above the Norm: The Evolving Dimensions of Thai-Japanese Cooperation
Mar 27, 2024

Under the Radar, Above the Norm: The Evolving Dimensions of Thai-Japanese Cooperation

Japan-Thailand relations are understated, yet dynamic and continuing to evolve. The two have worked towards fortifying their ties across various sectors, including defence, investments, and energy, undergirded by a mutual commitment to regional stability and economic prosperity. A paramount interest is navigating the geopolitical complexities of the times, amid growing external threats that necessitate deeper security cooperation comprising bilat

Understanding Anar Ullah Bangla, a new terrorist outfit
Sep 20, 2013

Understanding Anar Ullah Bangla, a new terrorist outfit

Last month, the security forces of Bangladesh unearthed the existence of a new terrorist group called Ansar Ullah Bangla. The discovery of this group surprised many since the country for a few years has been having an active counter-terror operation in place.

Understanding and Tackling Urban Floods in India
Dec 30, 2023

Understanding and Tackling Urban Floods in India

Given their frequent recurrence in Indian cities, the problem of urban flooding is gaining focus in policy discussions. Indeed, urban floods can cause massive loss of infrastructure, property, and lives, and have a substantial economic impact. To ensure they remain functional and secure, Indian cities must tackle the issue of floods by examining the urban over-densification problem and adopting innovative mitigation measures with the technical an

Understanding ASEAN’s Non-Linear Approach to the Russia-Ukraine War
Aug 17, 2023

Understanding ASEAN’s Non-Linear Approach to the Russia-Ukraine War

This brief examines the response of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to the prolonged Ukraine war. ASEAN’s approach is viewed from two perspectives: how individual member states have responded, and the stance that the grouping itself has taken. In the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion in February this year, the ASEAN statement was insipid; it underlined the importance of the principles of ‘mutual respect fo

Understanding China’s Engagement with Afghanistan Under Taliban 2.0
Jul 01, 2025

Understanding China’s Engagement with Afghanistan Under Taliban 2.0

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is now in its fourth year in power. While no country has yet to officially recognise the Taliban-led regime, many have established some sort of de facto relationship to safeguard their own strategic and security concerns. This brief focuses on China, whose engagement in Afghanistan has been a matter of speculation and debate over the past few years. These speculations have intensified following the Taliban’s r

Understanding China’s message to our country
Jun 04, 2020

Understanding China’s message to our country

After Doklam, China seems to want to ‘expose’ once again how India’s Quad allies are concerned only about the shared waters of the Indo-Pacific

Understanding continuing decline in Indian exports
Oct 08, 2015

Understanding continuing decline in Indian exports

For India to become a part of the global value chains, a better intellectual property regime is needed. Further, India needs to take measures to be a part of the mega regionals which are going to shape the future of global trade architecture such as TPP and RCEP.

Understanding disease and shaping public health policy in a time of pandemic
May 23, 2023

Understanding disease and shaping public health policy in a time of pandemic

A pandemic of the viral disease COVID-19 has reached millions of people around the world with significant rates of mortality. With no specific treatments or vaccines in the immediate horizon, limiting contact with infected persons, the use of masks, and hand hygiene offer the only mitigation for now. This has led most countries to adopt severe isolation measures, which have in turn caused disruption of economic activity and increased unemployment

Understanding emerging contours of powers and hegemony
Sep 28, 2010

Understanding emerging contours of powers and hegemony

Dr. Sergey Kurginyan noted that the world at present faces the threat of descending into a vortex of chaos and whoever succeeds in managing this chaos effectively will be able to take control of the future of the international system as the new hegemon.

Understanding India, UK perspectives on Afghanistan
Mar 21, 2013

Understanding India, UK perspectives on Afghanistan

To understand the different perspectives of the UK and India on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the implications of the Arab Spring, Observer Research Foundation organised an interaction with experts from the Foreign Commonwealth Office on March 21, 2013.

Understanding India’s response to the Syrian civil war
Oct 13, 2017

Understanding India’s response to the Syrian civil war

The popular uprising against the Assad regime in 2011, which gradually evolved into a civil conflict, has been one of contemporary history’s greatest tragedies. The conflict has claimed more than 400,000 lives; over six million Syrians have been internally displaced. India has not joined the call for an end to the Assad-led Baath Party rule over Syria. While this position may not hold much weight on its own, it strengthens with the consolidated

Understanding Jihadism in Pakistan
Oct 01, 2011

Understanding Jihadism in Pakistan

Pakistan is often accused of being a state sponsor of terrorism. This article bases itself in the belief that though the problem of ?Jihadism? may well have originated from some of Pakistan?s security paranoias, it is now assuming proportions far larger than Pakistan itself. At this stage, Jihadism will be a problem for Pakistan itself as much as for the rest of the world. At the same time, the ability of the Pakistani state to counter this pheno

Understanding the downturn in India’s exports
Feb 16, 2016

Understanding the downturn in India’s exports

India is currently facing a massive exports slowdown, one of its worst in recent years. Exports slumped for the 13th consecutive month in December 2015 by 15 percent and major exported goods from India have shown negative growth. Half the story relates to external forces: as global growth slows down, India's export markets contract, too. The other half, however, is a story of supply: for many reasons-lack of infrastructure, amongst them-India has

Understanding the dynamics of Baloch nationalism
Nov 23, 2009

Understanding the dynamics of Baloch nationalism

The state of Pakistan, dominated by Punjabis, has responded to Baloch nationalism with brutal methods of suppression