Before visiting Sri Lanka, Raisi visited Pakistan as part of his South Asian tour, and it is a salient factor that both Pakistan and China are equally important to the BRI as the Chinese have invested millions of dollars in both countries.
Pakistan: Oppressor at Home, Peace Broker Abroad
This contradiction—peace abroad, repression at home—defines Pakistan’s current posture. While Islamabad seeks international recognition as a mediator, its domestic record is marred by bloodshed and denial of democracy. The JAAC movement, rooted in basic economic grievances, has become a symbol of resistance against this hypocrisy.
Myanmar, India and the Northeast: Balancing Security, Connectivity and Geopolitics
The strategic significance of the offensive lies in control over Kachin State’s heavy rare-earth deposits, which account for roughly half of the world’s supply and are critical for electric vehicles and wind turbines. The KIA took control of these lucrative mining areas near Pangwa and Chipwi in late 2024 and has since heavily fortified its positions.
Xi Jinping’s Loosening Leverage Over North Korea Amid Shifting Indo Pacific Security Dynamics
China in recent times has elevated some of its key bilateral relations, Vietnam, Pakistan, North Korea, to the level where they are now considered by Beijing as consequential to regional and global peace and stability. China’s foreign and 'grand strategy' is aimed at realizing a shared destiny for mankind and nurturing a new type of great-power relations within a multipolar world. This requires a strategic alignment between China’s strategy and others.
Bangladesh's 'Red Telephone' Breach: More to it Than Meets the Eye?
More importantly, the alleged sabotage occurred during a period of political transition following the developments of August 2024. Institutional loyalties, political rivalries, and competing networks of influence continue to shape Bangladesh's political landscape. In such a context, any breach involving the Prime Minister's secure communications infrastructure deserves careful examination.
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Sri Lanka's Aragalaya protests demonstrated nested sovereignty
This nerve centre of protests proved to be a fertile ground for new ideas and creative approaches to digital activism and served as a beacon of hope for many Sri Lankans seeking positive change.
Developing a South Asian artistic consciousness and solidarity
The sense of being ‘South Asian’ has seeped into the consciousness of artists and designers trained in Lahore. They find common linkages long after they have left when they find themselves co-exhibiting in art fairs, galleries, and museums.
Manipur continues to smolder even after a year
Most importantly, does the rise, arming, and free hand given to Arambai Tenggol signal the arrival of private political armies in India?
Bad news for India from the Maldives: India needs to get neighbourhood act together
As it stands today, Maldives is going to be drawn deeper into China’s strategic sphere. Chinese presence in Maldives is set to increase.
A New Year by any other name: Diversity marks South Asian cultural identity
Designating it as a ‘Hindu’ New Year appears to be part of an ongoing attempt to homogenise our diversity and multiple, multicultural identities.
A security crisis looms in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts: Need for coordinated regional action
It is critical to formulate a comprehensive strategy that involves both Bangladesh and India to counteract the potential threats posed by external actors in the CHT. This strategy should take into account the historical grievances and aspirations of the ethnic communities
The subcontinental dilemma: Should petty politics trump business pragmatism in South Asia?
After all, If India can do more than $100 billion worth of business with China, with which it is now involved in a far more complex border dispute and naval rivalry, then we can at least do business with our next-door neighbours and let consumers have a greater choice.
For a few dollars more: Sri Lankan fighters in the Russian-Ukrainian war are symptoms of a deeper crisis
A report submitted by the State Intelligence Service ( SIS) of Sri Lanka to the country’s defence secretary indicates there are hundreds of Sri Lankan nationals serving on both Russian and Ukrainian fronts.
To Colombo, resurrecting Katchatheevu issue is like flogging a dead horse
India watchers in Sri Lanka are not unduly worried about Modi’s statement and External Affairs Minister Subramaniam Jaishankar’s comments. They point out that Modi did not say that his government will seek to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.
Raking up Katchatheevu: India’s internal politics affect international relations
After the Indian protests over China’s research vessels in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has indicated that Chinese vessels can dock at Sri Lankan ports for replenishment and repairs.
Reducing tensions along India-Bangladesh border: Role of local communities in promoting cross-border trust and welfare
Despite extraordinary diplomatic efforts and landmark agreements between the two countries, the ground reality along the border often reveals deep-seated animosities fueled by historical legacies, socio-economic disparities, and cross-border dynamics.
2004 Chittagong arms seizure: Then Bangladesh government severely compromised national and regional security
An analysis of Chetia's and Singh's interviews alongside the court's detailed judgement brings out several crucial points. Firstly, there was a concerted effort to transform Bangladesh into a sanctuary for ULFA and other rebel factions from India's northeast, facilitated by Pakistan's intelligence agency.
India leveraging geopolitical strengths to develop its own AI-powered defense systems
Strategic initiatives such as "AI in Defense," "Make in India," and "Buy IDDM" demonstrate India's commitment to nurturing indigenous AI solutions.
With new government in Pakistan, is the US preparing to return to the AfPak theatre?
The US, it would seem, was awaiting the formation of the new government in Pakistan to nudge Islamabad to act against the various outfits operating from Afghan territory and this suited Pakistan. Simultaneously, the much-awaited tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been cleared at the staff level to help Pakistan ease its economic situation.
