The Geopolitics of the Dalai Lama Institution and Tibetan Reincarnation

The Geopolitics of the Dalai Lama Institution and Tibetan Reincarnation: China’s Quest for Control

In Tibetan society, the process of identifying reincarnations is understood as one of the most sacred expressions of rebirth. Although this tradition may be unfamiliar outside the Tibetan Buddhist world, it is deeply rooted in Tibetan religious culture. Communist China remains fundamentally alien to this traditional reincarnation system.

China’s Troubled Relations with its Maritime Neighbors: A Military Necessity or Violation of Classical Geopolitics?

This tactical aspect of nuclear counter-attack is perhaps the foremost reason why China reckons it needs absolute control over the South China Sea.  China’s troubled relations with its maritime neighbors are, from its perspective, a necessary cost it has to pay for its national security.

From Odesa to Oman: The Lethal Cost to Merchant Mariners

When dominant military powers prioritise the enforcement of economic blockades, the legalities of merchant shipping and the safety of non-combatant crews are treated as secondary operational variables. No country can fully insulate its civilian seafarers from these realities. 

The Changing Face of Warfare and the New Definition of Victory

In earlier conflicts, victory was often measured by territory captured, armies defeated, or governments forced to surrender. In modern warfare, however, the outcome is far more complex. A nation may achieve battlefield success yet suffer demographic, economic, and infrastructural losses that take decades to recover from. 

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The Crisis in Trade Multilateralism: Developing Nations Need To Form Alliances

At this critical juncture, developing countries such as India need to forge alliances to rescue multilateral trade. This would require a vociferous championing of multilateral trade at all forums and the use of all means to challenge American unilateralism. Sadly, India has not done much in this regard. 

Bangladesh: Born In Hope, Trapped In Instability, Can Become Strategic Liability

Has India faltered in “handling” these two neighbours? In theory, perhaps. As the dominant regional power, expectations are inevitably high. In practice, however, India’s very dominance generates suspicion in both Pakistan and Bangladesh, sharply limiting its influence. Meanwhile, the United States, with its strategic weight, and China with its economic clout, have exercised far greater leverage over Pakistan for decades. A similar dynamic applies to Bangladesh. 

Nepal's Political Transition: An Unfinished Business

Moderator Khushi Kabir repeatedly situated Nepal’s uprising within a broader South Asian context, drawing parallels with recent mass movements in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. She described Nepal’s experience as part of a regional reckoning driven by youth demanding accountability, dignity, and meaningful participation in governance.

PNS Khaibar: A Milestone in Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Cooperation

With PNS Khaibar's delivery Pakistan and Türkiye are taking their relationship to a new level which is not limited to traditional political friendship. At the handover ceremony, Erdoğan described the relationship between the countries as "brotherly ties" and emphasised the need to further collaborate in defence production. The naval leadership of Pakistan also pointed to the fact that the partnership should benefit Pakistan in achieving its overall maritime modernisation.

A Nation At Crossroads: Islamist Terror, Minority Persecution, And The Burning of Bangladesh’s Conscience

What is unfolding in Bangladesh bears unsettling resemblance to trajectories seen in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where false blasphemy accusations have long been used to terrorize minorities and silence dissent. Once such violence is tolerated, it expands - devouring journalists, artists, reformist Muslims, and eventually the state itself.

Bangladesh–India Relations at a Crossroads: Needed Recalibration, Not Rupture

The current strains in Bangladesh–India relations should therefore be seen not as an inevitable deterioration, but as a test of diplomatic maturity. Bangladesh and India share more than geography and history; they share a responsibility to ensure that temporary political frictions do not harden into structural mistrust. In a time of regional uncertainty, neither country benefits from a relationship defined by grievance or miscommunication. 

A Dangerous Power Grab in Pakistan; Unpredictable Consequences For Region

The 27th Amendment, celebrated by its proponents as a security reform, is in reality a political coup executed through constitutional means. It marks not only Munir’s personal triumph but the institutional victory of the military over all other state authorities. As history warns, empowering any unelected institution above the republic’s elected will invites instability—not strength. Pakistan may soon discover that consolidating military power does not secure the nation’s future, but instead places it at greater risk

How Foreign Digital Influencers Are Tarnishing India’s Global Image

India must now transition from conventional soft-power thinking to visibility governance—the systematic management of how the country appears, circulates, and is emotionally interpreted across global platforms. Failure to do so will leave India’s global image increasingly shaped by commercial incentives outside Indian control.  

Afghanistan Should Not Get Caught In The India-Pakistan Strategic Rivalry

The strengthening of Taliban-India ties runs counter to Pakistan’s interests. The more border clashes intensify between the Taliban and Pakistan, the more secure the Kashmir region and the Line of Control (LoC) become for India. Under such conditions, Pakistan will remain preoccupied with its northwestern border, giving India a unique opportunity to consolidate its control over Kashmir and potentially weaken, drive out, or eliminate Kashmiri militant groups 

The Inescapable Grip Of Foreign Influence On Sri Lanka

Although U.S. military deployments overseas are common, their presence in Sri Lanka has historically been rare. For the first time, both Indian and American troops are now actively engaged in rescue and relief operations on Sri Lankan soil. This marks a significant departure from past sensitivities surrounding foreign military footprints in the island nation.

Turning Strategic Autonomy Into Genuine Influence: Route To A Resurgent India Runs Through Europe And The Global South

This twin strategy -- institutionalised engagement with Europe and practical leadership of the Global South -- would broaden India’s repertoire. A strengthened European partnership would sharpen India’s industrial and technological edge; robust South-South initiatives would deepen its diplomatic capital and soft power. Together they would blunt the effect of whimsical shifts in U.S. policy and give New Delhi greater leverage with Moscow and Beijing.

Putin’s visit to India: More Messaging Than Substance

India has thus far shown that it is willing to continue its friendship with Russia and expand relations in diverse areas from defence to energy, from manpower mobility to innovation, from investment and technology exchange to culture and tourism. In short, Putin’s visit was meant to prepare both countries to defy sanctions and explore new areas of cooperation - in Russia’s Far East and Arctic, cooperation in areas of climate change and green energy, and work together to strengthen multilateral forums like the BRICS, SCO and G-20.

Changing Bangladesh: Where Women Are Silently Rewriting the Rules of Society

The expansion of education in Bangladesh has played a key role in this transformation. Girls are now equal to boys in schools, colleges, and universities and sometimes even ahead of them. Women have proven their capabilities as doctors, engineers, teachers, researchers, and even pilots. This achievement is not just personal;  this is the evolution of the mentality of a society.

Whither SAARC, As Cyclone-Devastated Sri Lanka Seeks South Asian Climate Compact

However. the desire to collaborate regionally has faced many hurdles such as geopolitical tensions arising from the India–Pakistan rivalry and limited SAARC summit activity that has greatly weakened implementation of regional initiatives. The Rapid Response Mechanism remains largely on paper, with no standing regional force or pre-positioned assets. Smaller nations like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka face financial/technical limitations in aligning with regional standards.

White-Collar Terror And Their Radicalised Network In India

The exposure of a sophisticated white-collar terror network underscores the evolving nature of radicalisation and the need for comprehensive security reforms. Measures that merit consideration include: a)Reinstating long-term President’s Rule in J&K to stabilise governance and security; b) Implementing an organised, sustained deradicalisation programme, particularly among youth and educated professionals; c) Strengthening the permanent presence of the Indian Army in the Valley and increasing the number of cantonments; and d) Ensuring that elections are conducted only when broader community representation is viable, including Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Sikhs and other displaced groups