Venu Naturopathy

 

Representational Photo

Can BIMSTEC succeed where SAARC failed?

The biggest problem of SAARC was the political rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has become a huge obstacle to effective regional policy making. BIMSTEC does not have that problem. Here, the goal is not competition, but cooperation to achieve economic prosperity. As a result, member countries are able to reach consensus and take practical development initiatives.

Beyond borders: Time to rekindle the bond between India and China, forge selective alliances

The diplomacy of restraint, recently practiced by both nations, can be a powerful asset in achieving ambitious climate targets. By working as complementary partners rather than competitors, India and China can manage growth and societal well-being in a more inclusive and sustainable manner, thereby mitigating the planet-wide existential threat of climate change.

Expedite the bridge to Singalatheevu: Open Letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

A bridge between India and Sri Lanka is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the enduring historic bond between two nations. As you pointed out, both countries "do not have a land boundary." The bridge shall represent our shared histories, mutual aspirations, and a commitment to a future of prosperity and cooperation between two neighbours.

The unfulfilled dream: Is SAARC doomed to die?

Currently, another organization called Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is gaining importance in which several countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand are associated. It is creating a connection between South Asia and Southeast Asia, where Pakistan and Afghanistan are not included. India is currently focusing on BIMSTEC instead of SAARC

More on Spotlight

Isolating the Taliban is not helping Afghanistan's people: International diplomats must return to Kabul

For Afghans to find their own solutions they need an engaged international community inside Afghanistan.  The more isolated they become the more possible it is for the most regressive among the Taliban – which it must be said is not a monolith – to impose tighter and tighter controls, which is what is currently happening.

Cross-border militancy, Taliban intransigence intensifies Pakistan's security dilemma

Then there is the thorny issue of "Lar o Bar," a nationalist idea that has long existed on the fringes of Pashtun politics. The phrase, literally meaning "here and there," reflects the dream of uniting Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line, the border drawn between Pakistan and Afghanistan during British rule. While the notion might resonate with cultural pride, it’s a direct threat to Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

Dismantling barriers to empower persons with disabilities: India must unlock potential of a largely untapped talent pool

India has made strides in creating a legal framework that supports the rights of individuals with disabilities, but their full inclusion is still a distant goal. The integration of sensory and speech-impaired individuals into the workforce requires a multi-faceted approach beyond vocational training that includes accessible infrastructure, employer sensitization, and use of assistive technologies.

Summit of the Future: From past lessons to present chaos to a future we want

The hope for a better and more sustainable future now lies, first with the youth in the ages of 18-25, studying in the universities and higher education institutes. These youth would be the young decision-makers by 2030. That year would see the end of SDGs and expected to halve the GHGs emissions. By 2050, the youth of today would be at the helm of the affairs in business and government.

As world abandons Afghanistan, Taliban, IS and ISK-P feed on each other to export terror

The region and the world should reconsider their policies toward Afghanistan and the Taliban. They must assist the Afghanistan people in forming a legitimate government and establish professional security forces. The Taliban are not a trustworthy partner in the fight against terrorism.

Pakistan seeks climate justice as its people battle climate change

In the bustling city of Karachi, solar panels are becoming a common sight. Pakistan is investing heavily in renewable energy, aiming to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030

Pakistan needs to address foundational causes of its persistent violence and social instability

It is a fact that Pakistan's obsession with military power without attending to the roots of political exclusion and economic disparity has left its vulnerable masses base to the extremes. 

Sri Lanka's presidential election: Voter faced with choice of status quo, mild tinkering or radical change

Most analysts agree that there is no clear-cut winner and the race to the presidency is a multiple-horse race

Kolkata's protests: Will it herald a new era of youth-propelled social awakening in India?

What sets these protests apart was their apolitical nature, illustrating that regardless of how firmly a government may seem entrenched in power, movements grounded in just causes can expose the vulnerability of even the most resilient regimes, as recent events have clearly shown.

Manipur’s civil unrest: A growing threat to India’s national security

Cross-border arms and drug trafficking has always been there in the region, with recent reports suggesting large quantities of guns being shipped to Manipur from an illicit market located close to the border between China and Myanmar. Drugs are being used by the insurgent group to finance their procurement of arms and fund other illicit activities.

Twenty years of EU-India 'strategic partnership': Substance needs to match rhetoric

The Brussels-based think tank Egmont Institute, in a policy brief in April, said individual EU member States attach a lot of importance to their bilateral relationship with New Delhi and are interacting with the Indian government at the highest level. “However, visits of the leaders of the EU institutions to India are rare. One fails to see a real political interest in India from the Commission President and from the President of the European Council.”

Revival of nuclear posturing: Isnt it time for India to review its no-first-use policy?

China, Pakistan and Russia have clearly and unequivocally declared that they will exercise ‘FIRST USE OF NUKES’ option under certain circumstances. For China and Pakistan, India is the target. Yet our Chief of Defence Staff and premier think tank viz Centre for Air Power Studies, IDSA, USI and many others continue to ‘sing’ the outdated NFU policy.

The never-ending killings on the India-Bangladesh border

The recurrent border killings have been a source of tension between India and Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has consistently urged India to implement non-lethal measures and exercise restraint in border management. In response, India has underscored the challenge of securing a frontier that is both expansive and permeable while also committing to reducing the use of lethal force. 

Combating Islamophobia: What India can learn from the UK

Is it not time for India to set up a committee like the one in the UK to ensure the implementation of norms which combat misconceptions about other religions? In India many misconceptions are prevailing and no impactful effort has been undertaken to counter these. These misconceptions have spread very dangerously in society.

Afghanistan is a ticking time bomb that could explode any time

Afghanistan has turned into fertile ground for terrorist groups from around the world. If the flow of terrorism continues unchecked in Afghanistan, there is little doubt that the world could face another incident similar to 9/11, or perhaps something even worse. Today, Afghanistan has become a security black hole for the regional countries and the world overall.