Comments & Briefs

Japan–Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement: Boosting Defence ties

The Japan–Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) aims to enhance interoperability and rapid-response capabilities.

February 02, 2026

Simran Walia

IDSA Comments

The Taliban–Russia Re-Connect

President Putin accepting the credentials of the new Afghan ambassador marks the culmination of Russia's paced rapprochement with the Taliban.

January 29, 2026

Priyanka Singh

Issue Brief

Pakistan’s Hangor-Class Submarines: Strategic Implications for India

Hangor-class submarines can expand the Pakistan Navy’s ability to sustain an underwater presence.

January 23, 2026

Namita Barthwal

Issue Brief

Syria Ceasefire Agreement: A Fragile Truce

The 18 January 2026 ceasefire agreement contains inherent vulnerabilities that could derail sustainable peace from taking root in post-war Syria.

January 23, 2026

Saman Ayesha Kidwai

IDSA Comments

New START to Expire: Nuclear Arms Control Goes Up in Smoke

With New START’s expiration in February 2026, the US and Russia will have no legally binding constraints on their nuclear arsenals.

January 22, 2026

Ajey Lele

IDSA Comments

Reassessing DefExpo’s Role in India’s Defence Industrial Ecosystem

The DefExpo has succeeded in projecting India’s defence-industrial ambitions and signalling strategic intent.

January 22, 2026

Rahul Wankhede

IDSA Comments

The Yellow Sea Dispute: Provisional Arrangements and Persistent Deadlock

The January 2026 South Korea–China summit meeting produced minimal progress on the Yellow Sea maritime boundary issue.

January 22, 2026

Abhay Kumar Singh

Issue Brief

The US National Security Strategy 2025: Competing for Power in a Fragmenting World

The 2025 United States National Security Strategy (NSS) reflects a shift in how the US defines and pursues its national interests.

January 15, 2026

Rajeesh Kumar

Issue Brief

Tracing the Eastern Nagas’ Demand for Autonomy

The eastern Nagas have demanded autonomy for decades, highlighting neglect and alienation as reasons for Eastern Nagaland’s underdevelopment.

January 15, 2026

Anushka Chavan

Backgrounder

Operation Absolute Resolve and the Future of Warfare: Military Lessons for India

Operation Absolute Resolve demonstrated what a fully networked, joint and politically willed force can achieve.

January 13, 2026

A.B. Shivane

Issue Brief