Gulbin Sultana

Sri Lanka, one of the most strategic islands in the Indian Ocean, is mired in several domestic political, security and strategic challenges since the end of the armed ethnic conflict in May 2009. However, with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the post-war economic boom, it was largely believed that no one would shed tears anymore in the teardrop island. Such hopes and expectations were belied when the country witnessed multiple terror attacks in different locations in Colombo on 21 April 2019.

• Published: January 2022
• Strategic Analysis

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s opinion piece "Colombo Security Conclave Obtains Operational teeth with the launching of ‘Focused Operation’" published in the Financial Express on December 02, 2021.

An effective security cooperative framework requires operational synergy among the partners through the exchange of information and the conduct of coordinated operations to handle maritime incidents, says Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 2 December, 2021

Research Analyst Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s article ‘Quandary over AUKUS? Need to bolster India-Sri Lanka ties’ got published in the Financial Express on October 03, 2021.

As the developments are taking shape in the Indian Ocean in the context of the QUAD and AUKUS, it is in the interests of both India and Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful and effective cooperation, without affecting their respective bilateral relations with extra-regional partners, says Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 3 October, 2021

Research Analyst, MP-IDSA Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s commentary, ‘India-funded Thilamake Bridge Project: A Potential Economic Engine for the Maldives’, has been broadcast by the All India Radio (AIR) World Service, an External Services Division of AIR on September 2, 2021.

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• Published: 2 September, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s Commentary ‘Internal power struggle in the Maldives: Why India and the international community should be worried’ has been published by India Narrative on August 14, 2021.

At a time when Maldives has been pitchforked into global limelight, and the nation once again looks at strengthening its democratic credentials, it would be sad that domestic politics could play spoilsport. India would feel let down as it enjoys a warm rapport with both Solih and Nasheed. It also has promised substantial aid to support development in the country, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 14 August, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s chapter ‘Present State of Defence Cooperation between India and Sri Lanka: Issues and Challenges’, has been published in Samatha Mallempati (ed.), ‘India-Sri lanka Relations: Is it Time for Reorientation of Policy?’.

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• Published: 6 August, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s Commentary ‘India Extends Support to Abdulla Shahid’s “Presidency of Hope”’ has been published by the External Services Division of All India Radio (AIR) on August 1, 2021.

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• Published: 1 August, 2021

Research Analyst, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s article ‘Maldives’ Abdulla Shahid as President of the 76th UNGA: What does it mean for India?’ got published in the Financial Express on July 28, 2021.

After President Ibrahim Solih came into power in November 2018, Maldives' foreign policy priority has been to restore the relations with India, the US, and other Western powers which declined significantly during Yameen’s period, says Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 28 July, 2021

Research Analyst, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s article ‘India reacts to the “India Out” campaign in the Maldives’ has been published in Financial Express on July 7, 2021.

The anti-India propaganda is getting traction because people don’t have any information about the contents of various deals signed between the two countries. Proper discussion on some crucial agreements in the Maldivian Parliament would have cleared doubts in the minds of the people. Maldivian Government therefore should try to be as transparent as practically possible on the agreements crucial for national security, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 7 July, 2021

The attack on Mohamed Nasheed has exposed Maldives’ vulnerability to acts of terrorism. The biggest test for President Solih is to overcome the challenges to tackling national security threats and address the concerns of the liberal Maldivians.

• Published: July 01, 2021
• Issue Brief