Namita Barthwal

CPEC Phase II seeks to build industrial clusters, attract anchor firms, and integrate Pakistan more closely into China-linked production networks.

• Namita Barthwal |
• March 13, 2026 |
• Issue Brief

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwal’s article ‘Why Chabahar is a strategic test India should not walk away from’ has been published in First Post on 04 February 2026. The cost of leaving Chabahar is likely to be higher than the cost of staying, provided India manages the risk smartly, writes Ms Barthwal. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwal’s review of Lt Gen V.K. Ahluwalia’s Book ‘A General’s Odyssey: Giving Up is Not an Option’ has been published by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) on 24 January 2026. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

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

• Namita Barthwal |
• January 23, 2026 |
• Issue Brief

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwal’s article ‘China’s Rising Military Power: Why India Should Pay Attention’ has been published in Modern Diplomacy on 06 January 2026. China is recalibrating the PLA for high-intensity, multi-domain conflict against a “strong enemy”—the United States. But India cannot take comfort from the assumption that it is therefore a secondary theater, writes Ms Barthwal. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwal’s article ‘How Taliban’s plan to dam Kabul-Kunar basin will squeeze water-stressed Pakistan further’ has been published in Firstpost on 08 December 2025. The article explains how the proposed Kunar-Panjshir and other Kabul basin projects effectively turn the Kabul River into an extension of South Asia’s broader water competition. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Pakistan's construction of new military infrastructure on the western bank of Sir Creek has renewed attention on the long-standing boundary dispute.

• Namita Barthwal |
• November 17, 2025 |
• IDSA Comments

Research Analyst Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwal’s article ‘Sanctions, the Taliban, and an Iranian Port: The Uncertain Future of India’s Kabul Route’ has been published in ‘The Diplomat’ on 07 November 2025. India’s approach to the Taliban has gradually shifted from purely humanitarian aid to a focus on trade and transit, says Ms Barthwal. Read Complete Article [+] Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are personal and do not in any way reflect the views of MP-IDSA or the Government of India.

Deep-rooted tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan will continue to hinder progress on mutually beneficial projects despite Beijing's efforts.

• Namita Barthwal |
• June 02, 2025 |
• IDSA Comments

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Namita Barthwalwas interviewed by Sputnik News on how information warfare is unfolding between India and Pakistan. The interview was published on 01 May 2025.

Read Complete Article [+]