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Dr. Anand Kumar is an Associate Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. After completing his PhD from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on “Germany and UN Peacekeeping Operations in the post-Cold War Era”, he joined MP-IDSA in 2007. Over the years, Dr. Kumar has worked on strategic issues gaining reputation as a leading security expert. His areas of specialization at MP-IDSA are Counter-terrorism, South Asian politics, Bangladesh, Maldives, Proliferation of Small Arms and Low intensity conflicts. He has completed three projects at MP-IDSA: “Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Indo-Bangladesh Relations”, “Terrorism Challenges in Bangladesh”, “Bangladesh and Its Security Relationship with External Powers” and is currently engaged in studying “China as a Factor in the US Engagement with South Asia.” Before joining MP-IDSA, he worked at the South Asia Analysis Group on similar themes. He has also been with the Institute for Conflict Management which specializes on counter-terrorism. Dr. Kumar also has a good understanding of European and North American politics.
Dr. Kumar was a visiting professor and ICCR Chair (Indian Ocean Studies) in the University of Dar-Es-Salaam (UDSM) from November 2017 to November 2019. He worked in the department of political science and public administration. In UDSM he taught Counter-terrorism, regional integration, peacemaking and conflict resolution. He also closely followed issues related to African politics, economics and security.
Dr. Kumar has authored three books and has an edited volume. His latest book Bangladesh and Its Security Relationship with External Powers was published by K W Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi in 2021. His book on the Maldives entitled “Multi-party Democracy in the Maldives and the Emerging Security Environment in the Indian Ocean Region” was published by Pentagon Press, New Delhi in 2016. His first book Return from the Precipice: Bangladesh’s Fight against Terrorism, and the edited volume The Terror Challenge in South Asia and Prospect of Regional Cooperation were also published by Pentagon Security International, New Delhi. He has published over 30 research papers in reputed journals and edited books. He has delivered lectures on security issues both in India and abroad. He has participated and presented papers in national and international conferences. His article “Shaikh Hasina’s Visit to India and the future of Indo-Bangladesh Relations” was published by the Royal Society for Asia Affairs, London in their official journal Asian Affairs. He has published hundreds of articles in leading newspapers and magazines, including “Insurgency in South Asia muted by war on terror,” The Washington Times, January 16, 2004, and “The Jihadi Next Door,” The Washington Times, May 20, 2010.
What Trump Act II means for India's economic and strategic goals
Associate Fellow Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘What Trump Act II means for India's economic and strategic goals’ has been published in Deccan Herald, on 07 November 2024.
A Trump presidency is likely to revive restrictive immigration policies, particularly on H-1B visas, which could pose challenges for Indian professionals.
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Sri Lanka's new president: Can he deliver on economic stability and regional security?
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘Sri Lanka's new president: Can he deliver on economic stability and regional security?’ has been published in South Asia Monitor on 25 September 2024.
In a way, Sri Lanka's economic crisis has served as a blessing in disguise, bringing India and Sri Lanka closer as South Asian neighbors. However, India remains concerned about security in the Indian Ocean, where China has been actively expanding its influence, says Dr Kumar.
श्रीलंका को कौन-सी दिशा देंगे दिसानायके, अर्थव्यवस्था को पटरी पर लाने की चुनौती
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘Sri Lanka: श्रीलंका को कौन-सी दिशा देंगे दिसानायके, अर्थव्यवस्था को पटरी पर लाने की चुनौती’ has been published in Amar Ujala on 24 September 2024.
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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.
Was Hasina Toppled to Create Instability in India’s Neighbourhood?
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar's article 'Was Hasina Toppled to Create Instability in India’s Neighbourhood?' has been published in Sputnik News on 12 August 2024.
In a region fraught with challenges, Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership emerged as a beacon of stability for India. Her regime not only elevated bilateral ties between the two nations but also contributed to regional stability. The potential ouster of Hasina and the ensuing turmoil in Bangladesh now threaten to unravel this hard-won peace, says Dr Kumar.
शिकार बनीं हसीना: छात्र आंदोलन की आग में कई ताकतें रोटियां सेंकीं; भू-राजनीतिक पेचीदगियों भी बेहद चुनौतीपूर्ण
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘शिकार बनीं हसीना: छात्र आंदोलन की आग में कई ताकतें रोटियां सेंकीं; भू-राजनीतिक पेचीदगियों भी बेहद चुनौतीपूर्ण’ has been published in Amar Ujala on 08 August 2024.
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What led to Hasina’s fall & flight
Anand Kumar’s Article ‘What led to Hasina’s fall & flight’ Published in The Tribune
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘What led to Hasina’s fall & flight’ has been published in ‘The Tribune’ on 07 August 2024.
Awami League govt exacerbated the crisis by mishandling the student protest movement, says Dr Kumar.
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Diplomacy Around a Contentious River
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘Diplomacy around a contentious river’ has been published in Asia News Network on 05 August 2024.
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, making water-sharing a critical and complex issue, as both countries rely heavily on these waters, says Dr Kumar.
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India-Bangladesh Hydro Diplomacy: Can Delhi, Dhaka Make A ‘Teesta Breakthrough’ Amid China’s Investment Offer
Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr Anand Kumar’s article ‘India-Bangladesh Hydro Diplomacy: Can Delhi, Dhaka Make A ‘Teesta Breakthrough’ Amid China’s Investment Offer’ has been published in ‘The Eurasian Times’ on 30 July 2024.
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, making water-sharing a critical and complex issue, as both countries rely heavily on these waters. The complexity is enhanced by the fact that water is a state subject in India, meaning states (provinces) through which these rivers flow are key stakeholders, says Dr Kumar.
Strategic Rebalancing: China and Us Engagement with South Asia
China’s rapid economic ascent and expanding influence in South Asia has altered the traditional power dynamics in the region. With its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects across South Asia, enhancing connectivity and economic ties. This has enabled China to assert itself as a major player in the region, challenging the influence traditionally held by the US and other Western powers.
This book delves into the intricate relationship between China`s rise and US engagement with South Asia, addressing several key questions. First, it explores how China`s rise as a major power has influenced US involvement in South Asia. Additionally, it investigates the significance of South Asia in the broader strategic calculations of the US. Finally, it examines how evolving geopolitical dynamics shape American strategies in the region.
This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between the US, China, and South Asia, offering insights into the geopolitical shifts and strategic considerations that have shaped the region`s dynamics.
Sheikh Hasina’s State Visit to India
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit, the first during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term, underscores the importance both nations place on the India–Bangladesh relationship.