Developments in Pakistan: The More Things Change… As the civilian political space shrinks and the capacity of the state gets hobbled by political dissension and internal resistance from forces armed with an alternate blueprint for action, Pakistan is likely to rely more on its anti-India stance to build national unity, seeking especially to suck in the militant religious groups into its orbit. Ashok K. Behuria December 03, 2021 IDSA Comments
Defence Procurement in India: A Historical Perspective Defence procurement in India needs to adopt a mix of procurement avenues in which the indigenous solutions, foreign equipment and futuristic R&D continue together in a balanced manner. Considering that piecemeal solutions are not effective in the long term, there is a need to adopt a ‘Systems Approach’ to come up with a holistic solution which is enduring and progressive. Manish Rana December 02, 2021 IDSA Comments
Beijing’s Lead in Renewable Energy: Why India Needs to Introspect? As India’s strides in the renewable sector are increasingly gaining pace, it gives an opportunity to assess what potential challenges and opportunities arise for India in the face of China’s growing dominance in the renewable energy industry. Mayuri Banerjee November 30, 2021 Issue Brief
ASEAN–India Summit 2021: Outcomes and Prospects The 18th ASEAN–India Summit reaffirmed commitment to shared values and norms that underlie ASEAN–India Dialogue relationship that started in 1992, i.e., the commitment to support ASEAN Community building and strengthening the ASEAN–India strategic partnership across the whole spectrum of political-security, economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation. Udai Bhanu Singh November 29, 2021 Issue Brief
The ETIM Question: Taliban’s Moment of Truth The coming of Taliban to power in Afghanistan could upset the geopolitical applecart in Central Asia and adjoining regions. The growing association of radical Uyghur groups like the ETIM, with IS-K and the spread of jihadist operations in Central Asia could have significant implications for regional and international powers, particularly for China and its ambitious plans for Silk Road imperialism. Adil Rasheed , Saman Ayesha Kidwai November 29, 2021 IDSA Comments
High Time for India’s First Polar Research Vessel Melting of the polar ice-sheets and their scientific inter-linkages to Indian monsoons, necessitate India to undertake scientific studies in the Arctic and Antarctica. An independent PRV with required icebreaking capabilities will be a crucial requirement in this regard. It is also important considering the pace of the geo-political and geo-economic transitions happening in the Arctic. Bipandeep Sharma November 25, 2021 IDSA Comments
India’s Opportunity in the Middle East The increased diplomatic activity in the Middle East (West Asia) with regional leaders engaging each other at various levels and forums, in spite of the continued regional power competition, ideological misgivings and threat perceptions, is a pleasing as well as a puzzling development. For India, this is an opportunity to enhance its diplomatic and economic engagements with the regional countries. Md. Muddassir Quamar November 22, 2021 IDSA Comments
CPI (Maoist) and the MMC Zone The recent neutralisation of hardcore Maoists, including one of its top leaders, in Gadchiroli District serves as a major setback for CPI (Maoist)’s expansion in the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh tri-junction region. A judicious mix of security and developmental interventions would go a long way in tackling Maoist threat. Rajbala Rana November 18, 2021 IDSA Comments
Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021: Demonstration of Indo-US High Altitude Military Interoperability Targeted towards enhancing cold weather survival skills and tactical offensive operations in high-altitude environment, the latest iteration of Yudh Abhyas has significance for both Indian Army’s strategy for its Northern Borders and the US Army’s Arctic Strategy. R. Vignesh November 17, 2021 IDSA Comments
The New Government in Iraq: Challenges Ahead The new government in Iraq is likely to face challenges in addressing the issues of political instability, economic crisis, inflation, unemployment, among others. It will also have to maintain a balance between the US, the Arab allies, Iran and Turkey, the main external actors active in Iraq. Nagapushpa Devendra November 15, 2021 Issue Brief