India’s ‘Pacific Islands’ Outreach: Understanding Regional Narratives, Geopolitics & Opportunities The narrative of ‘the return of geopolitics’ to the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is gaining traction in the larger discourse of the Indo-Pacific, primarily driven by the anxiety over People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) expanding engagement in the region. The exacerbation of international tensions, amplified by the Sino-US rivalry, comes even as the Islands navigate intra-regional frictions, challenges of economic development, illegal fishing, climate change and issues related to self-determination and decolonisation. India’s renewed outreach to the PICs under PM Modi’s leadership has found wide appeal, as was visible during his visits to the Pacific Islands and his interaction with leaders via the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Given this context, this monograph will attempt to briefly introduce the relevance of this contested geography to regional and extra-regional players. It will unpack the internal dynamics of regional tensions and examine the agency of PICs. It will expand on how China’s actions are redefining geopolitics in the region and discuss these contested narratives. Within this backdrop, it will also explore how Indian engagement has been perceived in the region and conclude with prescriptive options of steps India could take, including with regional partners, to anchor meaningful presence in the PICs region. Shruti Pandalai | | Monograph
‘Anti-Social Media’: The Changing Tech of Terror Both the ‘anti-social media’ of the Dark Web and the mainstream social media promote hate, violence and indecency for profit and political ends. Adil Rasheed | | IDSA Comments
Contextualising Russian Responses to US Military Action in Venezuela The removal of Maduro by the US in Operation Absolute Resolve reifies Russian concerns associated with mass protests and regime change. Anshu Kumar | | IDSA Comments
Editorial I am pleased to present to the readers the fourth issue of 2025, which brings together five insightful articles, three commentaries and three book reviews. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform our readers about a special issue planned for 2026. The title of the special issue is “The Year of Reforms: Reshaping India’s Defence for the Decade Ahead”; contributions are invited for the same. Vivek Chadha | October-December 2025 | Journal of Defence Studies
Syrian ISIS Prisoner Transfers to Iraq: Challenges The transfer of Syrian ISIS prisoners to Iraq overlooks structural vulnerabilities within Iraqi society that are likely to intensify as the process unfolds. Saman Ayesha Kidwai | | IDSA Comments
Union Budget and SHANTI Act 2026: Enablers for India’s Nuclear Ambitions The nuclear-related budget announcements and the SHANTI Act are likely to play a significant role in India’s global nuclear collaborations. Niranjan Chandrashekhar Oak | | IDSA Comments
Atmanirbharta in Defence: Key Considerations India needs to build a defence-industrial ecosystem that reflects its long-term national objectives. Rahul Wankhede | | Issue Brief
India to Join Pax Silica India, as part of the US-led Pax Silica, will become a reliable player in the global critical-materials ecosystem. Ajey Lele | | IDSA Comments
Indian Expatriates and Labour Reforms in GCC Countries The revised labour laws in GCC countries have both positive and negative effects on the Indian diaspora residing in these countries. Tabassum | | Issue Brief
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. Simran Walia | | IDSA Comments
