Russia-Ukraine: The czar must seek peace
Context: Recently, there was a stand-off between Russia and Ukraine capturing headlines in the international news media. This geopolitical situation appears to be complex due to the indirect involvement of its multiple stakeholders, including the United States, Turkey and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important Foreign policies and developments) Dimensions […]
U.S. in Arctic Council: Avoid militarization of the Arctic
Context: U.S. Secretary of State said that Washington wanted to avoid a military build-up in the Arctic after Russia defended its military activities in the strategic region, on the eve of an Arctic Council meeting of Foreign Ministers. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings) Dimensions of the Article: About the Arctic Arctic Council Highlights […]
Sri Lanka’s China-backed tax haven clears final hurdle
Context: A Chinese-funded tax-free enclave cleared the final legal hurdle in Sri Lanka as the Supreme Court in Colombo ruled it could go ahead with only minor tweaks. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s neighbors, Economic relations and Landmark agreements affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About the Colombo Port City About Sri Lanka’s recent […]
Is India’s Palestine policy evolving?
Context: The violence between Israel and Hamas has been intensifying for more than a week in May 2021, showing no signs of abating despite regular diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire. At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 16th May 2021, India, a non-permanent member, reaffirmed its support for Palestine, but stopped short […]
Bangladesh rebuffs China on Quad warning
Context: China’s ambassador in Dhaka said that it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to participate in the Quad because it will substantially damage their bilateral relationship with China. Bangladesh’s government has asked foreign envoys in Dhaka “to maintain decency and decorum” after public remarks from China’s Ambassador to the country provoked a […]
Evaluate the Ladakh crisis, keep China at bay
Context: After over a year, the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh shows no signs of resolution. Disengagement has stalled, China continues to reinforce its troops, and talks have been fruitless. In a recent study published by the Lowy Institute — The crisis after the crisis: how Ladakh will shape India’s competition […]
Israeli armed forces storm Jerusalem
Context: Recently, Israeli armed forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif in Jerusalem, ahead of a march by Zionist nationalists commemorating Israel’s capture of the eastern half of the city in 1967. More than 300 Palestinians were injured in the raid. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important Developments in the International Stage) Dimensions of the […]
Saudi announces over 100 projects for Pakistan
Context: Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s two-day visit. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: Economic and Strategic Aspects of Saudi-Pakistan Relationship 2015 Strains in the […]
India and EU relaunch FTA talks
Context: India and the European Union agreed to relaunch free trade negotiations by resuming talks that were suspended in 2013 for the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies and development affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: European Union (EU) About the recent developments in India and EU talks […]
A COVID blot on India’s foreign policy canvas
Context: The second wave of COVID-19 and its agonising consequences, prompting the country to accept foreign aid after a gap of 17 years, is bound to have far-reaching strategic implications for India. As a direct consequence of the pandemic, India’s claim to regional primacy and leadership will take a major hit, its ‘leading power’ aspirations […]