| Title: | Sagarmatha Sambaad: Nepal Initiates Biennial Global Dialogue |
| Author/s: | Puspa Sharma |
| Abstract: | Nepal has initiated a biennial global dialogue called ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’, which translates to ‘Everest Dialogue’, after the name of the world’s tallest mountain. The inaugural edition of the Dialogue focused on the impacts of climate change on mountains and the future of humanity. It did not turn out to be a huge success as expected but it was successful in coming up with an outcome document. More importantly, a small country like Nepal taking such an initiative is in itself a commendable task. |
| Date: | 20 May 2025 |
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| Title: | Japanese Stake in Yes Bank: Policy Shift by the RBI |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai |
| Abstract: | The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the acquisition of majority stake in Yes Bank by the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). This is seen as a significant change in the policy stance of the RBI as there are only two earlier instances of single private investors being permitted to acquire controlling stakes in any Indian bank. The capital infusion by the Japanese lender would help Yes Bank scale its operations and tap into SMBC’s client network. On the other hand, SMBC will get a strategic presence into India’s financial system through a commercial banking partner. |
| Date: | 16 May 2025 |
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| Title: | Restoration of Nepal’s Monarchy: A Purposeless Call |
| Author/s: | Puspa Sharma |
| Abstract: | The restoration of the monarchy is not a solution to Nepal’s current problems. The solution lies in the older leaders making way for the next generation and the country undertaking significant governance reforms. |
| Date: | 15 May 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s New Counter-terror Doctrine: Coping with Nuclear Impunity |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | The terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22 April 2025 – resulting in the death of 26 civilians – and India’s muscular military response to it in early May 2025 marked an important inflection point in India’s strategic posture toward Pakistan. As he brought the curtains down on military hostilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would no longer be deterred by the threat of nuclear escalation and would respond decisively to cross-border terrorism. This assertion signifies a transformation in India’s long-standing security doctrine that underlined restraint in responding to terror attacks originating in Pakistan. |
| Date: | 14 May 2025 |
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| Title: | 2025 Local Elections in Sri Lanka: Pressure on the NPP Government to Deliver |
| Author/s: | Rajni Gamage |
| Abstract: | Sri Lanka’s 2025 local elections saw the National People’s Power (NPP) government lead but with a reduced mandate, while the opposition remains fragmented. The NPP faces significant challenges in navigating economic recovery and volatile global dynamics. |
| Date: | 13 May 2025 |
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| Title: | Tamil Nadu Elections in 2026: The BJP Hopes for Inroads |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | A year ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a pre-poll alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). However, the BJP-AIADMK alliance will have to do plenty of work to pose a serious challenge to the incumbent Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government. |
| Date: | 9 May 2025 |
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| Title: | India-United Kingdom FTA: Signalling Decisive Shifts and Changes |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Mriganika Singh Tanwar |
| Abstract: | India and the United Kingdom have concluded a bilateral free trade agreement, demonstrating the eagerness of two of the world’s largest economies and middle powers to trade wholesomely with each other. It also marks a significant opening of India’s domestic services market. |
| Date: | 9 May 2025 |
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| Title: | Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath: The Return of South Asian Brinkmanship |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed |
| Abstract: | In the early hours of 7 May 2025, India launched a military offensive named Operation Sindoor, which targeted multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan’s swift retaliation, including claims of downing five Indian warplanes, has thrust South Asia into a new and perilous phase of brinkmanship. The tensions have not only intensified military hostilities but also exposed the erosion of diplomatic norms and crisis management mechanisms that previously helped contain escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. |
| Date: | 8 May 2025 |
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| Title: | After Pahalgam: Is the Indus Waters Treaty Doomed? |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | The Indus Waters Treaty has withstood wars, military standoffs and decades of political tension between India and Pakistan. However, India’s recent decision to place the treaty in ‘abeyance’ – pending the fulfillment of certain conditions – signals that the treaty’s days are almost over. |
| Date: | 28 April 2025 |
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| Title: | Girls’ Education and Divisions within the Afghan Taliban |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed, Tanujja Dadlani |
| Abstract: | The issue of the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan reveals rare glimpses of division within the Afghan Taliban. While the group’s spokesperson denies fractures, competing positions among senior figures suggest internal disagreement over the current policy on the issue and the direction of the regime. This tension on the issue raises a parallel question relating to the Taliban shaping Afghanistan, namely, how the act of governing is, in turn, reshaping the Taliban. |
| Date: | 21 April 2025 |
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| Title: | Delimitation of Constituencies in India: Southern States Up in Arms |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | A controversy is brewing around the delimitation of constituencies in India’s Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha), which is scheduled for 2026. The southern states of India fear a loss of seats and political power if the redrawing of electoral seats is done based solely on population figures. |
| Date: | 15 April 2025 |
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| Title: | The BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok: Potential and Challenges |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | As a regional organisation, the Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation serves as a crucial bridge between South and Southeast Asia and holds significant potential for regional integration. However, it continues to face several challenges that hinder its ability to function as a cohesive and effective bloc. |
| Date: | 11 April 2025 |
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| Title: | Indian Prime Minister Visits Sri Lanka: Reinforcing Strategic Ties |
| Author/s: | Rajni Gamage |
| Abstract: | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in early April 2025 marked his first trip since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in September last year. The visit involved the signing of several memoranda of understanding on key sectors such as energy, digitalisation, security and healthcare and the initiation of several projects in the power and energy sectors. |
| Date: | 8 April 2025 |
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| Title: | India Announces New Scheme: Boost to Electronic Component Production |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai |
| Abstract: | The Indian government has approved a ₹22,919 crore (S$3.62 billion) scheme to boost the domestic manufacturing of electronics components. The initiative aims for a production value of ₹4.56 trillion (S$700 billion) with investments of ₹59,350 crore (S$9.38 billion). The key features of the scheme include the manufacturing of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers and other components vital for devices like mobile phones, laptops and tablets. The scheme is projected to generate 91,600 direct jobs. Incentives are proposed based on the number of direct jobs created. The scheme supports semiconductor manufacturing and finished products under the Production-Linked Incentive scheme. Customs and labour reforms are also proposed under the scheme. |
| Date: | 8 April 2025 |
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| Title: | Narendra Modi in Bangkok: Reinforcing India’s ‘Act East’ Policy |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | In elevating India’s bilateral ties with Thailand to a strategic level and giving a fresh impetus to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangkok, Thailand, in early April 2025 has helped reinforce India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The visit also saw India engage with the leaders of two important eastern neighbours of India – Myanmar and Bangladesh – that are critical for the success of the ‘Act East’ policy. |
| Date: | 8 April 2025 |
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| Title: | US Reciprocal Tariffs: Tough Policy Choices for India |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit |
| Abstract: | Reciprocal tariffs mark the United States’ efforts to correct its global trade imbalances. India must note the geoeconomic implications of these tariffs and the tough policy reform demands they entail. |
| Date: | 8 April 2025 |
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| Title: | Bangladesh’s Growing Ties with China and Limited Engagement with India |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | During Muhammad Yunus’s visit to China in late March 2025, Bangladesh and China signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding to deepen their bilateral ties. On the other hand, the interim government has had limited engagement with India. |
| Date: | 7 April 2025 |
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| Title: | A Nation in Flux: Bangladesh’s Political Struggle |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed |
| Abstract: | The rise of the student-led National Citizens Party and the resurgence of the banned Islamist group, Hizbut Tahrir, reflect rival visions of state and society. However, their parallel emergence signals a volatile moment in Bangladesh’s politics, where both reformist and reactionary forces are vying to fill the vacuum left by the fall of the old order. |
| Date: | 25 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Pakistan’s Mounting Security Challenges |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed, Muhammad Saad Ul Haque |
| Abstract: | Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation, compounded by economic fragility and interprovincial tensions, presents a severe challenge to state stability. As insurgencies expand in both scope and sophistication, Pakistan’s ability to contain them remains hampered by weak governance, financial constraints and deteriorating regional relations. |
| Date: | 24 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Tesla, Starlink and India-US Partnership |
| Author/s: | Karthik Nachiappan |
| Abstract: | India and the United States could be on the cusp of engineering a new economic partnership for the future focused less on tariffs but on increased market access and investments. That dynamic could further embolden the strategic logics that have driven bilateral ties for nearly three decades. |
| Date: | 21 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Nepal’s Trade with its Giant Neighbours |
| Author/s: | Puspa Sharma |
| Abstract: | India is Nepal’s major trade partner for both exports and imports. China is the second biggest source of Nepal’s imports but it exports very little to China. Nepal has been unable to reap maximum benefits from the natural advantage of its location between the two giant economies of the world. |
| Date: | 21 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Pro-Monarchy Support in the Himalayan Republic |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | Although there has been a recent surge in support for the monarchy in Nepal, the majority of Nepalese still favour a republican system. However, the recent political developments have raised concerns among pro-republican leaders. To ensure long-term political stability, improve governance and enhance the economic well-being of the citizens, the country’s leadership must take decisive and effective actions. |
| Date: | 17 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Sri Lanka’s 2025 Budget: A Difficult Balancing Act |
| Author/s: | Rajni Gamage |
| Abstract: | Sri Lanka’s 2025 budget reflects an attempt at a difficult balancing act between adhering to the condition of the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme and an election mandate of supporting inclusive and equitable economic growth. |
| Date: | 13 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Talks on India-Bangladesh Water Sharing |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | More than the nature of India-Bangladesh ties, the water situation in the Indian state of West Bengal and the stand of the state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have major roles to play in any talks regarding the renewal of the Ganga/Ganges Waters Treaty between the two countries. |
| Date: | 11 March 2025 |
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| Title: | India and Trump 2.0: Strategic Convergence and Tactical Challenges |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | India’s confidence, in contrast to many other partners and allies of the United States, in engaging the tumultuous second term of Donald Trump may lie in the convergence between New Delhi’s interests and the ideological force driving his presidency = ‘America First’. While the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees strategic opportunities in the current global crisis triggered by Trump, New Delhi faces significant tactical challenges in converting those opportunities into concrete outcomes in the negotiations with Washington. |
| Date: | 10 March 2025 |
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| Title: | India and the European Union: Old Economic Agenda and the New Global Context |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | The visit by the European Union’s (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen to India at the end of February 2025 saw the two sides unveil a sweeping agenda for bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, security, connectivity and technology. The past inability to translate aspirations into actions may not necessarily be a guide to the future of India-EU relations, as New Delhi and Brussels are under intense pressure to cope with a changing global order. |
| Date: | 3 March 2025 |
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| Title: | Mahakumbh 2025: The Challenge of Waste Management |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai |
| Abstract: | The Mahakumbh 2025, with its monumental scale and logistical complexities, offered a huge challenge in waste disposal and sewage treatment. The enormous task of treating 16 million litres of faecal sludge and 240 million litres of grey water daily in addition to the solid waste from over 15 million devotees congregating daily to take a holy dip has been successfully managed by a mix of traditional and hi-tech measures. |
| Date: | 1 March 2025 |
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| Title: | The MCC, the BRI and Nepal |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | The decision by American President Donald Trump’s administration to cut funding for projects in Nepal may affect ties between the two countries. On the other hand, after more than seven years of its signing, Nepal and China have agreed on the cooperation framework for the projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. A change in Nepal’s political equation with the United States and China may have a geopolitical consequence for the South Asian region. |
| Date: | 24 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Interim Government in Bangladesh: Struggle for Stability |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed |
| Abstract: | With political tensions high and economic challenges looming, Bangladesh’s interim government faces mounting pressure to assert control. Its approach to governance, handling opposition, economic recovery and diplomatic relations will determine whether the country achieves lasting stability or remains mired in recurring unrest. |
| Date: | 21 February 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s Evolving Relationship with Afghanistan |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed, Tanujja Dadlani |
| Abstract: | India’s engagement with Afghanistan has focused on a strategic approach toward the Taliban. It has invested in infrastructure, provided humanitarian aid and maintained diplomatic channels while managing regional competition with China and Pakistan. While Afghanistan’s future remains uncertain under the Taliban’s rule, India’s sustained engagement aims to safeguard its interests and strengthen its regional influence. |
| Date: | 20 February 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s Strategy in a BTA with the US |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit |
| Abstract: | The Donald Trump and Narendra Modi governments will begin negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). While conceding some tariffs, India should use the BTA to get more American investments in services. |
| Date: | 18 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Pakistan’s Deepening Political Impasse: The Breakdown of Government-PTI Talks |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed, Muhammad Saad Ul Haque |
| Abstract: | The breakdown of negotiations between the ruling coalition and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has reinforced a political deadlock. This impasse has heightened political instability and deepened divisions between the government and the opposition. The inability to reach a compromise reflects deeper structural challenges in Pakistan’s political system. |
| Date: | 18 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Modi and Trump Unveil an Ambitious Agenda |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | Disproving widespread assessments of a stall in India-United States relations in the second presidential term of Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in mid-February 2025, set the stage for an ambitious expansion of bilateral relations. Modi and Trump outlined ways to manage significant differences in trade and immigration and created space for deeper cooperation on energy, defence, technology, counterterrorism and regional security. |
| Date: | 17 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Delhi Assembly Election: The BJP Storms Back to Power After 27 Years |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) captured power in Delhi after winning 48 of the 70 seats in the state Assembly. For the BJP, the win in Delhi follows electoral victories in Haryana and Maharashtra and cements its dominance. The Delhi results are a blow to the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) ambitions of being a national party. It also undermines the standing of AAP founder and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. |
| Date: | 13 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Delhi’s Newly Elected Government: Environmental Challenges |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | In its 2025 Delhi Assembly election manifesto, the newly elected Bhartiya Janta Party promised to improve the capital city’s air quality, clean the Yamuna River and tackle the problem of waste landfills. The manifesto looks promising, but its effective implementation depends on how much priority the new government gives to environmental issues. |
| Date: | 10 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Modi Visits France: Deepening Security Cooperation |
| Author/s: | Bian Sai |
| Abstract: | On 11 February 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. This visit will not only focus on global AI issues but will also include significant announcements in the areas of defence, small modular reactors, and maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircrafts. Additionally, the two countries are expected to adopt the India-France AI Roadmap. Modi’s visit to France is set to become another critical milestone in the strategic cooperation between India and France, profoundly impacting the deepening of their strategic partnership in defence, technology and multilateral cooperation. |
| Date: | 10 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Precarious Bangladesh and Indian Indifference |
| Author/s: | Sreeradha Datta |
| Abstract: | Bangladesh is facing political instability, with ongoing governance issues and violent unrest following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Recent violence, including the destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house, reflects the growing tensions. Hasina’s activism from exile in India has further fueled divisions. India’s disapproval is clear in its distancing from the interim government, but both countries would benefit from engaging with each other. Finding common ground based on mutual interests is crucial for regional stability and to prevent external actors from exploiting the situation. |
| Date: | 10 February 2025 |
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| Title: | First Budget of Modi’s Third Term: Emphasis on Boosting Consumer Consumption |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai |
| Abstract: | The Narendra Modi government has presented its first full budget of the present term. The emphasis continues to be on fiscal stabilisation and eschewing populist policies. Income tax exemption limit has been substantially enhanced to encourage higher levels of consumption. Infrastructure development, ease of doing business and liberalising regulatory control have also been given priority. |
| Date: | 4 February 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s Middle-Class Budget |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit |
| Abstract: | On 1 February 2025, India presented what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as the ‘most middle-class friendly budget in India’s history’. It will be interesting to see if the support for the middle class revives consumption and supports gross domestic product growth. |
| Date: | 4 February 2025 |
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| Title: | Delhi Assembly Election: The BJP’s Push to Topple the AAP |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen |
| Abstract: | The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking to unseat the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the upcoming Delhi Assembly election. Despite the AAP’s strong performance in the last two Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP believes that there is anti-incumbency against the AAP. |
| Date: | 27 January 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s Cyber Statecraft: Managing and Neutralising Threats |
| Author/s: | Karthik Nachiappan |
| Abstract: | India needs to practice cyber statecraft to manage, deter and neutralise prevailing and rising digital threats. |
| Date: | 27 January 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s Engagement with Trump 2.0: A Pragmatic Start |
| Author/s: | C Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | The visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the United States (US) in January 2025 for President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the first Quadrilateral Security Dialogue ministerial hosted by United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores the continuing American strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and the significance of the US-India relationship even as the new administration reaches out to China. |
| Date: | 27 January 2025 |
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| Title: | India’s New Data Protection Regime |
| Author/s: | Karthik Nachiappan |
| Abstract: | The rules for India’s 2023 data protection law have been formally released, creating a data protection regime in India. |
| Date: | 27 January 2025 |
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| Title: | Sri Lankan President Visits China: Priorities and Competing Interests |
| Author/s: | Rajni Gamage, Shakthi De Silva |
| Abstract: | Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is on his first official visit to China in mid- January 2025 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. During the visit, agreements were signed for Sinopec’s US$3.7 billion (S$5.05 billion) investment in an oil refinery in Hambantota, and efforts were expedited to conclude a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and China. |
| Date: | 17 January 2025 |
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| Title: | Nepal’s Crippling Economy: Public Frustration and Government Response |
| Author/s: | Puspa Sharma |
| Abstract: | Nepal’s internal economy is facing significant challenges, causing growing frustration among the public. The government is under pressure to improve the economy and overall governance sooner than later. It has chosen to make necessary amendments in relevant legislations, but through ordinance. While the intent of doing so appears reasonable, there are questions on the government’s aversion to due parliamentary processes and the risk of such acts setting wrong precedence for the future. |
| Date: | 17 January 2025 |
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| Title: | Political Shifts, Historical Revisions: Bangladesh’s Cultural and Political Realignment |
| Author/s: | Imran Ahmed |
| Abstract: | Recent developments in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government signal a reconfiguration of the nation’s political and cultural identity. The government’s decision to cancel judicial training programmes in India, foster closer ties with Pakistan, revise historical narratives about the nation’s independence and officially recognise Kazi Nazrul Islam as the national poet reflects some of these broader shifts in its domestic and international priorities. |
| Date: | 10 January 2025 |
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