| Title: | 183 : World Powers Beeline to Delhi |
| Author/s: | S.D. Muni, Visiting Research Professor at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The world's five nuclear and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) veto wielding powers came calling on India in a short period of six months in the latter half of this year. They were essentially driven by their respective economic and strategic interests, but the message that these visits emit is loud and clear, namely that India has emerged as a major strategic player in the Asian and world affairs. One hopes that India will use its economic and strategic clout for not only augmenting its own status and capabilities, but also in contributing towards prosperity, stability and security in the region and the world. |
| Date: | 28 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 182 : AfPak: President Obama’s Two Wars |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The nature of the American effort in the region it once called AfPak has gone full circle. The administration headed by President Barack Obama started with the notion that it was fighting one war being waged in the areas on either side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Inhabited mostly by the Pushtuns, Washington called it the AfPak region and appointed one person, the late Richard Holbrooke, to handle the framing and execution of the American policy. |
| Date: | 27 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 181 : Chinese Premier’s Visits to India and Pakistan: Strategic Implications |
| Author/s: | Rajshree Jetly, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the recent visits by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India and Pakistan. Premier Wen spent three days in each country and held discussions on a wide range of issues. This paper focuses on the political and strategic issues, and makes some observations on what these visits reveal about the nature of Sino-Indian and Sino-Pak relations. |
| Date: | 22 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 180 : Wen Jiabao in India: Mission Business |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Head (Development & Programmes) and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The Chinese Premier's recent visit to India emphasised on developing closer business ties with India in different areas. Several agreements were signed, including in banking and finance and green technologies. The paper argues that despite both countries deciding to increase bilateral trade and addressing the current imbalance, the latter might persist due to low competitiveness of Indian exports in the Chinese market and the Indian industry's inability to compete with Chinese imports. |
| Date: | 20 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 179 : India and China at Cancun: A New Approach to Climate? |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Head (Development & Programmes) and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The decisions at the Cancun conference on climate change have been accepted positively by the international community. China and India refrained from taking obstructionist positions at Cancun. This paper argues that such posturing does not indicate their dilution of commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' in global action on climate change. |
| Date: | 13 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 178 : The Bihar Election: Gamechanger or Business as Usual? |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen, Visiting Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's re-election in November 2010 by a huge margin was based on his solid performance over the last five years, something that has been commented on widely by the media, both in India and abroad. But he probably would not have won only on his development agenda. He also had his poll arithmetic right by reaching out to a large constituency, which included the extremely backward castes and women. The paper however, points out that the election result, remarkable as it is, might not signal a change in the style of Indian politics. |
| Date: | 2 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 177 : Scams in India: Concerns and Lessons |
| Author/s: | S Narayan, Head of Research and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The paper discusses various concerns arising from multiple scams that have come to light in India. In this context, it argues that the political leadership in India should note that citizens are speaking up through votes and rewarding only those who perform |
| Date: | 1 December 2010 |
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| Title: | 176 : President Obama’s India Visit: Substance in Symbolism |
| Author/s: | S.D. Muni, Visiting Research Professor at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | President Obama's visit to India will go down in the history of the India-United States relations as a major step towards consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries. The outcome of this visit, while helping the US economically, has enhanced India's power profile in Asia and encouraged it to play a greater role in world affairs. |
| Date: | 16 November 2010 |
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| Title: | 175 : QEII and India’s Responses |
| Author/s: | S. Narayan, Head of Research and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The Quantitative Easing policy of the Federal Reserve has been criticised by several countries on account of the destabilising impact it can have on global trade and national currencies. This paper examines the likely implications of the policy for India. |
| Date: | 16 November 2010 |
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| Title: | 174 : India Looks East: Encircling China or Enlightened National Interest? |
| Author/s: | Gayathri Lakshminarayan, Research Associate at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam saw not only comprehensive trade pacts being inked but also forging of a more intimate security role for India in the region, giving a fillip to India’s ‘Look East’ Policy. The Prime Minister’s visit was at a time when China’s relationship with Japan is strained. The warming of Indo-Japanese ties has been attributed to the recent frosting in Sino-Japanese relations. There is a growing perception that India with its economic and military prowess can be a counterweight to an assertive China. This paper analyses India’s strategy in engaging with the region more closely, which is in its interests, while refraining from striking an adverse posture against China. |
| Date: | 10 November 2010 |
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| Title: | 173 : Indian Prime Minister’s Visit to East and Southeast Asia: Economics Drives Strategy |
| Author/s: | Suvi Dogra, Research Associate at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The successful conclusion of the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent threenation tour of East and Southeast Asia has sent out strong signals regarding India's deepening economic linkages with the region. This paper analyses India's attempts at consolidating its position in the region by employing free trade agreements as effective tools for achieving its economic and strategic ambitions. |
| Date: | 3 November 2010 |
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| Title: | 172 : Untangling the Ayodhya Verdict |
| Author/s: | Ronojoy Sen, Visiting Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The relative calm which greeted the Allahabad High Court ruling on the Ayodhya dispute was one of the positive fallouts of the verdict. However, the judgement was a highly unusual one ordering a three-way split of the disputed land in Ayodhya, the site of a mosque, which was pulled down by Hindu fundamentalists in 1992, who believe it was built on a spot sacred to the Hindus. One of the most troublesome aspects of the ruling was its reliance on the faith or belief of Hindus to decide the division of the land. As things stand, the verdict is likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court. |
| Date: | 5 October 2010 |
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| Title: | 171 : Parliamentary Elections in Afghanistan: Imperfect, Yet Necessary |
| Author/s: | Shanthie Mariet D'Souza, Visiting Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The usefulness of holding the upcoming election to the lower house of the Afghan parliament has been subjected to intense debate. While security situation remains a critical challenge forestalling polling in large parts of the country, speculations are rife that the voting process may be marred by wide spread fraud and irregularities as witnessed in previous elections. As a result, the representative character and legitimacy of the newly elected house would remain a matter of debate. However, in spite of such challenges, in a country where insurgency is still raging, allowing the common people a sense of participation in shaping the future of the nation is critical. This would probably pave the way to let them develop a long term stake in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. |
| Date: | 7 September 2010 |
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| Title: | 170 : Pakistan Floods: Coping with Disaster |
| Author/s: | Rajshree Jetly, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Pakistan is reeling under one of the biggest natural disasters in the history of the country, as large swathes of its territory lies under flood waters. While such floods are devastating under any circumstances, its adverse effects are more in a country like Pakistan that is battling Islamist insurgency, and has a fragile civilian government and a weak economy. This brief examines the challenges that Pakistan is facing in dealing with this calamity. |
| Date: | 27 August 2010 |
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| Title: | 169 : H1B Visa Fee Hike: Will Indo-US Ties be Affected? |
| Author/s: | Sinderpal Singh, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The United States (US) Congress has recently passed a legislation hiking visa fees for technology companies hiring highly skilled foreign workers under the H1B visa programme. Firms with more than 50 workers and with more than 50 per cent of those employees from abroad would see the current US$320 fee per visa application jump to US$2,000. The issue of H1B visas is vital to Indian information technology (IT) companies who have offices in the US. This paper looks at how and why certain domestic pressures on the Obama Government on issues of immigration and job creation have led to this legislation. It also looks at the reaction of the Indian Government in the matter and examines if the fee hike is a sign of potential future irritants in bilateral relations. |
| Date: | 26 August 2010 |
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| Title: | 168 : The 2010 Commonwealth Games: Will India Pull It Off? |
| Author/s: | Syeda Sana Rahman, Research Associate at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | With less than two months to go to the nineteenth Commonwealth Games (CWG), it seems increasingly unlikely that India will be able to stage the event successfully. Inundated with reports of inefficiency and corruption, the Central Government has now stepped in to supervise the preparations. However, there are fears that these moves may be rather late. Even if the preparations are finally completed on time, the Games, which were to demonstrate India's arrival on the world stage, may serve as an embarrassing reminder of governance problems plaguing India. |
| Date: | 25 August 2010 |
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| Title: | 167 : South Asian University: Catalyst for Regional Cooperation? |
| Author/s: | Suvi Dogra, Research Associate at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Armed with a three-fold agenda of building a culture of understanding and regional consciousness; nurturing a new class of liberal, bright and quality leadership; and building the capacity of the region in science, technology and other disciplines, the South Asian University is set to open its gates this month. This brief analyses the efficacy of the university and whether it can act as a catalyst for regional cooperation. |
| Date: | 20 August 2010 |
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| Title: | 166 : India-Pakistan Foreign Ministers Meeting: The Impasse Continues |
| Author/s: | Rajshree Jetly, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the recent meeting between Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad. Hopes of the meeting producing some fruitful outcomes have not materialised. The paper examines why India and Pakistan have failed to overcome their historic impediments to constructive dialogue. |
| Date: | 20 July 2010 |
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| Title: | 165 : The Bhopal Tragedy Verdict: Can India Handle Industrial Disasters? |
| Author/s: | Amitendu Palit, Head (Development & Programmes) and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The recent verdict on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 has drawn attention to India's legal safeguards for handling industrial catastrophes. This paper discusses the existing shortcomings for fixing liabilities in industrial accidents in India. Arguing that the Bhopal case highlights the failure to apply the principle of 'polluter pays', the paper concludes that industrialisation without safeguards can have disastrous consequences. |
| Date: | 24 June 2010 |
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| Title: | 164 : United States-India Strategic Dialogue: Still Waiting for Obama? |
| Author/s: | Sinderpal Singh, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The recently concluded inaugural United States-India Strategic Dialogue held in Washington from 1 to 4 June 2010 has been hailed by the United States (US) administration as a symbol of deepening ties between the two countries. However, there are several questions being raised in policy circles about the dearth of any concrete ‘deliverables’ from this much publicised event. Such voices have once again revived the debate about the Obama administration’s sincerity and ability to raise the US-India relationship to the heady heights forged during the previous Bush administration. |
| Date: | 15 June 2010 |
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| Title: | 163 : The West Bengal Municipal Polls: End of the Road for the Left |
| Author/s: | Tridivesh Singh Maini |
| Abstract: | The Trinamool Congress (TMC), an important constituent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, has triumphed in the West Bengal Municipal Council polls. The ruling Left Front has lost in some of its strongholds due to a strong antiincumbency wave, while the Congress which fought independently has also disappointed. This brief gives an overview of the verdict and also analyses the possible ramifications of the outcome for both state politics, especially in the context of next year's assembly elections in the state and national politics. |
| Date: | 9 June 2010 |
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| Title: | 162 : Karzai Visits the United States: A Mutual Opportunity to Bury Hatchets? |
| Author/s: | Shanthie Mariet DÔÇÖSouza, Visiting Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | President Hamid Karzai's four-day visit to the United States (US) was viewed as an exercise in mending ties. As the US military surge in Afghanistan has advanced and a major anti-Taliban military offensive in Kandahar is on the anvil, it was necessary on Karzai's part to repair the bilateral ties, frayed by war of words, back on track. For the US, it is important to placate and publicly embrace Karzai, for he remains central to the US plans in Afghanistan. |
| Date: | 25 May 2010 |
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| Title: | 161 : India and Pakistan Meeting: Third Time Lucky? |
| Author/s: | Rajshree Jetly, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | This paper discusses the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani on the sidelines of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Bhutan. Although the talks did not produce any concrete results, it is an important step in reducing the mistrust that has bedevilled the Indo-Pak relations. |
| Date: | 5 May 2010 |
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| Title: | 160 : SAARC at Twenty Five |
| Author/s: | S.D. Muni, Visiting Research Professor at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The paper reviews the latest summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held at Bhutan during 28-29 April 2010. Reflecting in this context on twenty-five years of SAARC, the paper argues that despite disappointments, the enhanced commitment to regional cooperation displayed at the summit indicates movement in the right direction. |
| Date: | 4 May 2010 |
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| Title: | 159 : Monetary Policy Pressures in India: A Comment |
| Author/s: | S. Narayan, Head of Research and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The Yuan-Dollar exchange rate decisions are likely to have an effect on how the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages its exchange rate policy. This is likely to add to the monetary policy concerns that the RBI has to address. This paper highlights some of the dilemmas before the RBI. |
| Date: | 16 April 2010 |
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| Title: | 158 : Restoring Parliamentary Democracy in Pakistan |
| Author/s: | Rajshree Jetly, Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | This paper comments on the recent Constitution (18th Amendment) Bill passed by the National Assembly in Pakistan. Apart from the many important amendments in the bill aimed at restoring Parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, it also marks the first time that a President has voluntarily relinquished his special powers. The process of pushing the bill through also shows that the political parties in Pakistan are able to work together in a democratic manner to bring about real and positive change. |
| Date: | 14 April 2010 |
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| Title: | 157 : Setting the Stage for a New Global Nuclear Order: The American Approach |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The first in a series of three, this paper examines the changes in the global nuclear regime that can result from the agreement between the United States (US) and Russia on the size of their nuclear strategic weapons and the Nuclear Posture Review of the Obama administration. Although Barack Obama is not the first world leader attempting to rationalise the global nuclear order, he has made the same a part of his grand design. He had earlier promised that if elected, he will make a serious effort to create a nuclear-free world and has appeared to have embarked on fulfilling that promise. The paper argues that circumstances that have led the relative newcomers to the nuclear club - China, India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea - to acquire nuclear weapons, are so different that it will be difficult to limit, let alone eliminate, their arsenals through a single global treaty. |
| Date: | 12 April 2010 |
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| Title: | 156 : India’s Changing Priorities |
| Author/s: | S. Narayan, Head of Research and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The paper examines India's latest budget and official economic pronouncements to identify the government's recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian economy and the resolve to address these issues. It argues that this pragmatism is driven by the realisation that India's significance might be diminishing in some critical segments of the global arena. |
| Date: | 11 March 2010 |
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| Title: | 155 : The Pakistan Military Proves its Mettle |
| Author/s: | Ishtiaq Ahmed, Visiting Research Professor at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | It is argued in this brief that the recent London conference on the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan was a major success for the Pakistani military in convincing the international community that its cooperation is vital to resolving the crisis in Afghanistan. It was achieved in light of the fact that the Pakistani military effectively combated Taliban terrorism on its own soil. The Pakistani military has also come out against the Taliban domination of Afghanistan in case of an early United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troop pullout, because it would threaten Pakistani security and national interests. |
| Date: | 8 February 2010 |
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| Title: | 154 : Afghanistan: The London Meeting |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | On 28 January 2010, the international community met once again in London to discuss Afghanistan. The meeting was called by Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, and was attended by the representatives of 60 governments including Hillary Clinton, the United States (US) Secretary of State. On the eve of the conference, senior Afghan officials began to indicate that they were prepared to work with those in the Taliban movement who were willing to be associated with the government. This position, pushed for some time by Pakistan, seemed acceptable to Washington and other major capitals but with some reservations. President Hamid Karazi asked for US$1.2 billion of donor assistance to help mainstream some of the Taliban. At the same time, General Stanley McChyrstal, the US commander in Afghanistan, indicated that he was convinced that with the help of the additional troops that were on their way to Afghanistan, he could secure the main population centres and protect them from the insurgents? But doubts remain whether these moves will bring peace to the country and bring to an end a conflict that had lasted for more than three decades. |
| Date: | 4 February 2010 |
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| Title: | 153 : Sri Lanka Polls: Incumbency is Endorsed |
| Author/s: | S. D. Muni, Visiting Research Professor at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's electoral gamble has paid. His decision to go to polls two years before the end of his first term has won him a comfortable second term of six years. |
| Date: | 4 February 2010 |
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| Title: | 152 : The ‘Free-Market’ and ‘Social Concerns’: ‘Asian Values’ and ‘Walking on Two Legs’! |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The reservoir of knowledge, collected over time from human experience leads us to conclude that all beliefs that are not re-energised or re-invigorated by reformation movements tend to wilt and wither. Those of the free market are no different. As history unfolded, these ideas were buffeted by adversities of real-world experience. But after each such experience they reemerged in new form, further sharpened and honed. That is why the current financial, or more aptly termed, economic crisis must be seen as an opportunity to seize upon, to feed that propensity of the market that has proved to be its more powerful tool of survival, that is, its ability to correct itself, perhaps with a little bit of help from society. In this phenomenon Asia has a leadership role to play, encompassing both growth and care for the poor. |
| Date: | 29 January 2010 |
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| Title: | 151 : Rescuing Afghanistan: Let the Region Take Charge |
| Author/s: | Shahid Javed Burki, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | The international community is set to meet again in London on 28 January 2010 to devise a new plan for the economic recovery and development of Afghanistan. The outcomes of the meeting will be analysed in a later brief by ISAS. This paper discusses how the continuing conflict in Afghanistan should be viewed and what countries with large Muslim populations in the Middle East and South Asia can do to save Afghanistan from edging closer to becoming a totally failed state. It is wrong and misleading to see the Afghan conflict in terms of a clash between two ideologies à la Huntington. It should be viewed instead as a case of relative deprivation of people who were once economically and politically powerful in the country. If the conflict has strong economic undercurrents then why seek a solution by suggesting that countries with large Muslim populations should step forward and save Afghanistan from totally collapsing? The reason for that presumably is the way the narrative of the conflict has been allowed to be shaped; it is being written in religious terms. Therefore a credible alternative may come from countries that can speak on behalf of the religion whose flag has been raised by the insurgents that seem to be winning at this time. The use of the term “countries with large Muslim population” is ostensibly for including India as well. It is critical to finding a lasting solution to a conflict that has gone on for more than three decades. |
| Date: | 22 January 2010 |
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| Title: | 150 : Mr Jyoti Basu: A Gentleman and a Communist |
| Author/s: | Bibek Debroy, Honorary Senior Fellow at the ISAS |
| Abstract: | Mr Jyoti Basu – India’s most prominent and senior communist leader – passed away on 17 January 2010. Mr Basu had the distinction of being the Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal for more than two decades. His death marks the end of an era in Indian and West Bengal politics. This brief traces the critical events during the political career of Mr Basu that spanned for more than six decades and concludes that while Mr Basu was both a gentleman and a communist, he was more of the former than the latter. |
| Date: | 18 January 2010 |
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| Title: | 149 : Hasina’s Visit to India and Emerging Indo-Bangla Relations: Implications for the Region |
| Author/s: | Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury |
| Abstract: | The visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to India (10-13 January 2010) was extremely significant in the regional context. It brought the two vibrant democracies in South Asia – Bangladesh and India – close together and opened the way for their collaboration with Nepal and Bhutan. Throughout the visit India displayed an awareness of its disproportionately greater responsibility as the regional pre-eminent power, according ‘sovereign equality’ to a less powerful neighbour, creating a new paradigm for intra-state relations in South Asia. Can this model be attractive enough for Pakistan to be drawn into a relationship of ‘trilateralism’ including itself, Bangladesh and India? |
| Date: | 18 January 2010 |
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