As the world closed in 2023 and entered 2024, there are several indicators based on the past events that the Southeast Asian region is likely to witness many tumultuous developments. Around the world, Southeast Asia included, a host of elections shall be seen – presidential elections in Taiwan (already held where DPP has won), Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the US, general elections in Bangladesh (where Sheikh Hasina has won) …

In his column, Arvind Gupta, Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, focuses on India-Russia relations, noting the strength and resilience of these ties amidst geopolitical turbulence.
Focusing on the relationship between India and Russia, he outlines the extensive cooperation between the two nations, including in sectors such as energy …

In recent years, the world has experienced significant geopolitical turmoil. While the major powers have been embroiled in serious conflicts, small countries with close ties to these powers have been equally affected. And even these nations have been in the spotlight as to whose side they would choose. The pattern has continued into 2023 as well. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in early 2022 …

With China’s economy growing at a significantly slower pace than it was a decade ago, Beijing’s willingness and ability to continue pouring money into the BRI has been a matter of speculation. But Xi seems to have doubled down on his signature program. At the 3rd Belt and Road Forum in Oct 2023, the Chinese President stated that the BRI will be «small yet smart» as well as market-oriented …

The India Middle-East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) which was announced at the G20 Leaders Event on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment on 9th September will have a profound global effect on the 21st century. It is being seen as a response to the failing but globally ambitious Belt and Road …

Last decade, especially since the Arab Spring of 2010, has been quite momentous for the Saudi domestic, foreign and security policies. This has been further accentuated in the last five years and is greatly marked by tremendous pragmatism and realism so well-endowed in the “Vision 2030’ launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Socio-economic reforms including the much-commented …

The security situation in the Indo Pacific is evolving rapidly. The growing threats from DPRK and China have compelled the US, Japan and ROK to come together in comprehensive trilateral format with security as its key pillar. On 18th Aug 2023, a trilateral summit between the US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Fumio Kishida and South Korea’s President Mr Yoon Suk Yeol was held at the historic Camp …

24th February 2022 marked Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while simultaneously marking the possibility of disintegration of the Russian federation.[1] This “war” would have wide-ranging implications including but not limited to being an important influencing factor in determining Russia’s foreign policy objectives and priorities even in the Arctic as “efforts to isolate Russia’s Arctic goals from its other security aims …

During the Group of Seven (G-7) summit hosted by Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at his home city of Hiroshima on 21 May, US President Joe Biden announced that he will host the first stand alone trilateral summit between the leaders of Japan, South Korea and the US at the Camp David US presidential retreat in Maryland on 18 August 2023. North Korea’s “continued threat” topped the agenda …

Iran has become 9th full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in its 23rd summit held in virtual mode in the first week of July under the presidentship of India. After reproachment with Saudi Arabia it is another good news for Tehran for its economic growth, regional connectivity, and political ambitions. Other member states are Kazakhstan …

2021 was an eventful year in the Indo-Pacific region. Several developments have taken place, which are significant in their own right, but are rather indicative of what lies ahead in this region. This article examines the implications of the key security developments of 2021 and how these have set the tone for the future of Indo-Pacific security. Some possibilities in 2022 and in the near future are also presented in this article …

Twitter has emerged as a powerful social media tool/platform in the 21st century’s modern diplomacy. Chinese diplomatic offices and their personnel have increased their presence on Twitter to promote their narrative and propaganda with a global audience. Chinese diplomatic activities on Twitter have received global media attention and shaped media debates in recent times. Twitter was banned in China for its citizens in 2009, just two …