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Junaid Kathju
SCMP Contributor
Junaid Kathju is a freelance journalist based in India whose work has been published in publications including Al Jazeera, Foreign Policy magazine, NBC News, The Quint and more.
The blockbuster Chhaava, which has led to violent protests, has sparked debate on whether Indian directors have forsaken historical accuracy.
An ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ between India and Mauritius was announced during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the island nation.
However, analysts question whether economic pragmatism can overcome deep-seated mistrust between the two Asian giants.
Analysts say the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor could transform global trade flows, but there’s much work still to be done.
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In a sign of an ‘uptick in bilateral relations’, India has earmarked US$69 million in financial aid for the Maldives in its latest budget.
The airport is expected to boost trade and connectivity, but also intensifies India’s concerns about China’s potential military presence in the region.
Experts say India’s role as a counterweight to China is far from over, despite Donald Trump’s convivial outreach to Xi Jinping.
The new deals ‘signal a deepening of China’s influence in Sri Lanka’ and revive concerns of a debt trap, analysts say.
Recent sanctions are further evidence of Pakistan’s relative decline in importance in the US, analysts note.
Experts believe the embassy’s resumption of operations will allow India to engage in diplomatic discussions on critical issues in Northeast Asia.
Next year, the group will conduct joint coastguard training by focusing on grey-zone tactics.
China’s bigger role as a peace mediator has sparked concerns about the impact on India’s infrastructure projects in Myanmar.
The INS Tushil joins the Western Fleet, enhancing naval capabilities and strategic focus in the Indo-Pacific amid growing tensions with China and Pakistan.
A proposed reciprocal supply and services pact is the next logical step to growing bilateral ties amid the Indo-Pacific framework, analysts say.
India is likely to view with ‘considerable’ concern Bangladesh’s move to mend ties with Pakistan, analysts say.
Officials from both sides recently met to discuss issues, including enhancing trade via an Afghan port run by an Indian company.
As geopolitical tensions rise, India’s diplomatic strategy showcases its emergence as a key player in the shifting global order.
Analysts say enhancing defence ties and goodwill naval visits are ‘significant steps’ in helping India boost visibility in the region.
Move to resume border patrols implies both countries are motivated to improve relations through peaceful and political means, analysts note.
Experts say neither country is expected to back down after strong language used in recent exchanges, tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats.
Experts downplay hopes of a breakthrough but say India’s attendance at SCO summit shows relations have become sufficiently stable.
While India claims the visit showcases normalcy, regional politicians accuse New Delhi of using the visit to gain international legitimacy.
Russia’s support for Pakistan’s bid to join ‘China-centric’ Brics could further enhance Beijing’s clout in the bloc, analysts say.
But analysts say India needs to do more, such as visa reforms and joint ventures, to woo Chinese investment and ‘encourage FDI spillovers’.
Analysts say while India seeks to be a responsible global stakeholder and boost its strategic interests, its resources may be limited.
While Pakistan has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi, India’s response has been lukewarm, suggesting a potential boycott.
The INS Arighaat and its predecessor, the INS Arihant, mark a leap forward for India but the Chinese navy remains far superior, analysts say.
With the SOSA and liaison officer agreements in place, India joins an elite group of Washington’s partners as both prepare for potential conflicts.
India may need to redefine its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to accommodate China’s presence in the region, analysts note.
