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Observer Research Foundation

The latest news and top stories on Observer Research Foundation. A prominent Delhi India based independent global think tank, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is dedicated to aiding policy thinking for a strong and prosperous India in a fair and equitable world. Established in 1990, its main areas of focus include strategic studies, foreign policy, sustainable economic development, technology and climate change. ORF is recognised for providing non-partisan analysis to decision-makers and for its significant role in shaping global debates, notably through events like the Raisina Dialogue.

Malaysia

Deal or no deal? Malaysia-US trade pact in turmoil after minister ‘misspeaks’

First, a minister called the deal dead. Then his ministry backtracked. Now the opposition is demanding answers.

16 Mar 2026 - 9:53PMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

6 Mar 2026 - 6:09PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US submarine strike on Iranian warship near Sri Lanka rattles the region

5 Mar 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Observer Research Foundation

Deal or no deal? Malaysia-US trade pact in turmoil after minister ‘misspeaks’

First, a minister called the deal dead. Then his ministry backtracked. Now the opposition is demanding answers.

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

US submarine strike on Iranian warship near Sri Lanka rattles the region

Friend to all, foe to none: Iran war tests India’s Middle East balancing act

New Delhi has long prided itself on being friends with everyone in the Middle East. The killing of Khamenei just made that much harder.

Asia’s main oil artery is all but blocked. What happens now?

Oil has surged by the most in four years. Tankers are fleeing the Gulf and up to 10 million barrels a day may be stripped from global supply.

Why Brics can’t do away with US dollar even as currency cooperation rises

Brazil says there has been no proposal or talks within Brics to create a common currency across the bloc.

India and Brazil set sights on US$30 billion trade milestone by 2030

The two founding Brics members are deepening links on rare earths, innovation and AI to diversify growth beyond the West.

Tariff whiplash throws Asia’s recent US trade deals into doubt

India has already paused trade talks with Washington as other Asian nations are left to question the validity of their recent agreements.

‘Surpassing Hong Kong’: UAE challenges Singapore for the global trade crown

With non-oil trade nearly doubling, analysts say the UAE has secured a first-mover advantage that leaves regional rivals trailing behind.

‘Structural reality’: why US tariff deal cannot sever India-Russia defence ties

While the pact demands a halt to Russian oil imports, analysts say New Delhi’s military dependence on Moscow is non-negotiable.

India’s trade blitz seeks to keep afloat a sinking global order

‘Jolted out of its slumber’ by US tariffs, New Delhi is aggressively diversifying trade alliances to act as a bridge in a polarised world.

Why India may ‘gravitate back’ to US bloc after Trump-Modi tariff deal

Analysts doubt that India can buy more than US$500 billion of US products in a short span of time and stop buying Russian oil.

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

Trump’s 500% tariff push raises risk of India-US trade freeze

Such punitive tariffs would erode India’s export competitiveness and force the country to reorient its trade elsewhere, analysts warn.

Building bridges? India proposes inviting Chinese firms back to public projects

India plans to remove curbs that effectively shut Chinese firms out of most of its government projects in a bid to ease shortages and delays.

‘It’s paying off’: India spreads its trade bets to beat Trump’s 50% tariff

With exports hitting a record US$825 billion and a spate of new trade pacts, India is finding success diversifying away from the US.

India’s military upgrade to counter regional threats gathers pace

While US$30 billion of defence packages for weapon buys and others have been approved, the pace of roll-out is worrying, analysts say.

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

A junta spokesman slammed the Japanese prime minister’s comments on Taiwan, saying Tokyo had not shown remorse for its ‘crimes’ in Asia.

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Russia’s Su-57 offer boosts India’s ‘strategic options’ amid strained US ties

The move signals Moscow’s desire to revitalise defence ties with New Delhi and offer ‘solutions’ to its military upgrade drive, analysts say.

India still behind as China-made submarines boost Pakistan’s naval power

The Indian Navy’s self-reliance drive is being undercut by chronic ‘sluggishness’ in procurement, analysts say.

Will US approval for arms sales to India pave the way for a trade deal?

The US$93 million arms supply could help reduce India’s goods surplus with the US as both sides seek to reach a trade deal, analysts say.

Are US-India ties set for a rebound after Trump’s trade talk optimism?

Uncertainty over a coming Quad summit in New Delhi weighs on ties, but Trump’s upbeat tone hints at a possible thaw.

Outrage in India over Vance’s wish for his Hindu wife to become a Christian

The US vice-president’s failure to mention his wife’s faith at an event has also struck a nerve in Hindu-majority India.

Why India maintains a balancing act in defence between US and Russia

The renewal of a defence framework between India and the US comes as Delhi continues to tap Russia for its military supplies.

India pressured to stop Russian oil imports after US sanctions on 2 producers

Despite Washington’s sanctions against Russian oil producers, India is expected to increase its purchases of other goods from Moscow.

India’s army to boost deterrence along borders with new commando, drone units

The army will be equipped with new carbines and Javelin launchers in line with India’s goal to carry out military reforms.