The Times of India | One story, two endings, two countries

With the India-China patrolling agreement in eastern Ladakh holding up so far – both sides are carrying out verification patrols – following Modi and Xi’s meeting on the sidelines of Brics summit in Kazan, the optimistic developments along LAC are dominating the airwaves. But as welcome as such an agreement may be, it isn’t the complete reality of the India-China relationship. There is, in fact, a more systemic rift still visible in bilateral ties – one that has perhaps gone unnoticed in the wake of the patrolling agreement.

By Anushka Saxena

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The Hindu | Zeroing in on methane diplomacy, at COP29

The Baku meet is an opportunity for India to fast-track its efforts in reducing methane emissions

By Rakshith Shetty

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Life of Soldiers | ‘Integration’ in the PLA Western Theater Command: Practices and Patterns

Since wide-sweeping reforms of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began in 2015, efforts of the country’s defence apparatus are oriented towards creating an “integrated” force capable of fighting and winning “high intensity, short duration, localised wars.” Integration has been focal to prepare for achieving the intended goal, and has manifested itself in both doctrine and real-time combat preparedness exercises. In the Western Theater Command of the PLA, which has a primary operation direction towards India, requirements to make integration a reality are reflected, too.

By Anushka Saxena

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Deccan Herald | The carbon costs of the Israel-Gaza war

As the war in Gaza continues to unfold, most of the attention is rightly focused on the immense human suffering and loss of life. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with thousands dead, millions displaced, and infrastructure decimated. However, one aspect of this war that is often overlooked is the environmental impact, specifically the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the military operations.

By Rakshith Shetty

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The Diplomat | BRICS Summit Was a Vote of Support for Global Governance Reform, Not for Russia

Ideological politics is not on the agenda for these states, but economics, climate, and food security are. 

By Vanshika Saraf

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The Quint | A Partner in Taiwan

India welcomed a third representative office from Taiwan in Mumbai despite China’s efforts to undermine the latter.

By Anushka Saxena

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Money Control | Germany is India’s gateway to tighter European integration

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and PM Modi will today co-chair the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. India’s largest trade partner in Europe is upbeat about cooperation with India in the backdrop of its goal of reducing economic dependence on China. An institutional framework to enhance cooperation built over two decades offers an ideal platform to take ties to the next level.

By Vanshika Saraf

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Money Control | India-China equation reset is at a new normal, not the old one

Power asymmetry between the two countries and the likelihood of just a limited easing in the trade relationship make going back to pre-2020 phase impossible. Moreover, there’s no evidence of a dialogue yet on next step towards de-escalation. Keep your fingers crossed and expectations contained

By Manoj Kewalramani

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Deccan Herald | India’s waning interest in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

China's military exercises highlight regional tensions as Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserts sovereignty. His recent remarks signal a policy shift, encouraging potential cooperation with Beijing, despite ongoing tensions. Lai’s statements challenge China’s role as a peace broker in global conflicts.

By Amit Kumar and Vanshika Saraf

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Money Control | China-Taiwan Tensions: A shift in cross-Strait policy language

China's military exercises highlight regional tensions as Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserts sovereignty. His recent remarks signal a policy shift, encouraging potential cooperation with Beijing, despite ongoing tensions. Lai’s statements challenge China’s role as a peace broker in global conflicts.

By Anushka Saxena

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The Indian Express | India-China border agreement: Five reasons to be cautiously optimistic

The announcement is just the first step in a long process of normalisation of the situation along the boundary areas. For starters, the agreement needs to be implemented on the ground, with patrolling becoming normalised

By Manoj Kewalramani

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Australian Strategic Policy Institute | What we can tell from China’s ICBM test

China’s decision to test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on 25 September was unusual—but not very unusual, because the country has similarly tested shorter-range ballistic missiles over a variety of geographies.

By Anushka Saxena

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The Diplomat | Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs

China will attempt to punish the states that held firm on the tariffs, while sparing those that switched positions.

By Rakshith Shetty

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The Print | India should steer clear of an ‘Asian NATO’. Its strategic flexibility is at stake

Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba’s proposal for an Asian NATO stems from his belief that the absence of a collective defence alliance could lead to wars. It’s a step too far for India.

By Yusuf T. Unjhawala

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Nikkei Asia | China isn't ready to shift to a consumption-driven economy

Investment-led export-oriented approach has acquired further salience under Xi

By Amit Kumar

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Money Control | Quad, through Chinese lens

Chinese opinions on the Quad converge on one point, that it’s a US-led tool of containment. However, there are mixed opinions on the effectiveness of the wider Quad agenda. On India, Chinese portrayal depicts the country as an opportunistic and wavering partner of the US 

By Manoj Kewalramani

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The Indian Express | In Japan, the race to replace an unpopular leadership

With departure of Fumio Kishida, ruling Liberal Democratic Party has the opportunity to reset its image and address public dissatisfaction

By Vanshika Saraf

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Stimson Center | India Must Match China’s Speedy Moves in Bangladesh’s New Political Landscape

Despite its misgivings toward the BNP and the JeI, India has little option today than to engage with these political forces. India benefited immensely over the last several years from its friendship with Hasina and the Awami League. But with new political forces rising in the aftermath of Hasina’s ouster, India will risk getting locked out and losing influence in Bangladesh if it continues to be perceived as an ally only to Hasina.

By Rakshith Shetty

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The Diplomat | Powerplay in the Pacific: A Little Competition Doesn’t Hurt

From policing assistance to digital infrastructure, strategic competition has led to better terms and more options for the Pacific Island nations.

By Vanshika Saraf

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The Hindu | Power asymmetry between China and Russia

As supplies from Moscow’s traditional partners have dried up under sanctions and Russia’s domestic capacity remains stretched, China has stepped up to help its friend. Compared to 2021, when high-priority goods from China accounted for 32% of Russia’s import needs, China’s share soared to 89% in 2023

By Amit Kumar

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