Commentary
Find our newspaper columns, blogs, and other commentary pieces in this section. Our research focuses on Advanced Biology, High-Tech Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies & Economic Policy
The Hindu | Perils of decentralisation with Chinese characteristics
By Pranay Kotasthane & Manoj Kewalramani
Decentralisation, once celebrated as a reason for China’s economic miracle, seems to have now turned counter-productive
By Pranay Kotasthane & Manoj Kewalramani
Read the full article here.
NDTV | India And China May Finally Be Warming Up To Each Other
By Manoj Kewalramani
It's not a thaw yet, but there are certainly signs of some warming in the India-China relationship. Of late, there has been an uptick in dialogue to resolve outstanding issues along two friction points in Eastern Ladakh. At the same time, there is a fresh debate underway within India on economic engagement with China
By Manoj Kewalramani
Read the full article here.
Nikkei Asia | It's time for India to unleash private investment in nuclear energy
By Saurabh Todi
New Delhi must break bureaucratic silos to allow sector to flourish.
By Saurabh Todi
Read the full article here.
The Hindu | The continuing churn in the Chinese military
By Anushka Saxena
The changes in the military leadership have shown up the faultlines in the reform vision
By Anushka Saxena
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | China Will Generate More Nuclear Power Than Both France and the United States by 2030
By Rakshith Shetty
China’s rapid build-up of nuclear reactors is expected to see it top the global standings.
By Rakshith Shetty
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | The US Can Accelerate India’s Rise as a Legacy Chip Hub
By Satya Sahu and Amit Kumar
Friendshoring supply chains for legacy chips to countries like India is likely the most feasible long-term solution for the West in the face of China’s dominance.
By Satya Sahu and Amit Kumar
Read the full article here.
First Post | South China Sea: How growing Chinese assertiveness finds strong Philippine response
By Anushka Saxena
Beijing must prepare to face a vehement and assertive Manila, which can no longer be manipulated by a simple carrots and sticks approach.
By Anushka Saxena
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | New Regulations Seek to Address Chinese Military Veterans’ Concerns
By Anushka Saxena
China’s military veterans have organized a long line of protests against low pensions and corruption. Will the latest changes finally assuage their complaints?
By Anushka Saxena
Read the full article here.
Nikkei Asia | India is well placed to become the 'next China' and drive global growth
By Amit Kumar
Nation faces opportunities and challenges in becoming an economic powerhouse
Read the full article here.
Outlook | India's Electric Vehicle Imports: German Cars with Chinese Characteristics
By Rakshith Shetty
While India has seen a surge in EV imports, mainly from Germany, a closer look reveals a concerning trend - a significant portion of these imports may inadvertently increase India's dependence on China
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | China’s Show of Force With Belarus Amid NATO Concerns
By Anushka Saxena
As NATO sharpens its focus on China, Beijing is tightening its own military ties to Belarus.
Read the full article here.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute | Chinese soldiers gear up for winter warfare
By Anushka Saxena
China is putting great effort into developing its soldiers’ ability to operate in high-altitude and cold environments, increasing its military capacity relative to India. Skills as simple as shovelling snow have become part of combat training exercises. Equipment, facilities and procedures are being improved in what appears to be a highly systematic approach to mitigating the challenges of moving and fighting in the Himalayas and adjacent areas.
Read the full article here.
Observer Research Foundation | Higher Defence Organisation Reforms in India
By Anushka Saxena
The concept of ‘revolution in military affairs’ (RMA)a incorporates the integrated capabilities of the armed forces to create a unified fighting force. In India, these efforts have resulted in Higher Defence Organisation (HDO) reforms in the past decade, notably in the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, envisioning Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs), and incorporating ‘jointness’ efforts in the overall Indian military doctrine. With India’s national security interests being threatened by the highly integrated Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), India’s HDO reforms are a step in the right direction. However, these reforms are not without challenges.
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | From Russian Ladas to Chinese BYDs: Central Asia’s Changing Priorities
By Rakshith Shetty
Beijing is steadily drawing the region into its orbit and away from Russia’s traditional sphere of influence.
Read the full article here.
The Indian Express | Why normalcy in India-China ties is likely to stay elusive
By Manoj Kewalramani
Complete disengagement and de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh can provide a starting point for steps to be taken in other domains. Achieving this requires sustained and often frustrating dialogue at multiple levels to devise a roadmap of action
Read the full article here.
Firstpost | Putin’s North Korea visit making China uneasy
By Manoj Kewalramani and Aadit Pareek
Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang has sent a signal to Beijing that Moscow has other allies too.
Read the full article here.
NDTV World | Greater Expectations: Why China Is Going Nuclear 'Faster Than Ever'
Manoj Kewalramani
Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that the world's nuclear powers are continuing to expand investment in strengthening their arsenals. While the total number of warheads around the world is declining, the number of operational nuclear warheads is increasing. The US and Russia, of course, account for an overwhelming majority of nuclear warheads. Read the full article here.
The Hindu | China’s ‘grey-zone’ warfare tactics against Taiwan
By Anushka Saxena
The story so far: Since the new Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te has assumed office, all eyes have been on the rocky start to his tenure. While China’s belligerent response to Mr. Lai’s “pro-independence” and “secessionist” statements was striking, it has now resorted to a sophisticated ploy to respond to Mr. Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This is often referred to as ‘grey-zone’ warfare, which comprises elements that frustrate Taiwan in a sustained manner. Read the full article here.
Indian Express | Chinese armed forces have been upgrading. India must keep up
By Anushka Saxena
As part of the reforms in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) since 2015, China has focussed on preparing for combat keeping conditions of the “Information Age” in mind. It is doing so by integrating its services, arms and systems into a joint, network-centric fighting force. The PLA Western Theater Command (WTC) has played a proactive role in securing China’s southern and southwestern borders, preparing for conventional and non-conventional warfighting, and acclimatising its personnel to the rough terrains and harsh altitudes of Xinjiang and Tibet. India is one of the principal operational directions in which the WTC is mandated to act. India needs to assess the WTC’s operational structure, training mandates and warfighting priorities, especially the theatre’s “multi-domain integrated joint operations” (MDIJO) efforts. Read the full article here.