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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Firstpost | As AI arms race heats up, India’s role will be crucial
By Arindam Goswami
While India may not be competing directly in Graphics Processing Unit manufacturing, its software-centric approach to AI development could redefine the parameters of technological leadership in the artificial intelligence era.
As countries seek to diversify their tech partnerships beyond the US-China axis, India's growing AI capabilities and neutral stance could make it an attractive collaborator.
By Arindam Goswami
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 | Is India Ready To Go All-EV By 2034? Absolutely Not
By Arindam Goswami
A few days ago, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari made a startling announcement: the Union Government plans to eliminate petrol and diesel vehicles by 2034, replacing them primarily with electric vehicles (EVs). This bold move, touted as a step toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving climate goals, could lead India into a crisis of epic proportions if not meticulously planned and executed. The hidden carbon footprint of EVs, the inadequacy of our renewable energy infrastructure, the strain on our power grid and the economic and geopolitical ramifications, all paint a grim picture of a policy that could backfire disastrously.
By Arindam Goswami
Read the full article here.
Firspost | The carbon quandary: AI, big data, and impending environmental crisis
By Arindam Goswami
AI’s potential in combating climate change is tempered by a sobering reality: Its reliance on power-hungry data centres. Can ‘green AI’ become a reality before it’s too late?
By Arindam Goswami
Read the full article here.