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
Money Control | China-Taiwan Tensions: A shift in cross-Strait policy language
By Anushka Saxena
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
Read the full article here.
The Indian Express | India-China border agreement: Five reasons to be cautiously optimistic
By Manoj Kewalramani
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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The Diplomat | India’s West Asia Quandary
By Adya Madhavan
Other governments that enjoy friendly ties with Israel have not hesitated to criticize it. What explains India’s reluctance?
By Adya Madhavan
Read the full article here.
The Print | Why US is the ideal partner in India’s manufacturing dream—and what the two nations must do
By Sarthak Pradhan
India must leverage its state capacity to implement policies that support businesses while avoiding coercive actions that create chilling effects on companies and investments.
By Sarthak Pradhan
Read the full article here.
The Print | India’s manufacturing sector is stagnant. Relying on PLI not enough, policies need a relook
By Sarthak Pradhan
India’s high tariff rates, which have been increasing since 2014, are almost double than those of Vietnam and China.
By Sarthak Pradhan
Read the full article here.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute | What we can tell from China’s ICBM test
By Anushka Saxena
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
Read the full article here.
India Bioscience | How will BioE3 policy shape the Indian bioeconomy?
By Shambhavi Naik
The Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) policy marks a pivotal moment for India’s life sciences sector. By prioritising bio-manufacturing, it aims to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation. However, its success will depend on sustained funding, regulatory reforms, and the creation of interdisciplinary skill hubs.
By Shambhavi Naik
Read the full article here.
Money Control | Looking beyond privacy and platform governance: A case for reorienting public discourse in India
By Lokendra Sharma
The menace of influence operations is more significant than privacy and platform governance issues because of the long-term and ‘unseen’ impact of the earlier. Liberal democracies are particularly susceptible to this menace
By Lokendra Sharma
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs
By Rakshith Shetty
China will attempt to punish the states that held firm on the tariffs, while sparing those that switched positions.
By Rakshith Shetty
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | Needed: AI-enabled intel-sharing
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
Such a solution would overcome agency silos and ensure seamless and real-time information flows.
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
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Money Control | The Onion and Basmati Rice story: Does India need a minimum export price?
By Anisree Suresh
The recent lifting of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) aims to boost agricultural exports, yet critics argue it's a redundant policy harming small farmers and failing to control food inflation. India's export bans on rice and fluctuating MEPs reflect ongoing efforts to manage domestic supply and prices, while the country remains a major exporter of both onions and basmati rice
By Anisree Suresh
Read the full article here.
The Print | India should steer clear of an ‘Asian NATO’. Its strategic flexibility is at stake
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
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
By Amit Kumar
Investment-led export-oriented approach has acquired further salience under Xi
By Amit Kumar
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The New Indian Express | China's high-altitude heliports in Tibet a sobering reminder of threat to India along LAC
By Y Nithiyanandam
The military dynamics of Tibet are undergoing a fresh change with the construction of high-altitude helicopter infrastructure in the area.
By Y Nithiyanandam
Read the full article here.
Money Control | Quad, through Chinese lens
By Manoj Kewalramani
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
Read the full article here.
The Indian Express | In Japan, the race to replace an unpopular leadership
By Vanshika Saraf
With departure of Fumio Kishida, ruling Liberal Democratic Party has the opportunity to reset its image and address public dissatisfaction
By Vanshika Saraf
Read the full article here.
Stimson Center | India Must Match China’s Speedy Moves in Bangladesh’s New Political Landscape
By Rakshith Shetty
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
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | Enhancing India’s space-tech manufacturing ecosystem
By Air Marshal T D Joseph (Retd)
A private sector space industry has come up. Govt must trust its capabilities and place orders to sustain and build it.
By Air Marshal T D Joseph (Retd)
Read the full article here.
Radio Free Asia | Satellite photos show Chinese heliport in Tibet near disputed border with India
By Y Nithiyanandam
Experts say the facility could help in case of a border clash with India.
By Y Nithiyanandam
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | Powerplay in the Pacific: A Little Competition Doesn’t Hurt
By Vanshika Saraf
From policing assistance to digital infrastructure, strategic competition has led to better terms and more options for the Pacific Island nations.
By Vanshika Saraf
Read the full article here.