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

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Resonant News | China’s Advanced firing range and probable SIGINT facilities near in Shigatse (Tibet Autonomous Region)

By Y Nithiyanandam

This report finds that a sophisticated PLA firing range near Shigatse is being used for high-altitude target practice and weapon calibration. Secondly, it finds evidence of probable SIGINT systems that can listen to a range of signals, including military and submarine communications, from vast distances.

By Y Nithiyanandam

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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

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

By Anushka Saxena

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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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

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

By Anushka Saxena

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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Indo-Pacific Studies Rakshith Shetty Indo-Pacific Studies Rakshith Shetty

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

By Rakshith Shetty

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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Indo-Pacific Studies Vanshika Saraf Indo-Pacific Studies Vanshika Saraf

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

By Vanshika Saraf

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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Indo-Pacific Studies Manoj Kewalramani Indo-Pacific Studies Manoj Kewalramani

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

By Manoj Kewalramani

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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Geoeconomics Anisree Suresh Geoeconomics Anisree Suresh

Money Control | Rupee internationalisation is no cakewalk

By Anisree Suresh

India and Myanmar are working on a local currency trade settlement mechanism. Despite the bilateral trade being a negligible share of India’s overall trade, the challenges in creating a smooth settlement process here are a pointer to the larger issues which need to be addressed if the Rupee is to be used to settle trades with larger partners 

By Anisree Suresh

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Indo-Pacific Studies Amit Kumar Indo-Pacific Studies Amit Kumar

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

By Amit Kumar and Vanshika Saraf

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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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

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

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Adya Madhavan Adya Madhavan

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

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Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena Indo-Pacific Studies Anushka Saxena

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

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Advanced Biology Shambhavi Naik Advanced Biology Shambhavi Naik

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

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