If Myanmar decides to move the China-India balancing act in favour of Beijing, post-COVID-19, Myanmar might fall into huge debt trap that might further jeopardise its economy. But India cannot compromise on Myanmar if it aims to expand its presence in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific. ...
The Chinese actions and policies have no consistency. Thus, it seems highly unlikely that China will emerge as a leader. In the post-COVID-19 scenario, people are even doubtful whether China will remain as the world’s manufacturing hub as Japan, the US and others thinking to shift their investment from China to India and South East Asia. ...
Member states must reaffirm their conviction to intensify collective efforts in realising the objective and purposes of BIMSTEC by working together for the betterment of the people of the region. With renewed political commitment of the member countries, it can be said that BIMSTEC will come over perceptible hurdles to turn into a viable regional forum. ...
ASEAN has emerged as a ‘middle power’, though it has adopted AOIP but it also maintains its relations with China and tries to make the most from both the sides. This middle power tag on the ASEAN helps it to progress towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 for an integrated, peaceful and stable community. ...
Partisan approach to the issues of national concerns often lead political and constitutional crisis in the country. COVID-19 is a common enemy of human being, but unfortunately, this common enemy too could not unite the political parties of Sri Lanka and convince them to lodge a united fight leaving their political interests aside. ...
The pandemic has caused suffering in Nepal as well, Chinese president Xi called the Nepalese president and offered all possible help. China has donated medical masks, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), infra rate thermometer, PCR machine, testing kits and other medical supplies to Nepal. Chinese ambassador has mediated a video conference between Nepalese and Chinese medical team that helped Nepal learn from the Chinese experience. ...
The lack of time is a big concern regarding the completion of mega-projects because Bangladesh still has backlogs in terms of implementing huge infrastructural projects. The threat to environmental protection, as opposed to the implementation of mega-projects, is also a million-dollar dilemma for Bangladesh. To mitigate these challenges, it is essential to coordinate on economic development strategies and policies. ...
The developing bellicosity in the Gulf needs a pragmatic de-escalation approach and a smart power strategy, weaving pressure with diplomacy, on the part of the US to achieve its goal. The US must also utilise the JCPOA as a platform to create genuine peace and security in the region. ...
Engaging with Central Asia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan offer India a bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Faster development collaboration between India and Central Asian countries would prove beneficial to both, since Central Asia would be able to access appropriate technologies and knowledge from India and India could access the rich natural resources and upcoming markets in the region. ...
Maritime Security in the IOR: Assessing Approaches from India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives
India has collated its security strategy with the island countries of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. These two island countries are key for India's Neighbourhood First and security policy. ...