Critical Minerals

Critical Minerals: The New Oil of the 21st Century?

Critical minerals are not literally the new oil, but they may play a comparable role in defining the balance of power. The race has already begun, and India’s preparedness will determine whether it merely secures access to the resources of the new century or helps shape the industrial order that emerges from them.

Trade Pivot Weakens Pakistan’s Grip on Afghanistan, as Others Move in

Afghanistan has sought to limit or reduce its structural vulnerability by moving trade through Iran’s Chabahar Port and Central Asian corridors. Kabul is realigning Afghanistan’s external economic geography by looking towards Iran, Central Asia, China and India.

India's Sugar Economy and Ethanol Politics: The Demand-Supply Imbalance Threatens to Mar Festival Season

The current rise in Indian sugar prices is the result of several factors rather than ethanol alone. Lower-than-expected production—from an initial estimate of 343 LMT to about 306 LMT—is central to the supply concern. Weather damage, disease, festival demand, global prices and market speculation have added to the pressure.

Can Iran's Chabahar Help Turkiye and India do Business?

Chabahar will not transform Türkiye–India relations. It can, however, show whether two countries with serious political disagreements are capable of making one difficult commercial route work.

More on Economy, Trade and Development

Be wary of engagement with China; India can play significant role in region: US envoy to Sri Lanka

In an interview to the Daily Mirror of Sri Lanka, US Ambassador Alaina B Teplitz flagged apprehension about the Chinese development projects in the region, warning how some of the projects have transitioned in Djibouti and Cambodia, whicn the ambassador said were  worth examining

EU must act to stop China’s expanding espionage activities: EICC

The Europe India Chamber of Commerce (EICC), a Brussels-based non-profit organisation which serves as the liaising body representing views of European and Indian businesses and enterprises, has flagged reports of “increasing espionage activities by Chinese Secret Service in Brussels" and the "dangers it may pose to the European Union’s people, media,  political institutions, and governance.”

Nepal's Tatopani transit point with China to resume operation

The Tatopani transit point at the Nepal-China border in Sindhupalchowk is reopening on Monday

India sees China digging in for winter: IAF chief

India sees China digging in for the winter along the disputed border in eastern Ladakh, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Monday

China ready to improve strategic relations with Bangladesh

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he stands ready to work with Bangladesh to better align the two countries' strategies and jointly promote the construction of the Belt and Road to take the China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation to new heights, reports Xinhua

China exercising war on multiple fronts

Xi Jinping is aware that his dream of world domination is not achievable without conflict. Should he wait for the world to arm against China, or is the present environment the best opportunity with the US in election mode? writes Lt Gen Prakash Katoch for South Asia Monitor 

China-Pakistani La: FTA-II a significant milestone

Esar Ali, the owner of a garment badges factory in Federal B Industrial Area, shifted his business to a cattle farm when imports became tougher due to strict government policies to push down imports and step up exports

Test of endurance and logistics as Indian soldiers guard peaks at 17,000 ft

For over a month soldiers are perched on peaks rising to 17000 ft as a turn-around of all troops is yet to happen because of the terrain and logistics

Memorial in Ladakh commemorates soldiers killed in clash with China

A memorial has been set up near the international border, remembering the 20 Indian soldiers who were killed in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh on June 15 during a clash with Chinese troops

Chinese vaccine Trial in Bangladesh: Sinovac now wants co-financing

The much-talked-about mass trial of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine in Bangladesh has become uncertain after drugmaker Sinovac Biotech Ltd asked the government to co-finance the initiative

CPEC has neither boosted growth nor jobs in Pakistan

The global coronavirus pandemic has dealt a severe blow to Pakistans economy, pushing it to a near-collapse despite the ongoing multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Three China-funded rail projects in Bangladesh to be reviewed

The Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office has formed a committee to review negotiated contract costs of three railways projects and whether the projects should go ahead as they have been planned

Indian Army celebrates Cho La Day to commemorate 1967 action against PLA

The Indian Army on Thursday celebrated Cho La Day to commemorate the bravery of Indian troops who gave a bloody nose to the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops during clashes at the Cho La pass in 1967

Bangladesh, China ties to be fortified through new areas of cooperation

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed their confidence that the existing relationship between Bangladesh and China will be further strengthened and deepened in the days ahead

'In the face of Chinese bullying, US commitment to India's security reflected in advanced arms sales'

When India, an "emerging global power", is a victim of China's bullying behaviour and is facing substantial security challenges, Washington's sale of advanced weapons system show its commitment to India's security, said a senior US State Department official