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

China Welcomes Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Resumption

China has applauded the resumption of trade relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan after land crossings between the two neighboring countries were opened following a temporary closure under the COVID-19 crisis

India questions China's claim over South China Sea

In a diplomatic offensive against Beijing, India on Thursday rejected China's claim over the South China Sea, as the talks over the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh remained inconclusive

Trump now avoids taking stand on India-China conflict

US President Donald Trump is now avoiding taking a stand on the India-China conflict in contrast to his earlier critical remarks about Beijing or that of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Disengagement at LAC with China intricate, requires constant verification: Indian Army

The Indian Army on Thursday stated that the disengagement process at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is intricate and "requires constant verification"

Maldives-China to hold talks on Bilateral Coordination Mechanism

The Maldives foreign ministry has revealed that discussions will take place between the Maldives government and Chinese officials regarding the bilateral coordination mechanism

Democracies will unite to face China's challenge: Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that he is confident the world's free nations will join together to face the challenges from China to India and other countries in Asia

Armies of India, China discuss de-escalation for 15 hours

Military delegates of India and China held deliberations stretching for nearly 15 hours on the disengagement and de-escalation of troops and materials on their borders in eastern Ladakh, during which the Indian side asked PLA troops to completely withdraw from Pangong Lake and Depsang area

India, China talk disengagement at Pangong Lake, Depsang

India and China military delegates hold talks on Tuesday about disengagement and de-escalation of troops and materials at the borders in eastern Ladakh

Pakistan proposes more powers to CPEC Authority

The federal government has proposed to give more administrative, financial and punitive powers to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority A draft prepared by the government in this regard also lays out the role of the prime minister in the authority’s affairs

Nepal Airlines decides to ground Chinese aircraft for good to cut losses

On March 28, a Y12e aircraft of Nepal Airlines landed about 60 metres short of the runway at Nepalgunj airport and skidded before halting on the nearby grassland

Chinese toys, festival items may not be sold in India this festive season

Indian businessmen have stopped placing orders for toys and decorative lights from China

To counter China, India needs to enhance multilateral ties

Conducting bilateral diplomacy can no longer be the solution for India when dealing with China. Yet military action is also not the answer, writes Megda Bharadwaj for South Asia Monitor

Don't allow Chinese firms in Train 18 project: CAIT

The Confederation of All India Traders on Saturday urged the government not to allow Chinese firm's participation in the global tender for semi-high speed indigenous train project of Indian Railways

Educationist Sonam Wangchuk supports Tibet's freedom from China

One of India's most iconic educationists, Sonam Wangchuk, has come out in support of Tibet's freedom from China, which he believes is yet another reason to use "wallet power" against Chinese products

India, China are partners not rivals: Chinese envoy

Amid ongoing tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, on Friday said that India and China should be partners and not rivals