International Border between Bangladesh and West Bengal

Bangladesh–West Bengal Relations: Beyond ‘Islamisation’ and ‘Hinduisation’

Neither Bangladesh nor India — including West Bengal — is likely to fully concede its position. The future instead lies in pragmatic compromise, where domestic political constraints are balanced against the imperatives of regional cooperation. Ultimately, the trajectory of India–Bangladesh relations will depend less on identity politics and more on whether both sides can align economic necessity with political will.

Strait of Hormuz: More than a Regional Flashpoint; Prolonged Instability Could Ripple Across Continents

The broader reality is that even if a political understanding emerges, restoring confidence in the Strait may take far longer than restoring a ceasefire. Shipping markets operate as much on perception of risk as on military realities. Tanker operators, insurers, charterers, and energy traders require predictability — and that predictability is currently absent.

Trump-Xi Reset Could Leave India Strategically Exposed

New Delhi now occupies an awkward middle space: not fully trusted by the West, yet no longer fully aligned with the broader Global South consensus either. That ambiguity becomes riskier if Washington and Beijing move into even a temporary phase of strategic stabilisation.

Renewing Ties with Bangladesh: An Agenda for the new Indian High Commissioner

The major bilateral issue is border security and management. While India claims that millions of Bangladeshis enter India illegally, reside and work here, Bangladesh dismisses that contention outright, saying that as their per capita income was higher than India’s, there was no reason for economic migration from Bangladesh to India. 

More on Geopolitics and Strategic Affairs

A politicised judiciary in Pakistan needs comprehensive reforms to restore trust

The judiciary in Pakistan is at a crossroads. The current trend, characterised by politicisation and inefficiency, jeopardises the basic foundations of justice and the rule of law.

The leak-ed scandal: Can the new law cure the pervasive malady of examination paper leaks in India?

The Act does not sufficiently address the root causes of paper leaks, such as systemic corruption and the involvement of organized networks. Without tackling these underlying issues, the Act risks becoming a reactive tool rather than a proactive solution.

Climate crisis is on us: World has little to lose on climate finance agreement

If the world is not to waste this opportunity to declare an all-out war on the looming climate crisis, climate negotiators need to ‘huddle together’ with urgency to save ourselves from the scorching temperatures, devastating wildfires, deadly floods and other climate extremes of the future.  

The Reasi terror attack and the Pakistani deep state's failed stratagems

Despite Pakistan’s repeated deniability of its proxy wars it conducts against India, it is a known fact that the State’s idea of counter terrorism is to selectively crack down on some terror outfits while overlooking the actions of the ones it nurtures and aligns with on similar strategic objectives. In an effort to mollify its "iron brother" China, Pakistan has carried out heavy-handed operations against its citizens who are not supportive of China and its growing presence in Pakistani affairs.

Western support to Sikh separatists is damaging for bilateral ties

It would be helpful to understand the context and background behind support to the Khalistanis by five western governments that particularly stand out i.e. the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia.

Pakistan's Economic Advisory Council: Will conflict of interest of members stymie effective economic governance?

The inclusion of merchants with evident vested interests in the EAC exemplifies the ethical quandary at the heart of Pakistan's economic administration. Their close financial links to the industries they are supposed to supervise and advise on are a typical example of putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. 

Sheikh Hasina’s India visit: Paving the way for bilateral advancements and strategic partnerships

India may in principle approve the supply of electricity from Bhutan to Bangladesh using its power grid. Bangladesh will seek smooth supply of essentials like wheat, sugar and onions from India.

Amid worsening Myanmar situation, pressuring Bangladesh to accept more refugees will deepen Rohingya crisis

As the situation in Rakhine state remains severe, with recurrent clashes between the Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw providing no apparent resolution, sustaining the lives of over 1.3 million Rohingya is a massive challenge for Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh needs to move to a circular economy for sustainable development

By combining Bangladesh's strong readymade garment industry with the Netherlands’ circular economy knowledge, one can create a win-win situation.

Resurgence of terror in Jammu and Kashmir: India needs to face up to new realities

A temporary lull in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir a few months back was followed by spikes in killings with a sudden spurt last week as the ISI and the terror masterminds in Pakistan had been intending to thwart any attempts at peacemaking. They wanted to dispel any myth that the J&K situation had been resolved in favor of India. 

India needs more operational reforms in its defence strategy

The military is trained to give advice based on professional considerations. This is for the good of the nation and should be appreciated, even if not in consonance with the thinking of higher-ups. A ‘Yes Minister' type of general/admiral/air marshal, who may become a favourite of the government in power, will be a danger to the nation, as happened in 1962. 

China will continue to loom large in South Asia's growth calculus; remains largest trading partner of India

According to information available from the Embassy of India, Beijing more than 100 Chinese companies have established offices/operations in India. Many large Chinese state-owned companies in the field of machinery and infrastructure construction have won projects in India and have opened project offices in India. 

What the results of Elections India 2024 are telling us

The last ten years of BJP rule in the country have exacerbated social tensions. All sections of Indian society need reassurance not for the enjoyment of special privileges, except that which is provided in the Constitution, but in each citizen being assured of freedom from economic, social, or political discrimination on whatever ground. Otherwise, Indian society is faced with fractures which cannot bode well for the lasting unity that the country was born to. This is a challenge for the incoming government.

Modi's third term offers unique opportunity to revitalize India-Bangladesh ties

As India assumes a more assertive role in regional and global affairs, it may look to Bangladesh for geopolitical support on critical matters such as maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and countering external influences. By aligning their interests and working together on these fronts, India and Bangladesh can further strengthen their partnership and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

Politics and governance in post-election India: Will a new coalition government deliver?

The panorama of the political landscape will change in as much that the BJP as a party may be more in focus than the persona of PM Modi. BJP, while keeping progressive policies and development on track, should use this opportunity to emerge from being a Modi-centric party.