By combining Bangladesh's strong readymade garment industry with the Netherlands’ circular economy knowledge, one can create a win-win situation.
Bangladesh’s Lord Ram Statue Controversy fuels Renewed Debate over Religious Freedom and Social Cohesion
The controversy surrounding the proposed Lord Ram statue has emerged at a time when the BNP government has been in office for only 100 days. Some political observers believe that certain groups may be attempting to exploit the issue to deepen existing tensions between Bangladesh and India
Foreign Funds, Civil Society Freedoms, National Security and India-US Friction
Every democracy permits foreign funding under regulated conditions. The question is whether democratic states possess adequate mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and protection against external influence operations, which could be against core national interests.
India's Push-In Policy on Suspected Illegal Immigrants: Need to Mitigate Human Suffering
Over the past two months, a series of alleged push-in incidents along the Bangladesh-India border has reportedly left scores of people stranded in zero-line and no-man's-land areas under difficult conditions.
From Protectorates to Partners: The US Resets Security Expectations in Asia
The central message at the Shangri-La Dialogue is that America is staying, but on new terms. It will remain the core military balancer in the Indo-Pacific, but it expects allies and partners to become serious contributors. The era of strategic free-riding is ending. The new Indo-Pacific order will increasingly be defined by those willing and able to share the burden of preserving it.
More on Geopolitics and Strategic Affairs
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.
Deepening Russia-China ties will impact South Asian geopolitics; India needs to remain vigilant
China, however, continues with its efforts to restrict India in the South Asian region. Pakistan is virtually China’s colony and in recent years China has redoubled its infamous endeavours to rope in Bangladesh in its area of influence.
Hasina’s India visit to attend Modi’s inauguration underscores significance of Dhaka-Delhi ties
The partnership between India and Bangladesh may get a lot of attention since it demonstrates a dynamic and evolving collaboration that goes beyond basic infrastructural assistance. A healthy and stable relationship serves both countries' interests and promotes peace and prosperity both regionally and globally.
Will the general elections ease the bloodshed in Manipur?
It is therefore no surprise that in the recent general elections the people of Manipur voted for Congress for all three Lok Sabha seats. This was also because the Modi government kept painting a rosy picture of normalcy in Manipur and the prime minister, who is generally omnipresent across India, did not visit Manipur even once or even mention it.
India’s voters send a sobering message to their leaders as democracy triumphs
The voters' message was widely seen to be against the "excesses" of the Modi era -- just like it was against Mrs Gandhi 47 years ago.
Bangladesh's stellar role in UN peacekeeping must not be undermined
Bangladesh's journey in UN peacekeeping stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice. The nation's commitment to global peace and security is evident in its consistent troop deployments and active participation in the international discourse on peacekeeping.
India's election seen as a moral defeat for Modi despite his alliance’s victory
In many ways, once the final figures are certified, the 2024 election will be remembered as one where India’s hundreds of millions of ordinary people, a large percentage of them in grave economic distress, voted to create a stronger opposition of the kind they would like against an out-of-control prime minister.
India should not shy away from public debate on religion
India is the origin of Sanatana Dharma (later Hinduism) philosophy, which also gave birth to Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. India, since millennia, has absorbed Zoroastrianism and Judaism. The other two Abrahamic religions Christianity and Islam came to the shores of India within decades of their founding in the Middle East and took root. With such pluralistic beliefs and one culture, India needs to debate religions to make societies aware of their evolution.
Where comparisons end: How Hamas could be winning a war it should have lost
Interestingly, a comparison was drawn by Israel between the October 7 attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in the hope that there would be an unqualified understanding of Israel’s action. What this supposed comparison fails to recognize is that there is a significant difference.
