South and Central Asia
Sri Lanka: economic and political fragility
The Sri Lankan democracy has recently been burdened by a presidential coup. President Sirisena has overstepped his constitutional limits to sack the sitting Prime Minister and unilaterally appoint a new one. Instead of seeking parliament’s approval, he dissolved the House and announced snap elections for January 2019.
Default of IL&FS sends shockwaves through India’s financial markets
A series of defaults by India’s key infrastructure lender, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), has sparked fears about the health of other non-bank lenders and led to a squeeze in India’s corporate debt market that these lenders have relied upon.
Maldives presidential election 2018: implications for India and China
This article examines the geopolitical implications of the outcome of the 2018 Presidential Elections in Maldives on India and China, arguing that the power balance between the Asian giants is likely to tilt towards India.
The curious case of Pakistan’s democracy
This article examines military influence in Pakistani democracy and highlights problems Imran Khan might face in implementing changes. The actions of the newly elected Prime Minister will have security and economic consequences at home and in the region.
The Energy Briefing: Despite Caspian Sea agreement, obstacles to Trans-Caspian pipeline remain
On August 12, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan reached an agreement on the legal status of the Caspian Sea. In particular, the treaty removes a legal barrier to building a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Europe. However, several obstacles to the construction of the pipeline remain.
Rohingya clampdown imperils investments, risks fanning radicalism
Myanmar’s brutal crackdown against the minority Rohingya Muslim community has triggered international sanctions casting a shadow over the government’s bid to attract foreign investment from the West.
India’s concerns over the strengthened China-Maldives relations
The Republic of Maldives is an important member of the SAARC and offers key strategic value to its allies, especially India. This article examines how a souring in relations between Malé and New Delhi, along with an unprecedented Chinese presence in the archipelago, raises geopolitical risks for India.
Opinion: Should India reach out directly to the Pakistan army?
A number of important steps have been taken by India and Pakistan in the past few months. Both sides have agreed to humanitarian gestures and there is talk of enhancing trade. Trividesh Singh asks: is direct outreach a good strategy in this context?
Infrastructure setbacks in Indonesia reflect broader risks
President Jokowi’s desire to secure his infrastructure vision before next year’s election holds risks for Indonesia as well as his own candidateship.
China’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan
Beijing’s recent decision to increase diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to bolster China’s regional influence at Washington’s expense. China’s relations with Pakistan
