Modi at G20 summit: What to expect in Osaka
OSAKA (JAPAN): Buoyed by a spectacular electoral victory which has made him one of the world’s most powerful democratic leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek global support from the world’s most advanced economies to fructify his dream of achieving the target of $5 trillion economy and creating a “New India” at the G20 summit […]
China to US: Door open for talks, but no bullying please
SINGAPORE: The escalating rivalry between the US and China is set for a long haul. A day after US Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan accused China of eroding the rules-based international order, Chinese Defence Minister and State Councilor General Wei Fenghe sent a strong message across that China is ready to fight the US on […]
US bats for free & open Indo-Pacific, warns (China) against eroding others’ sovereignty
SINGAPORE: Underlining the US’ enduring commitment to shape a free and open Indo-Pacific region to avert domination attempts by any one nation, US acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan warned against “behaviour that erodes other nations’ sovereignty and sows distrust of China’s intentions.” In a veiled swipe at China, he drew the world’s attention to […]
Singapore PM’s advice to China: Use diplomacy, not force to resolve South China Sea
SINGAPORE: Diplomacy, not force – this is the overarching message of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to China amid growing global concerns about reported militarisation of the South China Sea. In a nuanced keynote speech at the 2019 Shangri-la Dialogue, Mr Lee also told defence ministers and strategic experts at Asia’s premier security forum […]
Amid challenging US & China ties, ex-diplomat Jaishankar is India’s foreign minister
With India looking to upscale and reconfigure its ties with the world’s leading powers, the Modi government has appointed Dr S. Jaishankar, a former foreign secretary and ex-envoy to the US and China, as the foreign minister of the country. This is the first time a professional diplomat will assume the chare of India’s external […]
South China Sea situation, US-China spat top Shangri La agenda
SINGAPORE: Against the backdrop of the escalating trade war between the US and China and growing concerns in the region sparked by reported militarisation of the South China Sea islands, the 18th edition of the Shangri La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security forum, will focus on shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Predictably, all eyes […]
Modi 2.0 declares war on poverty: There are only two castes in India now
“There are just two castes in the country now. Only those who are poor and want to get out of poverty and those who want to help poor out of their poverty.” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his victory speech after his party won a historic mandate for a consecutive second term, in New […]
Azhar’s terror designation paves way for better India-China relations
In a major diplomatic triumph for India, China has finally agreed to the designation of Masood Azhar, the founder of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish e-Mohammed, as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council, which is set to pave the way for stronger and harmonious relations with India. A big victory: Modi The declaration of […]
BRF: Xi unveils plans for high-quality BRI infrastructure
Beijing: The second Belt and Road Forum opened on a bright day in Beijing on April 25, with Chinese President Xi Jinping exhorting partner countries to join hands in promoting high-quality development through his signature initiative of building trans-continental infrastructure and connectivity.With around 40 world leaders in attendance at the imposing China National Convention Centre, […]
Forging ideas & research network for a smart BRI
BEIJING:With the world closely watching the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing this week, a network of think tanks and academics was launched in the Chinese capital on April 24. This pioneering platform seeks to spur a free-wheeling debate on various aspects of this grand China-initiated trans-continental initiative for building infrastructure and […]