Commentary
Find our newspaper columns, blogs, and other commentary pieces in this section. Our research focuses on Advanced Biology, High-Tech Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies & Economic Policy
Australian Strategic Policy Institute | What we can tell from China’s ICBM test
By Anushka Saxena
China’s decision to test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean on 25 September was unusual—but not very unusual, because the country has similarly tested shorter-range ballistic missiles over a variety of geographies.
By Anushka Saxena
Read the full article here.
India Bioscience | How will BioE3 policy shape the Indian bioeconomy?
By Shambhavi Naik
The Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) policy marks a pivotal moment for India’s life sciences sector. By prioritising bio-manufacturing, it aims to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation. However, its success will depend on sustained funding, regulatory reforms, and the creation of interdisciplinary skill hubs.
By Shambhavi Naik
Read the full article here.
Money Control | Looking beyond privacy and platform governance: A case for reorienting public discourse in India
By Lokendra Sharma
The menace of influence operations is more significant than privacy and platform governance issues because of the long-term and ‘unseen’ impact of the earlier. Liberal democracies are particularly susceptible to this menace
By Lokendra Sharma
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs
By Rakshith Shetty
China will attempt to punish the states that held firm on the tariffs, while sparing those that switched positions.
By Rakshith Shetty
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | Needed: AI-enabled intel-sharing
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
Such a solution would overcome agency silos and ensure seamless and real-time information flows.
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
Read the full article here.
Money Control | The Onion and Basmati Rice story: Does India need a minimum export price?
By Anisree Suresh
The recent lifting of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) aims to boost agricultural exports, yet critics argue it's a redundant policy harming small farmers and failing to control food inflation. India's export bans on rice and fluctuating MEPs reflect ongoing efforts to manage domestic supply and prices, while the country remains a major exporter of both onions and basmati rice
By Anisree Suresh
Read the full article here.
The Print | India should steer clear of an ‘Asian NATO’. Its strategic flexibility is at stake
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba’s proposal for an Asian NATO stems from his belief that the absence of a collective defence alliance could lead to wars. It’s a step too far for India.
By Yusuf T. Unjhawala
Read the full article here.
Nikkei Asia | China isn't ready to shift to a consumption-driven economy
By Amit Kumar
Investment-led export-oriented approach has acquired further salience under Xi
By Amit Kumar
Read the full article here.
The New Indian Express | China's high-altitude heliports in Tibet a sobering reminder of threat to India along LAC
By Y Nithiyanandam
The military dynamics of Tibet are undergoing a fresh change with the construction of high-altitude helicopter infrastructure in the area.
By Y Nithiyanandam
Read the full article here.
Money Control | Quad, through Chinese lens
By Manoj Kewalramani
Chinese opinions on the Quad converge on one point, that it’s a US-led tool of containment. However, there are mixed opinions on the effectiveness of the wider Quad agenda. On India, Chinese portrayal depicts the country as an opportunistic and wavering partner of the US
By Manoj Kewalramani
Read the full article here.
The Indian Express | In Japan, the race to replace an unpopular leadership
By Vanshika Saraf
With departure of Fumio Kishida, ruling Liberal Democratic Party has the opportunity to reset its image and address public dissatisfaction
By Vanshika Saraf
Read the full article here.
Stimson Center | India Must Match China’s Speedy Moves in Bangladesh’s New Political Landscape
By Rakshith Shetty
Despite its misgivings toward the BNP and the JeI, India has little option today than to engage with these political forces. India benefited immensely over the last several years from its friendship with Hasina and the Awami League. But with new political forces rising in the aftermath of Hasina’s ouster, India will risk getting locked out and losing influence in Bangladesh if it continues to be perceived as an ally only to Hasina.
By Rakshith Shetty
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | Enhancing India’s space-tech manufacturing ecosystem
By Air Marshal T D Joseph (Retd)
A private sector space industry has come up. Govt must trust its capabilities and place orders to sustain and build it.
By Air Marshal T D Joseph (Retd)
Read the full article here.
The Diplomat | Powerplay in the Pacific: A Little Competition Doesn’t Hurt
By Vanshika Saraf
From policing assistance to digital infrastructure, strategic competition has led to better terms and more options for the Pacific Island nations.
By Vanshika Saraf
Read the full article here.
The Economic Times | Why fake satellite signals are a real threat to navigation systems in aviation, defence ops
By Y. Nithiyanandam
A recent report highlights a 400% increase in GNSS spoofing incidents. These attacks have affected even modern aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing B789.
By Y. Nithiyanandam
Read the full article here.
Times of India | That giant step for Isro
By Aditya Ramanathan
SpaceX has pulled off the world’s first commercial spacewalk. Private space stations are also on the way. To be part of this future up there, India needs to overcome diplomatic & institutional hurdles down here
By Aditya Ramanathan
Read the full article here.
The Hindu | Power asymmetry between China and Russia
By Amit Kumar
As supplies from Moscow’s traditional partners have dried up under sanctions and Russia’s domestic capacity remains stretched, China has stepped up to help its friend. Compared to 2021, when high-priority goods from China accounted for 32% of Russia’s import needs, China’s share soared to 89% in 2023
By Amit Kumar
Read the full article here.
The Print | China benefits from US involvement in Ukraine & Gaza. India must tread carefully
By Lt Gen Prakash Menon
In the context of the ongoing geopolitical contestation between the West and China, keeping the US engaged in Ukraine and Gaza will only benefit Beijing in the long run.
By Lt Gen Prakash Menon
Read the full article here.
The Quint | One Year On, Should India Revisit its Drone Components Ban?
By Anushka Saxena and Satya S Sahu
Over 70 percent of the materials crucial to India’s drone manufacturing assembly lines have been produced in China.
By Anushka Saxena & Satya S Sahu
Read the full article here.
Deccan Herald | BioE3 policy must prioritise biopharma and biomanufacturing
By Shambhavi Naik and Saurabh Todi
The BioE3 policy must prioritise sectors where current geopolitical developments have created opportunities for Indian companies to enter international markets.
By Shambhavi Naik and Saurabh Todi
Read the full article here.