https://thestatecraft.in//blog An independent research and policy platform dedicated to rigorous analysis of national security, international order, and strategic affairs. en-us thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://thestatecraft.in//blog/trump-xi-summit-signals-new-era-of-managed-competition https://thestatecraft.in//blog/trump-xi-summit-signals-new-era-of-managed-competition Trump’s Beijing summit sought to stabilise increasingly adversarial US-China ties. While both leaders projected cooperation, deep structural conflicts over technology, supply chains, Taiwan, and rare earths persist, marking a new era of managed strategic competition. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) great power competitionasia https://thestatecraft.in//blog/russia-taliban-security-pact-strategic-partnership-or-return-to-soviet-era-influence https://thestatecraft.in//blog/russia-taliban-security-pact-strategic-partnership-or-return-to-soviet-era-influence The Russia-Taliban security pact signals shifting security arrangements in the region. While the pact is not a mutual defense treaty, it will help the Taliban reduce its reliance on Pakistan while allowing Russia greater regional influence and counterterrorism visibility. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) defense-partnershipsouth-asia https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-and-china-border-calm-cautious-thaw https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-and-china-border-calm-cautious-thaw At the 35th WMCC meeting, India and China expressed satisfaction with maintained peace along the LAC. Tactical steps like resuming dialogues and flights show pragmatic stabilisation, deep-seated mistrust and border dispute prevent a full relationship reset. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) south-asiasecurity https://thestatecraft.in//blog/indonesia-balancing-between-islam-and-international-responsibility https://thestatecraft.in//blog/indonesia-balancing-between-islam-and-international-responsibility President Prabowo Subianto balances Indonesia’s Islamic solidarity with Palestine and its global responsibilities by backing a two-state solution and peacekeeping. Backed by key Islamic organisations, this pragmatic approach frames humanitarian aid as both a moral and anti-colonial duty. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) south-east-asiamiddle-east https://thestatecraft.in//blog/iran-oil-the-new-geopolitical-realignment-how-should-india-navigate https://thestatecraft.in//blog/iran-oil-the-new-geopolitical-realignment-how-should-india-navigate The disruption’s in the Strait of Hormuz has spiked global oil prices. India continues to balance ties with the US/Israel and Tehran, diversify imports in the emerging multipolar realignment. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) middle-eastenergysecurity https://thestatecraft.in//blog/mobility-freedom-china-global-outreach-insights-from-professor-nyiri-pal https://thestatecraft.in//blog/mobility-freedom-china-global-outreach-insights-from-professor-nyiri-pal Dr. Nyíri Pál is Professor at the Institute of Global Studies, Budapest University of Economics (Corvinus) and Professor of Global History from an Anthropological Perspective at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. His research focuses on the international mobility of Chinese elites, offering useful insights into China’s changing role in an interconnected world. In an exclusive email interview with The Statecraft Institute (TSI), Professor Nyíri Pál discusses the dynamic changes happening in Chinese migration, transnational business, digital nationalism and statecraft in an interconnected but fragmented world. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) interview https://thestatecraft.in//blog/brics-in-transition-when-expansion-tests-unity https://thestatecraft.in//blog/brics-in-transition-when-expansion-tests-unity The 2026 BRICS New Delhi summit exposed deep divisions, as Iran-UAE tensions over the Israel-Iran conflict flared. While rapid expansion has increased the group’s geopolitical weight, it has fractured unity—turning a development platform into a fragmented diplomatic arena where India must balance rivalries. Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) bricsmultilateralismglobal-south https://thestatecraft.in//blog/managing-hormuz-crisis-strategies-of-egypt-china-india https://thestatecraft.in//blog/managing-hormuz-crisis-strategies-of-egypt-china-india Egypt, China, and India prioritise energy security amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Egypt acts as a defensive shield with diplomatic efforts and the SUMED pipeline. China pursues cautious diplomacy and economic alternatives, while India secures routes through strategic partnerships and diplomatic engagement. Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) energymiddle-east https://thestatecraft.in//blog/power-dynamics-in-bay-of-bengal https://thestatecraft.in//blog/power-dynamics-in-bay-of-bengal बंगाल की खाड़ी में नया शक्ति-संतुलन उभर रहा है। अमेरिका-बांग्लादेश सैन्य एवं व्यापारिक समझौता हिंद-प्रशांत क्षेत्र की भू-राजनीति को नए सिरे से परिभाषित करेगा तथा भारत के लिए अवसरों के साथ-साथ चुनौतियाँ भी उत्पन्न करेगा। Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) balance-of-powermaritimesouth-asia https://thestatecraft.in//blog/countering-the-unholy-alliance-of-pakistan-sponsored-narco-terrorism https://thestatecraft.in//blog/countering-the-unholy-alliance-of-pakistan-sponsored-narco-terrorism Pakistan-sponsored narco-terrorism along India’s western borders is a serious security concern. Technological advancements, particularly the use of Chinese drones, have enabled the smuggling of drugs along with small arms, posing a persistent challenge that Indian security forces continue to counter effectively. Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) terrorismhybrid-warfaresouth-asia https://thestatecraft.in//blog/bangladesh-at-crossroads-from-electoral-autocracy-to-one-party-dominance https://thestatecraft.in//blog/bangladesh-at-crossroads-from-electoral-autocracy-to-one-party-dominance Since February 2026, Bangladesh has transitioned from the Awami League’s electoral autocracy to BNP-led one-party dominance. The BNP’s landslide victory and the Awami League ban have concentrated power, sparking fears of a return to authoritarian rule. Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) south-asianeighbourhooddemocracy https://thestatecraft.in//blog/hormuz-calculus-behind-indias-gulf-shield https://thestatecraft.in//blog/hormuz-calculus-behind-indias-gulf-shield PM Modi’s brief Abu Dhabi visit underscores India’s deepening strategic ties with the UAE amid Hormuz tensions. Beyond booming trade and oil pacts, it signals growing security cooperation, maritime awareness, and multi-alignment to shield India’s energy lifelines in a volatile Gulf. Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) middle-eastenergygeopolitics https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-vietnam-relations-indo-pacific-flux https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-vietnam-relations-indo-pacific-flux Vietnam's President Tô Lâm's recent visit to India upgraded ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations are deepening defence, maritime and economic cooperation, poised to play a key role amid South China Sea tensions and Indo-Pacific realignment. Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) indo-pacificaseansouth-east asia https://thestatecraft.in//blog/shifting-landscape-gulf-region-impact-india https://thestatecraft.in//blog/shifting-landscape-gulf-region-impact-india The US-Israel and Iran conflict, and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten India's energy and trade security. Heavily dependent on Gulf imports, Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UAE is a strategic move to secure vital oil and gas supplies until regional hostilities subside. Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) middle-eastconflictenergy https://thestatecraft.in//blog/one-year-operation-sindoor-turning-point-india-security-strategy https://thestatecraft.in//blog/one-year-operation-sindoor-turning-point-india-security-strategy One year after Operation Sindoor, India's precise military strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps, marked a significant shift in India's defence strategy. The event marked a shift to proactive defence, and stronger deterrence against cross-border terrorism while maintaining controlled escalation. Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) securitysouth-asiageopolitics https://thestatecraft.in//blog/operation-sindoor-and-chinas-shadow-conflict https://thestatecraft.in//blog/operation-sindoor-and-chinas-shadow-conflict On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, China acknowledged its assistance to Pakistan against India. Amid rising conflicts and a mischievous neighbourhood, India should not hold back and relax. New Delhi should prepare both militarily and diplomatically for the unseen conflict. Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) south-asiaconflictgeopolitics https://thestatecraft.in//blog/fueling-power-and-influence-energy-competition-indo-pacific https://thestatecraft.in//blog/fueling-power-and-influence-energy-competition-indo-pacific The Indo-Pacific is an emerging region in energy geopolitics where India and China remain key players. China has leverage in the form of BRI and renewables, while India has developed close alliances and maritime links to counter the growing Chinese web in the region. Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) indo-pacificenergygeopolitics https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-sagar-to-mahasagar-maritime-doctrine https://thestatecraft.in//blog/india-sagar-to-mahasagar-maritime-doctrine Moving from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR, the 2026 Maritime Security Strategy underpins New Delhi’s maritime superiority. The naval advancement, blue water economy, port led-modernisation and enhanced regional and global maritime cooperation – showcases a confident path towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT thestatecraft@rediffmail.com (The Statecraft Institute) indo-pacificmaritimegeopolitics