The India-United States relationship has surfaced as one of the most critical partnerships in the current world order, which shares global geopolitics, trade, and energy security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the first leaders to visit President Trump in his second term. This reflects the weight of the relationship between India and the U.S. The visit can bring significance to Indo-US relations and promote global stability, economic growth, and technological innovation.

The major agenda of the visit was mainly focused on the areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, defence, energy security, immigration, and technology.

Modi’s visit has strengthened ties and paved the way for future cooperation, addressing global concerns and promoting reciprocal development.

Speaker: Amb T P Sreenivasan

Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Vienna; Governor for India of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna; and Deputy Chief of Mission (Ambassadorial Rank) in the Embassy of India, Washington.

Moderator: Aleena T Sabu, Research Associate (International Relations) CPPR

Discussion Points

1. Key Agenda of Modi’s Visit to the US

2. Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

• 3. Implications on Bilateral Trade between India and US

  4. Future of India-US Relations in the Post-Trump era

On 3rd of December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing threats from "anti-state forces." This unexpected move was met with widespread domestic and international criticism, as it was perceived to undermine democratic principles. Although Yoon retracted the martial law decree within hours, the action had already ignited significant political turmoil. Following that the National Assembly voted to impeach him from his office and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo took over the Presidential activities. but his rule also did not last long, as he was also impeached owing to complaints from the opposition that President Han Duck-soo was not ready to complete the impeachment process of President Yoon. The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to deliberate on whether to uphold the impeachment, which would result in Yoon's permanent removal and prompt a presidential election within 60 days. Today we are here to further understand Martial law, the impeachment of the President and further implications of this political act in South Korea.

Speaker: Dr Jojin V John, Assistant Professor and Hon. Director, Korea Centre, School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, & Senior Fellow (Geopolitics and East Asia), CPPR

Moderator: Aleena T Sabu, Research Associate, CPPR

Discussion Points

• Political and legal implications of the Martial Law in South Korea

• Implications of the Impeachment of the Presidents in South Korea

• Political instability and future of political leadership in South Korea

• Public sentiments and the power of democracy

The recent political unrest in Bangladesh and the subsequent resignation of Sheikh Hasina have raised concerns about the political future of the country as well as the international implications. The unrest, sparked by discontent over a government job quota system, had led to a nationwide curfew and internet shutdowns. But this crisis extends beyond the borders of Bangladesh, influencing its trade relations and geopolitical stance, particularly with neighbouring India and China. Bangladesh, a significant player in South Asian trade, is now navigating a delicate path. Its ties with India, a major trading partner, could be strained as instability hampers economic activities and disrupts supply chains. Meanwhile, China, which has been increasing its influence in the region through infrastructure investments and trade agreements, may see this as an opportunity to further its strategic interests, which is a major concern for India. Join us as we analyse these developments, their impact on regional dynamics, and the potential ripple effects on global trade.

Speaker: Dr. D Dhanuraj, CPPR

Moderator: Maalavika A, Research Associate, CPPR

Discussion Points

• How is the current situation going to affect India's neighbourhood relations and its Neighbourhood First Policy?

• What would India’s stance be if Bangladesh develops closer relations with China?

• How is Indo-Bangladesh trade going to be affected due to the recent developments?

• Will the recent events cause a shift in global apparel production and if so, will India have the opportunity and the resources to fill the void left by Bangladesh?

This episode of 'Policy Beyond Borders' with Ambassador Venu Rajamani analyses India’s Foreign Policy approach in PM Modi’s consecutive third term. It explores the geopolitical significance and challenges India faces due to its relations with neighboring countries, West Asia, and major global powers. Speaker: Amb Venu Rajamony, Advisor, CPPRModerator: Neelima A, Research Associate, CPPR Key discussion points: 1. India places significant importance on maintaining good relations with its neighboring countries, recognizing that the proximity and potential influence of these nations can directly impact India's interests. The "Neighbourhood First" policy is crucial for India's regional stability and security. 2. India's "Look West" policy focuses on maintaining strong ties with West Asian countries, which are historically significant, culturally connected, and crucial for India's energy needs. The Indian diaspora, especially in the Gulf, plays a vital role in these relations. 3. India aims to maintain friendly relations with major global powers, including recent engagements with Russia. However, China's influence and activities in the region are a concern for India.

This episode of Policy Beyond Borders with Dr Shelly Johny , explores the geostrategic significance and challenges for India with respect to the recent historic agreement between India and Iran for developing and operating the Chabahar port, granting India full management of the Shahid Beheshti Port for 10 years.

This episode of Policy Beyond Borders with Dr Md Mudassar Quamar uncovers the ambitions driving Qatar's National development Vision 2030, the potential for collaboration with India, and the balancing act amidst China's influence.

Key Takeaways

1. Qatar's National Vision 2030 aims for an advanced society with sustainable development and a high standard of living. Its focus areas include human, economic, social, and environmental development. Despite challenges like structural issues, geopolitical factors, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar has experienced high economic growth, particularly in sports, gas production, and exports. The execution of its vision through different national development strategies reflects both opportunities and challenges.

2. In light of this, India and Qatar have immense opportunities to strengthen ties in diverse areas such as food, energy (including renewables), climate change, education, and cultural exchange, creating immense potential for cooperation and mutual growth.

3. China poses a challenge for India's engagement with Qatar due to Qatar's alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative and its substantial trade with China, especially in LNG supply. China’s significant investments in sectors like healthcare and technology may outpace India's efforts. However, India's increasing diplomatic and economic engagement could pave the way for stronger cooperation, leveraging its large Indian expatriate population in Qatar.

4. India takes a balanced approach when engaging with Middle Eastern countries, carefully managing its relations with Qatar and other Gulf nations. India and Qatar's relationship is based on bilateral ties, independent of other regional influences. Projects like the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor highlight Qatar's strategic positioning within the region. Better economic integration can influence geopolitics, reducing tensions and fostering stability through improved connectivity and trade relations.

This episode of Policy Beyond Borders with Dr Meena Singh Roy endeavours to unravel the multifaceted dimensions of India-UAE economic relations, exploring pivotal agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and prospects poised to shape the trajectory of regional and global commerce.

Speaker:

Dr Meena Singh Roy

Senior Fellow, Head Eurasia and West Asia Centre, Tillotoma Foundation and Former Fellow & Head West Asia and Eurasia Centre, MP-IDSA.

Moderator:

Neelima A

Associate Research, CPPR

Key Takeaways

1. India and the UAE enjoy a distinctive partnership, characterized by a strategic comprehensive alliance. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) serves as a significant catalyst for enhancing bilateral relations, as evidenced by the notable surge in bilateral trade figures from 72.9 billion in 2021-22 to 84.8 billion in 2022-23, representing a 16 percent increase.

2. The formal establishment of the UAE-India CEPA council marks another milestone in fostering bilateral trade and economic development cooperation. Noteworthy is the remarkable growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with the UAE ranking as the highest contributor to FDI in India across various sectors, including telecommunications, infrastructure, and energy.

3. An exemplar of this burgeoning partnership is Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala's first direct private equity investment in India, acquiring a 3.75% stake in Manipal, India's second-largest hospital chain, valued at ₹40,000 crore. This underscores the depth of collaboration and private sector interest in advancing relations between the two nations, transcending governmental involvement.

4. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is poised to augment the economic partnership between India and the UAE, providing a robust legal framework conducive to bilateral investment activities.

5. Sustaining the momentum of cooperation between India and the UAE is imperative, with due recognition accorded to the pivotal role of the private sector. The healthcare sector, in particular, holds immense potential for collaboration between the two nations, presenting promising avenues for further exploration and partnership.

In this podcast we will be analysing Bangladesh's foreign policy with key global players including United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia and India during Sheikh Hasina's latest term, emphasizing both continuity and future possibilities.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina retains her title as the world’s longest-serving female head of government after her party swept more than half of the parliament seats in the recently concluded 12th General election in Bangladesh. A series of events happened in Bangladesh prior to the voting, including allegations of elections not being free and fair, the arrest of a number of opposition activists, and the main opposition BNP boycotting the elections. The international community, including major powers like the US, China, Russia and even India, had their own say in the violence witnessed in Bangladesh prior to the election. 

We further explore the immediate Foreign Policy priorities of Bangladesh, the elements of continuity in India-Bangladesh relations and the challenges for the Awami League in its new term.