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fe80cc45-066c-47fa-a736-8de00182d28d < All op-eds Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: An Overview Dr. Angana Guha Roy As more and more powers jockey for influence in the Indo-Pacific, Canada launched its long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy, implicating a shift in its foreign policy agenda. The strategy document launched on November 27 envisions the critical role the region will play in shaping Canada’s future. “Acting in Canada’s National Interests complying with its values” is the central tenet of the strategy. The emerging international order bears witness to the reality that economic interdependence cannot prevent war or build an undisputed foundation to conflict resolution. In fact, economic interdependence has been used by emboldened authoritarian countries like China to further their geopolitical interests by downplaying international norms rules and norms. Hence Canada, which in the recent past came under a critical scanner for aiming to only promote economic diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific without broadly defining its defence and security objectives, came up with an Indo-Pacific Strategy that calls for a “generational shift” in Canada’s foreign policy. The 26 page document offers a comprehensive framework of Canada’s roadmap to engage with the region outlining five strategic objectives centring on peace, security, trade, investment, and a more dynamic and proactive Canada. Canada’s strategy document positions itself in the middle of the grand bargain of major powers underlining a cautious two-pronged China strategy based on selective opposition and selective cooperation. The document marks Canada’s first strategic pushback against China after their relations turned frosty during the tenure of President Xi Jinping. The strategy calls for “profound disengagement” with “disruptive power ” China, in areas of human rights violation, international norms violation, military offensive and economic coercion implicitly hinting at China’s disregard for UN rulings on disputes in the South China sea and its action to further militarize and challenge navigation and overflight rights. Further, Canada’s highlighted reference to tackling China’s coercive measures, stems from its own experience of bearing the impact of coercive diplomacy and non-trade market practices such as forced labour . China’s increasing reluctance to comply with the mandates of the UN such as blocking the UN High Commissioner for Human Right’s report on the situation of Uyghurs in Xinjiang has further enhanced the concern among stakeholder nations. In June this year, Defense Minister Anita Anand while speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, flagged Canada’s concerns wherein she denounced China’s practice of coercive diplomacy, irresponsible state-sponsored cyber activity, and theft of international property and sensitive technology. In the recent past, Canada was compelled to issue directives to Canadian tourists and the business community to account for the growing risk of arbitrary Chinese laws. In a nutshell, the strategy is directed against policies and behaviour that defy the existing rules-based international order that undermine Canada’s national interests. Events like President Xi’s public scolding of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau during a G20 meeting in Bali, reports of China’s clandestine interference in Canada’s election to push ahead candidates affiliated with the CCP, Chinese nationals operating an illegal network of Chinese police stations in Canada, and China conducting “dangerous interceptions” of Royal Canadian Air force (RCAF) security missions, further revealed the points of friction between the two governments. Xi’s dubious commitment to work with regional players for a stable Asia Pacific and CCP’s hegemonic ambitions left little room for addressing differences through dialogue. Canada’s “evolving” approach to China adopting harder measures might be the starting point of slow and steady decoupling from China. However, the document stresses the importance of inevitably “cooperating” with China, given the size and span of its economy to address issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, global health and nuclear proliferation. Aligning with the key democratic stakeholders in the region like the United States, European Union, and Australia, Canada aims to pursue a multifaceted engagement with Taiwan ,in areas of trade, technology, democratic governance, health, and countering disinformation. Weeks before launching the strategy document Canadian delegation visited Taipei, voicing support for its membership in the World Health Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization. As the strategy promises a larger military footprint in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure “peace” and “stability” , it will ensure an added security cushion for Taiwan. Defying China’s position, Canada resolves to defend the status quo of the Taiwan Strait against any unilateral action. Chinese media deplored and rejected Canada’s blunt Indo-Pacific strategy calling it an “antithesis of multilateralism” which would eventually harm regional inclusivity. Further, it stressed Canada’s asymmetrical capability , misjudgement of regional dynamic reality, and aggressive tones and ignorance toward China would eventually harm its objective to collaborate with regional players. Canada’s tough China talks have raised questions about its membership in the QUAD in the near future. Although the leadership has remained silent on this aspect, the rolled-out strategy does underline Canada’s ties with all the QUAD countries. Particularly while mentioning India as a “crucial partner” the strategy commits to working out a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. In the recent past, the Business Council of Canada acknowledged the importance of building stronger and enduring economic ties with India to achieve success in the Indo-Pacific. As Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy aims to expand its involvement in the security horizon it must commit to boosting its defence posture. Canada is required to review its defence policy and improve its defence procurement system taking into account the new foreign policy direction. Further, Canada is facing a crisis of recruitment and retention in the Canadian armed forces . The current number of “trained effective” regulars is just over 53,000 which is below the set target of 20,000 by the government . At present Canada’s diplomatic rhetoric does offer an outline of its objectives but the implementation process would require a more proactive, dynamic and engaged Canada devoted to the existing security challenges and gaps in the region. Previous Next LATEST OP-EDS

OUR HOST INSTITUTIONS Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR) is a New Delhi based think-tank that combines rigorous academic research with policy advocacy and strategic consultancy. Based out of New Delhi — a key national capital in the emerging geopolitics of South Asia and Indo-Pacific allows CSDR to understand and help shape the ever-changing geopolitical panorama of the region. CSDR works on issues such as foreign policy, regional connectivity, defense strategy, intelligence, strategic technologies, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, climate change, and energy security. CSDR’s multidisciplinary network of research professionals and senior policy practitioners fuses incisive research with experiential knowledge. This collaboration underpins its programmatic activities empowering it to conduct timely and independent analysis, produce policy-relevant knowledge, and curate multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms for governments, businesses, research endowments, and other associated institutions. Visit website

adcaf831-2799-4ca9-9515-0cdd222ac863 < All op-eds Key Takeaways from the 20th Party Congress: Its Implications for India Dr Priya Suresh At China’s 20 th Party Congress, the Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a lengthy speech outlining the perceived accomplishments of the past five years and setting the stage for the CCP's priorities and strategies for the coming five years. The 20 th Party Congress has come at a critical juncture as the country embarks to construct a strong and modern socialist country. At the 20 th Party Congress, Xi Jinping presented a clear vision for the next five years. He was appointed the President for the third term and all the six people assisting Xi made it to the Politburo Standing Committee. President Xi announced the new leadership would not be apprehensive by “high winds, choppy waters and even dangerous storms” an explicit mention of the Party’s grip on Power. https://thediplomat.com/2022/10/xis-work-report-to-the-20th-party-congress-5-takeaways/ Xi’s position has been further strengthened making ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ the CCPs guiding philosophy for the future. The 20 th Party Congress cemented Xi’s authority as the strong and most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping. The Party Congress is more indicative of the fact that Xi does not act merely as the guardian of the Party spirit but as an advocate of the CCPs role in Chinese Society and its crucial mission of determining China’s future in the world. The Congress held high the banner of Socialism with Chinese characteristics and a model to be imbued by the rest of the world. The Party leadership has been strengthened in all respects. The most significant outcome of the 20 th Party Congress was Xi’s clear focus on carrying forward the mantle of achieving the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. The Party will continue its concerted effort of development and make breakthroughs in the field of technology and industry. Xi highlighted the Party’s key role in the growth and development of the Chinese economy. Xi is the Head of the Party, the State, and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, it is important to see how he proposes to use the next five years in China’s favour. Xi’s speech is ambitious and has set the tone for the next five years and beyond. One of the major policies is outward-looking in international politics, emphasising a proactive role in major global issues that go beyond China’s national and regional interests. Hongkong & Taiwan The most assertive section of the 20 th Party Congress was on Hong Kong and Taiwan. Xi appreciated the work of the CCP in the crackdown on pro-democracy activists in the region. In resolving the question of Taiwan, the Party shall unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification. China shall continue to adhere to the one-China principle and any form of external interference shall be dealt with severely. Xi’s dream mentioned the reunification of Taiwan and the hope to complete it by 2049. Xi’s speech strongly emphasised ‘national rejuvenation’ and any violation of China’s unity and sovereignty shall be dealt with severely. Xi did not rule out the probability of the use of force to ensure the reunification of Taiwan. Zero Covid Policy Xi reiterated a zero-covid policy approach as a necessity for the benefit of the economy. The pandemic prevention measures were very effective and shall continue to stay. Xi continued to highlight the importance of stopping the spread and reducing fatalities. Xi repeatedly emphasised the commitment to the zero-covid strategy. Assertive Foreign Policy and Security Posture Xi hinted at the continuation of the country’s aggressive foreign policy posture for the next five years as he presented the 20 th Part Congress Report. No individual country was mentioned but affirmed an assertive policy as Xi touted China’s growing global clout and warned against any external interference to suppress or contain China. Xi placed special emphasis on advancing China’s national security and urged a “strong system of strategic deterrence” https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-ramp-nuclear-arsenal-xis-assertion-establish-strong-strategic-deterrence-experts-8224361/ Xi’s speech reflected a vigorous upgrading of capabilities with new military and strategic guidance. Xi accelerated the building of a world-class military and strongly emphasised security. China continues to grapple in key areas – ideological domain, development-rural and urban, ecological conservation and protection remain formidable tasks. Xi did not rule out any unforeseen challenges and claimed various “black swan and grey rhino” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-xi-idUSKBN29Y12N events can occur at any time. Upholding and strengthening the Party leadership shall only help accelerate the country's development. China will continue to pursue independent foreign policy and shall practise a “defensive national policy”. China shall continue to follow the wolf warrior approach and assertive diplomatic tactics as and when needed. Xi’s claim to supremacy and consolidation of power can see a more aggressive and assertive China. What can India expect with Xi’s third term? Given the security environment, any projections shall be difficult. China’s move will depend on a case-to-case model. Any major change in India-China relations is unlikely with New Delhi insisting on a resolution of eastern Ladakh. Xi’s cabinet shows a “strong Indian undercurrent” reflected in candidates' selection and elevation. Wang Yi is one such recognizable name dealing with the US and India. Wolf warrior diplomats at the helm of affairs will pose a great challenge to India in bilateral and multilateral forums. Given the new game plan for the next five years, India must prepare for a periodic if not an increase in China’s assertive action vis-à-vis the LAC and regional power politics. Previous Next LATEST OP-EDS Dr Dhanasree Jayaram Intersectionality As The Key To Indo-Pacific Climate Action The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic region that faces a multitude of climate vulnerabilities. These climate vulnerabilities intermingle with the region’s social, economic, ecological, political, and cultural fault lines, thereby exacerbating the systemic crisis that the region’s populations are currently facing and will be facing in the future. Applying an intersectional framework is critical for developing a comprehensive understanding of varying vulnerabilities and capacities (that influence the agency of those affected) across societies. Read More Purvaja Modak 2024: Brazil’s G20 Year While Indonesia and India made some progress on negotiations on climate action, inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), much more action is essential. Read More Abhivardhan An Indo-Pacific Perspective on AI Safety Analysing varied approaches to AI regulation in key countries, this article explores the challenges and opportunities of AI Safety in the Indo-Pacific region and discusses the need for a coordinated approach to addressing these issues. Read More

77525501-b681-4995-9ea4-2b1f81d7fc28 < All op-eds Air Pollution and Climate Change Politics in the Indo-Pacific Dr. Helena Varkkey South Asia and Southeast Asia are both rapidly developing regions. However, economic development often comes alongside environmental degradation, especially if this growth is fueled by the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Air Pollution, Fires, and Climate Change In recent decades, air pollution has become an increasingly serious problem in both regions. Several cities in India, alongside places like Chiang Mai in Thailand and Riau in Indonesia, frequently top ‘most polluted’ lists. While baseline air pollution is already high in these areas, agricultural fires and fires related to agricultural land-use change have been identified as major contributors to seasonal (dry season, harvesting season) air pollution. Scientists continue to improve their understanding of how air pollution contributes to climate change. One critical link lies in tropical peatlands, found in abundance in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. These carbon-rich forests are important carbon sinks; however, drainage and conversion of these lands into plantations reverse the process and accelerate carbon release into the atmosphere. Drainage also increases the risk of fires. The changing climate, which may cause prolonged and more intense droughts in South Asia and Southeast Asia, further sustains ideal conditions for fires. Governance Challenges Most governments have identified agriculture-related fires as a priority issue to be resolved due to their dire impacts on social health, the economy, and the environment. However, this has proven challenging: these fires have often been described as a ‘wicked’ problem, one that is almost impossible to solve due to its complex and interrelated nature. In Southeast Asia, alongside smallholder practises, powerful local and transnational agribusiness companies have been linked to these fires. The sectors linked to these fires have often been identified as nationally strategic sectors by governments, like palm oil, sugar, and corn. ASEAN has identified the transboundary haze-producing fires as a regional priority since the 1980s. However, limitations of the ASEAN Way mode of engagement, which prioritises economic development, consensus, and non-interference, has often been blamed for the lack of progress on regional cooperation over haze. In South Asia, India was found to be the largest source of transboundary air pollution. It is important for regions like Southeast Asia and South Asia to engage in knowledge exchange over governance solutions for this ‘wicked’ problem. Fires and Climate Politics Agriculture is an integral part of the economy, culture, and society of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The commodities produced on these agricultural lands often make their way to major markets in the West. Climate consciousness in the West has affected agriculture in the South in complex ways. For example, Western consumers increasingly link palm oil production to environmental destruction. Corporate buyers have demanded ‘sustainably produced’ palm oil. However, there remains an aversion to products containing palm oil among Western consumers. This has resulted in an oversupply of palm oil produced sustainably, but largely unable to be sold as such. Climate-linked global initiatives like REDD+ operating in South Asia and Southeast Asia to address fires, among other issues, have met with mixed success. However, recent developments at COP26 in climate financing and loss and damages have been promising in fostering closer understanding between the North and the South over this complex issue. Initiatives based in the South, like Singapore’s Climate Impact X Carbon Exchange, also potentially offer solutions rooted closer to home. The challenge now is to move towards workable governance solutions to address fires and land-use change in ways that mitigate climate change at a global level, improve public health regionally, and sustain development and prosperity nationally and on the ground. Previous Next LATEST OP-EDS Dr Dhanasree Jayaram Intersectionality As The Key To Indo-Pacific Climate Action The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic region that faces a multitude of climate vulnerabilities. These climate vulnerabilities intermingle with the region’s social, economic, ecological, political, and cultural fault lines, thereby exacerbating the systemic crisis that the region’s populations are currently facing and will be facing in the future. Applying an intersectional framework is critical for developing a comprehensive understanding of varying vulnerabilities and capacities (that influence the agency of those affected) across societies. Read More Purvaja Modak 2024: Brazil’s G20 Year While Indonesia and India made some progress on negotiations on climate action, inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), much more action is essential. Read More Abhivardhan An Indo-Pacific Perspective on AI Safety Analysing varied approaches to AI regulation in key countries, this article explores the challenges and opportunities of AI Safety in the Indo-Pacific region and discusses the need for a coordinated approach to addressing these issues. Read More

EDITORIAL BOARD Dr HAPPYMON JACOB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF happymon@csdronline.com Institutional Profile Happymon Jacob is the founder and director of the Council For Strategic and Defense Research, a new-age think-tank based in New Delhi. Dr Jacob is also an Associate Professor of Diplomacy and Disarmament at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). CAPT. SARABJEET S PARMAR EDITOR- INDO-PACIFIC ssparmar@csdronline.com Institutional Profile Capt Parmar is a Distinguished Fellow at CSDR and supports CSDR’s work on Indo-Pacific, Maritime Security and the Indian Ocean Region. PROF. JAGANNATH PANDA EDITOR-INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION jpanda@isdp.eu Institutional Profile Prof. Jagannath Panda is the Head of the Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs (SCSA-IPA). He is also the Executive Editor for ISDP. Dr. Panda is a Professor at the Department of Regional and Global Studies at the University of Warsaw. VAdm ANIL K CHAWLA EDITOR-MARITIME AFFAIRS akchawlanav@csdronline.com Institutional Profile VAdm Anil K Chawla is the former Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command and a Distinguished Fellow at CSDR. RIVA GANGULY DAS EDITOR- FOREIGN POLICY riva@csdronline.com Institutional Profile Ambassador Das is a Distinguished Fellow at the Council For Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR, New Delhi). She joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1986. She has served as High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Ambassador to Romania, Albania and Moldova and has served as Consul General in Shanghai and New York. Before her retirement she was Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs. DR GAURAV SAINI EXECUTIVE EDITOR gauravsaini@csdronline.com Institutional Profile Dr. Gaurav Saini is co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, a new-age think-tak based in New Delhi.

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EDITORIAL TEAM Executive Editor: Dr. Gaurav Saini Dr. Gaurav Saini is the co-founder and Head of Operations and Strategy at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research. Read More Editor-In-Chief: Dr. Happymon Jacob Dr. Happymon Jacob is the Founder and Director of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research. Read More Associate Editor: Amba Wattal Amba is a Program Associate at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research. Amba holds a Master’s in International Studies from Symbiosis International University, Pune. Read More

< Back Dr Sutandra Singha Dr. Sutandra Singha is an enthusiastic researcher who is engaged in research in the fields of climate change vulnerability and coping-adaptive capacity analysis, climate politics, sustainable development, and geopolitics in the context of developing countries. She had been affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, from July 2010 to September 2021 to pursue her Post Graduation (Geography), M.Phil and Doctoral studies (Climate Change). She was awarded fellowships by the Indian Government (ICSSR and UGC) to pursue her research and also received fellowships by foreign universities to attend academic events in Norway, Brazil, Italy, Sri Lanka, Russia, and Germany. Through peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Sutandra has a track record of generating impactful and innovative solutions to address climate challenges. She has contributed a research paper to the geo-archive of the CLISEL Project, KTH Sweden (Horizon 2020). She served as one of the advisory board members of the Scopus indexed journal Geopolitics of Energy (Publisher: CERI, Alberta). Also, she had been an Expert Reviewer of Chapter 18: Climate Resilient Development Pathways, SOD WGII to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report. Dr. Sutandra aspires to be a distinguished researcher in the field of climate change and wants to collaborate with researchers belonging to different parts of the world. Publications ​ ​ ​

Item List READ THE OPINIONS AND VOICES OF OUR NETWORK MEMBERS HERE! LATEST WORK Dr Dhanasree Jayaram Treesa Shaju Intersectionality As The Key To Indo-Pacific Climate Action . . . Read More The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic region that faces a multitude of climate vulnerabilities. These climate vulnerabilities intermingle with the region’s social, economic, ecological, political, and cultura . . . Purvaja Modak 2024: Brazil’s G20 Year . . . Read More While Indonesia and India made some progress on negotiations on climate action, inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), much more action is e . . . Abhivardhan An Indo-Pacific Perspective on AI Safety . . . Read More Analysing varied approaches to AI regulation in key countries, this article explores the challenges and opportunities of AI Safety in the Indo-Pacific region and discusses the need for a coordinated . . . Sanchari Ghosh IMEC Roadblocks: India's 'Look West' Maritime Vision Hits a Snag . . . Read More The strategic location of the Middle East at the crossroads of two continents - Asia and Europe, and India’s reliance on the Middle East for a substantial portion of its energy imports hold pivotal si . . . Dr Shelly Johny V. The Impact of A Probable Iran-Israel War On The Maritime Security of t . . . Read More The Persian Gulf region, more specifically the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz are maritime areas on the Iranian coast over which Iran has considerable naval influence. If Iran and Israel begin . . . Dr Shelly Johny V. The Impact Of A Probable Iran-Israel War On the Maritime Security of W . . . Read More Analysing the U.S. involvement in the region, this article focuses on the impact of a probable Iran-Israel war on the maritime security of West Asia. It will also delve into the likely consequences of . . . Mr Thong Mengdavid Understanding ASEAN Blue Economy and Cambodia’s Maritime Governance Ch . . . Read More Since the establishment of ASEAN in 1967, this regional organisation has rallied tremendous efforts to promote the ASEAN’s community- building, yet there are still numerous challenges such as territor . . . Mr Satria Rizaldi Alchatib Mapping Timor-Leste in ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Outreach: Challenge or an . . . Read More Since its independence in 2002, Timor Leste had nurtured aspirations for an ASEAN membership. More recently, at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, ASEAN even adopted a roadmap for Timor Leste to beco . . . Parul Bakshi Japan Eyes More Nuclear Power for Energy Security . . . Read More Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed Japan to reevaluate its energy strategy once again. . . . Don McLain Gill India’s G20 Presidency and the Future of Indian Leadership in Internat . . . Read More While multipolarity has increasingly become a buzzword among commentators of international politics. It is crucial to conceptually decipher what it practically means for India’s leadership and the fut . . . Dr. Kaustav Padmapati Taiwan’s Critical Position in the Indo-Pacific: Implications for India . . . Read More The year 2022 was quite eventful for Taiwan as China did not stop its bullying tactics against the island nation and it has been building up its military offensive against it. . . . Cyriac S Pampackal US Senate Resolution on Arunachal Pradesh: A Goodwill Gesture or an Ic . . . Read More The U.S. Senate's 75th Resolution is a potential icebreaker for the process of securitizing the Indo-Pacific, with the US and India as partnering stakeholders. . . . Ratih Indraswari 5O Years of Indonesia-ROK Relations: Challenges and Opportunities . . . Read More Indonesia and the Republic of Korea(ROK) welcome the 50th bilateral anniversary this year but there are some key issues that need to be addressed for their partnership to strengthen further. . . . Ms Sanchari Ghosh India's G20 Presidency: The Effectiveness Of Its Leadership Depends On . . . Read More India can use its one-year presidency to demonstrate that it is capable of leading a broadly divided G-20 to make decisive interventions for the benefit of developed and developing states alike. . . . Mr Arjun Gargeyas The Need for Quad as a Techno-democratic Alliance in the Indo-Pacific . . . Read More To check the Indo-Pacific region from becoming reliant on Chinese technology infrastructure, the Quad can collaborate to develop new technologies and produce substitutes for crucial ones that China ha . . . Dr Priya Suresh Key Takeaways from the 20th Party Congress: Its Implications for India . . . Read More The 20th Party Congress has come at a critical juncture as China embarks to construct a strong and modern socialist country. . . . Mr Aditya Singh Impact of India’s Leadership at G20 and SCO on the Indo-Pacific . . . Read More This article explores how India's ascension to a leadership role at both G20 and SCO can influence its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. It also looks at some of the potential effects of . . . Dr Dhanasree Jayaram Ms Priyanka Jaiswal Can Loss and Damage Trigger Solidarity in the Indo-Pacific? . . . Read More Climate change-related extreme weather events have become the new normal in South Asia. In 2022 alone, the region witnessed a deadly heatwave (mainly in India and Pakistan) and catastrophic floods (th . . . Ms Munira Mustaffa Electoral Targeting: Lessons Learned from Digital Campaign Trails in S . . . Read More While electoral integrity, in the context of Southeast Asia, is frequently emphasised, the significance of election security preparedness in the region and the accompanying risks are not being address . . . Dr Gazala Fareedi Indo-Pacific Framework: Bridging the divide between the Global South a . . . Read More With the recent transfer of the G20 Presidency from Indonesia to India, there has been a renewed focus on the Global South. As a voice for the Global South as well as a member of the Indo-Pacific fram . . . Anurag Mishra & Paras Ratna What do the Midterm Results mean for the US Foreign Policy? . . . Read More A peculiar feature of American democracy is that it has an election every two years. The constitutional exercise, however, does not have the thunder of a presidential election as it produces little c . . . Dr. Angana Guha Roy Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: An Overview . . . Read More As more and more powers jockey for influence in the Indo-Pacific, Canada launched its long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy implicating a shift in its foreign policy agenda. . . . Dr Choong Pui Yee Malaysia's Foreign Policy under Anwar Ibrahim: Continuities and Prosp . . . Read More After years of being the prime minister-designate, Anwar Ibrahim finally become the Prime Minister of Malaysia after the 15th general election held in November 2022.As Malaysia opens a new chapter und . . . Abhivardhan Explainable AI for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific . . . Read More While governments in the Indo-Pacific region including India focus on strengthening digital public infrastructure and emphasize on the need to develop Responsible AI ethics practices, shifting to deve . . . Manoj Kewalramani Quad Needs a More Near-Term, Outcomes-Focussed Approach . . . Read More Ever since its revitalisation, the Quad grouping, comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia, has evolved an ambitious agenda. Over the past two years, the Quad has established six leader-level wor . . . Ms Parul Bakshi Powerhouse: clean energy transitions in the Indo-Pacific . . . Read More With a global energy crisis underway due to rising prices, coupled with a forecast of a harsh northern hemisphere winter and supply volatility brought on by the Russia–Ukraine war, all eyes are on the . . . Purvaja Modak Understanding/Evaluating the Indo Pacific Economic Framework . . . Read More The Indo Pacific region is emerging as the new theatre of command today with countries coming together to ensure a free, open, fair, inclusive, interconnected, resilient, secure, and prosperous region . . . Jay Maniyar The Assertiveness of Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping . . . Read More The President of the Peoples’ Republic of China, PRC, is the incredibly powerful, assertive, uncompromising, and permanent Xi Jinping. China’s foreign policy has witnessed a noticeable climbing nation . . . Lucy Alexander A Comparative Study Media Systems in India and Japan . . . Read More Media in every country is entwined with politics, international relations, culture, and history. Its functioning is primarily determined by the type of government, with different degrees of control or . . . Parul Bakshi Japan’s Missing Nuclear Energy Policy . . . Read More The urgent global need to meet climate ambitions, growing uncertainty about securing vital energy resources due to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and the inability of renewable resources to meet . . . Oorja Tapan Does India Need a New Indo-Pacific Strategy? . . . Read More The reception of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic construct adjoining the contiguous waters of the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean has gained traction in recent years with the swing of the geopoli . . . Anurag Mishra Biden’s Healing Plan: Where is it? . . . Read More As Joe Biden ascended to the Presidency, he sent waves across America and the world that gave people “hope.” In the challenging times when the world faced the most devastating health crisis, America h . . . Aakriti Sethi ASEAN: The Missing Piece in US’ Indo Pacific Strategy . . . Read More During the Bush and Obama administration, ASEAN’s role in America’s Asia policy was elevated as White House was successful in recognizing its wider importance within and beyond the region. Apart from . . . Dr. Vilashini Somiah Do Maritime Policies Matter to Those Living at Sea? . . . 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STEERING COMMITTEE Lt. Gen. Hooda (Retd) Lt. Gen. Hooda (Retd) is a Co-founder and Director of the Centre for Defense and Security of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research. Lt. Gen. Hooda was commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the 4th Gorkha Rifles in 1976 and initially served in Nagaland during the peak of insurgency. Read More Dr. Happymon Jacob Dr. Happymon Jacob is the Founder and Honourary Director of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research. Dr Jacob is Associate Professor of Diplomacy and Disarmament at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Read More

OUR TEAM Gaurav Saini Amba Wattal Devika Makkat

OUR MENTORS Adm. Anil Kumar Chawla (Retd.) Adm. Anil Kumar Chawla (Retd.) served as the 28th Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, of the Southern Naval Command. He also served as the Indian Navy’s Chief of Personnel in 2016-18. Read More ​Dr. Toby Dalton ​Dr. Toby Dalton is Co-Director of the Nuclear Policy Program, and Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He has formerly been a staff member in the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. TDalton@ceip.org Read More Prof. C. Raja Mohan Prof. C. Raja Mohan is a visiting research professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. He was also the Founding Director of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, India. isascrm@nus.edu.sg Read More Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) Through most of his 40 year illustrious career General Hasnain has served in turbulent environment and hot spots. From Sri Lanka to Siachen Glacier, from the North East to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), and in UN operations from Mozambique to Rwanda, he has seen it all in crucial appointments. Read More Dr. Bec Strating Dr. Bec Strating is the Executive Director of La Trobe Asia and a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, in the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy at La Trobe University in Melbourne. B.Strating@latrobe.edu.au Read More Prof. Anne-Marie Brady Prof. Anne-Marie Brady teaches Political Science at the University of Canterbury, and is an expert on Chinese politics. A fluent Mandarin speaker, she is also a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington DC. anne-marie.brady@canterbury.ac.nz Read More Capt. Sarabjeet S Parmar Capt Sarabjeet S Parmar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1987 and retired on 30 June 2023. He has been a Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and worked in the Indian Navy’s strategic apex level offices. He has written and spoken extensively on maritime security and strategy issues at various national and international conferences and his main areas of research include national and maritime strategy and security related aspects in the Indo-Pacific, piracy, HADR, and international maritime law with a focus on lawfare. Read More Dr Rajeswari Rajagopalan Dr. Rajeswari (Raji) Pillai Rajagopalan is the Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy &; Technology (CSST) at the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. Dr. Rajagopalan was the Technical Advisor to the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) (July 2018-July 2019). She was also a Non- Resident Indo-Pacific Fellow at the Perth USAsia Centre from April-December 2020. Read More Dr. Christian Wagner Dr. Christian Wagner is a Senior Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Berlin. Formerly, he was also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Development Research, University of Bonn. christian.wagner@swp-berlin.org Read More Amb. Shivshankar Menon Amb. Shivshankar Menon served as India’s Foreign Secretary in 2006-09 and subsequently as its fourth National Security Advisor. A career diplomat, he is among India’s foremost foreign policy experts. Read More Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda (Retd.) Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda (Retd.), served as an Officer in the Indian Army, and retired as Northern Army Commander in 2016. He has vast experience in counter-insurgency and crisis-management at the strategic level. dhooda@csdronline.org Read More Amb. Rakesh Sood Amb. Rakesh Sood is veteran of the Indian Foreign Service, having held posts including India’s Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non – Proliferation. Read More Lieutenant General Raj Shukla In a career spanning over four decades in the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Raj Shukla has seen extensive service in the field - he commanded a Medium Regiment in the Eastern / Desert Theatres, an Infantry Brigade in Counter Insurgency Operations, an Infantry Division along the Line of Control in the Kashmir Valley and a Pivot Corps along the Western Borders. Read More Dr. Sinderpal Singh Dr. Sinderpal Singh Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the South Asia Programme at the Nanyang Technological University. He was formerly also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University Singapore. issinderpal@ntu.edu.sgUniversity of Singapore. Read More Nitin Pai Mr Nitin Pai is co-founder and director of the Takshashila Institution, an independent centre for research and education in public policy based in Bangalore. His research includes cyber and space power, Indo-Pacific geopolitics, and defence economics. Read More