Asia-Pacific:Security Situation-Retrospects and Prospects

A disturbed security environment in Asia- Pacific will adversely affect, flow of energy, commerce and trade, leading to escalation of oil prices and hurting global economy. In the larger interest of humanity, it is imperative that every stakeholder acts responsibly and contributes towards the resolution of disputes. Time is critical, and we must act in right earnest to build confidence and create frameworks for enduring peace and stability in the region.

Battles of the Seas

Like South East Asia, South Asia, a region at logger heads with itself based or its internal fault lines, is likely to see itself engulfed in this great game between the West and the Rest – a game it not played right may undermine its economic and political future. It is here that the drama unfolding in the twin seas of South Asia – The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal needs to be carefully monitored to ensure South Asia doesn’t risk becoming pawn in geopolitical clash between the two extra regional powers.

Asia Pacific – The Great Game and India

What the Pivot Means Before the heat of US elections and Chinese transition of power cooled off,  the well times East Asia Summit and the ASEAN meet  at Phnom Phen has focused world attention on SE Asia.  With President Obama,  Prime Minister Wen Zia Bao and  Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh participating in the conference, [...]

Cold War Gains Momentum

When US president Barack Obama announced in Canberra that he was refocusing US military attention in the Asia-Pacific region, he was in effect sounding the bugle cry for a new Cold War – this time with China. Just the other day, Obama urged China to “grow up” and act responsibly on the world stage. In the meanwhile, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday that “outside forces” had no excuse to get involved in a complex dispute over the South China Sea, offering a veiled warning to the United States and others not to stick their noses into the sensitive issue.

Myanmar Post Elections Scenarios: A Geopolitical Analysis

Brig Arun Sahgal Introduction Myanmar is strategically one of the most important countries on India’s Eastern periphery both in terms of security and economic integration of the North East and even more importantly as a continental strategic land bridge with SE Asia. Myanmar needs to be seen as a continental gateway to ASEAN and further [...]

USA, China and India – The New Cold War

When viewed in context with the SIPRI Papers No15 and 26 on China and South Asian dynamics, both our posts ring in the official proclamation of a cold war in the Asia Pacific. USA wants to thin down Chinese influence for which it needs India’s support. The theory of String of Pearls may well be a part of this public diplomacy initiative to let India keep China keep each other engaged. Ravaged by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, USA wants a collaborative regime to counter Chinese influence in Asia Pacific through its “friends”. India fits the bill.

Engaging America

Once Obama is gone India should have a decent enough quid pro quo from a position of understanding without underpinning too many hopes on the outcome of the visit – and least of all in vectoring its security needs in the sub continent.