Blog
Joint Efforts of India and Central Asia on Counter-Terrorism
October 4, 2024This article highlights the growing counter-terrorism collaboration between India and Central Asian countries, driven by shared concerns over the rise of extremist groups like Hizbut Tahrir and ISIS. It discusses recent arrests in both regions, the outcomes of the SCO Summit's Astana Declaration, and India's efforts to strengthen security partnerships to combat terrorism and extremism, particularly in response to the expanding influence of ISIS-Khorasan Province.
Israel's Covert War with Hizbullah Escalates Amid Pager Explosions
September 20, 2024Israel is believed to have launched a covert operation targeting Hezbollah’s communications devices, resulting in a series of explosions in Lebanon and Syria on September 17-18. These attacks killed at least 32 people and injured thousands, dealing a major blow to Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The devices—pagers and radios—used by Hezbollah to avoid Israeli surveillance were secretly sabotaged, causing them to detonate almost simultaneously.
Zangezur Corridor: A Geopolitical Flashpoint in the South Caucasus
September 12, 2024The proposed Zangezur Corridor, a transport route connecting mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory, has emerged as a major geopolitical issue in the South Caucasus, drawing intense reactions from key regional players, particularly Russia and Iran. Russia, citing a 2020 ceasefire agreement, supports the corridor's opening and wants its security to be managed by the Russian Federal Security Service. However, Iran views the corridor as a "red line," fearing it will reduce its strategic influence in regional cargo transit and shift the balance of power toward Turkey and Azerbaijan. Iranian officials have expressed concerns over Russia's stance, perceiving it as a betrayal of their longstanding alliance. Iran’s opposition has prompted questions about a possible shift in its regional policy, potentially moving closer to the West while distancing itself from Moscow. Despite this tension, the corridor presents opportunities for cooperation, potentially enhancing regional connectivity and trade. The future of the Zangezur Corridor remains uncertain, with its outcome poised to significantly impact the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus.
"Kyrgyzstan-India Ties Boost Business Opportunities"
August 11, 2024Kyrgyzstan and India share a deep cultural history and strong political ties, leading to new business opportunities. The strategic partnership between the two countries, formalized during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2019 visit, has boosted trade, investment, and cooperation across multiple sectors. Key areas of opportunity include agriculture, textiles, hydropower, tourism, and digital development. Both countries are working on enhancing direct banking relationships to facilitate smoother transactions, and there is significant potential for investment in Kyrgyzstan's natural resources, energy sector, and emerging markets like ICT and renewable energy.
India Drives Innovation and Growth in SCO Start-up Forum
July 18, 2024Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's pivotal role in advancing the economic agenda of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) through initiatives like the SCO Start-up Forum. With over 130,000 start-ups, including 100 unicorns, India is a leading global start-up ecosystem. Set to host the fifth SCO start-up forum in January 2025, India aims to foster collaboration among SCO nations. India's digital public infrastructure, such as Aadhaar and UPI, has revolutionized the start-up landscape and been adopted by several countries. Key areas of innovation include health tech and pharmaceuticals, with significant exports to Central Asia. Indian start-ups have opportunities for joint ventures with Central Asian nations, enhancing quality control and digitization. India's expertise supports SCO countries in expanding social and financial assistance, creating a global network of innovation and entrepreneurship.