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41. India: Strategic Partner or Global Challenger?

Author:
Keith McCormick
Publication Date:
02-2025
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
American Diplomacy
Institution:
American Diplomacy
Abstract:
This article provides the highlights of the discussions at this year’s DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired) conference on how the US should deal with a rising India. The participants—academics, retired diplomats, and current government officials—participated on the basis of no attribution. The three panels discussed whether India can be a new strategic partner for the US in containing China; how the US. should respond to the Modi government’s increasing use of Hindu chauvinism to undermine democracy and tolerance; and what is ahead for India’s economy, including whether it will become the leader of the Global South in challenging the current, Western-dominated international trading order.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Economy, Trade, and Strategic Partnerships
Political Geography:
China, South Asia, and India

42. The Maldives’ Development-Focused Foreign Engagements and India’s Security Interests

Author:
Athaulla ("Atho") Rasheed
Publication Date:
04-2025
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
Abstract:
India’s role in the Maldives’ security is indispensable. By aligning its external partnerships with India’s regional strategy, the Maldives can ensure mutual security without compromising its sovereignty.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Development, Sovereignty, Partnerships, and Regional Politics
Political Geography:
South Asia, India, and Maldives

43. How Does China’s Rising Defence Budget Affect India?

Author:
Neeraj Singh Manhas
Publication Date:
03-2025
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
Abstract:
China’s 2025 defence budget increased by 7.2%, totalling $245 billion, continuing military modernisation under Xi Jinping. Over the past decade, spending has doubled, focusing on advanced tech. This escalates challenges for India in border security and regional balance.
Topic:
Modernization, Xi Jinping, Defense Spending, and Military
Political Geography:
China, South Asia, India, and Asia

44. How Indian Domestic Politics Impacts Regional Arms Controls

Author:
Muhammad Shahzad Akram and Moneeb Mir
Publication Date:
01-2025
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
The interaction between domestic politics and arms control policy is a critical yet often underexplored dimension of strategic stability in South Asia. This paper examines how internal political dynamics in India influence its approach to arms control, disarmament, and strategic restraint. Traditionally viewed through the lens of regional security competition particularly with Pakistan and China, India's arms control posture is also entrenched in domestic factors such as political ideology, bureaucratic interests, civil-military relations, electoral compulsions, and the influence of strategic elites. Using a qualitative methodology and process-tracing approach, this study analyzes key policy decisions from successive Indian governments especially under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and investigates how nationalist rhetoric, public opinion, and the political utility of strategic technologies (e.g., missile tests, nuclear modernization, and space militarization) have shaped India's arms control behavior. The paper argues that India's reluctance to embrace formal arms control mechanisms is not solely a response to external threats, but also a reflection of internal political incentives to project strength, technological autonomy, and strategic assertiveness. By contextualizing India's withdrawal from multilateral arms control forums, its strategic ambiguity regarding the No First Use (NFU) policy, and its modernization of conventional and nuclear forces, the paper highlights the challenges such domestic-political linkages pose to regional arms control dialogues. The study contributes to the broader discourse on how democracies particularly rising powers steer the tension between strategic responsibility and domestic political gain. It also accentuates the necessity for regional and global arms control frameworks to account for internal political pressures when engaging states like India. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance understanding of the domestic drivers of arms control policy in India and their implications for regional security, crisis stability, and the future of arms control in South Asia.
Topic:
Arms Control and Proliferation, Domestic Politics, Ideology, and Regional Security
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

45. The American Dream and Social Mobility in Indian American Diaspora Literature: Education as a Key Factor in The Namesake

Author:
Khalil Ur Rehman, Tahir Jamil, and Abbas Jan
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
This study explores the role of education as a key factor in achieving the American Dream and social mobility within Indian American diaspora literature, with a particular focus on Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. Using concepts of social and cultural capital espoused by Pierre Bourdieu, this research takes an examination of how education works, on the one part, as a pathway to socio-economic advancement for immigrant communities, on the other, as a barrier. Subsequent analysis includes some socio-economic data regarding Indian American educational attainment and economic mobility. Findings suggest that education acts as the primary channel by which the society is integrated and the upwardly mobile created. Primarily, however, it entrenches conflicts of identity linked with culture. It serves diaspora studies by demonstrating intersections between literature, sociology, and immigrant aspiration.
Topic:
Education, Diaspora, Literature, Social Mobility, and American Dream
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

46. Post-pandemic shifts in medical electronics GVCs and changing value dynamics amidst new digitalisation: An analysis based on Indian subsidiaries of EU-based corporations

Author:
Smitha Francis
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW)
Abstract:
Realignments of global value chains (GVCs) are occurring at a time when the technological dynamics in manufacturing industries, including in healthcare-related industries like medical electronics, is undergoing significant changes due to the wave of new digitalisation. This study examines post-pandemic changes in global medical electronics value chains through industry-level trade analysis and the GVC participation of selected Indian subsidiaries of medical electronics companies based in the European Union (EU), focusing on the implications of digitalisation and data-centric strategies for capturing value. The study finds that post-COVID-19 realignments in the industry proceeded gradually until 2023. Meanwhile, digitalisation is leading to a gradual expansion in operations by EU-based medical device multinational corporations (MNCs) in India. This is shown to be due to the increased role of software for product design and process optimisation in digitalising value chains. Leading EU-based medical device MNCs are found to be leveraging India’s strengths in software design and data-analytics capabilities for co-developing their software-embedded ‘health systems’ and ‘solutions’. However, even when software and services exports from India went up with increasing digitalisation, the shares of the EU-based lead firm groups in total revenue of the Indian subsidiaries were found to increase. This occurred through imports of software-embedded medical devices and equipment along with imports of higher-valued proprietary software platforms, health systems and the like, which are patented and marketed by the EU-based lead firms or their foreign subsidiaries back to India.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, European Union, Manufacturing, Global Value Chains, Digitalization, Medical Devices, and Value Distribution
Political Geography:
Europe, South Asia, and India

47. Climate Change and Livestock in India: Impacts, Adaptation, and Policy Needs for Marginalized Communities

Author:
Shouvik Chakraborty, Debanjana Dey, and Anjana Thampi
Publication Date:
05-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), University of Massachusetts Amherst
Abstract:
This study examines the complex relationship between climate change and livestock holding patterns in India, focusing on coastal regions and marginalized communities. The research investigates whether landless and marginalized households, who constitute the majority of livestock holders in rural India, are adequately equipped to adapt to climate uncertainties. Analyses of Livestock Census data reveal a significant shift in livestock holding patterns in coastal India, with a 2.7 percent decline in the bovine population and a 22.1 percent increase in the sheep and goat populations between 2012 and 2019. This trend indicates an emerging adaptation strategy as farmers shift toward smaller ruminants, indicating greater resilience to heat stress and extreme weather conditions. We find that while large and medium landowners possess the financial resources to implement advanced adaptation strategies, marginal and landless households remain highly vulnerable due to their limited resources and heavy dependence on bovine livestock. The research concludes that region-specific livestock policies supporting indigenous breed development, traditional adaptation practices, and direct economic assistance are urgently needed to protect the livelihoods of these communities and prevent a rise in food insecurity among already undernourished populations. Furthermore, effective adaptation requires integrating local knowledge systems with scientific approaches to develop climate-resilient livestock management practices suitable for India’s diverse agro-ecological regions.
Topic:
Climate Change, Political Economy, Adaptation, and Livestock
Political Geography:
South Asia, India, and Asia

48. Deterioration of relations between the US and India

Author:
Patryk Kugiel
Publication Date:
11-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
Abstract:
The imposition by Donald Trump’s administration of 50% tariffs on goods from India, a tightened migration policy, as well as the strengthening of US cooperation with Pakistan, have all led to the most serious crisis in Indian-American relations in 25 years. Although both sides will try to ease tensions and return to normal cooperation, the shift in US policy has undermined India's trust in the US. As a result, India will be more willing to cooperate with other partners, including the BRICS countries. It will be important for the EU to strengthen its cooperation with India in order to try to prevent a deeper anti-Western drift in Indian policy.
Topic:
International Cooperation, Bilateral Relations, European Union, Donald Trump, and Migration Policy
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, India, North America, and United States of America

49. Reluctant but compelled: the inevitable divorce of India and Russia

Author:
Jakub Benedyczak and Patryk Kugiel
Publication Date:
12-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
Abstract:
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India on December 4-5 of this year strengthened the Russian-Indian partnership, but it will not reverse India's long-term trend of drifting away from Russia. This will be unaffected by attractive arms and energy offers from Russia or Donald Trump’s aggressive policy towards India. The visit boosted Russia's prestige but did not bring tangible benefits. How rapidly Indo-Russian relations weaken will depend on the development of the Russian-Chinese alliance and India's closer cooperation with the EU.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, International Cooperation, Bilateral Relations, European Union, Partnerships, and Alliance
Political Geography:
Russia, South Asia, and India

50. India’s Digital Transformation: Building Inclusive Infrastructure through DPI

Author:
Yoon Jae Ro
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)
Abstract:
India is undergoing a major digital transformation through its government-backed Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which has notably enhanced financial inclusion and made public services more accessible. Key innovations like digital IDs and mobile payment systems have helped millions. Yet, gaps in digital access persist, indicating the need for targeted efforts—especially in underserved areas. This opens up valuable opportunities for South Korea and India to collaborate, combining their strengths in technology to bridge these divides and support inclusive digital growth.
Topic:
Infrastructure, Economic Growth, Innovation, Inclusion, and Digital Transformation
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

51. India's Infrastructure Development and Korea-India Cooperation

Author:
Jeong Gon Kim
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP)
Abstract:
As the Indian government continues to expand investment in infrastructure, infrastructure development not only holds significant market potential but also serves as a crucial factor supporting Korean companies' entry into the Indian market. This report examines the infrastructure development plans of the Indian government, regional development needs, and surveys of Korean companies operating in India. It proposes implications for identifying the direction, key sectors, and regions for Korea-India infrastructure development cooperation, along with policy measures.
Topic:
Development, International Cooperation, Bilateral Relations, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
South Asia, India, Asia, and South Korea

52. India–Japan Defense Partnership in the Indo-Pacific: Geopolitical Prospects and Challenges Under Trump

Author:
Yen Pham Thi
Publication Date:
10-2025
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
Institution:
Institute for Research and European Studies (IRES)
Abstract:
This article examines the India–Japan defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on its geopolitical prospects and challenges under the Trump administration. Strengthened by shared concerns over China’s rising influence and the convergence of their Indo-Pacific strategies, the partnership has evolved beyond symbolic engagement to include joint exercises, technology sharing, and defense dialogues aimed at preserving a free and rules-based regional order. At the same time, India’s reliance on Russian defense equipment, Japan’s dependence on US security guarantees, and the “America First” policy under Trump pose significant constraints. To sustain and deepen cooperation, both nations must enhance bilateral mechanisms, pursue strategic autonomy, expand multilateral engagements, and promote regional norms. These steps are essential for building a resilient, sustainable, and strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific amid a shifting US foreign policy landscape.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Partnerships, Geopolitics, and Donald Trump
Political Geography:
Japan, China, India, Asia, and Indo-Pacific

53. Management practices, competition, and multi-product firms in developing countries

Author:
Victor Gimenez-Perales and Alina Mulyukova
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW)
Abstract:
We study how liberalization and competition affect firms’ output and product scope depending on management practices. In a model of multi-product firms, we show that firms with better management practices specialize in fewer products with lower marginal costs. The model predicts that, under increased competition, firms with better management practices are less adversely affected by competition, especially in heterogeneous sectors. Evidence from India’s de-reservation policy supports these predictions. Our simulations estimate a 0.29% welfare gain in India from the policy. The same policy could increase welfare by 0.39% in an environment with better management practices, such as the US, highlighting the management practices’ role in liberalization outcomes.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Business, Innovation, Management, and Liberalization
Political Geography:
South Asia, India, and United States of America

54. How Democracies Defend Themselves Against Authoritarianism

Author:
Robert Benson
Publication Date:
04-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center for American Progress - CAP
Abstract:
Democracies facing authoritarian threats from within have found ways to push back by strengthening institutions, reinforcing democratic norms, and building popular resistance against encroaching autocracy. Understanding these strategies is vital to learning how to fight back.
Topic:
Human Rights, National Security, Authoritarianism, Reform, Elections, Democracy, Transparency, Voting Rights, Donald Trump, Domestic Policy, and Democratic Backsliding
Political Geography:
Russia, Turkey, India, Israel, North America, and United States of America

55. Services Liberalization and Product Variety of Manufacturing Firms

Author:
Alina Mulykova
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW)
Abstract:
This paper investigates the impact of services sector liberalization on product innovation of downstream manufacturing firms. Leveraging firm-product panel data from India and employing a shift-share research design, I find that services liberalization significantly increases firms’ product portfolio. Allowing foreign investments in the banking sector decreases firm’s credit-constraint and increases the amount of interest payments on short-term loans. This shows that services liberalization reduces firms’ fixed costs of product innovation. Firms diversify into input-similar industries which changes the distribution of sales across products with the core product experiencing the most pronounced decline in the sales share.
Topic:
Globalization, Markets, Foreign Direct Investment, Innovation, and Liberalization
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

56. Determinants of Unemployment Duration in India

Author:
Roshan Kannan
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for Sustainable Employment, Azim Premji University
Abstract:
Unemployment is one of the key macroeconomic variables used to assess the performance of an economy. However, there is a bias towards conceptualizing unemployment solely through its predominant measure of rates. Considering that rates alone do not reflect labor market conditions, especially in developing countries, it is crucial to include unemployment duration in analyzing labor market efficacy and the larger economy. This paper utilizes longitudinal data from CMIE to understand the determinants of unemployment duration through an OLS linear regression and survival analysis. It finds that the groups that experience longer spells of unemployment are young and old individuals, the highly educated, and upper caste individuals. Nonparametric survival analysis is also employed to account for censoring through the hazard and survival function. This model also finds that duration dependence is non-monotonic with individuals experiencing high initial re-employment probabilities before experiencing a decline in their hazard rates. However, analysis of re-employmentwages and occupation indicates a positive association with unemployment duration which indicates potential benefits to extended job search.
Topic:
Employment, Economy, Macroeconomics, Unemployment, and Wages
Political Geography:
South Asia and India

57. The EU-India Strategic Relationship in Times of Geopolitical Turmoil

Author:
Jan Luykx
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
EGMONT - The Royal Institute for International Relations
Abstract:
After an eventful geopolitical summer, the India-EU relationship has been pushed completely to the political background. The waves created by President Trump have unbalanced both India and the EU. While this seems to have pushed the EU-India relationship into the background, it has the potential of opening up opportunities for working together more closely in several significant areas. It is up to the EU and India to take up this challenge and to carry forward their stated intention of strengthening their strategic relationship. While developing this strategic relationship, New Delhi and Brussels will both be forced to consider the reality of their respective relationships with Washington, Beijing and Moscow, in a context of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Topic:
Bilateral Relations, European Union, and Geopolitics
Political Geography:
Europe and India

58. Fragile States Index 2024 – Annual Report

Author:
Nate Haken, Paul Turner, Emily Sample, Fatoumata Maiga, and Perin Arkun
Publication Date:
02-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
The Fund for Peace
Abstract:
The Fragile States Index, produced by The Fund for Peace, is a critical tool in highlighting not only the normal pressures that all states experience, but also in identifying when those pressures are pushing a state towards the brink of failure. By highlighting pertinent issues in weak and fragile states, The Fragile States Index—and the social science framework and software application upon which it is built—makes political risk assessment and early warning of conflict accessible to policy-makers and the public at large.
Topic:
Climate Change, Authoritarianism, Fragile States, and Political stability
Political Geography:
India, Brazil, Mozambique, Senegal, Tunisia, Somalia, Balochistan, South Sudan, Sahel, Global Focus, Niger, and Burkina Faso

59. Quad: The Next Phase

Author:
Lisa Curtis, Kareen Hart, Ryan Claffey, Keerthi Martyn, and Thomas Corel
Publication Date:
06-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
Abstract:
T The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) among the United States, Australia, India, and Japan is becoming the focal point for economic and technological cooperation in the Indo-Pacific as the competition between the United States and China intensifies and regional power dynamics continue to evolve. The Quad nations share democratic values and seek to advance an affirmative vision for the region that promotes an inclusive regional architecture and offers options for regional partners, which are charting their economic and security futures in the face of growing great power competition. The second Trump administration is signaling its commitment to deepening Quad cooperation to counter China’s efforts to dominate the region and to ensure other countries in the region remain prosperous, peaceful, and free from coercion. However, the administration also has indicated that it wants to streamline the work of the Quad and whittle down its dozens of different working groups to focus on a handful of priorities. With the need to deliver tangible results, the administration is interested in maintaining fewer—yet more active—working groups that produce substantial outputs.1 While the Quad has made notable progress since it was revived nearly eight years ago, there is opportunity to expand and deepen its work to fulfill its promise of promoting a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. To
Topic:
Security, International Cooperation, Economy, Strategic Competition, and Quad Alliance
Political Geography:
Japan, China, India, Australia, United States of America, and Indo-Pacific

60. Addressing Maritime Security in Smaller South Asian States: Opportunities for US, Indian, and International Partnerships

Author:
Frank O'Donnell
Publication Date:
07-2025
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
East-West Center
Abstract:
Under the dominant US paradigm of great-power competition, the maritime domain as a concept can often be viewed as shorthand for maintaining open access to sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and assuring sufficient deterrence against Chinese and Russian maritime coercion. The December 2020 joint US Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard Maritime Strategy emphasized these points. While these issues are important, this framing downplays two key US and global security factors. These firstly include the broader, multidimensional, and often interactive set of maritime security challenges – such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, piracy, smuggling, disastrous climatic changes, and insufficient maritime law enforcement capacities – experienced by most world states, as opposed to a reductive, classical focus on the comparative naval and maritime force balances among the few international and regional powers. The second is the rising populations and economic influence of these smaller states, meaning their risk exposure to these maritime security threats poses deeper consequences beyond their borders and regions. It also means that, in an increasingly multipolar world, these states will have growing agency to select key relationships to nurture, and to decline or distance themselves from others. For great-power competition strategists, partnering with these states on their maritime security priorities as they define them will be critical to improving their own resilience and their ability to secure the global commons. Moreover, it will help nurture the durable relationships, based on mutual understanding, that each of the expert authors in this Occasional Paper special series argue their focal states are seeking. Such efforts should not be viewed as mutually exclusive with a preferred focus on high-end naval and maritime competition with rival powers, but a fundamental element of a successful grand strategy.
Topic:
Security, Partnerships, Geopolitics, Maritime, and Strategic Competition
Political Geography:
South Asia, India, and United States of America