China-India
Why Iran’s Chabahar Port has become new centre of geopolitics
To rein in Russia, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Washington’s demand is that India stop buying oil from Russia. India buys crude from Russia, refines it and then exports it. The United States believes it is by selling oil to India that Russia is able to sustain its war in Ukraine. Now, to corner Iran, the US is moving with a new strategy. It wants to impose fines or sanctions on anyone using Iran’s Chabahar port. For India, Iran’s Chabahar seaport is extremely important, both commercially and strategically. At present, India is jointly running the port with Iran under a 10-year agreement.
Why youths in Nepal suddenly erupted into bloody protest
Although Nepal, at the foot of the Himalayas, is well known for its geographical diversity, cultural heritage and rich history, its journey as a state has been far from smooth. Since independence the country has passed through many political experiments—sometimes monarchy, sometimes democratic rule, and at times military influence. After the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the transition to a republic, Nepalis hoped for a new future. People expected that after years of turmoil a democratic culture would be established, corruption would decrease, development would be for all, and governance would become transparent. Sadly, those expectations remain unfulfilled.
Why China and India choosing friendship over hostility
At the outset, it is relevant to mention a brief history of how India’s relationship with the United States turned from friendship to hostility, and how India is now having to consider China for a safe, close friendship.