Commentary
Find our newspaper columns, blogs, and other commentary pieces in this section. Our research focuses on Advanced Biology, High-Tech Geopolitics, Strategic Studies, Indo-Pacific Studies & Economic Policy
Indian Express | China is turning the heat on Taiwan
By Anushka Saxena
Since the inception of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te’s presidency in Taiwan, China’s policy signalling vis-à-vis the island has become much harsher and more aggressive. China’s stance on Taiwan has taken a more urgent and assertive turn in recent months. The unveiling of the new Shuiqiao amphibious vessels at Zhanjiang port in Guangdong, coupled with heightened activity and aggressive posturing by the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command — including the recent Strait Thunder 2025A exercises — signals a sharpened focus on readiness and control. At the same time, internal probes into top military figures such as Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice-Chairman He Weidong, former Political Work Department head Miao Hua, and Eastern Theater Commander Lin Xiangyang have effectively dismantled what was known as the “Taiwan-Fujian” faction within China’s military leadership. Adding to the sense of impending conflict, some outlets, citing unnamed intelligence sources, have suggested that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could occur within six months — further fueling anxiety and speculation.
By Anushka Saxena
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South Asian Futures Fellowship | Cybersecurity Cooperation in South Asia: Measures That Can Work In A Geopolitically Fraught Region
By Lokendra Sharma
South Asia faces rising cyber threats and shared vulnerabilities, worsened by low cyber awareness and growing internet use. Despite the cross-border nature of these risks, regional cooperation remains limited due to political tensions. Drawing from EU and ASEAN models, two solutions are proposed: a joint regional mechanism for non-strategic cyber incidents and a consensus-based cyber advisory body.
By Lokendra Sharma
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India’s World | “It’s the economy, stupid”: Unpacking insights from Indian tech geopolitics survey
By Lokendra Sharma and Avinash Shet
Although Bill Clinton may have never said it publicly, the maxim “it’s the economy, stupid” has often been associated with his successful 1992 presidential campaign against incumbent George H. W. Bush. The maxim highlighted the primacy of economic considerations for American voters. Three decades later, this phrase aptly captures how Indians believe the country should navigate high-tech geopolitics. According to the Takshashila Institution’s recently released report “Technopolitik: A Technology Geopolitics Survey,” economic considerations have a bearing on how Indians think about national power, supply chain security, the space sector, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and tech talent migration.
By Lokendra Sharma and Avinash Shet
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Hindustan Times | Reimagine PMRF scheme to energise R&D ecosystem
By Avinash Shet
By Avinash Shet
In this piece, I argue that PMRF is an initiative with potential but has limited reach. By involving industries in funding research spearheaded by government research labs and PSUs and ensuring balanced support across institutions, PMRF can evolve into a more effective tool. Integrating PMRF into the Ausandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) could further enhance its impact and strengthen the research ecosystem.
Read the full article here.
Indian Express | In global trade war, China is unlikely to blink first. It has options to counter Trump
By Amit Kumar
By Amit Kumar
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Moneycontrol | US’ cyber security strategy relegates Russian threat, makes China main target
By Lokendra Sharma
The Trump administration has shown definitive signs of shuffling its hierarchy of threats. Russia, the focus during the last three presidencies, is no longer seen through the same lens. Resources are now being shifted to tackling China. It assumes salience in the backdrop of an intensifying US-China trade war
By Lokendra Sharma
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Firstpost | How India should respond to Trump’s reciprocal tariff threat?
By Anisree Suresh
The India-US relationship is taking a new turn as discussions progress to provide a strategic framework for trade relations through the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). As per the joint statement released during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, plans are in place to negotiate the first tranche of a multisectoral BTA by September 2025.
While the US is one of India’s biggest trade partners, India has never secured a free trade agreement with the US. However, with the threat of reciprocal tariffs looming over trade relations, it is high time that Washington and New Delhi secure a trade agreement to provide a platform for continued engagement. India may have to make some big promises and abandon its protectionist stances in its sensitive sectors to secure a deal with Washington.
By Anisree Suresh
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Indian Express | Black Sea Deal: Is it the beginning of the end for the Russia-Ukraine War?
By Anushka Saxena
With the new agreement brokered by the US, it is expected that even if not permanent, a long-term ceasefire in the Black Sea will finally allow for freedom of navigation and continuation of trade and commercial shipping. However, this time around, Russia, too, has learned its lesson, and has demanded that Western sanctions on its participation in global agricultural and fertiliser supply chains be immediately lifted, and a sanctioned Russian Bank be connected to the SWIFT international payment system – only then will it see the terms of the agreement through.
By Anushka Saxena
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Deccan Herald | For India, a new frontier in satellite internet
By Ashwin Prasad
In today’s information age, internet connectivity has emerged as a critical marker of development. The internet is at the heart of the globally connected economy and society, giving the means to transmit information from anywhere, to anywhere, in real-time. The digital economy runs on the internet. On that account, internet infrastructure becomes vital. Satellite internet infrastructure augments traditional internet’s reach and resilience.
By Ashwin Prasad
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The Wire | Why India needs a collaborative atmosphere to develop Indigenous aero engines
By Aishwaria Sonavane
To realise India's ambitious goal of becoming self-reliant in aero engine technology, the country must address the challenge by establishing a robust foundation, prioritising institutional transformation, building a collaborative ecosystem, and investing in critical infrastructure. I propose transforming the role of GTRE from a solitary entity to an enabling collaborator.
By Avinash Shet
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Firstpost | Agentic AI: The next frontier in artificial intelligence
By Arindam Goswami
Agentic artificial intelligence follows the natural evolution of AI and a logical technological trajectory. These are new types of systems that can proactively identify problems, create plans, and execute complex tasks across digital environments with minimal human supervision. Regulatory response to these developments has to keep up.
By Arindam Goswami
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Moneycontrol | From Technological Rivalry to Global Governance: The path forward
By Arindam Goswami
The current geopolitical landscape is shaped by technological nationalism, driven by competition in AI and semiconductors. However, game theory and historical examples suggest that this phase will evolve into co-operative frameworks, balancing national interests with global technological cooperation
By Arindam Goswami
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Moneycontrol | Four takeaways from Raisina Dialogue on contemporary geopolitics
By Lokendra Sharma
From Ukraine to information warfare, discussions at the Raisina Dialogue revealed insights about the shifts in contemporary geopolitics that India would do well to adapt to
By Lokendra Sharma
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Moneycontrol | Germany finally shakes off its fiscal straitjacket to cope with tectonic shifts
In an opinion column for MoneyControl, Vanshika Saraf talks about how Germany finally shakes off its fiscal straitjacket to cope with tectonic shifts. Her main argument? Both houses of Germany’s Parliament have approved carveouts in the country’s restrictive “debt brake” in the wake of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. For Washington, it offers a much-needed “burden-sharing” partner. For Russia and China, it is a clear signal that Europe is mobilising for long-term strategic competition.
Read the full piece here.
Deccan Herald | Mapping India’s geospatial intelligence
By Swathi Kalyani
India must prioritise geospatial advancements to counter strategic challenges, unlock security benefits
By Swathi Kalyani
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The Wire | India Navigates Relations With Taliban Amid Tensions With Pakistan
By Aishwaria Sonavane
From a previously cautious stance toward the Taliban, India’s seemingly proactive diplomacy can be understood through the prisms of strategic pragmatism and strategic opportunism. The first entails adopting a nuanced approach aimed at balancing national interests while setting aside ideological absolutism and the second refers to leveraging opportunities while keeping Pakistan firmly in the calculation. Notably, the timing of this month’s meeting, occurring amidst strained relations between the traditional allies, Pakistan and the Taliban, can widely be perceived as India’s willingness to exploit these tensions.
By Aishwaria Sonavane
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Firstpost | How Trump’s tariffs can be opportunity in crisis for India
By Arindam Goswami
While Trump’s tariffs aren’t designed to help India, they may inadvertently provide the external catalyst needed for India’s economic transformation. Sometimes, the most valuable gifts come in the most unexpected packages.
The Donald Trump administration’s recent imposition of tariffs on Indian goods could have a silver lining if India can seize the opportunity. In conditions reminiscent of the 1991 crisis that opened up India’s economy, India could use this opportunity for its long-overdue economic transformation by fostering a more export-oriented economy. This is an opportunity to shift the domestic Overton window on protectionism, albeit under pressure.
By Arindam Goswami
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Moneycontrol | Why India should keep out TikTok in the age of information warfare
By Lokendra Sharma
Even as some Chinese apps make their comeback in the country, TikTok should not be allowed in India due to cognitive autonomy concerns. Its algorithm can be potentially used to amplify or de-amplify content to suit ByteDance's, and thereby Chinese Communist Party's, objectives
By Lokendra Sharma
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Indian Express | More delivery and payment apps will not make India a tech leader
By Arindam Goswami
While India celebrates its unicorn boom, a troubling innovation gap separates us from true technological leadership. Despite boasting of the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and a massive pool of technical talent, India needs to do a lot more when it comes to cutting-edge DeepTech innovation. Its unicorns solve distribution problems rather than scientific ones. Its brightest minds build payment apps, not quantum computers. India’s venture capital flows to the next food delivery service, not fusion energy. This paradox demands explanation — and action.
By Arindam Goswami
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Moneycontrol | Lessons from China's support for local startups — a path to innovation for India
By Arindam Goswami
China's local governments drive innovation through fiscal autonomy, incentives, and policy experimentation. India can adopt similar reforms by enhancing fiscal power, creating innovation zones, and aligning municipal leaders’ incentives with startup growth to foster a competitive, innovative economy
By Arindam Goswami
Read the full article here.