India–Bhutan hydro-electric trade remains a high-value, mutually reinforcing partnership for energy security and development.Recent relations of bilateral trade operate through a mixed arrangement of long-term PPA (Power Purchase Agreements), and developer arrangements which is a State to State and increasing private participation - recently seen operations via electricity market access in India (Day-Ahead/Real Time markets).
The Indian Ocean Region is vital for trade, covering more than 17% of the global area and encompassing more than 30 littoral and Island nations across three major continents, with more than 35% of the world’s population.
Cross border integration is a strategic imperative for regional energy security,economic growth, and climate resilience. This article argues that while the initiative has made commendable progress, emerging regulatory and infrastructural challenges must be addressed to unlock its full potential.
India and Qatar share a deep energy partnership, with Qatar being a key supplier of liquified natural gas (LNG) to meet India’s growing demand. As energy trade relies heavily on secure maritime routes, rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and threats to sea lanes have made security a shared priority. To address these challenges, the India-Qatar Maritime Energy Security Dialogue has been launched to strengthen cooperation in safeguarding energy flows, enhancing naval cooperation, and building resilient supply chains. This policy update briefly examines the partnership’s significance and outlines ways to deepen collaboration for regional stability and energy security.
In the 21st century, the extensive popularity of Bollywood movies in Turkey, and the ever-growing appeal of Turkish dramas in India are emblematic of the sustained soft power diplomacy of the two sovereign nations. The roots of such connections, however, can be traced back over centuries, which included a continuous give and take between Indians and the Turks. This international cultural network between the south and west of Asia was established through consistent cultural exchanges initiated by the Sufis, who might be credited as some of the most prominent pioneers of cultural diplomacy between India and Turkey.
India and Thailand have a long history of connections grounded in culture, spirituality, and trade, especially through Buddhism and traditional practices. Recently, these ties have evolved with the rise of wellness diplomacy, particularly in Ayurveda and yoga. For India, Ayurveda represents balance, prevention, and holistic healing. Thailand, known for its spas and medical tourism, has welcomed Ayurveda as a natural addition to its traditional healing practices. Together, both countries are blending heritage with modern wellness trends, addressing global interest in natural, preventive healthcare.
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR), once a strategic backwater, has emerged as the 21st century's pivotal maritime theater.