Category International Relations and Strategic Studies

Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (2018): India’s Institutional Framework for Diaspora Welfare

The PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAHAYATA KENDRA earlier known as the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) serves as the Government of India’s primary mechanism for addressing the welfare and protection needs of overseas Indian communities, particularly migrant workers. Established to combat exploitation and streamline support systems, PBSK operates under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with a mandate rooted in emergency assistance, legal empowerment, and preventive diplomacy.

India–U.S. Relations During the Trump Era (2017–2021) and Strategic Implications for 2025 Onwards

The bilateral relationship between India and the United States has, over the decades, evolved from distant diplomacy to strategic engagement. During the presidency of Donald Trump (2017–2021), this relationship entered a particularly complex phase—marked by stronger defense cooperation on one hand and notable tensions in trade, immigration, and cultural discourse on the other.

South Korea’s New President Juggles Trump Tensions and Homefront Troubles

''South Korea’s snap elections, originally slated for 2027, have brought a ‘liberal’ leader, Lee Jae-myung, to the Blue House in Seoul, after months of political turmoil. Lee had taken centre stage since the December insurrection following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law, culminating in his impeachment. This landslide victory of Lee, however, has also created high expectations among the South Koreans who expect him to bridge the fierce ideological fault lines at home and handle the challenges posed by Trump and Lee's own ‘soft’ approach towards China. Lee, though, has been a survivor and is likely to stay on course''

Syria’s Al-Sharaa, a former terrorist turned head of state, is gaining diplomatic momentum but faces a daunting challenge.

Perhaps for Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka al-Jolani, displacing Assad with exemplary speed may not have been as important as his being embraced by President Donald Trump during his visit to Saudi Arabia this month (May 13-16). Of course, this was done at the behest of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), whose welcome to al-Sharaa, by extending the Arab embrace, has been strategic and far-reaching.

Canada After Trudeau: Carney’s Coalition, Trump’s Shadow, and India’s Opportunity

The Canadian election may have been somewhat eclipsed by US President Donald Trump's trade war, but within the country, Canada turned a political corner. In many ways, the Canadian election results have depicted how the grounds have shifted considerably since the last election in 2021. First, the Liberal party has made a rather expected comeback with just a few seats shy of the majority needed to form the government. In its fourth successive mandate, the Liberal Party has shown a remarkable resilience in sustaining popularity. However, this time, the external factor in Donald Trump was more consequential in galvanising sentiments inside Canada than the Liberal party's own steps towards political revival.

Strengthening Trade Ties: India’s Strategic Approach to Free Trade Agreements with the EU, UK, and EFTA

India's strategic engagement in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) reflects its commitment to integrating into the global economy and enhancing trade relations. These agreements aim to reduce tariffs, eliminate trade barriers, and foster investment, promoting economic growth and development.
The negotiations for the India and European Union Free Trade Agreement were initiated in 2007 were stopped in 2013 due to differences in market access and regulatory standards. The discussions were again resumed in June 2022, where both India and the European Union were aiming to finalise the FTA by the end of 2025. The European Union is India’s third-largest Trading Partner, and the FTA is aimed at strengthening this trade relationship and taking it further while also addressing key issues related to trade and investment.

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