Rishi Gupta
Visiting Fellow, Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, KathmanduArticles by Rishi Gupta
Politics
Nepal’s new guard: How Gen Z fuelled a political sea change
In an unforeseen political upheaval for Nepal that saw the Rashtriya Swatantra Party win the largest political mandate in modern history, academic Rishi Gupta explores why Balen Shah and his party struck a chord across age groups, and how the new government plans to do a balancing act between India and China.
Rishi Gupta
02 Apr 2026
Politics
Caution and calculus: How India sees China in 2026
As India heads into 2026, it balances diplomacy and vigilance with China. Past strategic moves have fostered a trust deficit, making Delhi cautious even as both nations seek engagement and regional influence, says Indian academic Rishi Gupta.
Rishi Gupta
20 Jan 2026
Politics
Double-backed power: How the US and China are cementing Pakistan’s military rule
Pakistan’s army is consolidating unprecedented power at home, bolstered by strategic support from both the US and China, as Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir reshapes politics and state authority, argues researcher Rishi Gupta.
Rishi Gupta
17 Dec 2025
Politics
Left out of G2: India watches Washington and Beijing
An emerging US-India alliance, invigorated during the Biden administration, now hangs in the balance as Trump tellingly left Delhi out of his Asia tour. Indian researcher Rishi Gupta gives his take on the state of US-India relations.
Rishi Gupta
24 Nov 2025
Politics
India courts the Taliban — but has China taken the lead?
Delhi welcomed Afghanistan’s Taliban foreign minister in a high-profile visit, signalling cautious outreach, but China’s early engagement, Belt and Road projects, and strategic timing pose a pressing question: has China already won the race in Kabul? Academic Rishi Gupta explores India’s diplomatic approach and timing.
Rishi Gupta
04 Nov 2025
Economy
India-China flights may resume, but trust won’t take off so easily
Even as flights resume and trade recovers, deep distrust — shaped by border clashes and regional rivalries — continues to define India’s relationship with China. Indian analyst Rishi Gupta explores the issue.
Rishi Gupta
14 Oct 2025
Politics
Nepal’s youth lead change as India and China watch closely
After the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government following Gen Z protests, Nepal continues to deal with political instability under the interim government. In foreign policy, key neighbours India and China will have to contend with this changed landscape and cash in on how much (or how little) they have put effort into bringing Nepali youth to their side. Researcher Rishi Gupta gives his take on the matter.
Rishi Gupta
01 Oct 2025
Politics
The new Asian chessboard: Modi navigates China, Japan and a ‘wobbly’ US
By deepening relations with Japan and signalling openness to dialogue with China, India may be saying that equality remains the key strategic goal and it does not like to be pushed, says Indian analyst Rishi Gupta.
Rishi Gupta
09 Sep 2025
Politics
The geopolitics of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation: Where does India stand?
Despite its political and military consolidation in Tibet, Beijing remains concerned about the spillover effects of Tibetan affairs from India and Nepal. This vigilance persists, even as India upholds its longstanding policy on the Dalai Lama and Tibet. Indian analyst Rishi Gupta explains.
Rishi Gupta
27 Aug 2025
Politics
Why India feels alone in its fight against terror
For India, its fight against cross-border terrorism extends beyond military tactics; it is also a battle against the narrative propagated by Pakistan. This challenge, as Indian analyst Rishi Gupta observes, is unlikely to diminish given Pakistan’s strategic relationships with the US and China, contributing to India’s feeling of isolation.
Rishi Gupta
17 Jul 2025