QUAD
Economy
India counters Trump pullback with FTAs, e-rupee
India has long been working hard at diversification, with recent high-profile gains like the EU-India FTA. With its efforts to widen the use of the e-rupee and increase BRICS interoperability in digital currencies, it may be upping its game. ISAS academic Amitendu Palit shares his views.
Amitendu Palit
20 Feb 2026
Politics
Can India move beyond faltering US ties?
Amid a US-China detente, India finds itself in a serious pursuit of “multipolarity” in the international system. But this still needs to be underpinned by strong defence relations with the US. Indian analyst Rahul Jaybhay explores the issue.
Rahul Jaybhay
09 Feb 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
Malabar 2025: Proof that the Quad still works when the politics doesn’t
Despite political rifts among the Quad countries, the recent annual Malabar naval exercise which went ahead means that the Quad grouping is still relevant where it counts most: enhancing joint military interoperability and preparedness on both sides of the Indo-Pacific. Manila-based analyst Don McLain Gill shares his views.
Don McLain Gill
28 Nov 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
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
Economy
The critical minerals race: Can the Quad catch China?
The scramble for critical minerals is emerging as a defining front in the Quad’s rivalry with China — and this time, the stakes are the future of clean energy, advanced technologies and supply chain independence, says researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
24 Jul 2025
Politics
JD Vance didn’t just visit India — he sent Beijing a message
US Vice-President JD Vance’s first official visit to India carried both symbolic and strategic messaging in the US’s bid to diversify supply chains, reduce dependence on China and strengthen partnerships with like-minded democracies. Indian academic Rishi Gupta analyses the situation.
Rishi Gupta
05 May 2025
Politics
The PLA’s global rise: How will India respond?
During Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US, President Trump hailed a “special bond” with India, launching the transformative COMPACT initiative, including a significant military partnership. With tensions simmering along the Line of Actual Control, India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing military, strategic tech and AI ambitions with both China and the US.
P. S. Suryanarayana
27 Feb 2025
Politics
Will Southeast Asia embrace India’s defence overtures, despite China’s pressure?
Taking the recent example of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India seeking greater ties, academic Rishi Gupta says that India’s proactive engagement with ASEAN countries could gain traction despite Chinese counteractions.
Rishi Gupta
19 Feb 2025
