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“Rogue Nations: Assessing the China–Russia Relationship”, in China Ascendant: Its Rise and Implications, ed. Prof. Harsh V. Pant. HarperCollins India, 2019

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Intelligence challenges India face are becoming more IT-based. Observer Research Foundation, 20 Aug, 2018.

The Helsinki Summit, July 2018

Helsinki summit—a Russian perspective. Observer Research Foundation, 27 July, 2018.

The Russian reaction encompassed a range of views, and the summit was largely viewed as either a success, or at worst inconsequential.

Russia, JCPOA, Himani Pant, Kanak Gokarn, Bushehr, Russian engagement, Eurasian Economic Union, EU, China, OPEC, India, European Union, Iran, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Photo: Sean Murphy — Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Beyond JCPOA—Russia. Observer Research Foundation, 20 July, 2018.

Since Russia has shown willingness to work with Iran over the years, the question is more about the logistics of their dealings. The geopolitical advantages may override business logic.

Issue Brief - political opposition in Russia

Political opposition in Russia in 2018. Observer Research Foundation, 22 June, 2018.

Russia recently witnessed the re-election of its long-serving president [but] as Russia enters a period of power transition, it is likely that a number of political actors will become relevant… This brief looks at the groups that form the opposition—those operating within the formal institutions and the major players outside it—to the incumbent government in Russia.

Source: Kremlin

How steady is the China-Russia relationship? Observer Research Foundation, 06 June, 2018.

Links between the governments and leaders may be close, but Russia’s general affinity for Europe is greater. Further antagonizing the West is in neither Moscow nor Beijing’s interest.

Source: Kremlin

As Putin begins new term, will he focus on reforms to mend economy? Observer Research Foundation, 16 May, 2018.

As much as the current government’s level of support lies in the personal appeal of President Putin as well as the country’s assertiveness in the international sphere, it is also contingent on ensuring a reasonable standard of living for the public.

Firdaus Omar/World Press Photo — CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Putin set to win again easily. Observer Research Foundation, 17 March, 2018.

Putin’s move to run independently serves to distance him from the growing unpopularity of the United Russia itself, and to also show that he enjoys the support of a broader base.

Construction site of Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant

Stepping on the gas: Indo-Russian energy cooperation. Observer Research Foundation, 26 February, 2018.

Hydrocarbons, renewable energy and nuclear energy play a significant role in this new market dynamic

File photo of Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson speaking at a campaign rally in Iowa. Johnson had another self-described “Aleppo moment” after he couldn’t come up with a name when asked by a MSNBC host who his favourite foreign leader …

With one candidate’s ignorance of foreign policy specifics and another’s outstanding arrest warrant, the odds aren’t looking very good for America’s third party presidential candidates.

India must recognize its limitations in Central Asia. It lacks geographic access.

Evolving geopolitics in Eurasia: Implications for India [Event report]. Observer Research Foundation, 27 July, 2015.

To improve India's role in Central Asia, its focus should recognize the diversity of relationships that are possible - economic, defense, and connectivity. Politically and historically, each of the five countries in the region is distinct.

Russia and Iran

Russia and the Iran nuclear deal. Observer Research Foundation, 15 July, 2015.

What is interesting for Russia is how greater cooperation with Iran will affect its ties with other Middle Eastern nations… which [have opposed] a nuclear deal with Iran. Israel however does not occupy a special position in Russia's foreign relations as it does for the United States.

Vladimir Putin

Russia’s ISIL challenge in the North Caucasus. Observer Research Foundation, 09 July, 2015.

Russia has been dealing with extremism within its borders for several years. So it is not exactly unprepared for whatever threat ISIL currently poses. However, there is a degree of complacency that has set in.