News for 'South Asia Strategy'

India has ample buffers to weather headwinds from West Asia conflict: World Bank

India has ample buffers to weather headwinds from West Asia conflict: World Bank

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The World Bank has affirmed India's strong position to withstand the current global energy shock, citing high foreign exchange reserves, fiscal space, and low inflation as key buffers supporting continued growth despite international headwinds.

Deloitte India and IIT Bombay Collaborate to Advance Quantum Technology

Deloitte India and IIT Bombay Collaborate to Advance Quantum Technology

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Deloitte India has partnered with IIT Bombay to launch a Quantum Technology Centre, aiming to accelerate quantum adoption, research, and enterprise use-cases for Indian businesses.

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

West Asia conflict: 'India can be a better mediator than Pakistan'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy, foreign ministry of Israel, has asserted that the situation has effectively been a "multi-front regional conflict" since its inception, while claiming significant military and strategic gains against adversarial forces.

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Arvind Subramanian: Be Wary of China Bashing

Rediff.com15 hours ago

It seems odd to criticise a country for delivering growth rates in standards of living and consumption that have been perhaps the fastest, longest, and most broad-based (affecting hundreds of millions of people) in history, points out Arvind Subramanian.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Volkswagen bets big on India, targets 5% market share

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

koda Auto Volkswagen India aims to capture a 5 per cent share of India's passenger vehicle market by 2030, driven by new product launches, including alternate fuel vehicles, and a potential entry into the high-volume sub-4 metre SUV segment.

Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict and Oil Prices Weigh on Investor Sentiment

Sensex, Nifty Tumble as West Asia Conflict and Oil Prices Weigh on Investor Sentiment

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn as geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising oil prices, and foreign fund outflows dampened investor confidence. The Sensex and Nifty both fell sharply in early trade, reflecting broader global market weakness.

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com15 hours ago

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Hantavirus poses no immediate threat to India, says virologist

Rediff.com6 days ago

An expert from the ICMR's National Institute of Virology addresses concerns about hantavirus cases detected on a cruise ship, stating there is no immediate public health threat to India and that the cases appear isolated.

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

India Bids To Host The 2038 Asian Games

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India has officially submitted its expression of interest to host the 2038 Asian Games, according to a top official of the national Olympic body, marking a significant step in the country's broader strategy to become a global hub for major multi-sporting events.

JPMorgan downgrades Indian equities to 'neutral'

JPMorgan downgrades Indian equities to 'neutral'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

JPMorgan has downgraded Indian equities to 'neutral' from 'overweight', citing elevated valuations, rising earnings risks, and limited exposure to next-generation technology like AI. The brokerage believes other emerging markets offer more attractive risk/reward propositions despite India's strong structural growth story.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Geopolitical Risks Could Push Jio Platforms IPO to H2 FY27

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Reliance Industries' digital arm, Jio Platforms, may see its initial public offering (IPO) delayed to the second half of fiscal 2027, according to CreditSights. The delay is primarily attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could impact market conditions and investor sentiment.

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Airbus has inaugurated a state-of-the-art technology centre in Bengaluru, India, significantly expanding its strategic presence and supporting its 'Make in India' mission.

'This War Can Easily Go On For Months Longer'

'This War Can Easily Go On For Months Longer'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Iran cannot trust the USA because it considers the USA to be Israel-controlled. And no, the IRGC is not going to accept anything else but major US concessions.'

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Costs could rise...: Skoda India director on shipping disruptions

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'So far our production is not affected. But every day the situation prolongs, it does bring risks in terms of shipments getting delayed.'

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

India and Pakistan clash in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match. India needs middle-order stability and a fit Abhishek Sharma, while Pakistan's spin attack poses a threat. The weather forecast predicts a high chance of rain.

Why There's A Music Revolution

Why There's A Music Revolution

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

With the music industry pushing for growth in the paid subscription segment, Universal Music India anticipates that the Indian market will mature, potentially becoming a highly impactful paid market for music over the next five years.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

The Hot Bollywood Deal You Need To Know About

The Hot Bollywood Deal You Need To Know About

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

'We hope we will have created a world where music for films appeals to fans across the country, across languages and genres.'

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

Matt Henry's Double Delight: Welcomes Baby Boy, Stars in New Zealand's Semis Win

Matt Henry's Double Delight: Welcomes Baby Boy, Stars in New Zealand's Semis Win

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

New Zealand's Matt Henry experienced a week of highs and lows, from witnessing the birth of his son to delivering a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

This War May End US Military Presence In Middle East

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'The entire US ecosystem built over decades at the bases in the Gulf region, especially the UAE, costing trillions of dollars have been decimated, dealing a mortal blow to the US Central Command's war capability,' points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Positive biz outlook nudges banks to hire for sales growth

Positive biz outlook nudges banks to hire for sales growth

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Banks are witnessing a surge in hiring for sales staff in secured segments such as home, vehicle and gold loans as compared to the recovery category, driven by a boost in business growth, and a host of regulatory measures aimed at improving ease of doing business, according to industry experts.

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

'There Could Be More Violence In Pakistan'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

'TTP has vowed to take revenge for the attacks that Pakistan is carrying out against Afghanistan.' 'To diminish this threat, Pakistan is hitting Afghanistan hard.'

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Japan's High-Stakes Gamble In the Indo-Pacific

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

In the Indo-Pacific's new era -- where perception shapes reality faster than treaties -- the real entrapment is not of China or the United States. It is the test Japan has set for itself -- and whether partners like India, acting as balancers rather than accelerants, can help ensure that the story ends in stability, points out Varun Arya.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.