Pakistan’s Middle East strategy secures short-term gains—Saudi deposits, defence pacts, and mediation roles—yet its fragile economy and political dysfunction trap it in a “perpetual periphery.” Central enough to matter but too weak to consolidate influence, Islamabad’s diplomacy remains transactional, survivalist, and strategically unsustainable.
Pakistan’s economic crisis has reached a breaking point, with inflation exceeding 40% and foreign exchange reserves falling to critical levels.
Once strategic allies, Pakistan and Afghanistan are now engaged in direct military conflict. Despite Chinese mediation, cross-border airstrikes and TTP militancy have pushed bilateral relations to an unprecedented historic low.
Topic: “US under Trump 2.0: Issues, Challenges and Future Directions for India and the World”
This occasional paper examines Balochistan’s struggle for autonomy, from British colonial “Sandemanisation” to its forced 1948 accession to Pakistan. By highlighting the suppression of Kalat’s independence and the exploitation of regional resources, Ray illustrates how systemic marginalisation transformed a secular identity movement into an enduring conflict against centralised state authority.
The academic world mourns the passing of Professor Tharailath Koshy Oommen, a distinguished sociologist, prolific author, and Professor Emeritus at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who passed away on 26 February 2026, in Gurugram at the age of 88.
When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, much of the West viewed global responses through a binary lens, as usual—us versus them—defining countries as either supporters of Ukraine or allies of Russia. Western nations, particularly the United States and its European allies, presented this struggle in moralistic terms: democracy vs autocracy, good versus evil, the free world versus an expansionist dictatorships.
India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted historical, civilizational, and geographical connection. As neighbours in South Asia, their relationship has been characterized by cooperation and mutual respect but has also faced occasional challenges due to differing perceptions, internal politics, historical reasons, and relative power dynamics.
For years, this community has endured systematic targeting, with little to no substantial response from the state to protect its citizens or address the root causes of these attacks
While Donald Trump’s leadership style may appear erratic, it is underpinned by consistent geo-economic and geostrategic motivations
As India formalises its engagement with the Taliban, it is clear that New Delhi’s strategy is driven by long-term strategic objectives such as maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan, strengthening regional cooperation, and protecting India’s security and economic interests.
On 4 July 2024, Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) launched the Book Jammu and Kashmir in India: The Saga of Development authored by Sheikh Khalid Jehangir at the
Sheikh Khaild Jehangir, Secretary General, ICPS, addressed Y20 consultation meet on climate change under India’s G20 presidency in Srinagar on Thursday, 11 May 2023 at University of Kashmir.
Comments
Reinforcing India’s Energy Security: Imperatives for India’s Strategic Oil Buffer
Mohammed Badrul Alam
India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves remain limited, but expansion through new caverns and UAE partnerships is vital to shield its economy from supply shocks and global energy volatility.
AJK at the Boiling Point: Broken Promises Ignite Unrest
Idress Aftab
The so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is witnessing growing political unrest as long-standing grievances over governance, representation, and basic rights continue to intensify.
Strait of Hormuz, Iran Crisis and India: Why it matters?
Mohammed Badrul Alam
As conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, the Strait of Hormuz – the world's most critical energy chokepoint – has emerged as the focal point of a growing geopolitical and economic crisis. This article examines how disruptions in the Persian Gulf threaten global oil and gas supplies, destabilize international shipping networks, and threatens a wider regional conflict extending to the Red Sea.
A Region on the Edge: The Deepening Governance Crisis in PoJK
Syed Eesar Mehdi
This comment analyses the escalating 2026 crisis in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Driven by the Joint Awami Action Committee, widespread economic grievances over inflation and resource exploitation have transformed into a powerful political movement. This systemic collapse of public trust directly challenges Pakistan’s governance and regional narrative.