Issue Briefs

The Changing Contours of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
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.
The Geopolitical Logic of the Ongoing Afghanistan–Pakistan War
This Issue Brief examines how the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) evolved from a regional strategic asset into an autonomous insurgent threat, fuelling a cycle of blame and instability between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Russia’s Odessa Drive: Geopolitical Imperatives and Competing Visions
Russia’s intensified strikes on Odessa highlight its bid to neutralise Ukraine’s maritime lifeline and assert dominance in the Black Sea. Rooted in historical claims and NATO security fears, Moscow’s campaign threatens Ukraine’s economy, global food security, and regional stability, while exposing the limits of international institutions.



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Escalation and Uncertainty: How the Iran War is Reshaping West Asia
Md. Muddassir Quamar
Five months after US-Israeli strikes, the Iran conflict has expanded into a destabilising regional crisis, fracturing Gulf unity and threatening global energy security. Diplomatic resolution remains urgently needed.
The Bear and The Tiger in Close Embrace: Eight Decades of Time-Tested India-Russia Relations
Mohammed Badrul Alam
A comprehensive analysis of India-Russia relations spanning eight decades, examining their strategic partnership, trade agreements, cultural ties, and enduring cooperation while navigating contemporary geopolitical challenges and opportunities.
Pakistan’s Credit Upgrade: When Better Ratings Mask Economic Pain
Mohammed Shoaib Raza
Pakistan’s latest credit upgrade masks a deeper paradox: international confidence has improved, but ordinary citizens continue to bear the heavy economic costs of IMF-driven stabilisation and fiscal adjustment.