Comments

Strait of Hormuz
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.

PoK
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.

Trump-Xi Jinping Meeting
From Assertion to Deference: How the Iran War and Shifting Power Dynamics Redefined Trump’s China Visit


Imran Khurshid

The visit was defined more by symbolism than substance, where Beijing projected confidence while Washington appeared strategically constrained. The Trump–Xi meeting in Beijing highlighted shifting power dynamics, with China setting the terms of engagement across key geopolitical issues.

Issue Briefs

Chahbar Port
The Chabahar Port and India-Iran Agreement


Ashish Shukla

On 13 May 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year long-term contract for operation of Shahid Behesti terminal at the Chabahar port in Iran, eight years after concluding the general framework of cooperation on the Chabahar port. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in May 2015 for the development of this port by India and on 23 May 2016, the contract was executed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Iran.

Gilgit-Baltistan
Widening gulf between Pakistan and AJK


Nazir Ahmad Mir

Although most of the demands have been accepted― of course, not before securitizing the political issue by deploying FC, Rangers along with police to use force against the protesters― the people of AJK are unlikely to forget the ordeal they have had to pass through, for the last more than six months, which has certainly steeled their nerves.

UPR45
National Report by China in the 45th UPR Session: Hiding More than it Reveals


Ankita Sanyal

China’s report on human rights in the 45th session of the UPR on 23 January 2024 has drawn the attention of human rights activists worldwide. It has painted a rosy picture of the human rights situation within China.