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Jan 4, 2025 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
On January 1, 2025, the Maldives finally implemented its free trade agreement (FTA) with China after it came into being seven years ago. The opposition then was very critical of the agreement as it was rushed through parliament without much debate. India voiced its concerns, fearing the FTA would allow Chinese goods into Indian markets. As China continues its talks with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka about similar agreements, India needs a coherent economic strategy to engage with its neighbours.
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Dec 14, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Originally Published The Hindu Published on Dec 14, 2024 How South Asian countries will cope with the Trump administration, even as they balance China and India, is yet to be seenImage Source: Getty In January 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn-in as the 47th President of the United States of America.
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Oct 19, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent State visit has put India-Maldives relations on the right track. It has offered mutual benefits, with the Maldives receiving much-needed financial assistance and India enhancing its presence and influence in the country. This momentum offers an opportunity for India and Maldives to overcome their biggest challenge --- partisanship in foreign policy.
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Oct 19, 2024 | 
orfonline.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent State visit has put India-Maldives relations on the right track. It has offered mutual benefits, with the Maldives receiving much-needed financial assistance and India enhancing its presence and influence in the country. This momentum offers an opportunity for India and Maldives to overcome their biggest challenge --- partisanship in foreign policy.
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Oct 18, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Under its Neighbourhood First policy, India has begun to engage with less friendly regimes and has also pushed for connectivity to create leverage and further its interestsImage Source: Getty When Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned in August 2024, India’s neighbourhood policy was again subject to immense scrutiny, with analysts and commentators criticising the country for being too invested in one party or leader. There is some credibility in this argument.
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Oct 18, 2024 | 
hindustantimes.com | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent State visit has put India-Maldives relations on the right track. It has offered mutual benefits, with the Maldives receiving much-needed financial assistance and India enhancing its presence and influence in the country. This momentum offers an opportunity for India and Maldives to overcome their biggest challenge --- partisanship in foreign policy.
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Oct 10, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
A year after being elected President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu is on his first official state visit to India. From his early days, the Muizzu administration was keen on reducing dependence on India, diversifying relations with others, and expanding cooperation with China. Muizzu also went on to call India a “bully” and for long defended his party cadres who hurled racist remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Originally Published Hindustan Times Published on Sep 30, 2024 Anura Kumara Dissanayake, JVP, Sri Lanka, India, China, foreign policy, economic crisis, governance, SAGAR, Indo-Lanka accord, Indian investments, transparency, SOEs, Chinese loans Since Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was elected as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka, there is speculation about the new government’s foreign policy. Given the economic and geopolitical scenario, pragmatism is...
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Sep 26, 2024 | 
hindustantimes.com | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Since Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was elected as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka, there is speculation about the new government’s foreign policy. Given the economic and geopolitical scenario, pragmatism is likely to take precedence — Sri Lanka will continue to balance between India and China. The new dispensation’s quest for good governance and reforms will also likely benefit India.
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Sep 19, 2024 | 
or-f.org | Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
The outcome of the Sri Lankan elections remains shrouded in uncertainty, but Delhi seeks to strengthen bilateral relations regardless of the new leadershipImage Source: Getty On 21 September 2024, Sri Lanka will be heading to a crucial Presidential election—the first one since it experienced deep economic and political turmoil. Unlike previous polls, this election is more competitive and has seen the highest number of contestants. A total of 38 candidates will be contesting this year.
