Observer Research Foundation

2 days ago | orfonline.org | Samir Bhattacharya

Image Source: Getty The fear of another regional war seems to be looming over the Horn of Africa, backed by a surreal sense of déjà vu in how things unfold. Back in November 2020, a war broke out between the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and a coalition of rebel groups led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). This war continued for nearly two years, taking the lives of 600,000 people and leaving another 900,000 Ethiopians displaced.

6 days ago | orfonline.org | Samir Bhattacharya

Earlier this month, on the invitation of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius to celebrate the country’s National Day as the chief guest. This visit can also be seen as an effort by New Delhi to expand its influence in the strategically significant Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR). During his previous visit to the country in 2015, Modi unveiled India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision for maritime security.

2 weeks ago | orfonline.org | Pranjal Sharma

Image Source: Getty The hunger for rare earths and critical minerals is shaping global geo-political developments. The control and access to minerals will define powers equations for the next few decades. Countries with ready and affordable access to these minerals will be strengthen their economies. Supply control of such minerals will underpin an economy’s technological prowess. The scramble for natural resources has been occurring for ages.

2 weeks ago | orfonline.org | Christina Zur Nedden

India is striving to play a pioneering role in the emerging new world order. The fastest growing major economy in the world is taking off - and forging new alliances. Germany, however, is in danger of falling behind in the competition for the country's favour. A s a reaction to the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, share prices are plummeting worldwide. India is also to be hit with a 26 per cent tariff surcharge in total.

2 weeks ago | orfonline.org | Vivek Mishra

Image Source: Getty The United States (US) President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ call for across-the-board tariffs on allies, friends, and partners indicates certain and uncertain elements within his policy arc. While uncertainty characterises the inherent nature of his second term with markets bearing the frontline impact of frequent policy changes from Washington, the latest tariff announcements on 2 April 2025 have added a degree of certainty in policy direction.