

Russiaâs intensified strikes on Odessa highlight its bid to neutralise Ukraineâs maritime lifeline and assert dominance in the Black Sea. Rooted in historical claims and NATO security fears, Moscowâs campaign threatens Ukraineâs economy, global food security, and regional stability, while exposing the limits of international institutions.
This Issue Brief analyses the structural limitations of the Gulf security framework in light of Israelâs unprecedented attack in Doha on 9 September, targeting Palestinian Hamas leadership. While the attack marked a dangerous escalation of Tel Avivâs regional adventurism, it also exposed the enduring structural weaknesses of the Gulfâs security architecture which has been defined by entrenched dependency on the United States.
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional âsecurity contractorâ into West Asiaâs net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements....
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BNP's India Policy: Shifting Towards Pragmatism?
M.A. Hossain
BNPâs return to power forces a strategic rethink of its India policy. Geography, economic interdependence, and security realities push the party toward pragmatism over rhetoric in managing its most consequential bilateral relationship.
Resetting the Equation with a BNP Led Bangladesh: Indiaâs Strategic Dilemmas
Ankita Sanyal
Bangladeshâs historic BNP victory reshapes DhakaâDelhi dynamics. This analysis explores shifting rhetoric, water disputes, Chinaâs growing role, and whether pragmatic engagement can stabilise ties in a postâHasina political landscape.
Bangladeshâs Political Reset and the Road Ahead
Smruti S. Pattanaik
Bangladeshâs 13th Parliamentary Election restores credibility of the multiparty system and coincides with a decisive referendum on constitutional reforms. With a commanding majority, the BNP now faces high expectations at home and complex regional challenges, especially in managing India ties, economic pressures and youth aspirations.
IndiaâUS Trade Deal: More Than Commerce, It is a Strategic Signal
Imran Khurshid
Indiaâs interim trade deal with the United States signals for India, more than commerce, a strategic foresight, diplomatic patience, and growing confidence on the global stage.