Research Topics

Our scholars engage with governments, policymakers, academics, students, industries, practitioners,
and civil society to provide insightful and fresh analysis on India’s pressing challenges and its rising global role.

Rebalancing Power through Minilateralism: US, India Strategic Engagements and China’s Counterstrategies in the Indo-Pacific

China’s response to US–India minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific can be identified as multifaceted and increasingly assertive. The competition between minilateralism and counter-minilateralism shows a reflective shift in the Indo-Pacific geopolitical arena.

The Fragile Chokepoints in West Asia: Connectivity in Crisis

The recent tensions in the Middle east region, especially with Israel and US attacks on Iran have complicated the waterways that have international implications.  

India’s Rare Earth Dilemma with China: An Overview of Strategic Dependency

India’s structural dependence on China’s near-monopoly over rare earths — a risk to our critical industries and strategic autonomy. With 6.9 million tonnes of domestic reserves, India must urgently reform policy bottlenecks, attract private participation, and forge resilient supply chains.

US-China Trade War: Implications for Southeast Asia

The economic rivalry between the United States and China is giving space to perceivable shifts in Southeast Asia. Then how are the recent tariff measures reshaping Southeast Asia geopolitically.

India’s Balancing Act in the West Asian Crisis: Navigating Complex Regional Ties Amid Rising Tensions

India’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict remains centred on humanitarian assistance and support for dialogue, as it encourages both parties to seek peaceful resolution.

Past is Prologue: How Have EU’s Biggest Powers Responded to the West Asian Crisis?

With ensuing humanitarian crises and regional hostility, how have been countries reacting to such conflict and what kind of approach are they considering? The European Union (EU), while calling for peace, is torn between supporting Israel's right to self-defence and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Trump’s AI policy and strategic choices in the Indo-Pacific

Amidst US-China tech competition the idea of a sovereign AI runs high across the Indo-Pacific, with the launch of AI projects and regulations. Still, the required infrastructure, technology and capital have forced governments to make tough choices.

Trump’s global stage: Diplomacy or PR campaign?

Trump’s international politics reveal a consistent pattern: bold announcements, provocative language, self-crediting of disputed outcomes, and headline dominating performances that often lack substantive follow-through.

India as Vijigishu in South Asia: Analysis of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

India’s ability to handle its neighbourhood will determine “its success in achieving its aim of being one of Asia’s major powers”. Thus, India’s neighbourhood-first policy balances practicality with firm values

Trump’s Messenger of War and Peace: Decoding J D Vance’s India Visit

As India’s neighbourhood undergoes rapid changes, owing to both internal and external factors, Washington needs to be more mindful of New Delhi’s national security concerns while engaging India’s neighbourhood.

What Does Vance’s Trade Visit Hold for India?

US Vice President JD Vance visit to India offers a rare opportunity to strengthen not only geopolitical ties, but human one.

KIIPS Young Scholars Roundtable on ‘India in the Indo-Pacific’

As the world order undergoes severe stress and strain with tectonic shifts in global power distribution, and the rise of mercurial leaders like US President Donald Trump, the geopolitics and geo-economics of the Indo-Pacific region is passing through one of its most uncertain times.

Will the “Sky Fall” on UK-US Special Relationship?

Will the UK-US special relationship open wounds stay on and inflict the partnership, way beyond the four years of Trump’s presidency?

Unconventional Conflict and Persistent Deadlock: Insights from India-Pakistan Relations

This article analyses how Pakistan’s reliance on asymmetric warfare and cross-border terrorism, combined with fragile nuclear deterrence, perpetuates deadlock in India-Pakistan relations. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, unresolved security dilemmas and third-party dynamics like China’s involvement continue to block sustainable peace.

Security-Demography Dynamics in Japan, South Korea and China

The demographic situation of countries always has a major impact on national security issues.

Trump 2.0: What It Means for Taiwan?

Taiwan, like rest of the world, faces uncertainty with the incoming Trump presidency. Things are more complicated for Taiwan as the US is its biggest and the only security provider, and any change in the US policy towards Taiwan could mean existential trouble for the island nation.

Myanmar at Crossroads: What Lies Beyond the Junta’s Fall?

As calls for autonomy, independence, and federal governance collide, Myanmar could face a new kind of conflict if these competing goals cannot be reconciled.

India’s Coast Guard: An Imperative in Indo-Pacific Security

In a significant boost to regional maritime security, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) has unveiled its plans for joint coast guard patrolling initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.

The Role of Indian Navy amidst the Red Sea Crisis

Amidst crisis in West Asia, the Indian Navy has undertaken calculated maritime strategies to protect not only its interest but also has emerged as a trusted security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Diaspora Factor in India-US Relations: Trump’s Victory and the Way-Ahead

The Diaspora Factor in India-US Relations: Trump’s Victory and the Way-Ahead.

The West Asian Crisis, Turbulences in the Red Sea and Implications for Global Economy

It has been more than a year since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023. The stability and security of the region has caught the eye of the world because of various reasons, one of them being the impact of the crisis on the global economy.

Debt Diplomacy in Sri Lanka: Towards a New Era

Sri Lanka can successfully negotiate the difficulties of the 21st century and create a prosperous future for its citizens by comprehending the dangers of debt diplomacy and putting good governance principles into place.

India and the IPEF: Prospects, Challenges, and Way Forward

India’s strategic integration with IPEF highlight its proactive role in addressing global challenges, while protecting its own economic security. Unlike RCEP, IPEF does not bind India to strict trade liberalization commitments, allowing flexibility to adapt global standard in a way that safeguards its domestic industries.

Trump 2.0: US Climate Policy in Jeopardy

Trump’s policies may pose challenges to global climate efforts, they also open up ways for the other nations to redefine their roles and strengthen their strategies in addressing climate change. It is very true that climate change is not regarded as a significant threat by Donald Trump but it continues to be a pressing issue, particularly for developing regions such as Africa, where it is perceived as a “race against time.”

Promises in Peril: The Global South’s Fight for Climate Finance and Accountability

Nations in the Global South continue to grapple with the dual problems of economic hardship and climate adaptation while also aspiring for prosperity, climate finance continues to rank among the most urgent issues facing these nations. It is imperative that the Global North live up to its moral and financial commitments, and that multilateral platforms are strengthened to ensure a just and sustainable global response to climate change.

Trump 2.0 and the Climate Crisis: A Step Backward or a Shift in Strategy?

The re-election of Donald Trump signals a potential retreat from U.S. leadership on climate change, both domestically and globally. While the U.S. may step back from its international obligations, the underlying momentum for climate action, driven by state and local initiatives, as well as private sector innovation, will likely continue to push the nation toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Recent Postings

US-Pakistan bonhomie: Why India should not be surprised

It’s no surprise that Pakistan may once again become a frontline state in US strategy for the South and West Asian region — and America’s ties with India could suffer collateral damage.

Trump, Trumpism and Turmoil in the World Order

Many question the durability of Trumpism. Will Trump always triumph in all his radical policies? Will Trumpism survive the second Trump Administration? Trump is a known survivor of controversies and attacks.

Trump: Deliberately unpredictable?

Trump’s diplomacy is showing signs of significant shifts in conventional American approach to world affairs.

Time for enhanced counterterrorism cooperation between India-EU

India’s diplomatic outreach and counterterrorism measures should extend to the EU as well.

Rebalancing Power through Minilateralism: US, India Strategic Engagements and China’s Counterstrategies in the Indo-Pacific

China’s response to US–India minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific can be identified as multifaceted and increasingly assertive. The competition between minilateralism and counter-minilateralism shows a reflective shift in the Indo-Pacific geopolitical arena.

The Fragile Chokepoints in West Asia: Connectivity in Crisis

The recent tensions in the Middle east region, especially with Israel and US attacks on Iran have complicated the waterways that have international implications.  

India’s Rare Earth Dilemma with China: An Overview of Strategic Dependency

India’s structural dependence on China’s near-monopoly over rare earths — a risk to our critical industries and strategic autonomy. With 6.9 million tonnes of domestic reserves, India must urgently reform policy bottlenecks, attract private participation, and forge resilient supply chains.

US-China Trade War: Implications for Southeast Asia

The economic rivalry between the United States and China is giving space to perceivable shifts in Southeast Asia. Then how are the recent tariff measures reshaping Southeast Asia geopolitically.

India’s Balancing Act in the West Asian Crisis: Navigating Complex Regional Ties Amid Rising Tensions

India’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict remains centred on humanitarian assistance and support for dialogue, as it encourages both parties to seek peaceful resolution.

Past is Prologue: How Have EU’s Biggest Powers Responded to the West Asian Crisis?

With ensuing humanitarian crises and regional hostility, how have been countries reacting to such conflict and what kind of approach are they considering? The European Union (EU), while calling for peace, is torn between supporting Israel's right to self-defence and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Trump’s AI policy and strategic choices in the Indo-Pacific

Amidst US-China tech competition the idea of a sovereign AI runs high across the Indo-Pacific, with the launch of AI projects and regulations. Still, the required infrastructure, technology and capital have forced governments to make tough choices.

Trump’s global stage: Diplomacy or PR campaign?

Trump’s international politics reveal a consistent pattern: bold announcements, provocative language, self-crediting of disputed outcomes, and headline dominating performances that often lack substantive follow-through.

India as Vijigishu in South Asia: Analysis of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

India’s ability to handle its neighbourhood will determine “its success in achieving its aim of being one of Asia’s major powers”. Thus, India’s neighbourhood-first policy balances practicality with firm values

Trump’s Messenger of War and Peace: Decoding J D Vance’s India Visit

As India’s neighbourhood undergoes rapid changes, owing to both internal and external factors, Washington needs to be more mindful of New Delhi’s national security concerns while engaging India’s neighbourhood.

What Does Vance’s Trade Visit Hold for India?

US Vice President JD Vance visit to India offers a rare opportunity to strengthen not only geopolitical ties, but human one.

KIIPS Young Scholars Roundtable on ‘India in the Indo-Pacific’

As the world order undergoes severe stress and strain with tectonic shifts in global power distribution, and the rise of mercurial leaders like US President Donald Trump, the geopolitics and geo-economics of the Indo-Pacific region is passing through one of its most uncertain times.

Will the “Sky Fall” on UK-US Special Relationship?

Will the UK-US special relationship open wounds stay on and inflict the partnership, way beyond the four years of Trump’s presidency?

Unconventional Conflict and Persistent Deadlock: Insights from India-Pakistan Relations

This article analyses how Pakistan’s reliance on asymmetric warfare and cross-border terrorism, combined with fragile nuclear deterrence, perpetuates deadlock in India-Pakistan relations. Despite repeated diplomatic efforts, unresolved security dilemmas and third-party dynamics like China’s involvement continue to block sustainable peace.

Security-Demography Dynamics in Japan, South Korea and China

The demographic situation of countries always has a major impact on national security issues.

Trump 2.0: What It Means for Taiwan?

Taiwan, like rest of the world, faces uncertainty with the incoming Trump presidency. Things are more complicated for Taiwan as the US is its biggest and the only security provider, and any change in the US policy towards Taiwan could mean existential trouble for the island nation.

Myanmar at Crossroads: What Lies Beyond the Junta’s Fall?

As calls for autonomy, independence, and federal governance collide, Myanmar could face a new kind of conflict if these competing goals cannot be reconciled.

India’s Coast Guard: An Imperative in Indo-Pacific Security

In a significant boost to regional maritime security, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) has unveiled its plans for joint coast guard patrolling initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.

The Role of Indian Navy amidst the Red Sea Crisis

Amidst crisis in West Asia, the Indian Navy has undertaken calculated maritime strategies to protect not only its interest but also has emerged as a trusted security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Diaspora Factor in India-US Relations: Trump’s Victory and the Way-Ahead

The Diaspora Factor in India-US Relations: Trump’s Victory and the Way-Ahead.

The West Asian Crisis, Turbulences in the Red Sea and Implications for Global Economy

It has been more than a year since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023. The stability and security of the region has caught the eye of the world because of various reasons, one of them being the impact of the crisis on the global economy.

Debt Diplomacy in Sri Lanka: Towards a New Era

Sri Lanka can successfully negotiate the difficulties of the 21st century and create a prosperous future for its citizens by comprehending the dangers of debt diplomacy and putting good governance principles into place.

India and the IPEF: Prospects, Challenges, and Way Forward

India’s strategic integration with IPEF highlight its proactive role in addressing global challenges, while protecting its own economic security. Unlike RCEP, IPEF does not bind India to strict trade liberalization commitments, allowing flexibility to adapt global standard in a way that safeguards its domestic industries.

Trump 2.0: US Climate Policy in Jeopardy

Trump’s policies may pose challenges to global climate efforts, they also open up ways for the other nations to redefine their roles and strengthen their strategies in addressing climate change. It is very true that climate change is not regarded as a significant threat by Donald Trump but it continues to be a pressing issue, particularly for developing regions such as Africa, where it is perceived as a “race against time.”

Promises in Peril: The Global South’s Fight for Climate Finance and Accountability

Nations in the Global South continue to grapple with the dual problems of economic hardship and climate adaptation while also aspiring for prosperity, climate finance continues to rank among the most urgent issues facing these nations. It is imperative that the Global North live up to its moral and financial commitments, and that multilateral platforms are strengthened to ensure a just and sustainable global response to climate change.

Trump 2.0 and the Climate Crisis: A Step Backward or a Shift in Strategy?

The re-election of Donald Trump signals a potential retreat from U.S. leadership on climate change, both domestically and globally. While the U.S. may step back from its international obligations, the underlying momentum for climate action, driven by state and local initiatives, as well as private sector innovation, will likely continue to push the nation toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

About Us

Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies

The Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies (KIIPS) aspires to be a leading voice of diverse and inclusive research on issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region in particular, and the world at large. Our mission is to promote inclusive dialogue by creating a dynamic platform where academics, practitioners and major stakeholders can bring diverse perspectives to the table, while endeavouring to evolve consensus and develop pragmatic solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.

By leveraging expertise and experience from across the world and multiple disciplines, KIIPS aims to advance knowledge and understanding of the complex interdependencies cutting across politics and diplomacy, defence and security, science and technology, economy and society, energy and environment, geopolitics and geo-economics. 

We aim to contribute not only to the academic and policy discourse, but work towards developing the next generation of leaders and experts who will play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful, stable and sustainable world.

 

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