NIAS Area Studies


PAKISTAN READER

Photo Source: New York Times
   NIAS Course on Global Politics
National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore
For any further information or to subscribe to GP alerts send an email to subachandran@nias.res.in

NIAS Space Log
Iran's New Military Satellite: Does it violate the UNSC 2231?

  Harini Madhusudan

The military satellite launch does not directly violate the UNSC resolution 2231. The resolution states that it would not stop Iran from its growth, which places the space programme under technological advancements.


Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the success of the launch of a military satellite, Noor on 22 April 2020. This comes after Iran's recent announcement of its new anti-ship missiles with 700km range and drones that can potentially be armed with anti-tank missiles with a 1500km range. 

What does the launch mean for Iran? Does the launch violate the UNSC 2231 resolution of 2015? What happens to the dynamics between the US- Iran now?

Iran's Military Satellite: Making a statement in the Space
For the IRGC, this is the second launch in the year 2020. The first one, a communications satellite, was launched and failed in February 2020. 

On the second launch, the US and Israel news reports have been suggesting that the launch had failed to reach the orbit. An alternate report says that the mission successfully launched the satellite into the orbit of 425 kilometres above the earth's surface. The mission was carried out in secrecy, and the officials did not release any advance notice of the launch, which has taken the world by surprise. 

Since 2017, four Iranian launches have failed to place a satellite in orbit. Iran however, has an advanced space program that has launched satellites in the past. This includes joint research projects with Russia, Thailand and China. Its first satellite was a domestically made satellite called Omid; it was placed in orbit from an Iran-made rocket in 2009. Subsequently, Iran in 2011, 2012 and 2015, has launched imaging satellites using Safir rockets. 

Iran's rocket program is made with a variety of ballistic missiles; together making it a successful space program. Iran faced at-least three failures trying to use a bigger Simorgh rocket, prominent being the August 2019 failure which Trump too, tweeted about. 

All of the previous launches were pursued by the Iranian Space Agency, a civilian agency. Both Simorgh and Safir rocket systems- which Iran has continuously relied on would not have been efficient if they were to be repurposed as a missile. 

Now, the military satellite
The 22 April 2020 launch was different in many ways. It carried out by the IRGC, who seems to be back in space development after laying dormant since 2011. The satellite was launched from the IRGC's Space base in Shahroud region, a new site but had been under US suspicions in the past. This base in the central desert of Iran was prepared years ago for heavier IRGC space launchers. The launch involved an entirely new system called the Qased SLV, which is a three stage solid and liquid hybrid-propellant system. Experts noted that the Qased looked a lot like the Safir-based first stage with the solid-fuelled motor Salman, that Iran had displayed in February 2020. Salman is known to have a better mechanism for thrust control. The launch was made using a mobile launcher, showing that the Qased could be set-up and launched much faster than the previous systems. 

The satellite that was launched was named Noor which is a small military craft, likely CubeSAT that could be used for imaging, officials from Iran have not released any information of the design or purpose of the satellite, the assumptions of it being relatively small come from the video that was released which show the size of the launcher being modest. The launch is the first military-based satellite launched by Iran to Space, however, it is believed that Iran is working on developing a military space program and more such launches can be expected. 

Does the launch violate the UNSC Resolution 2231?
The UNSC resolution 2231 endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, a comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and the P5 plus 1. The resolution retained the sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program for eight years and the arms embargo for five years after implementation. The sanctions were primarily nuclear-related. The resolution also states that the IAEA undertakes necessary monitoring and verification systems to implement the deal. In May 2018, Trump announced the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and would reimpose sanctions on Iran's oil sector. Tensions between the US and Iran prevailed since then. 

In its affirmations on the official document, the resolution states that the IAEA must ensure safety, transparency and confidence are maintained and would "…avoid hampering the economic and technological development of Iran or international cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities; respect health, safety, physical protection and other security provisions in force and the rights of individuals; and take every precaution to protect commercial, technological and industrial secrets as well as other confidential information coming to its knowledge,.." (UNSC res. 2231)

The military satellite launch however, does not directly violate the UNSC resolution 2231. The resolution states that it would not stop Iran from its growth, which places the space programme under technological advancements. Hence, the resolution 2231 does not put full limitations on Iran's missile program, and since there was no nuclear warhead involved in the satellite launch, it does not violate the terms of the agreement in legal sense. 

So, what is Iran's message?
Iran has made a political commitment to not go above the 2000km range capability, however, with the launch of the satellite could easily allow it to increase missile range up to 5000 kms. Iran subtly showed that it has the capability to build an ICBM and also can launch it from a mobile launcher. 

It seems like the purpose was two-fold. The first one - to launch the first military satellite and make a mark on the elite club of Space faring nations. And, the second one, the most important to show the ICBM capability without having to display the capability publicly. It could be seen as a provocation. After withdrawing from the nuclear deal, why does it matter to the US if the launch is in violation to the resolution? 


Harini Madhusudhan is a PhD Scholar at the NIAS Science Diplomacy Programme. She is working on Space for her PhD.

Print Bookmark

October 2026 | CWA # 2294

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar  | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

Switzerland President Parmelin's India visit I China's Golden Week
October 2026 | CWA # 2293

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The US "Super Intelligence Force":
October 2026 | CWA # 2292

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student in the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy at St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru.

Brazil Elections 2026:
October 2026 | CWA # 2289

Namrata L Ghanghatkar and Urja Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar and Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Congo's Ebola crisis & Ethiopia's Tigray conflict
October 2026 | CWA # 2288

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The Houthi-Saudi Arabia Escalation:
October 2026 | CWA # 2280

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

Ocean State Report:
October 2026 | CWA # 2275

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

Myanmar's deepening Rohingya crisis I US withdrawal from Iraq
October 2026 | CWA # 2273

Akshath Kaimal | Akshath Kaimal is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

War returns to Tigray:
September 2026 | CWA # 2272

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US Consumer Price Index Report:
September 2026 | CWA # 2271

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a Post graduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. She is currently a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Femicide in Afghanistan:
September 2026 | CWA # 2270

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a Post graduate student at Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. She is currently a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Militant groups in Iraq:
September 2026 | CWA # 2266

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Venezuela Oil Agreement:
September 2026 | CWA # 2265

Sreemaya Nair | Sreemaya Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai. She is also a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The SCO Summit 2026:
September 2026 | CWA # 2264

Sreemaya Nair | Sreemaya Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai. She is also a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The SCO Summit in Bishkek:
September 2026 | CWA # 2260

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate scholar at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is also a Research Intern at NIAS, Bengaluru. 

The State of Food Security and Nutrition:
September 2026 | CWA # 2259

Aparna A Nair | Aparna A Nair is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is currently a Research Assistant at NIAS.

The Trial of Joshua Wong:
September 2026 | CWA # 2258

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War Week 26:
August 2026 | CWA # 2256

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar

Lake Ontario
August 2026 | CWA # 2255

Priyanka Makhijani | Priyanka Makhijani is a postgraduate student at the department of Public Policy, School of Social Science, Ramaiah University of Applied science. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

China's First Land-Based Rocket Recovery:
August 2026 | CWA # 2254

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US-Canada tariff tensions:
August 2026 | CWA # 2253

Akshath Kaimal | Akshath Kaimal is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, and is part of the NIAS Pakistan Reader team.

The case against Meta:
August 2026 | CWA # 2252

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The US and North Korea:
August 2026 | CWA # 2251

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is a final-year undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

Kim Jong Un:
August 2026 | CWA # 2249

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS),

General Ratko Mladic I Kidnapping in Nigeria I Wildfires in North Africa
August 2026 | CWA # 2241

Urja R Kudalkar | Urja R Kudalkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, RUAS, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Board of Peace Plan for Gaza:
August 2026 | CWA # 2235

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is an undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

Southeast Asia (April-June 2026)
August 2026 | CWA # 2232

Dattesh D Parulekar | Dr Dattesh D. Parulekar is an Assistant Professor at the School of International and Area Studies, Goa University.

Latin America (Apr-Jun 2026):
August 2026 | CWA # 2226

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Colombia's ban on Female Genital Mutilation:
August 2026 | CWA # 2222

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani and Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

Peru's new President Netanyahu's Washington visit
July 2026 | CWA # 2217

Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Urja R Kudalkar are postgraduate students at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. They are currently Research interns at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

The Berlin Pride attack
July 2026 | CWA # 2216

Manikranth Chakravarthula | Manikranth Chakravarthula is a doctoral student at the Conflict Resolution and Peace Research Programme, School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The Houthis:
July 2026 | CWA # 2213

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Bengaluru

The US-Iran War, Week 22:
July 2026 | CWA # 2211

Priyanka Makhijani | Priyanka Makhijani is a postgraduate student at the department of Public Policy, School of Social Science, Ramaiah University of Applied science. She is currently an intern at NIAS. 

AI's Rogue Agent Breach:
July 2026 | CWA # 2210

Adwaith Sankar | Adwaith Sankar is an undergraduate student pursuing Political Science and International Liberal Studies through the NUS-Waseda Double Degree Programme. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

ASEAN Regional Forum:
July 2026 | CWA # 2209

Namrata L Ghanghatkar | Namrata L Ghanghatkar is a postgraduate student at the Department of Public Policy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru. She is currently a research intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

The return of US-Canada Tariff Tensions:
July 2026 | CWA # 2208

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Saudi Arabia Nuclear Cooperation Agreement:
July 2026 | CWA # 2204

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Houthis target Saudi Arabia:
July 2026 | CWA # 2203

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

US-Iran War, Week 21:
July 2026 | CWA # 2197

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Iran War, Week 20:
July 2026 | CWA # 2195

Radhika M Agarwal | Radhika M Agarwal is a an internt at NIAS and also a postgraduate student at the Department of Politics and International Relations in Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar.

The C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2189

Dhivya KM | Dhivya K M is an intern at NIAS and is also a postgraduate student from the Department of Financial Economics, Madras School of Economics, Chennai.

The IMF World Economic Outlook: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2184

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

UNHCR Global Trends Report 2025: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2180

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

Iran after Ali Khamenei
July 2026 | CWA # 2177

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

PM Takaichi's India visit: 
July 2026 | CWA # 2174

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. She is also an intern at NIAS, Bengaluru. 

The Israel-Lebanon Framework:
July 2026 | CWA # 2172

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran negotiations:
June 2026 | CWA # 2164

Shreya Upadhyay | Dr Shreya Upadhyay is an Assistant Professor at Christ (deemed to be) University, Bengaluru, and Fellow, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies.

The United States (April-June 2026)
June 2026 | CWA # 2159

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate student from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

The US-Iran MoU
June 2026 | CWA # 2151

Rohini Reenum | Rohini Reenum is a doctoral student at NIAS. She is working on Governance in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction using the case study of the BBNJ Agreement.

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews:
June 2026 | CWA # 2149

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran MoU:
June 2026 | CWA # 2136

Acsah H | Acsah H is a postgraduate student at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, MAHE, Manipal, Udupi. She is currently a research intern at NIAS.

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:
June 2026 | CWA # 2135

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at NIAS.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026:
June 2026 | CWA # 2134

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies. Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at NIAS, Bengaluru.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Four Major Takeaways
June 2026 | CWA # 2132

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen:
June 2026 | CWA # 2131

Rohini Reenum | Rohini Reenum is a doctoral student at NIAS. She is working on Governance in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction using the case study of the BBNJ Agreement.

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:
May 2026 | CWA # 2127

Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella | Madhura Meenakshi Tanikella is an undergraduate from the Department of Political Science, School of Liberal Arts, Alliance University, Bengaluru

The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting 2026:
May 2026 | CWA # 2124

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies, and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengalur

The Crisis in Cuba:
May 2026 | CWA # 2121

Deb Dutta | Deb Dutta completed his graduation from the Department of Political Science, Sir Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE), Puducherry. He is currently an intern at NIAS.

Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Border Tensions:
May 2026 | CWA # 2120

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Conflicts in the Middle East
May 2026 | CWA # 2116

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. 

India, the UAE, and PM Modi’s visit:
May 2026 | CWA # 2114

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

What makes the UAE a global player?
May 2026 | CWA # 2112

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in international relations at Loyola College, Chennai. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Why does the Falkland Islands dispute keep recurring?
May 2026 | CWA # 2109

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

North Korea's Constitutional Amendment 2026:
May 2026 | CWA # 2104

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
May 2026 | CWA # 2091

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Conflicts in the Middle East:
May 2026 | CWA # 2090

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Ten:
May 2026 | CWA # 2088

Nithin V | Nithin V is a postgraduate student in International Relations, with an interest in geopolitics, international political economy, and climate governance. He is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

King Charles's US Visit: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2087

Siddhi Halyur | Siddhi Halyur is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Public Policy and Journalism at St Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Japan, Vietnam and PM Takaichi’s Visit
May 2026 | CWA # 2086

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

UAE's Exit from OPEC: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2085

Glynnis Winona B | Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

US troop withdrawal from Germany: 
May 2026 | CWA # 2083

Brighty Ann Sarah | Brighty Ann Sarah is a Research Assistant with the Global Politics team at the Science, Technology and International Relations (STIR) Programme at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The US-Iran War, Week Nine:
May 2026 | CWA # 2081

Jenin Raj S | Dr Jenin Raj S is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Centre for Media, Department of Journalism, Mount Carmel College (Autonomous), Bengaluru.

Media freedom hits a 25-year low:
April 2026 | CWA # 2079

Aishal Hab Yousuf | Aishal Hab Yousuf, Postgraduate student, Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

Japan’s New Defence Posture:
April 2026 | CWA # 2074

Brighty Ann Sarah | Ms Sarah is a Research Assistant at NIAS and Assistant Editor of NIAS Conflict Weekly.

Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire:
April 2026 | CWA # 2073

Akshath Kaimal | Mr Kaimal is a Research Assistant at NIAS. He works on Pakistan and Africa.

The US-Iran War, Week Eight:
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon | Dr Lakshmi Venugopal Menon is an academic and policy researcher specializing in Gulf studies, cultural heritage trafficking, geopolitics, migration, Afghan politics and the Taliban.

The Middle East (Jan–Mar 2026):
March 2026 | CWA # 2042

Preetha Renganarayanan

March 2026 | CWA # 2001

Preetha Renganarayanan

February 2026 | CWA # 1986

Preetha Renganarayanan

February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti | Yesasvi Koganti is an undergraduate student from Madras Christian College, Chennai.

UK and China
February 2026 | CWA # 1957

Preetha Renganarayanan | R Preetha is pursuing post-graduation in the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai, and is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

The India-US interim trade framework
February 2026 | CWA # 1956

Lekshmi MK | Lekshmi MK is pursuing post-graduation in the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai, and is a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

End of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Afghanistan