The Making of India’s Foreign Policy:

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 and Africa Studies team.

India as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region:

Amb Raghavan’s framework remains relevant for emphasising cooperative security, regional stability, and strategic autonomy. However, India’s role as a net security provider should be understood as an evolving and contested strategic aspiration. 

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

Press Freedom in the Indian Neighbourhood

Global Politics Team

Myanmar and Press Freedom: 

Before the coup, Myanmar had witnessed a growing independent media sector with outlets such as Mizzima, Democratic Voice of Burma, and Myanmar Now. These organizations played a major role in political reporting, but the coup has led to their shutdown

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

Bangladesh and Press Freedom: 

Among the newspapers, Bengali-language newspapers are the most popular among the population. A majority of the urban youth and politically active audiences are active on social media.

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. 

Sri Lanka and Press Freedom: 

Despite the end of civil war, freedom of the press is still encumbered by challenges, including political pressure on state and private media, ethnic and religious sensitivities, and the long history of state intimidation.

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.

Bhutan and Press Freedom:

Both state-owned and private outlets dominate the flow of information to the public, with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service and Kuensel leading the way. Private houses such as The Bhutanese and Bhutan Times operate within limits

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

Maldives and Press Freedom:

In Maldives, press freedom remains fragile and heavily shaped by political power and restrictive laws. While constitutional provisions protect journalists, they still face intimidation and censorship. 

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.

Pakistan and Press Freedom:

Though Pakistan has improved its 2025 position from 158, it does not indicate positive conditions for press freedom in the country.Digital journalism through social media platforms and independent online news portals is widely popular among the young

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. 

Afghanistan and Press Freedom:

Siddhi Halyur | Siddhi Halyur is an undergraduate from St. Joseph's University currently interning at NIAS. 

Nepal and Press Freedom:

Nepal’s constitution states that the country ensures “full freedom of the press” in its preamble. However, in practice, the country does not offer the same. Political influence is one of the primary reasons for restricted media independence.

Siddhi Halyur | Siddhi Halyur is an undergraduate from St. Joseph's University currently interning at NIAS.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026: Major Statements and Takeaways

NIAS Global Politics Team

The Blue Origin Rocket Explosion:

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.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2026:

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: Four Major Takeaways

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.

Israel-Lebanon Tensions and a New Deal I The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen

NIAS Global Politics Team

The US-Iran War, Week Fourteen:

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.

Israel-Lebanon Tensions:

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.

The UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal: 

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 and Africa Studies teams.

Conflicts in Africa This Week:

Anu Maria Joseph | Anu Maria Joseph is currently a Non-Resident Fellow, Subhas Chandra Bose International Relations (SCB-IR) Chair, Chanakya University, Bengaluru.