The Middle East (Jan–Mar 2026):

Though US-Iran war was the most important regional development, during the first quarter, From Gaza to the Gulf, the region witnessed recalibrations of conflict, shifting alliances, and evolving diplomatic strategies and dilemmas.

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.

Afghanistan (Jan–Mar 2026):

Afghanistan today is neither in immediate collapse nor on a credible path to stabilisation. Instead, it occupies an uneasy space defined by tactical resilience and structural fragility.

Anwesha Ghosh | Dr Anwesha Ghosh is a Research Fellow at ICWA, New Delhi. She is the author of Identity and Marginality in India (Routledge, 2020) and Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Pasts and Anticipations (KW Publishers, 2026).

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)

During the quarter, Russia pursued a dual diplomatic track - confronting the West while deepening ties with partners in Asia and the Middle East 

Ramya B | Ramya B is an Associate Professor at the Department of History, Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)

Europe is looking forward to increasing its defence expenditure, diversifying trade and pursuing strategic autonomy

Himani Pant | Dr Himani Pant is a Research Fellow at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)

While the civil wars, are moving in a dangerous direction, especially in Sudan, and traditional/non-traditional security threats are equally impacting Africa, the continent is also showing positive signs of economic recovery

S Shaji | Dr S Shaji is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad

India and the Neighbourhood (Jan-Mar 2026)

During the first quarter, there was continuity and recalibration in India's approach towards its neighbourhood, characterised by diplomatic outreach, crisis management, economic engagement, and strategic signalling

Nanda Kishor M S | Dr Nanda Kishor MS is Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Politics and International Studies.

India and the World (Jan-Mar 2026)

New Delhi demonstrated pragmatism, cautious engagements and strategic agility in its foreign engagements over the three months. India’s foreign policy was primarily focused on embracing BRICS leadership, navigating Trump tariffs

Adarsh Vijay | Adarsh Vijay is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai.

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)

Emerging from the Gen Z protests of September 2025, the country entered the new year under an interim government led by a former chief justice, focused on restoring stability and holding elections

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)

In Myanmar, the elections, the silencing of the political opposition, and the relentless military campaign against resistance forces signal a regime focused on perpetuating its grip on power rather than governing inclusively

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)

Southeast Asia currently faces a mix of growth opportunities and significant challenges stemming from the war in West Asia, tariff disputes, and rapidly worsening climate change.

Ashik J Bonofer

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)

East Asia during this quarter witnessed China becoming increasingly assertive, while the US-led alliance system defined the regional political, economic, and security landscape 

Haans J Freddy

China’s External Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):

From Asia to Africa to Europe, Beijing’s diplomacy was premised on advancing China’s diplomatic agenda by affirming its strategic interests, repairing strained ties where necessary, and positioning itself as an indispensable global actor

Amrita Jash

China’s Domestic Landscape (Jan-Mar 2026):

The first quarter has seen a significant sharpening of China’s domestic trajectory, characterized by the consolidation of economic trends, a renewed emphasis on technological self-reliance, and a tightening of political discipline

Anand V

The United States (Jan-Mar 2026)

The Trump approach is 21st-century gunboat diplomacy with the US as sole dealmaker, renting out its military and economic power rather than promising it to allies, while pursuing a bilateral and transactional relationship.

Shreya Upadhyay

TWTW Special Edition, 350th Issue

Major Developments across the world, from East Asia to the US

TWTW Special Edition

The US-Iran War, Week Five: Widening Conflict, Houthi Involvement, and Trump’s Renewed Threats

Conflict Weekly #326, 03 April 2026

IPRI Team

Escalatory Airpower, Hybrid Retaliation, and Regional Security

Abhimanyu Solanki

Transnational organized crime, Emerging technologies, Global security environment and ‘Diverse threat vectors’

R Preetha

China-Vietnam 3+3 Strategic Dialogue

Aparna A Nair

China's Interests and Strategies in the US-Iran War

Femy Francis