The World This Week

CWA # 1769
The World This Week
The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan

The World This Week #321 Vol 7, No 30, 27 July 2025

GP Team
27 July 2025
Photo Source: AFP

PM Modi’s Visit, India and the Maldives: 
Prioritizing Neighbors
Swati Sood  

What happened?
On 25 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Male, Maldives. He was welcomed by Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu and the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and the Minister of Homeland Security. 

On the same day, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu, emphasizing Maldives’s role in India’s Neighborhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. Both leaders unveiled a new building of the Ministry of Defence of the Maldives and released a stamp to commemorate 60 years of ‘India-Maldives friendship.’

On the same day, India and the Maldives signed four MoUs and various Agreements. MoUs covered various sectors, including the United Payments Interface (UPI), digital public infrastructure, fisheries, and meteorology. India also extended to the Maldives a Line of Credit (LoC) worth INR 4,850 crore. Additionally, India and the Maldives have agreed upon Terms of Reference for the initiation of negotiations for signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

On 26 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations

What is the background?
First, a brief note on India-Maldives relations. India and the Maldives’s ties can be traced back to medieval maritime trade. Such cultural exchanges, particularly from the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, shaped the country’s language, cuisine, and boat-building traditions. A strong political foundation underpins relations between the two countries. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1965. In 1988, India launched Operation Cactus to militarily intervene to prevent a coup to overthrow then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In 2008, India also supported the country’s transition to democracy. 

Second, recent tensions between India and the Maldives. The ‘India Out’ campaign was launched in 2020, notably led by then-opposition leader and current president Mohammed Muizzu. In January 2024, derogatory remarks made by Maldivian cabinet ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered a diplomatic confrontation between the two nations and saw Indians boycotting the Maldives. Subsequently, a majority of the remaining Indian military troops withdrew from the country. Another flashpoint has been the closeness of the current government with China in terms of economic and security cooperation. 

Third, India’s Neighborhood First policy’ and the economic assistance to the Maldives. India’s ‘Neighborhood First policy’ guides its diplomatic strategy with countries in its immediate neighborhood, that is: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Neighborhood First policy emphasizes on expanding India’s trade and commerce relations with the neighboring countries. In 2020, India gave a USD 100 million grant and a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400 million for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. In 2021, India provided a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit (LoC) for the development and maintenance of the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) naval harbour. In August 2024, India financed and handed over water and sewerage infrastructure projects across 28 islands, built at a cost of approximately USD 110 million. Further, India also provided emergency financial assistance by rolling over USD 100 million of Maldivian Treasury Bills and established a currency swap framework of USD 400 million and INR 3,000 crore. Additionally, India helped restore the water supply in Malé in 2014 through Operation Neer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India ensured the steadfast delivery of vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.

Fourth, the bilateral trade. India was the second largest trade partner in 2022 and the largest in 2023. Bilateral trade value in 2022 amounted to USD 176.5 million. India exports essential commodities to the Maldives, such as engineering and industrial products like drugs and pharmaceuticals, radar apparatus, cement, and agricultural produce like rice, spices, and vegetables. Whereas, the Maldives exports scrap metals to India. 

What does it mean?
First, bipartisan support for advancing India-Maldives relations. India continues to remain an indispensable partner for the Maldives. The fallouts from tensions in the bilateral relations had manifested  the Maldivian government the risk of alienating a regional power like India. As a result, there is growing recognition among Maldivian politicians –including those who have previously opposed India’s presence and influence—about the imperative of maintaining cordial and stable relations with India for national interest and regional security.

Second, the implications of increased Indian presence in the Maldives. India’s contribution to enhancing housing, healthcare, and transport can help promote a positive attitude towards India among the Maldivian people. This legitimizes India’s positioning of being a ‘first responder’ to the country, ensuring people-centric development. India has helped strengthen the Maldives’ defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. While Maldives has sought to balance Indian and Chinese influences to maximise its autonomy, Maldives’ economic position and shared security goals with India in terms of counter-terrorism and the Indian Ocean Region necessitate a reliance on India.

Elections for Japan’s Upper House: 
Another setback for the ruling party
Kasvi Batra

What happened? 
On 20 July, Japanese voters cast their ballots in the Upper House elections to decide 125 of the 248 seats in the National Diet (legislature of Japan).

On 21 July, results confirmed that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors. The coalition secured 47 seats, falling short of the 50 needed to maintain a majority, though it still holds 75 seats, which were not up for re-election.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan remained the largest opposition bloc with 22 seats; The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) won 17 seats, surpassing Komeito as the third-largest party. Sanseito made the most gains, increasing its representation from one seat to 14.

What is the background?
First a brief overview of Japan’s political system.The National Diet, Japan’s bicameral legislature, consists of the House of Representatives (lower house)  and the House of Councillors (upper house). Both houses share powers including electing leadership, forming committees, setting rules, investigating government affairs, and voting on petitions. The 248-member House of Councillors (uses a mixed electoral system. Members serve six-year terms, with half (124) elected every three years. 

Second, a brief note on major political parties.The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan’s dominant center-right party with about 113 seats, is traditionally pro-business and backs the U.S.–Japan alliance, Its junior coalition partner; Komeito is a centrist, socially conservative party rooted in Buddhist-democratic principles, with approximately 27 seats. The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), leans center-left and advocates for social welfare, constitutional pacifism, and expanded civil rights, holding roughly 41 seats. Nippon Ishin no Kai, a reform-oriented, right-leaning regionalist party based in Osaka, promotes federal decentralization and deregulation and has around 18 seats . The left-wing Japanese Communist Party holds around 11 seats and advocates socialism, anti-militarism, and grassroots democracy. Sanseito is also known as the "Japanese First" party, is a far-right nationalist and populist group campaigning on anti-immigration, economic nationalism, and strongly protectionist rhetoric holds 15 seats. 

Third recent elections and party positions. The 2024 Lower House snap election was called by the current PM Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba dissolved the House on 1 October to leverage his reformist image and regain public trust. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Komeito coalition secured only 215 seats, falling short of the 233 needed for a Lower House majority, marking only its second such loss since 1955, the first being in 2009. The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) surged from 98 to 148 seats, becoming the largest opposition party 

Fourth, important key issues in the Upper House elections. It included 3.5 per cent inflation rate, which exceeds the Bank of Japan's two  per cent ceiling, rising prices of essential goods, cost of living concerns, immigration policy and overtourism concerns internal scandals within the ruling party and delays in trade negotiations with the US.; 
 
What does it mean?
First, the  setback to the ruling  LDP.,  Opposition parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party gained significant ground in the current elections. For the first time in recent history, the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. This dual loss has weakened the government’s legislative power, making it reliant on complex political negotiations to pass laws. The party’s vague campaign, reliance on handouts, and refusal to cut taxes amid inflation further eroded support. 

Second, the weakening of PM Ishiba’s mandate. This election has raised doubts about his ability to uphold international commitments.  Foreign partners may fear that Japan’s trade, security, and diplomatic promises may be undermined by internal instability.

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Rizwana Banu S, M Santhiya, Merin Treesa Alex, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Kasvi Batra and Swati Sood.
 
CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Yarlung Tsangpo mega dam project in Tibet raises concerns in India and Bangladesh
On 20 July, China’s Premier Li Qiang launched the mega projects to be made on the Tibetan Plateau, aimed to be the world’s largest hydroelectric facility. The project is located in the lower regions of Yarlung Tsangpo River, the location of the same have raised concerns regarding the water supply of lower riparian countries, and the ecological impact on the downstream countries India and Bangladesh. The ceremony was held in the Nyingchi region of Tibet. The Yarlung Tsangpo River becomes the Brahmaputra River as it leaves Tibet, and flows to India’s Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative was first announced under China’s 2020 five-year plan. The dam will create 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which will be three times more than the Gorges Dam. Additional concerns include, impact on water and food security for India and Bangladesh, and the weaponization of water by China, which they can use to cause floods or induce drought. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Rather, the project could help in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, and support climate change adaptation in downstream regions.” This has also encouraged India to speed up the building of its hydropower projects in the Brahmaputra, Arunachal Pradesh.

China: Vietnam to conduct the first joint army drills, informs China’s Defense Ministry
On 20 July, China’s Ministry of National Defense reported that China and Vietnam will conduct their first joint army training exercise. The ministry announced that the exercise will be held this month in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which borders Vietnam. This joint exercise comes in light of growing relations between the two countries as economic partners. The two have previously held joint naval and land border patrols. The future exercise will be the first where the armies of the two countries exchange. The ministry said: “This is the first joint army drill between China and Vietnam, with the theme of ‘joint border patrol training.” They added that this will further deepen the practical cooperation between the two militaries. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This year, China's PLA was also part of Vietnam’s annual celebration of the fall of Saigon. It marked 50 years since the end of Vietnam’s civil war.

China: President and EU heads meet for the 25th China-EU Summit to further bilateral ties
On 24 July, China’s President Xi Jinping meets the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Beijing. This is part of the 25th China-EU summit, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two entities. Ursula, before the trip, posted on social media: “Touch down in Beijing, as we mark 50 years of ties between Europe and China. This summit presents an opportunity to both advance and rebalance our relationship. I'm convinced there can be mutually beneficial cooperation. One that can define the next 50 years of our relations.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Guo Jiankun, stated that both China and the EU are at a critical juncture, as they confront new opportunities and challenges based on past achievements. The summit aims to further bilateral ties between the two, as deepening cooperation will enhance the interests of both and the larger world, as expressed by Guo. The summit aims to discuss the trade relations, rare earths, trade deficit of the EU, climate change, EVs, and the overcapacity of Chinese industries.

China: Russia resumes joint oceanographic research expedition after five years
On 22 July, China and Russia set sail for a joint oceanographic expedition. This expedition aims to investigate the evolution of oceans and the forces driving climate change. They have a 25-member crew from both countries. This is the ninth such expedition between the two countries; but the first one since the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The researchers will conduct environmental surveys at the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok, Wang Jung said: “The resumption of China-Russia joint oceanographic surveys shows a shared commitment to addressing global climate change and exploring cutting-edge marine science, and marks a new chapter in bilateral marine research cooperation.”

China: India opens tourist visa application for Chinese nationals after five years
On 24 July, India’s Embassy in China announced that they are resuming applications for tourist visas; noting that they now allow Chinese citizens to acquire the visa for the first time in five years, as they inch towards improving relations. The applicants will be required to complete an online form and book an in-person appointment to submit their required documents. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a “positive move” that serves their common interests. The ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said: “China stands ready to maintain communication and coordination with India to keep facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries”. From 2020, India suspended all tourist visas for Chinese nationals after clashes in Doklam and the pandemic. They have also agreed to restore the direct flights between the two countries, and China’s Ambassador to India called to revive the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to further the mending of ties.

China: Pakistan signs MoU with Chinese firm to advance its ship leasing, sales, and crew management 
On 24 July, Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shandong Xinxu Group to advance ship leasing, sales, and crew management. This MOU was signed with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) as part of modernizing the shipping industry, informed Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. He expressed that this is the beginning of their joint development and said: “It will strengthen Pakistan’s role in the growth of the shipping industry and create an enabling environment for further investment in the maritime sector”. The Chinese firm has agreed to give capital and a vessel to the PNSC. This comes days after Karachi ports halved port charges for their largest deep-sea facility, where Chaudhry said: “By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience”.

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC THIS WEEK
Japan: Japan and US strike a trade deal; Exports from Japan to face 15 per cent tariffs
On 22 July Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had struck a trade deal with Japan. The details of the agreement include a 15 per cent tariff on Japanese exports, USD 550 billion worth of Japanese investments in the USA, increased Japanese market access to American automobile, and agriculture producers. Tokyo’s trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa told reporters in Washington that the separate US sectoral tariffs of 50 percent on imports of Japanese steel and aluminium are not part of the deal. Akazawa also confirmed that this deal does not cover US spending on defense.

Vanuatu: UN court says countries are liable for climate emissions
On 23 July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries can be held legally responsible for greenhouse gas emissions under international law. The case was initiated by students from the University of South Pacific, who urged Vanuatu to seek clarity on states’ climate obligations. The ICJ addressed two questions: what countries must do under existing law to protect the climate, and what legal consequences arise from harming the environment. ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that environmental protection is essential for human rights. Rejecting arguments from major powers like the U.S. and China, the court held that responsibilities go beyond treaties like the Paris Accord, encompassing broader norms of human rights and cross-border harm. Notably, the court stated that loss of territory from sea level rise does not end statehood. Though non-binding, the opinion could drive climate litigation, strengthen small states’ negotiating power, and shape future legal standards.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Indonesia: Two regencies in the West Sumatra province declare emergency due to ongoing forest fires 
On 22 July, Solok and Lima Puluh Kota regencies in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province declared a state of emergency; as all of Solok’s 14 districts and hilly areas in Lima Kota have been hit by forest fires. Mr Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that due to a decrease in rainfall, hot and dry weather conditions have significantly increased the risk of conflagration. Fire fighters are facing challenges in bringing the fire in Lima Puluh Kota under control as the affected region has only slopes ranging from 70 to 90 degrees making it difficult to reach. The relief effort is also being hindered by the fact that helicopters carrying water and retardants are presently being deployed in the provinces of Riau and South Sumatra where more than 140 peatland and forest fires have been reported. The fires in the region have led to heavy pollution which in turn has reduced the visibility to as low as a kilometer.

Philippines: US and Philippines finalise a trade agreement; goods from Philippines to incur 19 per cent tariffs in the US  
On 23 July, The Manila Times reported that the United States and Philippines have arrived at a trade agreement under which there would be a 19 percent tariff on goods imported from the Philippines and zero tariff on certain US products such as automobiles. However, Philippine's President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. stated that details were still to be ironed out "on the different products, on the different exports." At a joint press conference with President Marcos, Trump stated that beyond the trade agreement, the two leaders would also collaborate on military matters. The 19 percent tariff is slightly below the 20 percent tariff that the Trump administration initially planned to impose on the Philippines and it also exceeds the previously announced 17 percent in April.

Pakistan: Pakistan and Bangladesh decide to exempt visa requirements for “official and diplomatic passport holders”
On 23 July, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Home Minister of Bangladesh Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka. After the meeting, it was announced that people from the two countries who possessed “diplomatic and official passports” would be exempted from visa requirements. Interior Minister Naqvi termed his visit as “of great significance in strengthening bilateral relations.” The Bangladeshi home minister expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for providing “training opportunities” to police personnel from Bangladesh. During the meeting, the two leaders decided to work towards increasing collaboration in “counter-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and police training.” Pakistan-Bangladesh ties are on an upswing after Sheikh Hasina’s government fell in 2023. There has been a surge in the number of bilateral visits between the two countries. FM Dar had planned to travel to Bangladesh in April; however, the India-Pakistan military confrontation resulted in “delaying” the visit.

Pakistan: Pakistan and Afghanistan sign Preferential Trade Agreement, duties on eight items “capped” at 27 per cent
On 24 July, Pakistan and Afghanistan inked a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The agreement was signed by Jawad Paul who is Commerce Secretary of Pakistan and Mullah Ahmadullah Zahid who is the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce in the interim Taliban government. The agreement aimed at decreasing duties on “eight agricultural products.” After the signing of the agreement, import tariffs on Pakistan’s grapes, mangoes, kinnows, bananas, and potatoes were from a previous 60 per cent to a maximum of 27 per cent. Similarly, the duties on the import products from Afghanistan- grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes will also incur a maximum of 27 per cent tariffs. The new duty rates would come into force on 1 August 2025. The agreement can be “renewed” in the following year and new products could also be included in the list.

Pakistan: Lahore gets Pakistan’s first electric tram imported from China
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that Lahore has received Pakistan’s first electric tram. The tram has been imported in China. As per The Express Tribune, the tram would not run on a conventional rail line. The imported tram from China can accommodate 200 people and has three compartments. It has the capacity to cover 27 kilometers with just “10-minute charge.” Further, the trap has the capacity to run driverless, however, in Pakistan it would be “manually operated” because of safety issues. The transport minister of Punjab Bilal Akbar Khan, claimed that trams with latest technology would be operating in Lahore and Gujranwala, even before it arrives in other big cities of the world such as Budapest. Further, the transport minister informed that for the trial period, trams would run from “Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura along the canal road corridor.” The concerned authorities would examine whether a separate lane is required for the tram to run. It is anticipated that the service of trap would also arrive in other cities of Punjab such as Faisalabad, if it is successful in Lahore

Pakistan: Bill in Senate seeks to prohibit children under 16 from making social media accounts
On 21 July, senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed put forward a bill in the senate which sought to prohibit children less than the age of 16 from making social media accounts. The bill is seen as a measure for protecting children from “online exploitation, cyberbullying and harmful content.” As per the bill, if the social media companies are found guilty of allowing children less than the age of 16 to create social media accounts, they would be held liable for paying fines up to PKR five million. In addition to that, if any adult is found to facilitate minors for creating social media accounts, they could be given six months jail sentence as punishment. If the bill gets passed, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would be obliged to delete all social media accounts whose owners are less than the age of 16.

MIDDLE EAST THIS WEEK
Iran: Iran and E3 countries hold talks in Istanbul
On 25 July, Iran and the E3 countries (France, Germany and the United Kingdom) held a diplomatic meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting followed earlier warnings by the E3 countries that failure to reach a nuclear deal by end of August would lead to re-imposition of sanctions on Iran under the “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal. On the Iranian side, the meeting was attended by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and senior Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi who termed the meeting as “serious, frank and detailed.”Additionally, Iran revealed that both sides decided that negotiations on the matter will continue.

Israel: Israel attacks Hodeidah port in Yemen
On 21 July, Al Jazeera reported that Israel had once again launched attacks on the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port in Yemen. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attacks and stated that the attacks were aimed at “forcefully countering any attempt to restore the terror infrastructure previously attacked.” Israel has repeatedly claimed that the port is used by the Houthis to launch attacks against Israel and its allies. Following the latest attacks, the Israeli military reiterated that the “port serves as a channel for weapons used by the Houthis to carry out terrorist operations against Israel and its allies”. In response, the Houthis launched counter drone and missile attacks at several targets in Israel, including the Ben Gurion airport, Ashdod and Jaffa. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that these attacks were in retaliation to Israel’s attacks on the port but also against the continuing bombardment of Gaza.
 
Gaza: Death toll from starvation reaches 111, aid-seeker deaths crosses 1000
On 23 July, Al Jazeera reported that deaths in Gaza due to starvation have reached 111 with majority of these deaths having occurred in recent weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 21 of those dead are below the age of five years and have died this year alone. 111 non-governmental and human rights organizations, in a statement, have revealed that this “mass starvation” is not due to the paucity of aid which is available at Gaza’s doorstep but because of access restrictions. It is to be noted that Israel had stopped the flow of aid into Gaza in March and only allowed limited supplies to trickle in since May. Aid distribution organizations operating within Gaza have accused it of “choking delivery.” Reports have also emerged of Israel targeting and killing aid seekers when they approach distribution points. In this regard, Al Jazeera reported that the number of aid seekers who have been killed by Israeli forces has crossed 1000.

Syria: Explosion in Idlib province kills four, 116 wounded
On 24 July, Al Jazeera quoted Syria’s state news agency SANA which reported that an explosion in the town of Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib province has killed four people and wounded 116 others. The cause of the explosion remains unclear until the time of reporting. It is to be noted that this is the third blast in this month in the province with the previous two blasts occurring in Kafriya and al-Fu’ah regions.

AFRICA THIS WEEK
Western Sahara: Portugal supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal
On 23 July, Portugal announced its support for Morocco’s plan to settle the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara. Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, made the announcement during a diplomatic meeting with other countries that support Morocco’s plan; to give the region limited self-rule. He described the proposal as “serious and credible.” The conflict over Western Sahara has been ongoing since Spain left the territory in 1975. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory. Meanwhile, the rebel group, Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, seeks full independence for the region. The Polisario Front rejected Morocco’s offer and insisted that an independence vote was an acceptable path forward.

EUROPE THIS WEEK
EU-Japan summit ends with security and defence partnership 
On 23 July, in the Japan-European Union (EU) strategic partnership summit, leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across security, defence, economy, and multilateral efforts. The two sides emphasized the need for secure supply chains, emerging technologies, and maritime security. The two sides also discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, tensions in the Indo-Pacific, conflicts in the Middle East, and the Afghanistan crisis. The partnership reinforced support for multilateralism and ongoing collaboration in science, technology, and sustainable development. The 30th EU–Japan summit concluded with both partners defending the rules-based trade system amidst trade tensions with the US. 

Greece: Experts warn that climate change is worsening wildfire risks
On 23 July, Euronews reported that a firefighting helicopter had crashed into the sea while attempting to collect water to fight a wildfire near Athens; all three crew members were rescued. A major wildfire also broke out near the southern city of Corinth, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Supported by 15 aircrafts and 12 helicopters; firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, in a pine forest in a mountainous area. No injuries were reported. Temperatures in parts of Greece have increased to 40°C, creating dangerous conditions for emergency crews. Experts warn that climate change is worsening the wildfire risks, remembering the deadly 2018 Mati fire, where over 100 people lost their lives.

About the Authors
Swati Sood is an undergraduate student in Political Science at the University of Delhi. Kasvi Batra is a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. R Preetha is pursuing post-graduation at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris. Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at NIAS. Rohini Reenum is a Doctoral Student at NIAS. is Project Associates at NIAS. Rizwana Banu S is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. Merin Treesa Alex is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. M Santhiya is from the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai.


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Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War
UNSC Resolution 2817 between Clear and Unified Message and Manifest Injustice
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

Chinas Two Sessions 2026
New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2012

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Long-range strikes, Defence adaptation and the EUs energy dependence
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026
The Rise of the New and the Fall of the Old
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
March 2026 | CWA # 2004

Akshath Kaimal

The Forgotten South Sudan Conflict
Instability returns, with a fragile peace agreement, uptick in violence and limited international engagement
March 2026 | CWA # 2003

Yesasvi Koganti

PM Modis Visit to Israel
From bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China
PM Keir Starmers visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties
TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
TWTW note
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
Conflict Weekly
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan