The cluster for the study of Russia, Central Asia, West Asia and Africa carries out cutting edge research on unfolding developments in this wide-ranging and volatile territorial expanse. Its research focus includes developments in Central Asia and Inner Asia (Xinjiang, Tibet and the Himalayan region), the resurgence of Russia and its enduring ties with India, developments in the Gulf Co-operation Council region and India’s developing linkages with GCC countries, the key role of Iran in Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia, security developments in sub-Saharan Africa and the evolution of India’s linkages with Africa.
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| Senior Fellow | Research Fellow | Research Officer | Associate Fellow | Research Assistant |
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| Research Assistant |
Forging a Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia
March 4, 2010
India and Saudi Arabia are entering into a long term strategic partnership that encompasses political, economic, scientific and cultural relations. Geopolitical Stipulation of Central Asian Integration
January 2010
The overall post-Soviet and post-Cold War transformation of the five Central Asian countries is multifaceted and complicated. India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): An Economic and Political Perspective
January 2010
Indian presence in the Gulf region is civilizational and has developed into a vibrant relationship over the years. The Case for Mercenaries in Africa
February 16, 2010
Despite the concerns surrounding the use of mercenaries, they remain an indispensable force on the African continent, so much so that they have been welcomed by governments, and grudgingly even been accepted by NGOs, international organizations and civilians. Renaissance of Russia’s Foreign Policy in 2009
February 11, 2010
Russia has considerably enhanced its international position by leveraging Western weaknesses stemming from the unwinnable war in Afghanistan and the adverse impact of the financial crisis, as well as Western dependence in dealing with Iran and North Korea. Global War on Terror and the Africa Link
January 14, 2010
Across the globe, a crucial but largely unseen and unheard of force in the Global War on Terrorism is emerging – young, hardened, militant, radicalized recruits from Africa – a force potent enough to compel governments to revise their handbooks on how best to contend with Islamic extremism. Turbulence Rocks Islamic Republic
January 8, 2010
Although Iran’s regime is under no immediate danger of being toppled, it however faces a growing number of internal and external threats which will necessitate prudent redressing. 26/11, The ‘Israeli Way’ and Relevance for India
November 26, 2009
While countries need to adopt each other’s best practices to deal with the hydra-headed monster called terrorism, there cannot be a magic bullet or a single successful counter-terror strategy. Houthis and external intervention in Yemen
November 25, 2009
The failure of the government to stem Houthi-led violence and the involvement of the external powers in Yemen’s sectarian problems has aggravated the country’s stability. Yemen has been turned in to a theater of conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Who is Supporting Jundullah’s Terror Campaign and Why?
November 6, 2009
From its base in Pakistan’s Baluchistan, Jundallah has had opportunities to forge cooperative ties not only with the ISI but also with the Taliban as well as with the intelligence services of countries interested in stoking anti-Iranian activism. |