Putin Sees China as a Gas-Hungry Ally
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to find they have more in common than ever as they meet this week, starting today in Shanghai for a Sino-Russian summit and later in St. Petersburg for an economic forum. Both men are coming under sharp criticism from the West: Putin for his annexation of Crimea and Xi for his forays into the contested waters of the South China Sea. For all the fascinating and potentially consequential strategic conversations that may take place between these two men, the one to look out for will be whether they conclude a much-delayed energy deal to pipe huge amounts of Russian natural gas to China starting in 2018.
India’s Foreign Policy under BJP: Pragmatism and Proactive Diplomacy?
Synopsis
Despite the party’s Hindu-tinged nationalistic zeal, the BJP’s election manifesto emphasises pragmatism and proactive diplomacy in India’s external relations. The new government needs to translate its foreign policy aims effectively to mend and renew relations with the US, Russia and the immediate neighbourhood.