India is not a major arms exporter, something that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to change. But there is one “Made in India” weapons system that half a dozen Southeast Asian countries seem most eager to buy: the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Category Archives: Commentaries
India and Multi-Alignment: Having One’s Cake and Eating It Too
The evolution of India’s foreign policy from non-alignment to multi-alignment has yielded dividends. The question is whether New Delhi can continue to be in such an enviable position.
The 212 Movement: Lying Low But Up Against the Jokowi Administration
Despite observations that the group has become defunct, the 212 Movement has held a series of gatherings to display their opposition to President Joko Widodo. One thing is clear: the movement will not endorse presidential candidates endorsed by Widodo.
Will the New Financial Omnibus Law Compromise Bank Indonesia’s Independence?
The Joko Widodo administration’s repeated renewal of a bond programme for burden-sharing with Bank Indonesia during the pandemic raises questions about whether the new financial omnibus law will constrain rather than strengthen the economy.
Washington and Southeast Asia in 2023: How Devolving Power to Line Agencies Might Make a Difference
Although much attention has focused on the shift in power from Democrats to Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, the empowering of line departments and agencies to take more responsibility for Asia policy could be just as important. And it could prove to be a good thing for the region.
Widodo Government Acknowledges Gross Human Rights Violations Happened: The Unstoppable Erosion of a Fundamental Taboo
President Joko Widodo’s recent acknowledgement of certain human rights violations in Indonesia took many by surprise. It may prove to kickstart a true national reckoning with one of the darkest periods of the country’s history.
Resistance Forces in Myanmar: Changing the State of Play with Weaponised Drones
The use of weaponised drones by Myanmar’s resistance forces is giving them an edge over junta forces.
Towards Resilient Agricultural Value Chains in the Mekong
The development of the agricultural sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion will play an important role in inclusive growth and social upliftment.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2023: It Takes Three to Tango
If ASEAN can’t tango with China or the U.S., who else? Pragmatic as always, ASEAN’s favourite choices for hedging partners remain the EU and Japan but attention appears to have also fallen on India as its third choice this year.
Why Did the Mayor of Medan Make Anti-LGBT Statements?
Joko Widodo’s son-in-law, Medan mayor Bobby Nasution, kicked off 2023 with a controversial remark which might prove to be more bane than boon for the aspiring rookie politician.