South East Asia

Executive Summary This report analyses the geopolitical consequences of Russia officially recognising the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in July 2025. Following the Taliban’s removal from Russia’s terrorist list, this move shows Moscow’s intention to broaden collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and regional security. Russia’s acknowledgment is part of a larger strategy …

When Israel attacked Iran nearly two weeks ago, the Chinese government, a longtime friend of Iran, jumped into action — at least, when it came to words. It condemned the attacks. Its leader, Xi Jinping, got on the phone with the Russian leader and urged a ceasefire. Its foreign minister …

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday — a meeting that underscored the trilateral relationship between Russia, China, and Iran. Iran is a geopolitical lever for both Moscow and Beijing, allowing them to complicate Western strategies in the Middle East, even as …

Israel’s military campaign against Iran has exposed the chasm between China’s great power rhetoric and its ability to meaningfully shape events in the Middle East. To be sure, Beijing backs Tehran as its biggest buyer of sanctioned crude oil, and both describe their relationship as a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” Yet …

Fuel prices have surged in Afghanistan in recent days, a development that traders attribute to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Residents and business owners report that the price of gasoline and diesel has climbed by at least seven afghanis per liter over the past three days. Economic observers …

The India-Pakistan conflict—one of the most volatile and enduring rivalries in international politics—has recently entered a transformative phase, signaling a shift from conventional to hybrid and techno-centric warfare. On May 8, 2025, India accused Pakistan of launching drone and missile strikes on three Indian military installations, including targets in Indian-administered …

Russia has accused Western powers of re-engaging in Afghanistan’s affairs after retreating in August 2021, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning of the risks posed by any potential return of NATO’s military presence in the region. Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Uzbekistan, Lavrov said: “We’ve observed …

On May 14, 2025, at least 10 suspected Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) militants were killed in a gunfight with Assam Rifles in New Samtal village in Khengjoy tehsil (revenue unit) in the Chandel District of Manipur near the Indo-Myanmar border. Seven AK-47 rifles, one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, one M4 …

On May 7, 2025, between 1:05 and 1:30 a.m. (IST), airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force hit nine locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was codenamed Operation Sindoor. Significantly, this is the first time since 1971 that India struck across the international boundary (IB) or …

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers were shunned by foreign governments after seizing power in 2021 but have recently notched up some big wins in their diplomatic efforts to forge international ties. This week, Indian special envoy Anand Prakash was in Kabul for talks with senior Taliban leaders on boosting political and trade …