Pragmatism Shapes Growing GCC Engagement with the Taliban
Since the Taliban seized power over all of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country’s de-facto rulers have sought to solidify their grip by asserting firm control over state institutions and intensifying engagement with neighbors and foreign powers. The policy has…
The Nupur Sharma Episode: India’s Public Diplomacy and GCC Relations
Last month, India faced a diplomatic quagmire when Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, spokespersons of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), made incendiary remarks on Prophet Muhammad in a TV debate and a social media post. The comments sparked international…
Online Hate Speech Threatens India’s Image in the Gulf
Riding on India’s growing status as an economic and aspiring military powerhouse, the Modi administration has deftly increased its diplomatic engagement with the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. One factor that has underpinned India’s connection to…