Avinash Arora is a graduate from Chandigarh University. His current research is focused on south Asian security issues. His research explores the interlinkages between strategic partnerships and security.
The municipal budget provides an amount of ₹ 431.62 billion for capital expenditure or 58 percent of the total budget. This essentially goes for building new assets in the city. On the other hand, revenue expenditure comprises salaries, pensions and other institutional costs. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/mumbai-municipal-budget-warning-bells
In this impossible world, lie new impossibilities. Free trade agreements between the EU, China and India will create, a combined market size of more than $40 trillion. Add Japan, Australia and ASEAN countries, and it rises to US$50 trillion. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/new-impossibilities-in-an-impossible-world
The Secure and Aligned AI Initiative (SAAII) as a proposition for IMEC is not merely another technical project—it is a bold vision to reclaim technological sovereignty in an era where non-democratic digital systems are rapidly expanding. SAAII is designed to counter the growing influence of authoritarian technologies and ensure that AI infrastructure serves democratic values. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/securing-our-digital-future-the-case-for-a-secure-and-aligned-ai-initiative-within-imec
A decade of this partnership had thus ushered in a near-permanent amicability in the India-Bangladesh relationship, providing a strong foundation for New Delhi’s aspirations to ‘Act East’ by putting its ‘Neighbourhood First’. However, the mass revolution in Bangladesh in August 2024, followed by Hasina’s seeking refuge in India, and the establishment of the interim government in Dhaka, abruptly halted this partnership. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/india-bangladesh-relations-and-the-pakistan-wildcard
The Tariffs proposal has sparked intense debate across economic and political circles. Designed to protect American industries, these tariffs could reshape global supply chains, increase consumer prices, and provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners. Analysts argue that while some domestic manufacturers may benefit, the broader economy might face inflationary pressures and slowed growth. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/research/trump-s-10-tariffs-are-barely-enough-to-make-xi-blink
Today, Europe bears many similarities to the “world of yesterday” described by Zweig. However, this is less about the decline of Pax Americana—the period of post-war “long peace”, led by the West with the United States (US) at the helm. It is more about the “slow agony” of Europe—economically, demographically, industrially, and technologically, as eloquently expressed by Draghi in his 400-page report. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/europe-under-trump-2-0-in-search-of-an-end-to-its-slow-agony
As Trump’s second term unfolds, Hegseth’s Indo-Pacific tour reassures allies and strengthens US defence ties with Japan and the Philippines, especially amid China tensions. Washington’s ties with the Philippines and Japan are critical pillars of its Indo-Pacific strategy in two key ways—countering China’s assertiveness and ensuring regional stability. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/us-defence-strategy-in-the-indo-pacific-hegseth-s-push-under-trump-2-0
The Red Sea crisis refers to the ongoing political and security tensions surrounding the Red Sea region, which includes conflicts in countries like Yemen and Sudan. With vital international shipping lanes passing through these waters, the crisis threatens regional stability and global trade. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-red-sea-crisis-and-political-equity-of-non-state-armed-actors
Health is wealth—and nations that strategically seize this cultural and technological moment to become global longevity leaders will offer something no nation in history has been able to provide at the diplomatic negotiating table—the gift of longevity. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/health-is-wealth-the-impending-rise-of-longevity-diplomacy
Climate action can and should be pursued at multiple levels. While the central governments in India and South Korea hold the authority to drive implementation and policy change, subnational governments have emerged as norm entrepreneurs, advocating for change and leading climate initiatives. Website URL: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/small-states-big-impact-driving-climate-action-through-norm-entrepreneurship