Hayat Ashraf

The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a significant turning point in the country's political and security landscape. After nearly two decades of U.S.-led military intervention following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, signaling the end of the "War on Terror." This event has profound implications not only for Afghanistan but also for the region and global geopolitics. The Taliban emerged in the mid-1990s during Afghanistan’s civil war, following the Soviet Union's withdrawal. Comprising mainly Pashtun students from Pakistani madrasas, the Taliban promised peace, security, and the imposition of Islamic law in Afghanistan. By 1996, the group captured Kabul and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, implementing a strict interpretation of Sharia law that restricted women's rights, banned entertainment, and enforced public executions. However, after the 9/11 attacks, the United State...

The Rohingya refugee crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian issues in recent decades, marked by widespread displacement, violence, and suffering of the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group from Myanmar (formerly Burma). The crisis is rooted in a complex combination of historical, political, social, and religious factors, leading to a situation in which hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas have fled Myanmar in search of safety and better living conditions. The crisis has drawn global attention due to the scale of the suffering, the alleged human rights abuses, and the challenges faced by both the displaced people and the host countries. Background of the Rohingya People The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority primarily residing in the Rakhine State in western Myanmar, bordering Bangladesh. They have lived in Myanmar for centuries, but the Myanmar government does not recognize the Rohingyas as one of the country’s official ethnic groups. Instead, the government refers to the...

India’s position on the South China Sea (SCS) dispute is rooted in its broader geopolitical goals, economic interests, and strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region. As a rising global power with increasing maritime interests, India’s stance on this issue reflects its support for international law, its commitment to regional stability, and its strategic priorities, including freedom of navigation, the protection of sea lanes, and the prevention of the militarization of key maritime areas. India’s position is nuanced and carefully balanced, as it seeks to preserve its relations with China while reinforcing its influence within regional multilateral frameworks such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). India’s Strategic Interests in the South China Sea The South China Sea is one of the most important maritime regions globally, not only because it holds vast natural resources but also due to its role as a key shipping rout...

COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Diplomacy The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as one of the most significant global health crises of the 21st century, affecting nearly every country in the world. As governments grappled with public health, economic, and social challenges, a key aspect of managing the crisis became the development, production, and distribution of vaccines. Alongside national efforts, the concept of vaccine diplomacy emerged, where countries used vaccines not only as a tool for public health but also as a form of international diplomacy and soft power. COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Crisis The COVID-19 pandemic began in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, leading to millions of infections and deaths. Governments imposed strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures to curb the virus's spread. Health systems were overwhelmed, economies took a massive hit, and daily life was disrupted globally. In response to the pandemic, the global scientific commu...

India's maritime strategy is designed to protect its vast maritime interests, enhance its regional influence, and secure its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region. It is shaped by India's geopolitical objectives, economic needs, and security concerns. Some key components of India's maritime strategy are: 1. Maritime Security and Protection of Sea Lanes: India places significant emphasis on the protection of key maritime trade routes, especially the sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean is a vital passage for global trade, and securing these lanes is crucial for India’s economic and national security. 2. Naval Modernization: India has focused on modernizing its navy, with an emphasis on increasing the capability and reach of the Indian Navy. This includes acquiring advanced naval platforms such as aircraft carriers, submarines (both nuclear and conventional), destroyers, frigates, and surveillance assets. The INS Vikrant, India'...

Blue Economy: Harnessing the Potential of Oceans for Sustainable Development The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs, while also preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It emphasizes the economic benefits derived from oceans, seas, and coastal areas, including fisheries, shipping, tourism, renewable energy, and mineral resources, while ensuring their conservation and sustainability for future generations. Key Sectors of the Blue Economy 1. Fisheries and Aquaculture: Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture are central to the Blue Economy. Oceans provide food security and income for millions of people worldwide. The focus is on sustainable fishing practices, reducing overfishing, and managing marine ecosystems to ensure fish stocks are replenished for future generations. 2. Maritime Transport and Ports: Shipping and maritime trade are vital components of the Blue Economy. Ports serve as gateways for global tra...

Sagarmala Project: Boosting India's Maritime and Economic Growth The Sagarmala Project is an ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015 to modernize and develop the country’s maritime sector. The project is designed to harness the potential of India’s coastline, ports, and shipping sector to drive economic growth, promote international trade, improve logistics infrastructure, and create employment opportunities. It is expected to revolutionize India’s maritime trade and position the country as a major player in global shipping and trade routes. Key Objectives of the Sagarmala Project 1. Port Modernization and Expansion: The primary goal of the Sagarmala Project is to modernize existing ports and develop new deep-draft ports to accommodate larger vessels and increase capacity. India’s ports are seen as the gateway to the country’s global trade, and improving their efficiency is key to reducing logistics costs and boosting economic growth. 2. Coastal Shipping: O...

Indian Ocean Diplomacy: India’s Role in the Region The Indian Ocean is one of the most strategically important regions in the world, acting as a vital maritime trade route that links the East and West. It is crucial for global trade, energy flows, and maritime security. In recent decades, the Indian Ocean has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, particularly among major powers like India, China, the United States, and Australia. India’s Indian Ocean Diplomacy focuses on maintaining security, expanding influence, fostering economic cooperation, and ensuring freedom of navigation in this region. Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world and spans a large part of the globe, linking the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Some of the key reasons for its strategic importance include: 1. Maritime Trade Routes: The Indian Ocean is a crucial shipping lane, accounting for about half of global container traffic and one-...

Chabahar Port and Gwadar Port: Strategic Rivalry and Regional Significance Chabahar Port and Gwadar Port are two strategically important ports located in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, respectively. While both ports play a critical role in the regional geopolitical landscape, they are associated with different countries and serve as key nodes in their broader geostrategic interests. Chabahar Port: India-Iran Collaboration Chabahar Port is located in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran, on the southern coast of the country, along the Gulf of Oman. It holds significant strategic importance for India, as it provides a direct sea route to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Chabahar is one of the few warm-water ports in the region, which means it remains ice-free year-round, making it a valuable asset for international trade. Key Features of Chabahar Port: 1. India-Iran Partnership: India has heavily invested in the development of Chabahar Port as part of it...

String of Pearls vs. Necklace of Diamonds The "String of Pearls" and "Necklace of Diamonds" are metaphors used to describe two distinct geopolitical strategies primarily related to China's and India's approaches to enhancing their influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. Both strategies are about securing strategic interests, but they differ significantly in their approaches, goals, and methods. String of Pearls: China’s Strategic Vision The "String of Pearls" is a term used to describe China’s geostrategic ambitions in the Indian Ocean, particularly its efforts to establish a network of military and commercial facilities along vital sea lanes. This strategy focuses on creating a string of key ports and infrastructure investments, which are crucial for ensuring China’s access to important maritime routes, securing its energy trade, and expanding its military and economic influence across the region. China has invested heavily in ports...

India's Foreign Policy: Past, Present, and Future Past: India’s Foreign Policy Post-Independence India’s foreign policy after independence in 1947 was shaped by its leaders’ vision of a non-aligned and independent nation in a rapidly changing world. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, articulated a foreign policy based on Panchsheel (Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence), emphasizing sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence. This approach sought to maintain India’s neutrality during the Cold War, as the world was divided into two ideological blocs: the United States and its allies versus the Soviet Union. India became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating for the rights of newly independent nations and opposing colonialism, imperialism, and apartheid. India’s foreign policy in the post-independence period was focused on establishing itself as a sovereign nation and fostering peace in its neighbor...

India’s soft power diplomacy is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to enhance the country's global influence through non-coercive means, focusing on cultural, political, and developmental engagement rather than traditional military or economic power. The foundation of India’s soft power lies in its rich and diverse cultural heritage, which spans centuries and resonates across the globe. India has successfully popularized Yoga and Ayurveda, with the International Day of Yoga being a prime example of how cultural elements can be used as diplomatic tools. Bollywood, Indian cuisine, and music have also contributed significantly to India's appeal, attracting people worldwide to explore Indian culture. Another critical aspect of India's soft power is its diaspora, one of the largest and most influential in the world. The Indian diaspora serves as a bridge between India and other nations, fostering closer political, economic, and cultural ties. India's outreach to this global...

India’s soft power diplomacy is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to enhance the country's global influence through non-coercive means, focusing on cultural, political, and developmental engagement rather than traditional military or economic power. The foundation of India’s soft power lies in its rich and diverse cultural heritage, which spans centuries and resonates across the globe. India has successfully popularized Yoga and Ayurveda, with the International Day of Yoga being a prime example of how cultural elements can be used as diplomatic tools. Bollywood, Indian cuisine, and music have also contributed significantly to India's appeal, attracting people worldwide to explore Indian culture. Another critical aspect of India's soft power is its diaspora, one of the largest and most influential in the world. The Indian diaspora serves as a bridge between India and other nations, fostering closer political, economic, and cultural ties. India's outreach to this global...

Climate Change and India's Global Role Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, affecting all aspects of human life, from environmental stability to economic growth. As a developing nation with a rapidly growing economy and a population of over 1.4 billion, India plays a crucial role in global climate action. Despite contributing only around 3% of historical global carbon emissions, India faces significant climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. However, India has emerged as a leader in advocating for climate justice and promoting sustainable development, balancing its developmental needs with environmental responsibilities. India's commitment to combating climate change is reflected in its active participation in global climate negotiations, particularly at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Conference of Parties (COP)...

India’s role in global peace and security is rooted in its historic values of non-violence, peaceful coexistence, and multilateralism. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India has consistently advocated for peaceful conflict resolution, promoting diplomatic engagement over military action. Its commitment to peace is evident in its UN Peacekeeping contributions, where India has deployed over 250,000 troops across conflict zones, including Congo, Sudan, and Lebanon, making it one of the largest contributors. India also plays a key role in disarmament efforts, maintaining a "No First Use" nuclear policy and supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) to ensure responsible use of nuclear weapons. In the fight against terrorism, India has been vocal about the need for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and actively collaborates with global bodies like FATF to counter terror fi...