The historic May 2026 summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing has sent ripples across the geopolitical landscape. While the establishment of a "constructive relationship of strategic stability" and new bilateral Boards of Trade suggest a cautious attempt to manage competition, the underlying shift raises deep, structural questions for the Indo-Pacific. For New Delhi, this potential thaw between Washington and Beijing is not just a spectator sport, it carries dir

There’s a paradox at the heart of the India–Russia relationship. On one level, there are no direct conflicts of interest. In fact, at a moment like the present, when even trusted partners like the United States appear willing to coerce New Delhi, Moscow seems like a reliable friend. It remains a key defense supplier, and now also an important energy partner, offering deep discounts to keep its own economy afloat. And yet, there are growing limitations, and increasing costs, t