VIF Papers
Considering the Investor-State Dispute Settlement Provisions under the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Introduction In today's day and age, international trade and economic cooperation is considered the norm rather than the exception, especially with the rise of organizations such as the WTO. However, rather than diving headlong into the world of laissez-faire economics, due precaution must be taken before getting into multilateral trade agreements. This paper seeks to examine the Investor-State Dispute Settlement clause within the Trans Pacific Partnership and make general observations as to the veracity of the Agreement from India's perspective.

Anti Satellite Weapons: A Likely Future Trajectory

The concept of ASAT weapons has evolved over time as a logical progression from the mother concept of Anti Ballistic Missiles (ABM) or its more recent coinage,the Ballistic Missile defence (BMD)-- a Missile-based defence against the adversary's threat of Ballistic Missiles. Click here to read full paper

Consecration of China’s ‘New Period’ People’s Liberation Army

A Home Run of Military Modernisation At the dawn of Year 2016, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) officially promulgated the commencement of the final phase of restructuring of its apex setup for management of national defence as well as its highest organisation for the exercise of military command and control over its 2.3 million strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Click here to read full paper

China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Old String with New Pearls?

China and the Indian Ocean Region China has been incessantly increasing its footprint in the Indian Ocean in the past decade by undertaking port infrastructure projects, managing and running ports, gaining port access for naval platforms, acquiring military bases and conducting naval exercises with countries in the region.

Growing Muscle of PLAAF

Steady Growth. Although some signs of a somewhat waning economy are now visible in China (economic growth rate sliding down from 10.5% in 2010 to 7.4% in 2014) she has experienced a steady growth cycle for the past two decades, catapulting the country as the world’s second largest economy. Click here to read full Paper

Strategies for Enhancing India’s Comprehesive National Power

Comprehensive National Power – Concept and Utility National power is defined as the ability of a nation to attain its strategic objectives by directed action. The use of power would be based on the overall national vision based on the aspirations of the people at large and the capability of the leadership to fulfill the same. Click here to read full Paper

Trends in Chinese Military Modernization: Implications and Responses

Geo-Political Context The Chinese White Paper on defence of 2015 and the papers issued earlier have been emphasizing that their “national defense policy is defensive in nature... and will never seek hegemony or expansion.” Yet, countries that have been at the receiving end of China’s assertive policies in South China or East China Sea would tend to think otherwise. Click here to read full Paper

Case for a Regional Maritime Security Construct for the Indo Pacific

The Indian Ocean has been the hub of major economic activity and global realpolitik since the end of the Second World War. It has assumed greater importance since the penultimate decade of the last century and will continue to remain so in the 21st century. The development and progress witnessed in South East Asia, China and India during this period has further extended this geographical construct to the western reaches of the Pacific leading to what some call the great strategic arc of the Indo-Pacific.

India- Bangladesh Relations: An Enduring Economic Partnership

India and Bangladesh share a long history of enduring economic partnership and bi-lateral development. The relationship between the two countries has been one based on mutual trust and cooperation. Our multi-faceted economic relations encompass trade, credit arrangements, soft transit facilities and joint ventures in energy and connectivity. Click here to read full Paper

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