- India’s Name Change to Bharat Sparks Political Firestorm –
- Modi’s Vision for India as Global Leader Faces Opposition –
- West’s Support for Afghan Anti-Taliban Forces Crucial, Says Expert –
- India-China Relations Strained as Xi Jinping Skips G20 Summit –
- G20 Faces Challenges as China Rises as Global Power –
- Iran Sends Militants to Stop Anti-Government Protests in Syria –
- Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad Back Iran’s Calls for Stronger Collaboration Against Israel –
India’s Name Change Sparks Political Firestorm
A proposal to change India’s official name to “Bharat” has sparked a huge fight between the government and the opposition. Each side accuses the other of trying to change history. According to S Gurumurthy, Chairman of the VIF, the name “Bharat” is more ancient and historically accurate than “India.” He says that the name “India” was imposed by the British during colonial rule. However, the opposition argues that changing the name would be a costly and unnecessary exercise.
Modi Portrays India as Leader of Global South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has portrayed India as a leader of the Global South, a position that Hindu nationalists believe it is destined to attain. According to Sanya Dhingra of the Lowy Institute, this ideological context helps explain India’s desire to assert itself on the global stage and challenge Western liberal hegemony.
Western Backing for Anti-Taliban Struggle Vital
Western backing for the anti-Taliban struggle in Afghanistan is vital until negotiations culminate in a legitimate, participatory governance system, according to Amin Saikal of the ASPI. The West has pledged to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, but it is unclear whether it will be willing to provide military support to the anti-Taliban forces.
India-China Relations Strained as Xi Jinping Skips G20 Summit
India-China relations are strained as Xi Jinping skips the G20 summit. Recent years have seen Xi grow more confident in China’s rise as a global power and challenge to the US. According to Harsh Pant of the ORF, Xi sees BRICS and the SCO as proof of China’s success worldwide. The absence of Xi and Putin at the G20 summit casts doubt on collaboration and joint communiqués.
G20 Faces a Number of Challenges
The G20 faces a number of challenges, including the rise of China and other developing nations altering the global power balance. According to an assessment by Stratfor, global political and economic polarisation is increasing. The rise of nationalism and protectionism is also undermining international cooperation.
Iranian-Backed Militants Sent to Stop Anti-Syrian Regime Protests
Over 60 Iranian-backed militants have been sent by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to stop anti-Syrian regime protests in southern Syria. Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders gathered in Beirut and backed Iranian calls for stronger collaboration against Israel.