Modi seems to have achieved his objectives for his Kyiv visit: Reassert India's strategic autonomy by underscoring its friendship w/Ukraine even while maintaining close partnership w/Russia, and reinforce its opposition to war and willingness to play a role in any peace efforts.

Modi's visit to Kyiv reinvigorated India's warm ties with Ukraine. But it's quite clear-as seen from a rather brief trip, a relatively thin joint statement, and a bit of an awkward Modi/Zelensky embrace-that they can't hold a candle to India's special relationship with Russia.

I suspect that’s because the main U.S. motivation for the call (placed by Biden) was to discuss Modi’s Ukraine visit, which happened just a few days ago. The U.S. likely didn’t feel a need to highlight the Bangladesh part of the discussion in the way that India wanted to.

Latest — For DW News What's behind the armed insurgency in Balochistan? Baloch separatists carried out a series of deadly attacks. Who are these rebels and what is the conflict about? Inputs from Michael Kugelman Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch Kiyya Baloch #Balochistan dw.com/en/pakistan-wh…

Of course due process considerations are critical. But-he was released in Jan, only to quickly be jailed again due to what was described as plans to carry out acts of sabotage. And now suddenly he’s released, with charges dropped. Not to mention, he heads a banned terror group.

Just a reminder to tune in on Friday, August 30 at 10:30 if you want to hear from some real experts on the way forward in #Bangladesh. Thanks again to Fahmida Khatun, Dr. Badiul Majumdar , Michael Kugelman and Ali Riaz for joining us. We will post a recording after the event. If you

This week for ⁦Foreign Policy⁩, a look at the protests in India—which have played out over more than two weeks—that were triggered by a horrific case of sexual violence at one of the country’s oldest hospitals earlier this month. foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/28/ind…

South Asian affairs expert Michael Kugelman says 79th UNGA can be a big opportunity for Prof Yunus to share his govt's broader plans. Right to Freedom Board Member Jon Danilowicz moderated the webinar. unb.com.bd/category/Bangl…

Highlighting the importance of a workable relations with India, #SouthAsian affairs expert Michael Kugelman has said the interim government in Bangladesh will need to be “very careful” about how it pursues its relations with #NewDelhi unb.com.bd/category/Bangl…

I'm featured in this deep dive discussion on the fall of Sheikh Hasina, produced by ABC News's Rear Vision program. Also features thoughtful analysis from Thomas Kean Bina D'Costa and Ali Riaz. abc.net.au/listen/program…

Pakistan has a major conundrum on its hands w/the Iran pipeline. It's unlikely to get a US sanctions waiver & has run out of time to secure external financing. Its only option appears to be negotiating for another deadline extension or a lower penalty. asia.nikkei.com/cms/Business/E…

"The pipeline project offers a cautionary tale for Pakistan: that it can’t capitalize on an opportunity to strengthen energy security if it bites off more than it can chew." foreignpolicy.com/2024/09/04/ira…

"All [Pakistan] can do is negotiate another extension for the deadline, though frankly, that would amount to trying to kick the can down a dead-end road, because it has already received 10 years' worth of extensions" and may not receive more.

Some personal news: I'm happy to report that my father has published his magnum opus. It may be of interest to chemical engineers and those in related fields. Others, don't worry if you, like me, don't even understand the meaning of the book's title :) amazon.com/Practical-Proc…

Strong turnout for PTI rally despite the state's tactics to limit numbers through roadblocks and containers, and despite the risk of violent crackdowns and arrests. Its size and popularity ensure its mobilization capabilities remain intact despite relentless attempts to curb it.