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Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

The Diplomat

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A Coordinated Trans-Eurasian Threat: The Deepening China-Russia Strategic Partnership

Sino-Russian cooperation and antagonism to the Western-led order is hardly new, but their partnership has reached new depths.

30.03.2026 6

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Despite a Supposedly Defensive Policy, China’s Military Budget Rises Fast

China’s sustained higher defense spending has altered the military balance in the region.

27.03.2026 20

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Revelations of Chinese Nuclear Tests Mark Start of a New Era

While China is expanding its nuclear arsenal at a dramatic pace, Russia and the U.S. are also testing new delivery platforms.

23.02.2026 20

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Putin’s India Visit Reveals New Delhi’s Complicated Strategy

Amid difficult relations with the U.S., India is keen to show that it has other options.

10.12.2025 10

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Why China Can’t Make Gwadar Work – Even After Billions Spent

Gwadar port has often been touted as CPEC’s “crown jewel.” Yet almost two decades after the port began operations, business has been lackluster.

06.12.2025 10

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Want an Explanation for China’s Nuclear Build-up? 

It’s not in the new white paper.

06.12.2025 10

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

China and Russia Seek to Deepen Defense and Security Cooperation

Do not cling to hopes that either China or Russia will moderate the other. 

27.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan

Malabar Exercises Underway, Despite Turbulence in the Quad

While the Quad leaders are unlikely to meet this year, Malabar 2025 is going ahead.

15.11.2025 10

The Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan