In an era of energy transitions and geopolitical uncertainty, Venezuela presents one of the most striking contradictions in the contemporary world. With the largest proven oil reserves at about 303 billion barrels , more than Saudi Arabia and Iran, in theory, the country should be economically viable and geopolitically relevant. Illustration by The Geostrata But the reality stands in antithesis to the expectations, becoming a textbook example of economic collapse, institutio

"Somewhere Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe's problems are the world's problems, but the world's problems are not Europe's problems” Dr S. Jaishankar (Indian External Affairs Minister) The world today has been confronted with the strange reality of trade protectionism and aggressive tariff policies, which stem from the thought of intrinsic economic development amongst multiple countries, starting with the US. What was earlier seen as protectionism and reignit

As the first month of 2026 comes to a close, the global economic establishment is less a coherent system and more a fragmented mirror of competing interests. With the EU – India summit less than a week away, the atmosphere is charged with unprecedented urgency. As the EU President Ursula von der Leyen touches down in India alongside other European leaders for Republic Day celebrations on January 26, the long-anticipated India – EU trade deal stands on the precipice of finaliz

India's trade policy since independence has been rooted in self-sufficiency and protectionism, which makes India's trade remarkably different. The first three and a half decades after independence were governed by very high tariffs, tight import restrictions, and a complex 'licence raj'   system to encourage young Indian industries, while protecting many sectors. Illustration by The Geostrata This self-sufficiency encouraged domestic manufacturing, but at the same time, it ha

Trade conversations between the United States and India often focus on tariffs and technicalities, but the two giant trading partners share a much larger concern . This is especially true in agriculture. Illustration by The Geostrata The US relies on large, export-oriented farms, whereas India’s agricultural sector is composed of millions of small farmers who require steady prices to survive. What looks like a policy conversation on paper becomes an argument about defending t

The governments of India and the United Kingdom announced a landmark Free Trade Agreement with symmetry on 6 May 2025 and formally signed this agreement on 24 July 2025. Throughout this process, India’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) played a critical and often informal role in providing strategic coordination, direction, and oversight to the international significance of this event. Illustration by The Geostrata By illuminating the PMO’s role, we gain insight into how the hig

As the EU implements strict anti-deforestation regulations, exporters worldwide now have to prove the sustainability of their supply chains. With the majority of India’s coffee sector relying on EU exports, it must find ways to comply with regulations while protecting the livelihoods of small growers and holding onto market share, as well as aligning with international environmental standards. Illustration by The Geostrata UNDERSTANDING THE EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION (EUDR)

In India’s financial pulse, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) — Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) are key factors for development. NBFCs are entities that provide similar services to banks but do not hold a banking license, for instance, engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/debenture/securities, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance, and more. Illustration by The Geostrata It has emerged as a vast source of financing for individuals as well a

When we talk about Pakistan, trade is not what we immediately think of; well, it comes naturally that the country is rather infamous for being enrolled in an economic crisis, surviving on loans and handouts by the IMF and its ‘AAKA’s from the Persian Gulf. Illustration by The Geostrata Rather than exporting goods and services, they export terrorism across the world. If we take a close look at their trade books, we can see that their aggregate annual exports stand at $ 36.5 bi

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is a monumental step that was officially signed on 24th of July 2025 , which starts a new chapter of economic cooperation. Illustration by The Geostrata This study is to reflect on the characteristics of this Free Trade Agreement, interpreting their various opportunities for both nations. We will also examine how the CETA proportionally structures the elimination of tariffs and market access across

In 2018 , the United States initiated a Section 301 investigation, exposing China’s allegedly discriminatory and unreasonable trade...

From the Earliest Agreements to Mega Global Plans in the Future Between 2005 and 2015, India concluded a series of major bilateral and...

The Russia-Ukraine war approaches its 3rd year in February 2025. Since its full escalation in 2022, the region has witnessed a multitude...

The Enduring Legacy of China's Finest Thread is a comprehensive exploration of silk's historical, cultural, and economic significance,...

India's relationships with West Asia have grown. This strategic bond has become an essential component of India's foreign policy. Thus...

When Brahma Chellaney coined the term “debt-trap diplomacy”, explaining how China deliberately lends huge amounts of money to financially...

Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been a theatre of influence since ancient civilisations and holds that stature contemporarily as well. This...

Strait of Malacca, formally known as Melaka, is a waterway linking the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea in the...

Today, banks have enhanced the security of transactions, especially commercial sales and digital contracts, in the fight against threats...

The transcontinental trade consisting of Europe, Asia, and East and North Africa has shaped the global economy and civilisational...