Vivekananda International Foundation

this fortnight: protests over a proposed facility, faces political unrest, launches a new power plant, rolls out a breakthrough prevention injection, battles a outbreak, and global efforts intensify to contain in - . expands Africa outreach, boosts market access, and deepens engagement through Ebola aid, vaccine cooperation, ties, , and high-level diplomacy.

https://www.vifindia.org/2026/june/18/Africa-Now-01-15-june-2026

Neighbourhood News Digest – 18 June 2026.
https://www.vifindia.org/2026/june/18/vif-Neighbourhood-News-Digest

“Sardar Patel could understand that great civilizations of the great nations can be there with a weak state and the weak state will lead to the degradation of the nations, and therefore if you want a strong nation, you also need a very strong state.”

Revisiting the release of “Sardar Patel, Unifier of Modern India” by Shri R. N. P. Singh, released by National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. The talk noted Patel’s "Iron Will" and his foundational role in creating a unified, sovereign Indian state with a strong administrative structure.

Release of 'Sardar Patel, Unifier of Modern India' by Shri Ajit Doval, KC 4 September 2018 - Release of 'Sardar Patel, Unifier of Modern Ind...

“America pursues America First. China pursues China First. Russia pursues Russia First.

There is nothing unusual about this. The question is whether India possesses the confidence and clarity to pursue India First with equal conviction.”

Mr. Sumeer Bhasin explores the "India First" approach as an essential foundation for a more realistic and durable Indo-US strategic partnership. The article highlights how India must navigate a fragmented global landscape by reconciling cooperation with strategic independence and its unique civilisational vision.

“India is not seeking a place within an American-led order. India is seeking a role in shaping the emerging multipolar order.”

India First in a World Without Rules: The Emerging Limits of the India–U.S. Partnership The recent deaths and injuries of Indian sailors aboard civilian vessels caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions in the Gulf have triggered understandable outrage in India. New Delhi’s diplomatic protest and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s assertion that lethal actions again...

"The whole ecosystem of Islamist, fundamentalist, radical groups is now going to come up in Bangladesh."

Exploring "Seeds of Hate: Bangladesh's Extremist Surge" edited by Shahriar Kabir and Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury. This discussion highlights the rise of radical groups and the strategic necessity for India to engage proactively with its neighbour.

Amb Harsh Vardhan Shringla, also noted the book’s relevance and importance of understanding extremist networks shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Book discussion on Seeds of Hate - Bangladesh's Extremist Surge Book discussion on Seeds of Hate - Bangladesh's Extremist Surge: Ja...

Dr Arun T. Ramchandani, President, SIDM & SVP & Head, Precision Engineering, L&T, emphasised that capability creation requires identification of existing strengths and assessment of the probability of success. He noted that BrahMos stands as an example of how sustained efforts can deliver successful indigenous defence capabilities.

Rajinder Singh Bhatia, Chairman, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, emphasised that with the vision of a Viksit Bharat, there is no time left to disappoint the optimists. Mr Bhatia stressed the need to build capabilities, skill sets and a whole-of-nation approach for defence growth. He highlighted the importance of developing indigenous technologies such as aero engines and breaking barriers between public and private sectors to strengthen the ecosystem

#2047

Dr. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi, Former Chairman, Pawan Hans and CMD HAL, raised the question of whether the progress India has achieved is enough or a case of “satisfactory underperformance”. He discussed BrahMos integration with the Sukhoi-30 and also emphasised that India’s future priorities include border defence, theatre commands and cyber warfare. He also highlighted the importance of narratives and the role of media in shaping national discourse.