Summaries by Nitin Pai

3 summaries by this author.

Supportive

India-Iran relationship: why New Delhi should move quickly for a mutually beneficial reset of ties

India must swiftly rebuild its strategic relationship with Iran, especially following West Asia's altered geopolitical landscape. US coercion previously curtailed bilateral trade and connectivity. While India strengthened ties with the US and Gulf nations, this came at Iran's expense. The author argues Iran, with strategic autonomy, can be a vital ally for India. New Delhi should prioritize humanitarian aid, then resume bilateral trade, including oil imports and Indian exports. Offering lines of credit and medical assistance would strengthen bonds. Prompt action is crucial to seize this opportunity and signal renewed commitment.

LiveMint · Nitin Pai · Jun 28, 2026 at 7:48 AM

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Balanced

Trust deficit: India must generate social capital for people to believe institutions are as good as gold

India's high gold demand reflects deep-seated societal and institutional distrust, not merely culture, exacerbating current account deficits. Past government interventions to curb imports have largely failed as people bypass controls. The author suggests leveraging domestic gold stock through schemes or, fundamentally, strengthening social capital and becoming an export-oriented economy. Evidence shows a decline in per capita gold demand, possibly due to digital infrastructure and financial instruments. Greater transparency and accountability in governance are crucial to build trust, offering a long-term solution to this complex economic and social challenge.

LiveMint · Nitin Pai · May 17, 2026 at 5:47 AM

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Critical

Islamabad talks: Pakistan’s role as peacemaker won’t help it overcome its military-jihadi complex

Pakistan's US-Iran mediation may bring goodwill, but the author is critically skeptical. It follows a cycle: geopolitical openings offer temporary economic relief, which the military exploits to consolidate power, hindering vital reforms. This perpetuates instability and dependence, despite foreign aid. Therefore, successful mediation won't secure lasting financial stability. The establishment resists deep-seated fundamental changes, ensuring Pakistan's economic turmoil without true internal transformation.

LiveMint · Nitin Pai · May 3, 2026 at 8:30 AM

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