With immense joy and profound gratitude, we present our first issue of 2026. This is a significant milestone for me and for everyone at India’s World. Exactly twelve months after our launch as a once-every-two-months magazine, we now take the next step in our journey by becoming a monthly publication.
The past year has taught me that as international politics and India’s relationship with the world continue to evolve, the demand for timely, incisive, and well-argued analysis is greater than ever. India’s World is committed to delivering precisely that, bringing you analysis and stories about India’s engagement with the world you might otherwise miss. You will notice that we have introduced several new features in this issue. I hope you enjoy them.
Much of the current issue is dedicated to unpacking “The Russia Factor”, which we curated in light of President Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi. The question on everyone’s mind is this: “Why is Russia still important to India?”
“The Russia Factor” offers a rigorous exploration of the many dimensions of Russia’s global posture and its longstanding relationship with India, examining its historical roots, cultural connections, and likely future trajectories. Former Indian ambassador to Russia, Pankaj Saran, opens our discussion with his argument piece, ‘The Indispensable Power: Why Russia Matters to India’
We have brought together some of the finest Indian and Russian experts on India-Russia relations to write on topics ranging from the Russia-China relationship and Russia’s role in South Asia to arms control and India’s defence dependence on Russia, among others.
Much of the current issue is dedicated to unpacking “The Russia Factor”, which we curated in light of President Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi.
That said, if you’re not a mainstream foreign policy enthusiast (which I totally understand), and if you’re simply looking for a fresh lens on India and the world, you will still find much to engage with in these pages. For instance, experience the thrill and immediacy of crisis diplomacy with former High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria’s gripping account of being given just 72 hours to leave Pakistan.
Our Arts and Culture section is especially rich this time. Kirti Singh writes on ‘The Cultural Soul of India-Russia Ties’, Kanav Gupta recalls ‘Pandit Ravi Shankar’s American Disillusion’, and Sanjay Kumar tells us about the ‘legacy of Kerala’s trailblazing film society movement’. The issue also features Sridhar Krishnan’s recounting ‘A Short History of Strikers in Saris’, and Namrata Zakaria’s take on Russian fashion.
My personal favourite in this issue is Torunika Roy’s analysis: ‘Bollywood Out, Hallyu In: The Story of the Korean Wave in Northeast India’.
This issue embodies the spirit of India’s World—blending rigorous geopolitical analysis with cultural insights, historical perspectives, and a look into the future. We believe this mix is essential to fully understand India’s place and voice in the world. I must admit that despite my best efforts to reduce the size of the monthly issue, I have not been particularly successful—thanks entirely to the richness of the submissions we received.
As we begin this exciting new monthly journey, I am personally grateful to each of you for your support. Thank you.
Do tell me what you think of the inaugural monthly issue of India’s World!
Happymon Jacob