The China-Pakistan-Iran Triangle: Reshaping Asia’s Geopolitics

 

Pakistan has pulled off a diplomatic coup that has sent shockwaves across the region. At the end of a historic two-day visit to Pakistan by Iranian President Dr. Masoud Peshmerga, the two countries signed 12 comprehensive memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering energy, trade, culture and border security. It was announced in a joint press conference that bilateral trade would be increased from the current $3 billion to $10 billion annually, all with an “immediate” timeline. In an interesting but highly strategic development, a joint free economic zone would be established at the Ramdan-e-Gabad border, just 70 kilometers from Gwadar. The Iranian Supreme Council for Free and Special Economic Zones and Pakistan’s Board of Investment have agreed on a framework for the project, including major tax concessions, uniform customs processing, and integrated infrastructure that will make Gwadar and Chabahar “sister ports” of each other. Not only that, but with Beijing’s backing, CPEC is now set to transform into a trilateral corridor. Chinese companies have already invested billions of dollars in Gwadar, and now Iran is also set to connect its Chabahar hub to Gwadar and the ITI (Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul) railway through the “Silk Road Expansion.” The Pakistani and Iranian communications ministers have formed a joint working group to upgrade the ITI line and make the Quetta-Zahedan track dual-lane. But perhaps the biggest setback has come to India and its proxies. The joint statement categorically stated that the first step to prosperity in the border areas is the elimination of terrorism. Both leaders specifically named groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jaish-e-Adl and expressed their determination to eliminate their “base camps”. Iran indicated that all such hideouts would be uprooted from the areas around Ramdan, Sarawan and Zahedan, while Pakistan would further tighten the intelligence cordon on the western border.

In the global scenario, this development has become a diplomatic troika for India. China’s economic power, Pakistan’s land and maritime geography, and Iran’s energy and market have all lined up in the same row. The biggest worry for New Delhi is that the BLA, which it has been using as a “Fitnat-ul-Hindustan” in the region for a long time, will now face state power tightening its grip on both sides.

Strategic analysts say that the Gwadar-Chabahar “twin port” strategy will not only reduce freight costs by 30 percent but will also establish a new land and sea trade bridge between South, Central and West Asia. It is estimated that direct investment of $3 billion is expected in the first five years in the Ramdan-Gabad zone alone, while thousands of job opportunities will be created in Balochistan. In short, the current phase of CPEC is carving a new geographical reality. China will bring capital, Pakistan will provide a corridor, Iran will provide energy and markets, and the result will be that groups like “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” will be at odds on both sides. For the first time in history, Tehran and Islamabad are walking on a strategic highway where political trust, economic partnership and security cooperation all pass through the same speed breaker and are now moving on the “fast track”.

China-Pakistan-Iran alliance,
Trilateral cooperation China Pakistan Iran,
China Iran Pakistan strategic partnership,
New axis of power Asia,
Geopolitical realignment Eurasia,
Countering Western influence Asia,
China’s Middle East strategy,
Pakistan’s role in China-Iran ties,
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) and Iran
Chabahar Port and Gwadar synergy,
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Iran & Pakistan,
Energy cooperation China Pakistan Iran,
Oil and gas trade Iran-China via Pakistan,
Trade routes China to Middle East via Pakistan,

135 Indian army personnel died in Kashmir

Since 2021, around 135 Indian army  personnel have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir, likely carried out by the same group.

Phalgam attack 2025

More updates: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/photos-recovered-from-an-encounter-site-in-2024-helped-identify-pahalgam-terrorists/article69887047.ece

Kashmir's New Gold: Why Elderberry Cultivation is a Game-Changer

Elderberry (specifically Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis) is known to thrive in a range of temperate and subtropical climates. In India, there is growing interest in its cultivation due to its increasing popularity as a health supplement and natural food ingredient.

Elderberry cultivation in India

Key factors for successful cultivation include:

• Soil: Elderberries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter.

• Climate: The plants are fast-growing shrubs or small trees that bear fruit in late spring or early summer. They can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions but perform best with full sun exposure.

• Water: While they are drought-tolerant, regular watering is crucial for good fruit quality and yield, especially during the summer. Mulching helps to retain moisture.

• Planting: Elderberry shrubs are often planted in rows, with spacing that allows for machinery use and prevents overcrowding as the plants form a dense hedge over time.

While elderberry is not a traditional crop in India, some sources suggest that the country's diverse agro-climatic zones, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions, could be suitable for its cultivation.

Market Size and Growth in India

While specific, detailed data on the elderberry market size in India is limited, global and regional trends indicate a growing market with significant potential. Several market analysis reports highlight the following points:

• Asia-Pacific Growth: The Asia-Pacific region, which includes India, is recognized as the fastest-growing market for elderberry products. This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes, the increasing dominance of e-commerce, and a traditional acceptance of botanical remedies.

• High Demand for Supplements: The primary driver for the elderberry market is the increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits, particularly its use in immune-boosting supplements. Products like capsules, syrups, gummies, and powders are gaining traction.

• Functional Foods and Beverages: Elderberry is also being increasingly used as a natural ingredient and colorant in the food and beverage industry, including juices, teas, and functional foods.

• Market Projections: The global elderberry market is projected to continue its growth trajectory. For instance, one report estimated the elderberry extract market in India to reach a valuation of USD 21.7 million by 2032, with a strong CAGR.

• Market Challenges: The elderberry market in India, as in other parts of the world, faces challenges such as seasonal shortages of raw materials and price fluctuations. However, advancements in processing technologies, like spray-drying, are helping to address these issues by enabling year-round production of elderberry powder.

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Sampat Prakash : Sampat Prakash: The Unwavering Voice of Kashmir's Special Status

Late Sampat Prakash Ji -

Identity wasinseparable from his Kashmiri Pandit heritage

Adil Mir===========Muzafarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Lt. Shri Sampat Prakashji

The landscape of Kashmiri political and social history witnessed the passing of a towering figure, Sampat Prakash, on July 1, 2023, who passed away a few days after celebrating his 84th birthday. His death was mourned across the region and beyond, reflecting his multifaceted life as a Kashmiri Pandit, a dedicated trade union leader, and a determined voice advocating for justice, secularism, and Kashmiri identity. Op-eds published in Kashmiri newspapers and national newspapers alike paid tribute to his enduring contributions, describing him as a seasoned trade unionist whose interviews fueled important political debates and stirred regional sentiments.

Sampat Prakash’s identity was inseparable from his Kashmiri Pandit heritage, yet his worldview transcended sectarian boundaries. He was a man deeply rooted in the history, language, culture and spiritual traditions of Kashmir, while also embracing a broader Kashmiri identity that encompassed all communities in the valley. His ability to speak authentically as a Kashmiri Pandit while advocating for the rights and dignity of all Kashmiris exemplified his commitment to the idea of Kashmiriyat, a harmonious cultural ethos emphasizing mutual respect and coexistence among diverse faiths and communities.

His perspective on the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits during the insurgency and their subsequent displacement reflected his keen awareness that their pain was part of a broader narrative of regional conflict and human tragedy. For Sampat Prakash, the pain of the Pandits was intertwined with the suffering of the Kashmiri Muslim majority, and he believed that healing the valley required acknowledging this shared pain, promoting dialogue and resisting the politics of division.

Throughout his life, Sampat Prakash stood as a staunch critic of identity politics — an approach that often divides societies along sectarian lines, fosters polarization, and stands in the way of genuine reconciliation. While he may not have articulated his political stance explicitly in contemporary times, his actions and words have strongly opposed the divisive narrative that fuels hostility and mistrust in Kashmir. He identified himself as a “modest student of Marx and Lenin,” remaining strongly aligned with communist principles until his last days. His Marxist worldview shaped his understanding of the importance of social justice, economic equality, and workers’ rights. Yet he did not see these principles as compatible with Kashmiri nationalism or the cultural integrity of Kashmir. Instead, he saw them as complementary forces—a means of empowering the oppressed, uplifting the marginalized, and shaping a society based on justice and secularism.

While committed to Kashmiri nationalism, Sampat Prakash was also deeply engaged in countering the influence of political Islam, which he saw as a threat to secularism and pluralism. His advocacy was rooted in the belief that Kashmir’s strength lay in its diversity and that any attempt to impose a single religious or ideological identity undermined the social fabric of the region. His efforts to promote Kashmiriyat—a comprehensive, tolerant, and culturally rich identity—often met with resistance from those advocating a sectarian or Islamic framework. Despite these tensions, Sampat Prakash’s voice remained unwavering. His leadership of low-paid civil servants and workers in protests—where slogans echoed Marxist ideas—reflected his belief that economic and social rights were integral to the stability and development of the region. Sampat Prakash’s activism was marked by bold acts of resistance. During the turbulent years of the 1960s, he emerged as a fearless leader who was willing to confront the authorities. His participation in the 1967 strike exemplified this spirit. When the police tried to suppress the protests, he fended them off—addressing a gathering, then slipping into a taxi as the authorities closed in. On another occasion, facing imminent arrest, he made a daring leap into the icy waters of the Jhelum River while swimming to escape capture. Such acts of defiance underscored his unwavering commitment to the working class and the marginalized. His eventual arrest and solitary confinement in Jammu did not dampen his resolve. From jail, he made plans and maintained his activism.

His escape from jail became legendary – a testament to his resilience and ingenuity. These episodes of resistance, combined with his steadfastness, inspired countless Kashmiris who yearned for justice, equality and peace. Under the leadership of Sampat Prakash, the trade union movement in Kashmir blossomed as a powerful force for social change. The movement was characterized by its militancy – passing resolutions, organizing protests, and demanding better working conditions – yet it remained firmly committed to secularism and non-violence. His leadership helped improve the lives of countless workers – mule drivers in the mountains, gardeners tending Mughal gardens, transport workers, sanitation workers – who formed the backbone of Kashmiri society.

His advocacy was not simply about economic gains.