Raghav Pillai is a New Delhi-based foreign affairs analyst covering great-power diplomacy and the architecture of global order. His reporting tracks the intersections of strategy, economics, and statecraft.
Recent work
India Elevates Italy Partnership to Strategic Alliance as Europe Embraces New Delhi
Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Italy culminated in upgrading bilateral ties to Special Strategic Partnership level, with leaders targeting €20 billion trade by 2029. The partnership spans semiconductors, clean energy, and defence cooperation, reflecting Europe's growing recognition of India's economic dynamism.
UK Abandons Aid Paternalism as India's Partnership Model Gains Global Traction
The UK's Deputy Prime Minister announced a fundamental shift away from traditional development aid toward partnerships based on mutual respect, marking a significant validation of India's long-standing approach to international cooperation and South-South development frameworks.
UK Conference Signals Shift Toward Results-Driven Development Architecture
The UK's Global Partnerships Conference 2026 proposes fundamental reforms to international development cooperation, emphasising speed, country-led solutions, and private sector engagement. The initiative comes as Middle East conflicts threaten 45 million more with acute food insecurity.