The long-standing friendship that India and South Africa share can be dated back a thousand years ago to the time of Mapungubwe, the centre of the largest kingdom in the subcontinent, when gold and ivory and other valuable commodities were traded in abundance between the two nations.

These measured steps of 'Afghanisation' ought to prompt Delhi to contemplate what role India can play. Clearly, Delhi should focus on economic and political rather than military engagement in Afghanistan to bolster long term security in that country and in the region.

Although the issue of anti-Indianism in Nepal exists prominently, it has not received proper attention of scholars and politicians in either Nepal or India. In Nepal it has become a fashion to blame anti-Indianism on Panchayat (1962-1992), where as the Indians see it as China’s growing influence (and interference) in Nepali politics.

A cultural tit-for-tat is happening in France as Namaste France picks up steam. It follows hot on the heels of Bonjour India which saw French cultural events highlighted across 18 Indian cities. Now the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Indian Embassy in Paris has even outdone the French.

So far, so good. Indians haven't shown this much enthusiasm for American fast food since McDonald's came to New Delhi and Mumbai more than a decade ago.

Lush, landscaped parts of the Purana Qila – the 16th century Old Fort in the capital – reverberated with the divine melody of Buddhist music as a Chinese festival began in India. The concert was held in the capital Tuesday.

Chief Minister Shri Digambar Kamat has said that Goa will soon house the regional centre of the prestigious Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The regional centre of ICCR under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India he said will be housed in the upcoming library building in Margao and formally inaugurated in a couple of months.

Yoga is fast becoming a major trend in urban Nepal through Indian TV, in particular lifestyle and holistic health programs, along with things like yoga instruction CDs and video tapes that effectively carry the methods and philosophies into the cities.