India has widened its security crackdown, asking all companies that provide encrypted communications - not just BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion - to install servers in the country to make it easier for the government to obtain users' data. That would likely affect digital giants like Google and Skype.

The four day mega-event, organized by the Government of India in association with the High Commission and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), is a major drive to push trade and business ties in the African continent.

India said on Tuesday that arch-rival Pakistan had accepted its offer of flood aid, but analysts say this piecemeal attempt at disaster diplomacy will not help improve relations between the two sides.

At an eleventh hour meeting with government officials Monday, Research in Motion (RIM) caved in to India's demands for access to users' emails and other data to avoid an immediate ban on its encrypted data services.

The passage of the Nalanda University Bill by Parliament is a firm indication that India is moving in the direction of unleashing its soft power on Asia and the world. This is reinforced by the efficient completion of the South Asian University project under SAARC and India's decision to open up its higher education sector to global inputs and competition.

India's decision to host the Commonwealth Games seems to have become less popular in the country for its reported oganisational failures in the run-up to the Games. Staging the Games will not help much to advance its soft power.

India summoned China's ambassador Friday to protest against the refusal of a visa to an Indian general from the disputed Kashmir region, the latest spat between two Asian giants jostling for global influence and resources.

While India and Pakistan continue their difficult political discourse, Track II diplomacy still seems to be rolling with artistic collaborations, despite musicians Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and artist Khalil Chishti being denied visas to enter India recently. At his concert yesterday at the Siri Fort auditorium organised by Routes2Roots and ICCR, popular Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and his band Fuzon did their bit to further the cause of camaraderie between the two nations.