Manik Mehta

Manik Mehta, AJOT’s international correspondent, specializes in and has written extensively on international affairs/diplomacy, global trade and business, logistics/supply chains, shipping, aviation, infrastructure, specialized segments (steel, textiles, automobiles, technology/AI, etc). Manik, who was educated in India, Germany, U.K. and the U.S., has an excellent knowledge of German and two Asian languages.

After graduating with a B.A. (Hon) Degree from Bombay (now Mumbai) University, he awarded a scholarship in Germany to pursue post-graduate studies in German literature and philology.  Manik holds a Diploma (Hon) in Journalism from the London School of Journalism (LSJ) and, later, obtained a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University, specializing in foreign policy issues, changing patterns in global affairs/trade, Germany’s post-war unique status following the creation of the Berlin Wall and, in effect, the (now defunct) GDR, emergence of new powers (now forming the much-discussed multipolar system), etc.  He has also done many book reviews.  His stories have appeared in the American Journal of Transportation for over 20 years.

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UAE’s foreign affairs adviser highlights the Hormuz Strait situation at Asia Society in New York

UAE adviser Anwar Gargash says the Strait of Hormuz remains critical to global shipping, energy flows and supply chains as the US-Iran conflict disrupts trade and pushes Gulf states to diversify transport routes.

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USMCA figures prominently at GSDF 2026 event in New York City

Mexican and Canadian steel companies face uncertainties over the Trump Administration’s avowed position not to renew USMCA.

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Steel trade closely watches Brownsville port’s channel deepening project

After dredging, port can now accommodate larger vessels.

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Trade and Currency: Is the mighty dollar’s reign coming to an end?

Despite growing challenges from BRICS initiatives, digital currencies, rising debt, and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. dollar remains the world's dominant reserve currency—though economists warn its long-term supremacy can no longer be taken for granted.

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The UAE bids adieu to OAPEC after exiting OPEC and OPEC+

The UAE’s stunning exit from OPEC, OPEC+, and OAPEC is reshaping the global energy landscape, raising questions about oil prices, Gulf alliances, Hormuz shipping risks, and the future balance of power between Washington and Riyadh.

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The Strait of Hormuz closure threatens disrupting global trade

Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global oil, LNG, and shipping flows—triggering supply chain chaos, rising costs, and urgent shifts toward pipeline alternatives.

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Canadian opposition leader calls for tariff-free trade with the US

As the 2026 USMCA review approaches, Pierre Poilievre pushes for tariff-free U.S.-Canada trade while warning of rising tensions, shifting energy leverage, and high-stakes uncertainty across North American supply chains.

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Philippine Foreign Secretary Lazaro expounds the “Navigating our future, together” theme

ASEAN’s maritime security strategy takes center stage as Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro addresses South China Sea tensions, global trade risks, and the critical role of the Malacca Strait in Indo-Pacific supply chains.

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Frankfurt’s Heimtextil show highlighted all global textile trade

Uncertainty and US tariffs come to the fore.

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A study in contrast: India-EU and India-US trade deals

India moved Fast after US 50% tariff shock treatment.

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