Coercive diplomacy? 

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Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Pulwama terror attack has brought coercive diplomacy into the public discourse. It must be handled with caution. Coercive diplomacy? There is a need to differentiate it from ‘gunboat’ diplomacy! The article ignores the effect from all sides. In reality, … Continue reading

Modi’s airstrikes have called Pak’s nuclear bluff

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Reading Time: < 1 minuteHe has raised the ante after Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama and numerous other Kashmir related incidents. Justified reaction to actions. This means a lot to domestic politics. Though BJP’s unpalatable solution to Kashmir is quite far. This is an area where … Continue reading

Why I am Not a Hindu

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Reading Time: 7 minutesThis is the title of a book written by Kancha Illaiah[i]. I stumbled upon the book searching for Shashi Tharoor’s book titled ‘Why I am a Hindu’, which I wanted to read out of curiosity and not self-affirmation. Illaiah’s book … Continue reading

Karnataka Elections and after …

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Reading Time: 4 minutesDangers of a one-party rule from Panchayat to Parliament will see the demise of democracy. Further, a religion backed ideology will put a strain on minorities, even with all the assurances of the BJP. It is too late for them to shed the self-created mantle of Hinduism. Karnataka elections will impact the future of democracy. Continue reading

Was Doklam to tame the Dragon?

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Reading Time: 3 minutesChina’s foreign policy and strategy seek a military supremacy over the US. While it talks of regional leadership and supremacy, it actually challenges the US which is at an economic disadvantage with China. The desire for leadership lie in China’s history and growth. Continue reading

BJP claims Modi-Sharif talks ‘a breakthrough’; Congress questions PM’s peace move – The Times of India

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Reading Time: 4 minutesThe BJP on Friday claimed major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his counterpart Nawaz Sharif. Source: BJP claims Modi-Sharif talks ‘a breakthrough’; Congress questions PM’s peace move – The Times of India Modi waves with … Continue reading

Endeavours within a democracy: The case of One Rank One Pension

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Reading Time: 4 minutesTo proclaim patriotism is a popular act, at least politically. To make use of patriotism is a plank of a nationalist and is the first recourse of every politician. Who will vote anyone to power if they did not speak … Continue reading

Silky slippery roads: Indian and Chinese diplomacy

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Reading Time: 13 minutesMedieval diplomacy, border incursions and balance of power ideas detract the relations between China and India. There is no end in sight to this game and an underlying distrust frames the relations. This is unlike the how these nations treat western powers, or do they live in their shadow of influence. China and India have a lot to gain by developing a mutual trust. Continue reading

India Isn’t ‘Open for Business’ Yet – Bloomberg View

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Reading Time: 4 minutesI came across this article –  (see link below) which echoes a shared feeling that Modi will have difficulty translating his successes at a state level into a national one. Of course he will! Analysts and even sceptics know that … Continue reading

Crony capitalism a big threat to countries like India, RBI chief Raghuram Rajan says – The Times of India

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Reading Time: 2 minutesCrony capitalism a big threat to countries like India, RBI chief Raghuram Rajan says – The Times of India. That the government does good is something that I have held on to almost as a belief, in comparison to what … Continue reading

Anzac and India: A shared but forgotten camaraderie

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Reading Time: 7 minutesWorld War 1 continues to be remembered a century later, and the Indian troops who fought in various sectors are being acknowledged now more than ever before. Gallipoli and Anzac has emerged as a unifying national event in Australia and New Zealand and the significant Indian contribution needs to be celebrated alongside. Continue reading

Diplomatic fracas – a la Devyani

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Reading Time: 3 minutesDiplomats are meant to build relations and not scuttle them. Individuals and minor functionaries have a role in this buildup, but when they are the cause of discord, they place themselves before the state’s interest. Sad case for Indian diplomacy. Continue reading

Afghanistan a 1000 year war or can it be shortened?

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Reading Time: 4 minutesWilliam Dalrymple’s view on the Afghan issue being a manifest of India-Pakistan conflicts seems to be a statement that will not go down well. It seems to reflect his lack of understanding of the region despite his excellent research reflected in his writings. The future of Afghanistan is on a slender thread. Elections are not far and will they bring Karzai back. Continue reading

Prospects of peace in Afghanistan: a Freeperception view

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Reading Time: 5 minutesPeace in the Hindukush has hit a rock. The removal of troops always lead to uncertainty of the host’s future. Do we not know this? Yet there is little regard to the security of those who collaborate with external forces. We hope there is no massacre of innocent lives with the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. It is a troubling thought and there needs to be a amicable solution. Will the US agree to neutral parties negotiating for the,? Continue reading

God made man but Kalaschnikow made them equal!

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Reading Time: 2 minutesGlobal arms trade is mute to the destruction caused around the world. Conflict zones thrive because of the availability of arms. while one chases the weapons of mass destruction, small arms cause more destruction as they are out of any centralised control. Continue reading

Taliban’s Doha diplomacy leaves Afghanistan peace talks flagging

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Reading Time: < 1 minuteTaliban’s Doha diplomacy leaves Afghanistan peace talks flagging | World news | guardian.co.uk. Why do all international ‘talks’ beat around the bush. If one goes by the history of mankind conflict seemed a way towards resolution. Leaves a question: Has … Continue reading

Afghanistan: Moving Forward to 2014

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIndeed it is a historic time for the Hindukush region. The Afghan Army takes control of the security within Afghanistan relieving the international forces to a supporting role. Thinking about this; is Karzai left with fighting with some real shadows? … Continue reading