POLITICS
India’s internal security is jeopardised by Sambhal-like incidents
The pattern leading to Sambhal warrants scrutiny, for it has the potential to irreparably degrade India’s societal ozone layer and related internal security fabric. Mohan Bhagwat’s sage counsel in June 2022 must be heeded by those entrusted with the governance of the country
POLITICS
Trump 2.0 may pressurise India on its positioning in the Quad
India is the odd member out as it doesn’t seek a military alliance and wants to keep options open. Trump 1.0 gave Quad momentum and by the time India hosts the leaders’ summit in 2025, President Trump may question the hard security dividend US is getting out of its investment in Quad
INDIA
Indira Gandhi: Controversial but impactful
On the 40th death anniversary of India’s only female prime minister, a military veteran takes a look at her chequered career and outlines why he feels she is India’s most consequential PM
WORLD
Modi-Xi meeting is a good start but hard yards lie ahead
The meet in Kazan was high on symbolism but sparse on content on the path forward. It’s unclear if China will accept status quo ante in the negotiations going forward. The mistrust between the two Asian powers is deep and the summer of 2025 along the LAC will be crucial for future ties
BUSINESS
Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s potential is limited by a web of terror
SCO, formed under the aegis of China, aimed to promote cooperation among members to tackle terrorism. As leaders meet in Islamabad on October 15, Chinese nationals are in terrorists’ cross hairs in the country. China today is a victim of its own short-sighted policies in relation to Pakistan. It’s unlikely SCO will do anything to rectify matters
POLITICS
Iran-Israel conflict is at a crossroads as old assumptions may not hold
Iran says that its attack on Israel is over after Tuesday’s missile barrage. But the battle of rhetoric between them carries on. Strategic restraint has characterised Iran’s approach so far, and its domestic vulnerabilities will be a critical factor in choosing its future course of action. However, the geographical spread of the conflict and Israel’s domestic politics indicate all bets are off
INDIA
Kargil War will always be remembered for the soldiers' gallantry and Vajpayee government's strategic prudence
The Kargil War situation was complex, kinetic, and posed a national security challenge and it was dealt with restraint, resolve and transparency by the Vajpayee government. The Kargil war and its handling burnished India’s profile as a responsible nation
INDIA
Third terror attack in Jammu: Way forward for Modi 3.0 government
Three terror attacks this week pose a complex challenge which needs to be addressed by both military and political measures. Pilgrim safety is non-negotiable
LOK-SABHA-ELECTION
Indian Armed Forces: Security challenges for the new government
The new government will have to improve the composite combat index of the Indian ‘fauj’ in a sustainable and equitable manner. This is the intangible challenge for the new government – Modi led or otherwise.
WORLD
Pakistan Elections: Will the delay in counting pave the way for Army’s favourites?
Imran Khan’s PTI-backed Independents have done much better than expected. Could that explain the delay in results? Is General Asim Munir setting the stage for a PML(N)-PPP coalition to take office? At this stage there are more questions than answers coming from Pakistan
BUSINESS
G20 Summit: Despite India framing and conducting an energetic presidency, a joint statement is proving elusive
India has the satisfaction of imbuing G20 with purpose and direction through the wide focus on developmental issues and providing a forum for inclusive political dialogue. A joint statement by the leaders would have been a fitting culmination, but the conflicting views of the West and Russia-China on the war in Ukraine stands in the way
BUSINESS
PM Modi’s US visit yields crown-jewel jet engine technology for India
The deal will give wings to the Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) project. The big question is whether HAL and other defence research institutions can build on the F414 deal with GE to revive the failed Kaveri engine project. An indigenously designed jet engine is key to our aerospace aspirations
BUSINESS
G7 Aftershocks: India pulling off July SCO and September G20 summits without turbulence will be a political, diplomatic feat
The angry China-Russia responses to the G7 summit statement highlight the tough task India faces in the weeks ahead as it tries to bring its presidency of the SCO and G20 forums to a successful conclusion
BUSINESS
Imran Khan Arrest: It has come down to street power versus Pakistan Army’s grip over power
Protesters attacking army establishments is a dramatic first in Pakistan’s history. But the Army will not give up its primacy in the power matrix. The bottom line is that neither the military nor the netas, including Imran, are putting aside narrow self-interest to address the crippling economic crisis
WORLD
General Pervez Musharraf: A tragic figure who failed to earn his nation’s respect, despite intensely yearning for it
From architect of the 1999 Kargil misadventure and Janus-faced US ally in the post 9/11 global war on terror to backchannel peace proponent with India, Musharraf was done in by his recklessness and lack of political convictions
