Introduction Donald Trump finally announced his South Asian (read Afghanistan) policy. The policy had nothing new to offer, despite delays and discussions, prior to its release. Extended discussions were essential because unknowns dominated known factors, since more neighbouring nations began jumping into the Afghan cauldron. There is mention of a surge in troops, greater involvement in operations including air power […]
The previous defence minister, Manohar Parrikar, had formed a committee under Lt General DB Shekatkar (retired), to recommend measures to enhance combat potential of the armed forces. The committee submitted its finding in December 2016. It concerned itself with internal restructuring of the armed forces and establishments under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It had no role in considering working […]
Trump’s latest tirade against Pak, solely blaming it for the failure in Afghanistan, has rattled the country. The past fortnight has witnessed statements emanating from the Pak army chief, their national security council and even the senate, criticizing the US. Pak has been in a state of denial, using every forum and media, but to no avail. A new irritant […]
Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s second woman defence minister, Indira Gandhi being the first, assumes her appointment with immediate effect. Like all her predecessors, she would have limited knowledge on the functioning of the military. The three service chiefs and the defence secretary would spend time, slowly taking her through the paces, enabling her to comprehend the complexities of military power and […]
The Doklam standoff is finally over. Media on both sides will claim victory for their nation, stating national objectives have been achieved. In reality, it has been success of diplomacy and a mature approach to resolving contentious border issues. In logical terms, it has been a win-win for all nations involved. India and Bhutan were only seeking status quo. The […]
Trump lambasted Pakistan during the recent announcement of his government’s South Asia policy. He openly blamed Pak for supporting and providing bases to terror groups operating in Afghanistan on its soil. It was holding Pak responsible for the failure of previous US policies on Afghanistan. Pak support was neither a new discovery nor did it require rocket science, it was […]
Friday 25th Aug, a black day, when the Haryana government writ collapsed in the state. It was the day, when Ram Rahim, a self-styled godman was to be sentenced for alleged rape in the Panchkula CBI courts. For a week, Lakhs of his supporters had been entering the city, jamming sidewalks and parks, creating confusion amongst residents, conveying the message […]
er trained, nor motivated nor even equipped to challenge the might of the army, hence are being eliminated rapidly. If this also has to reduce then the government needs to act. This is the time when the government machinery should have begun to regain control over the districts and towns. Interactions between elected representatives and the public, to explain government […]
As Pakistan’s interference in Kashmir rises and ceasefire violations increase, rhetoric for teaching Pak a lesson, gain ground. Even veterans on TV discussions resort to warmongering, seemingly to enable channels to enhance TRPs. The recent standoff with China at the Doklam plateau resulted in China raising the war cry. Its former Consulate General in Mumbai, Liu Youfa, stated that Indian […]
President Trump recently announced with much fanfare his new policy towards South Asia, concentrated on US commitment in Afghanistan. It was eagerly awaited and when it was finally announced, it had all ingredients which were expected, with no new surprises. The policy, which had been under debate for months, was expected in Jul, but finally released a month later. In […]