The recently concluded ‘Heart of Asia’ conference witnessed theatrics and controversies as well as signalled a shift in regional dynamics. While a few common statements were expected, some came as a welcome surprise. The joint statement was clearly crafted, supported and pushed by India, with support from Afghanistan. In all common platforms, since Pathankot, India raised the Pakistan bogey of […]
For every country, its national interests are paramount, irrespective of the collective view of any group of which the nation is a part off. Nations would be unwilling to bend if the common view moves against their national interests. The recently concluded BRICS summit with the BIMSTEC outreach in Goa, clearly indicated this. India expended maximum political energy raising the […]
The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the Durand Line, which has never been accepted by Afghanistan, however being weaker, it has limited options. Post the withdrawal of the Soviet Union, it was the Taliban which established the government, much to the cheer of Rawalpindi, the Pakistan army HQs. Bhutto, as Pakistan’s prime minister, established an ISI cell, well before […]
I superannuated from an army I adored, after thirty-five years. Being a second generation officer, I have been a part of it since childhood. My fondest memories of life have been my days in military cantonments. It was a career of choice and joining it was fulfilling my childhood ambitions. Yet, if given an option again, I would not join […]
In his Independence Day speech, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister publicly criticized Pakistan for human rights violations in Baluchistan, POK and Gilgit- Baltistan. He had raised this issue in the all party meeting on Kashmir, a week ago. Rarely has any international leader publicly declared such a radical shift in his nation’s foreign policy, adopting […]
In recent days there has been immense discussion across various forums over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). It was commented upon by the supreme court and recently by the Chief Minister of J and K, Mehbooba Mufti, who stated that it could be considered for withdrawal in places and for limited periods. Comments against it have also come […]
J and K flared up, post the encounter, in which Burhan Wani was eliminated. The situation should have been expected and requisite security measures adopted. The centre was compelled to react and the only answer was to induct additional security forces into the area. The media and political circles debated the crisis with emphasis on the efficacy of pellet guns […]
The encounter killing of Hizb-ul- Mujahideen local commander and poster boy militant, Burhan Wani, led to widespread disturbances in Kashmir. There was a mass of humanity, mainly the youth who attended his funeral. Subsequently, the situation deteriorated at a rapid pace, which took security agencies by surprise. Though like in earlier militant funerals, a crowd was expected, however, the rapid […]
Post the successful test of the Ashwin interceptor missile in mid- May, there were violent cries from Pakistan about India changing the balance of power in the region. This has not been the first time Pakistan has cried hoarse. It has always been the case whenever India either purchases or produces an equipment with better technology. In fact, the blame […]
In the past few months, events and incidents brought the performance of the silent Indian soldier into the limelight. In each case he quietly proved to the nation, that he can be unflinchingly depended upon, irrespective of the nature of the crises. The event passed and the silent warrior was forgotten, to be remembered only when the next crisis arises. […]