Along with US’ new South Asia policy, India’s Chabahar initiative changing regional narrative ORF 14 Nov 17

Along with US’ new South Asia policy, India’s Chabahar initiative changing regional narrative ORF 14 Nov 17

The strategic initiative displayed by India when it moved its first shipment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port has been well established. Bypassing Pakistan changed the narrative of the region. Simultaneously has been the opening of an air corridor between the two countries. All this, while the US increases deployment of its troops, adopts a new strategy for […]

US’s latest South Asia policy may not succeed CENJOWS 12 Sep 17

US’s latest South Asia policy may not succeed CENJOWS 12 Sep 17

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 […]

Will Trumps’ Pak threat work The Excelsior 30 Aug 17

Will Trumps’ Pak threat work The Excelsior 30 Aug 17

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 […]

Why Donald Trump’s South Asia policy will only drag on Daily O 23 Aug 17

Why Donald Trump’s South Asia policy will only drag on Daily O 23 Aug 17

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 […]

Quagmire in Afghanistan South Asia Defence and Strat Review 21 Jul 17

Quagmire in Afghanistan South Asia Defence and Strat Review 21 Jul 17

Afghanistan as a nation has rarely witnessed peace. It has been engulfed in some form of conflict throughout its history. Its inter-tribal rivalry and within tribes, inter-clan rivalry has always been its bane. It continues unabated even in present times, when other problems like the Taliban and ISIS appear more overbearing. It is evident as the nation is compelled to […]

Brace yourself for a violent summer  The Statesman 28 Mar 17

Brace yourself for a violent summer The Statesman 28 Mar 17

Afghanistan, India and Pakistan are three states, intrinsically linked, facing varying levels of militancy. Each country blames the other for supporting groups inimical to them. Politically the nations have grown so apart that resolution of any crises appears unlikely. The summer is yet to set in, passes yet to reopen, movement of militants across borders still to commence in earnest, […]

Heart of Asia isolated Pakistan The Excelsior 14 Dec 16

Heart of Asia isolated Pakistan The Excelsior 14 Dec 16

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 […]