ins vikramaditya Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
9 July 2014

Defence and the Budget

When the Modi government presents its first Budget, it will hopefully pay closer attention to India’s defence requirements. Over the years, the defence budget has expanded, but funds allocated for military modernisation have not increased. This should be the government’s priority

US_Flag_Backlit Courtesy: Jnn13/Wikimedia Commons
9 July 2014

Awaiting an American ambassador

The U.S. has not yet appointed a new ambassador to India. But this absence of urgency is less a ‘signal’ to India and more a result of factors such as a backlog of appointments awaiting approval in the Senate and candidates unwilling to accept the post only for the remaining period of the Obama administration

power Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
9 July 2014

Power sector needs sweeping reforms

The World Bank report highlighting the need for far-reaching reforms in the power sector underlines the necessity for the centre and state governments to arrive at a political consensus. The model of cooperative federalism advocated by Prime Minister Modi has the potential to transform the electricity scenario

brics Courtesy: wikimedia/commons
4 July 2014

Mandate for BRICS Bank

Brazil is all set to host the 6th BRICS Summit from July 15. In light of the fact that most developing nations have concerns over the pro-western bent of the World Bank and the IMF, the BRICS initiative of setting up of a Development Bank needs to gain momentum and the nations should finalise the mandate on a priority basis

ISIS Courtesy: Telegraph.co.uk
4 July 2014

Wahhabi designs on India

Indian security establishments are closely monitoring developments in West Asia in the wake of the recent threat against India by the Islamic State and the Al-Qaeda. While the possibility of terror violence cannot be ruled out, careful attention needs to be given to the attempts to spread Wahhabi ideology in India

swaraj Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs
27 June 2014

Disquiet on the eastern front

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been limping along a road paved with good intentions, but little action. Will the new government in Delhi make things better or worse for its smaller and weaker neighbour? There are concerns, but there is also optimism, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be the man to do business with

west asia Courtesy: Wikipedia.org
27 June 2014

Will ISIS redraw the West Asia map?

The rise of the militant ISIS will alter the stability and future of all West Asian countries, and can impact India in multiple ways. India must re-evaluate its West Asia policy, and address the safety of its nationals in Iraq, the security of its oil supplies, and the fallout on South Asia of this resurgence of strife

turkey Courtesy: Gateway House
27 June 2014

India-Pakistan bonhomie

The deliberations during a India-Pakistan young scholars’ workshop in the historic city of Istanbul held out a renewed hope for the bilateral relationship and a genuine desire for peace. The magnificent city of Istanbul offered an excellent backdrop to the serious, often heated discussions.