It’s raining freebies in poll-bound states again—cash transfers, free bus rides and whatnot. It’s bribery, not welfarism. It’s ruining state finances, but politicians won’t stop this race to the bottom. Even PM Modi is reconciled to revdi distribution. Parties have to be forced. The Supreme Court must step in.
Pakistan’s mediation is its compulsion. India has no skin in the game
Jaishankar’s “dalal” remark is undiplomatic and unbecoming of his office. Pakistan’s mediation attempt is forced by its geography. India has no such compulsion, no skin in the game. With regional Islamic powers already engaged, India is better served by maintaining strategic distance, avoiding entanglement in volatile negotiations that could boomerang.