Jaishankar’s slip of tongue, Lavrov’s Pakistan trip — why all’s not well with India-Russia
Tensions between Jaishankar and Lavrov are a tell-tale sign that 'time-tested' India-Russia ties are shrinking because both sides are not willing to be sensitive towards each other.
Modi govt’s mistakes are to blame for India’s latest Covid crisis
As is typical in India, official arrogance, hyper-nationalism, populism and an ample dose of bureaucratic incompetence have combined to create a crisis.
These 2 Indian tech gurus are fighting to save crypto from being killed by bureaucracy
India has done exceedingly well in mobile payments, but the bureaucracy has developed a phlegmatic resistance to newer ideas.
Seventh Fleet move a reminder that Quad must remain a group of equals, not a US-led posse
New Delhi must keep in mind that Quad is not a military alliance.
Why attack on Iranian nuclear facility should set off alarms in the US
Biden administration is keen to deprioritise Middle East in US foreign policy, but escalating Iran-Israel confrontation will demand more US attention, not less.
Bhadralok and the myth of casteless West Bengal politics
Mamata Banerjee tried to mitigate the impact of Muslim marginalisation but it was resisted by the BJP, resulting in the communalisation of political discourse.
India needs an honest national security document for the next decade, just like Britain made
In 1946, a telegram from Moscow gave the US a strategy that lasted four decades. India too needs an honest security doctrine that keeps it match-fit in a changing world.
Silence on Kumbh shows Indians think only Muslims spread Covid
There’s nothing more liberating than the truth. And the truth is that India has fangs of communalism deeply dug into it.
The ‘two lines’ lesson Rahul Gandhi can learn from Congress’ Assam campaign
On 2 May, the Congress party’s poll strategy in Assam may or may not pay electoral dividends but it’s a template Rahul Gandhi may like to explore.
Elon Musk leaves Putin stranded on Earth in today’s space race
Sixty years after Yuri Gagarin's historic flight, Russia's space industry can't get its act together.
Ambedkar said tyranny of majority is no democracy. Indians must read him again
Don’t just celebrate Ambedkar’s birthday. Follow the democracy he envisioned for India.
Deserted roads bring back nightmare of demand slump for Indian fuel companies
It’s an ominous sign for India, where fuel consumption still hasn’t fully recovered from last year’s national lockdown that saw oil demand fall to the lowest since 2007.
Defence
China changes stance, wants de-escalation before disengagement in Ladakh. India disagrees
De-escalation before disengagement could give China an advantage as it can move troops back much faster than India due to its better infrastructure.
Why mosques in rear view mirror, like Kashi’s Gyanvapi, can crash India’s drive into future
Court’s order to ASI to survey Gyanvapi Mosque for remains of old Kashi Vishwanath Temple questions the optimism that Ayodhya wouldn’t be repeated.