Protocols were laid down after explosion on 29 March 1994 at Army's 15 Corps headquarters. Nowgam episode throws uncomfortable questions over handling & storage of explosives.
With regional parties struggling to project a unified Opposition in Parliament, and no leader in Delhi able to mediate, Centre-state tensions are playing out as open conflict.
Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance.
Pakistan not only has zero chance of catching up with India in most areas, but will inevitably see the gap rising. Its leaders will offer its people the same snake oil in different bottles.
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