For New Delhi, perhaps an interesting dimension of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s current role is his reported involvement in backchannel activities with the US via Pakistan.
This special edition of Cut The Clutter, straight from the Siliguri corridor, details the strategic importance of the narrow strip of land in West Bengal, and how it’s a vital link connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.
We now live in a world order that will keep shifting. India must use this window. This also means we remain disciplined enough not to be knee-jerked into reacting to what Pakistan sees as its moment in the sun.
Where does India figure in all of this. 2. Just today, government has cut excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on petrol and diesel, at a cost of 14,000 crores per month. Whereas the oil marketing companies are losing 24 on petrol, 30 on diesel. A humongous cost for the economy, whichever way the burden is shared between government, OMCs, households, 2. Rupee, despite Sisyphean efforts by the RBI, is sinking to 100 against USD. Torrid time for the stock exchange. Fuel shortages hurting the real economy and households. None of this pain seems to matter to either PM Netanyahu or President Trump. 3. If the region loses its “ barqat “, that places at risk the continued employment and well being of ten million guest workers. There is no plethora of jobs waiting for them if they return to India.
Where does India figure in all of this. 2. Just today, government has cut excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on petrol and diesel, at a cost of 14,000 crores per month. Whereas the oil marketing companies are losing 24 on petrol, 30 on diesel. A humongous cost for the economy, whichever way the burden is shared between government, OMCs, households, 2. Rupee, despite Sisyphean efforts by the RBI, is sinking to 100 against USD. Torrid time for the stock exchange. Fuel shortages hurting the real economy and households. None of this pain seems to matter to either PM Netanyahu or President Trump. 3. If the region loses its “ barqat “, that places at risk the continued employment and well being of ten million guest workers. There is no plethora of jobs waiting for them if they return to India.