Indian Decade – The Diplomat

The Forces that Divide

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:56:28 +0900

Right wing groups on both sides cannot be allowed to continue holding the future hostage for India and Pakistan.

Legislation Alone Can't Solve India's Rape Problem

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:01:53 +0900

While India’s politicians offer solutions, the roots of the problem lie deeper than legislation alone can address.

Rape Victim’s Death Spurs Additional Protests

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 02:11:33 +0900

Will public outrage translate into real, lasting change?

India and Sri Lanka's Civil War

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 01:05:23 +0900

India’s relationship with Sri Lanka is complex. Nonetheless, New Delhi could have a role to play in uncovering a difficult past.

Commission Created as Rape Victim's Health Declines

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 02:52:35 +0900

As the victim of a terrible tragedy battles for her life, India’s government promises action.

India, ASEAN Celebrate 20th Anniversary With Two FTAs

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:36:20 +0900

ASEAN-India economic ties have grown substantially, but still lag far behind ASEAN’s relations with China.

The Myth of a South Asia "Community"

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:38:19 +0900

Many South Asians speak of their thousands of years of shared ties. This however ignores present realities.

BJP's FDI Gambit Fails

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:19:57 +0900

BJP’s attempt to embarrass the UPA over FDI backfired, casting further doubt on the opposition’s viability.

India's South China Sea Gambit

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:24:58 +0900

A senior naval officer this week said that India is prepared to deploy naval vessels to protect its oil interests in the disputed waters.

India, Maldives Row Over Airport Contract

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:52:54 +0900

Relations have become strained after the Maldives government cancelled a valuable contract.

UPA Promotes Direct Subsidies Payments

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:51:22 +0900

The Congress Party is promoting a plan for direct subsidy payments ahead of the 2014 general election.

India, China to Hold Borders Talks Amid Passport Row

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 07:32:47 +0900

New Delhi and Beijing will hold the 16th round of talks on their boundary dispute next week.

BRICS: The World's New Banker?

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:00:44 +0900

Some of the world’s most dynamic economies are considering the creation of their own development bank and bailout fund.

India Executes "Lone Survivor" of Mumbai Attacks

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 01:45:10 +0900

The decision to hang Ajmal Kasab, a Pakistani national, was carried out in complete secrecy.

A Delicate Dance: China and India's Border Issue

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:31:32 +0900

At what was likely their last meeting, PM Singh and China’s Wen Jiabao met on the sidelines of the EAS.

Salman Khurshid's New Role

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:10:41 +0900

Salman Khurshid is embracing his respite away from India’s political soap opera. Still, old habits die hard.

South Korea: Bollywood's Future Market?

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:32:48 +0900

Brand Bollywood’s penetration of the South Korean market is an idea whose time has come.

S. Korea's Tourist Tunnel Model for India

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:16:15 +0900

India should emulate South Korea’s success in turning a North Korean provocation into a source of revenue.

Big Names in India: Unknowns Globally

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:36:03 +0900

Anna Hazare, Narendra Modi, and Arvind Kejriwal may be well known inside India. Not so in South Korea.

How India Sees the U.S. Presidential Election

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:48:32 +0900

Dr. Sridhar Krishnaswami gives us a sample of three possible views from India on America’s Presidential race.

India Resumes Cricket Ties With Pakistan

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:34:48 +0900

While a small step, could India and Pakistan use “cricket diplomacy” to foster better relations?

Cabinet Reshuffle Ahead of 2014 Election

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:39:08 +0900

PM Singh announced seventeen new ministers on Sunday. Is it enough to revive the Congress Party’s chances?

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna Resigns

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:49:30 +0900

Could a budding scandal have caused his sudden departure?

India To Get New Intel Chiefs

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:16:09 +0900

The heads of India’s intelligence agencies are expected to retire by the end of the year. Who will replace them?

Ahead of 2014, Congress Eyes Dalits

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:18 +0900

From dedicating anthems to new welfare measures, the Congress Party is wooing this politically important bloc.

U.S., Iran Delegations Visit India

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 19:17:27 +0900

Representatives from both nations were in New Delhi this week to meet with senior Indian officials.

Cabinet Reshuffle in the Works?

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:51:12 +0900

A series of meetings in recent days suggest big changes could be coming.

Congress Defends Khurshid Against Corruption Allegation

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:16:11 +0900

Law Minister Salman Khurshid is accused of misappropriating funds that were designated for a charity.

Russia and India: Brothers in Arms Against Terrorism?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:53:10 +0900

“Thousands of terrorists and fundamentalists will seek refuge in Afghanistan…”

India, Australia Press Ahead on Possible Uranium Sales

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:47:24 +0900

Nuclear cooperation will top the agenda of Australian Prime Minister Gillard’s trip to India next week.

Former Maldives President Arrested

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:47:27 +0900

President Mohamed Nasheed arrest is the latest blow to this country’s fragile democracy.

India Pushes Forward on Economic Reforms

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:27:33 +0900

More relaxed rules on foreign investment in pensions and insurance provoke a predictable backlash.

Sex and Politics

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:41:40 +0900

A casual remark by a government minister ignites a row over sexism.

Policing the High Seas

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:37:32 +0900

The Coast Guard agencies of 17 Asian nations meet in India.

Mamata and Congress at Each Other’s Throats

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:04:43 +0900

A thorn in the government’s side, the chief minister of W. Bengal is courting the Congress party’s regional allies.

India and Japan Come Together

Ankit Panda — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:24:00 +0900

Why relations between New Delhi and Tokyo have warmed and stand to prosper in the future.

No Quick Solutions for Kashmir

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:00:29 +0900

While some have argued for an independent state, it could make matters even worse.

Sweet Nothings and Diplomatic Somethings

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:14:38 +0900

A rumored romance between members of Pakistan’s political elite causes amusement and concern in India

Mamata Divorces UPA - But Economic Reforms May Come of Age

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:37:56 +0900

An ally deserts India’s embattled government, but the PM presses on with plans to reinvigorate the economy.

UPA Unscathed By Protests

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:59:08 +0900

The All India Strike, far from demonstrating a unified opposition, could actually strengthen the UPA.

Don't Count the UPA Government Out Just Yet

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:21:57 +0900

Despite the loss of its second largest coalition ally, it would be premature to write the Singh government off.

India's Israeli-Palestinian Balancing Act

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:44:43 +0900

No longer guided by zero-sum calculations or outdated ideologies, can India befriend both rivals?

With Eye on China, India Embraces Maldives

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 19:15:38 +0900

India and Maldives strengthened their defense ties during Defense Minister Atony’s visit this weekend.

Congress Party Takes on Economic Reforms

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:12:02 +0900

“If we have to go down, we have to go down fighting”

India's Space Agency Conducts 100th Mission

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:54:22 +0900

Having passed this milestone, it’s time for the Indian Space Research Organization to look ahead.

India, Pakistan Loosen Visa Restrictions

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:54:51 +0900

People-to-people relations are the latest area to receive a boost as the two sides continue their thaw.

Singh vs. The Washington Post

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 20:24:25 +0900

The PM’s Office is taking the Washington Post to task for a critical article it published. The Post has stood by its work.

Is Krishna's Pakistan Trip All Hype?

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:27:51 +0900

It increasingly appears that little will get done during the External Affairs Minister’s visit this weekend.

India Hosts MGC Talks

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 17:59:28 +0900

As part of its “Look East” Strategy, New Delhi hosts the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation meeting for the first time.

Team Anna Leaders Square Off

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:58:42 +0900

With the group now dissolved, two of its senior members look to settle old scores with each other.

India’s Interest Rate Debate

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:02:32 +0900

The Reserve Bank of India has refused to heed politicians demands for lower interest rates.

Singh Heads to NAM Summit

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:05:31 +0900

Singh’s trip to Iran, as well his itinerary there, is bound to upset the United States.

India's 'Realist' Iran Policy

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:27:03 +0900

“India’s readiness to work with Iran stems from careful, hard-nosed calculations of what it deems to be in its vital interests.”

India Ups the Ante Along Chinese Border

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:22:30 +0900

India has reactivated its Panagarh air base in W. Bengal with possible mid-air refueling tanker aircraft.

India's 'CBR' Security Challenge

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:35:20 +0900

New Delhi must do more to protect itself against Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) threats.

RK Singh: SMS Message Panic Originated in Pakistan

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:14:00 +0900

“We will raise this issue with Pakistan. I am certain they will decline it but our technical team is certain.”

Reports Claim UPA Wasted Tens of Billions of Dollars

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:32:14 +0900

Some are calling for the Prime Minister to resign over contracts awarded to the coal, power, and aviation industries.

Singh Speaks on India's Independence Day

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:19:40 +0900

The Prime Minister outlines his goals for India’s future.

UPA’s Ramdev Challenge

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:44:12 +0900

Although he was dismissed by the governing coalition, Baba Ramdev has the opposition’s backing.

The Great RSS Image Makeover

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:49:19 +0900

One particular political party in India appears to be moderating its positions ahead of the 2014 election.

America and India: Growing Partners in Afghanistan

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:48:00 +0900

Washington should push New Delhi to take a more active role Afghanistan – even at the displeasure of Pakistan.

Opposition MP Calls UPA 'Illegitimate'

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:50:26 +0900

Sonia Gandhi and other Congress Party leaders slam Advani’s controversial remark.

Why India Shouldn't Criticize U.S. on Sikh Shooting

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:35:18 +0900

Indian politicians condemning America for gun violence against its Sikh population forget India’s own past.

India's New Philanthropists

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:53:02 +0900

Indians are taking up the banner of “giving back”. Many more might join if incentives to do so could be enhanced.

'Team Anna' Declares Political Ambitions

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 20:06:29 +0900

Can Anna Hazare provide a political alternative to the people of India?

India Suffers Another Terror Attack

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:25:00 +0900

India is reeling yet again from another series of bomb attacks.

India Hit With Major Blackout

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:57:32 +0900

650 million people across 20 different states are without power.

Team Anna: A House Divided?

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:44:17 +0900

Are Hazare and his aide’s disagreements real or part of a grand design?

Rahul Gandhi's New Post?

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:31:27 +0900

Predictions that Rahul Gandhi will be the Leader of the House of the Lok Sabha seem doubtful.

NCP's Power Play Ends

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:36:42 +0900

After a week-long standoff, the Congress-led UPA seems to have survived another scare.

India Eyes Nuclear Triad

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:37:11 +0900

New Delhi progresses towards air, land, and sea-based atomic forces, says new report.

UPA’s Picks Number 2?

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:48:27 +0900

What the seating order at India’s Presidential swearing-in ceremony may signal.

South Korea, India Bolster Nuke Ties

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:22:53 +0900

Strategic and economic considerations seem to be bringing New Delhi and Seoul closer together.

Pranab Mukherjee Wins India's Presidental Election

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:59:00 +0900

India has elected a new President. Some though are not happy with the results.

Rahul Gandhi Waiting In The Wings

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:33:16 +0900

Rahul Gandhi takes a big step. Rajeev Sharma argues that India’s political landscape may soon change.

Bollywood Observes the Passing of a Legend

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:15:00 +0900

Rajeev Sharma remarks on the death of Rajesh Khanna.

UPA Sticks To Ansari As VP

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:16:39 +0900

The UPA has locked in Hamid Ansari for VP. Will he win? Rajeev Sharma on the numbers.

India Hosts Afghanistan Conference

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:50:00 +0900

Can New Delhi help bring economic prosperity to Afghanistan? asks NDTV’s Nitin Gokhale.

Sonia Gandhi Lashes Out

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:40:00 +0900

Sonia Gandhi goes on the offensive. How will the UPA government respond? Rajeev Sharma breaks it down.

India ‘Veep-Stakes’ Begins

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:39:12 +0900

Rajeev Sharma on the alleged favorites, whispered arguments and historical precedent.

The Siachen Deadlock Continues

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 03:04:07 +0900

Progress may not have been made on Siachen, writes Nitin Gokhale. But the dialog process still matters.

Kalam: 'Gandhi Opted Out'

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:40:17 +0900

A new book suggests Sonia Gandhi’s prime ministerial ambitions were not the victim of xenophobia, writes Rajeev Sharma.

Singh Gets Oil Price Boost

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:30:05 +0900

Falling oil prices have allowed India to cut the price of petrol. Manmohan Singh will be a happy man.

Iran’s Oil and U.S.-India Ties

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:14:50 +0900

India’s oil imports from Iran have strained ties with the U.S. But they’ve worked things out for now.

The Taliban and Fear

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:40:43 +0900

A Taliban attack at a hotel in Kabul is set to reinforce growing fear over Western troop withdrawals.

India's Misguided Autonomy

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:52:33 +0900

“Strategic autonomy” is the buzz phrase in Indian foreign policy these days. But it hasn’t served India well.

Could Mukherjee Win Backfire?

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:01 +0900

Pranab Mukherjee looks set to win India’s presidential election. But will a win backfire for the UPA?

Taliban in India "Warning"

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:07:33 +0900

The Taliban’s praise for India’s “snubbing” of the U.S. should do nothing to put Indian minds at ease.

NDA in Disarray Over Presidency

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:05:39 +0900

The BJP-led NDA looks increasingly fragmented as debate intensifies about who should run for president.

Bengal Tiger for President?

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:51:15 +0900

With fears of a Congress drubbing at the next election, Sonia Gandhi may opt for Pranab Mukherjee as president.

India’s Risky Neo-Nonalignment

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:53:33 +0900

The principles of nonalignment seem to be making a backdoor return to Indian foreign policy. It’s bad for the country.

India Extends Development Hand

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 01:59:52 +0900

India’s diplomatic reach is being felt further afield these days. Development partnerships are a key tool.

Team Anna Discord

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:28:36 +0900

Not all of social activist Anna Hazare’s supporters seem happy with some of Team Anna’s corruption claims.

India Pushes Burma Angle

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:57:14 +0900

There are good strategic reasons for India’s decision to court Burma. Manmohan Singh’s trip is just the start.

India's Grim Outlook

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:01:23 +0900

India’s government appears adrift and bereft of ideas. It is doing the economy’s prospects no good at all.

Is India a U.S. Cyber Ally?

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:59:35 +0900

Concerned about China, the U.S. may be tempted to turn to India as a cyber ally. But India is far from perfect.