INDIA: Further gradual decoupling ahead
Although disengagement by Indian and Chinese troops has begun on a nondemarcated border of the two countries where the Indian army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) clashed a few weeks ago, the Indian government is resorting to a variety of economic and trade measures to put… Become a member to read the rest […]
INDIA: Along with the disease, the politics
With Covid-19 infections rising (likely to touch 1mn in the next few days) and little sign that the country is going to flatten the curve anytime soon, the opposition, led by the Congress party, has sharpened its criticism of New Delhi’s handling of the pandemic. However, in inte… Become a member to read the […]
INDIA: Seeking to score a low-cost equalizer with China
In tacit recognition that a military response to China’s aggression on an undemarcated border could be foolhardy and unpredictable, India has embarked on a twin strategy of inflicting near-term economic pain on China while planning longer-term diplomatic and security options. … Become a member to read the rest of this article
CHINA/INDIA: No war, but deadly skirmish is a major blow to bilateral relations
The deadliest border clash since 1967 has sharply escalated bilateral tensions, though both sides are now seeking de-escalation. Chinese forces may have seized a strategic area that threatens Indian military access to a newly-built road meant to increase India’s capabilities in the region. China’s propaganda apparatus has downplayed the incident, but Indian Prime Minister Narendra […]
INDIA: Modi escapes the blame – for now
The recent resignation of two elected opposition (Congress I) lawmakers from their positions in the Gujarat provincial legislative assembly and their subsequent defection to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not normally have caused political waves.
CHINA/INDIA: Border standoff reflects Beijing’s anxieties
New Delhi regards the recent pattern of Chinese “intrusions” across the disputed border as the most serious standoff since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Beijing is apparently responding to Indian roadbuilding along the disputed border, which has strengthened the Indian military’s capabilities in the region. War is out of the question, but both sides are on […]
INDIA: Lives vs. livelihood debate rages as country limps back to work
Despite a sharp spike in Covid-19 positive cases (numbering 148,000 on Tuesday 26 May, increasing at more than 6,000 a day), the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has opted for a gradual opening up, combined with the hefty package of fiscal and othe… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDIA: Covid-19 triggers nationalist economic response
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a special economic package worth INR 20trn (USD 266bn or 10% of GDP), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spelled out some details about whom the financial assistance would support. In addition to the fiscal and monetary (liquidi… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Lockdown exit (cautiously) begins as economy struggles
● The Narendra Modi administration is cautiously lifting restrictions on the movement of people amid the significant economic damage caused by the lockdown. ● The government’s policy response is leaving out key constituencies, which might undermine support for Modi in the medium… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Amid pressure, government to ease restrictions but keeps fingers crossed
Following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 April that India will continue its national lockdown until 3 May, but will be reviewed and some restrictions could be lifted on 20 April, large corporations to small businesses are all are scrambling to ensure they a… Become a member to read the rest […]