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
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.
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: The growing challenges of addressing Covid-19
The Indian government’s response to the Covid-19 spread was prompt. Once its experts recognized the threat of the disease, the government enforced social distancing, initially through a voluntary initiative and later through a national lockdown. However, without a simultaneous em… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Large parts of the country under lockdown; but is it enough?
Around 100 million people across 80 districts, spanning 17 states and 5 federally-run union territories, are in lockdown until at least 31 March, as COVID-19 cases went up to 428 with seven deaths. Most mass transport systems have stopped operating: railways and domestic airlines… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: No shot in the arm from Trump’s visit
Last week’s visit of US President Donald Trump did not provide Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the desired opportunity to divert attention from citizenship controversies and a flailing economy. The Modi administration is unlikely to propose any meaningful policy changes, howeve… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Trump’s visit – Mostly symbolism but also an investment in the future
President Donald Trump has begun his India visit today, 24 February, amid low expectations of concrete deliverables. A trade deal is already off the table with the unavoidable collision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” and President Trump’s “America First”… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: 2020-2021 budget brings no cheer
The budget speech made by the finance minister is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year because of the economic and political priorities it sets out. Possibly because of fewer electoral challenges coming up in 2020, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Allia… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
INDIA: Government banks on Trump visit to overcome domestic setbacks
With protests against new citizenship laws showing no signs of abating and an almost certain defeat in the elections to the Delhi assembly due 8 February, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) administration is trying to shift the political narrative towards on… Become a member to read the rest of this article