India’s declaratory nuclear doctrine of 2003 has predominantly been read to suggest the threat of massive countervalue retaliation – use of strategic nuclear weapons to target countervalue assets like population and industrial centers of the adversary. Critics have questioned the credibility of massive countervalue retaliation as a deterrent to Pakistan’s first use of tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs). In response, senior Indian government and military officials have recently suggested that India’s nuclear response can be proportionate as well.
A Critical Appraisal of Chinese Claims in Arunachal Pradesh – Part II of II
The end of 2017 saw Trump administration on its charm offensive viz-a-viz India. India found itself as a main spoke in the Quadrilateral alliance, also including the US, Japan, and Australia. Trump during his Asia tour called for India’s leading role in the region. His administration’s first National Security Strategy further stamped that. Many commentators have cited that India will be more than willing to lap up this role in Indo-Pacific. This article explores two questions. Is India comfortable with bandwagoning alongside Trump’s America?
A Critical Appraisal of Chinese Claims in Arunachal Pradesh – Part I of II
Barelvi Islam, a creed of a Chishtiyya school of Sufi order was established by Ahmad Raza Khan from Bareilly (1856-1921). Ahmad Raza laid the foundation of the Ahl-e-Sunnat movement in the sub-continent. Ahmad Raza Khan repudiated the Deobandis and Ahle Hadiths for their stances on shrines.
Evolving India-Pakistan Deterrence Equation: Impact on South Asian Stability
Delay will Increase Casualties
India’s Strategic Autonomy in the ‘Indo-Pacific’ Moment
Kim will not disarm. Day by day he is increasing preparedness for a war that he will fight without mercy.
Rise of Barelvi Politics in Pakistan: From Streets to Mainstream Politics
Perceptions of anti-state mechanism—as they address themselves to the myriad forms of armed conflict—have seldom been restricted to the cellular confines of fine distinction. Most anti-state actors attempt to base their characters on theoretical elegance. Therefore, when an anti-state organisation essays its birth, it will invariably take into account the sartorial nature of its exterior.
Kim Jong Un Bets Trump is Bluffing on War (Part II of II)
Thirty one years—in the timeline of nation-building—certainly do not define a life time. Indeed, Mizoram Accord completed 31 years on 30 June 2017.
Kim Jong Un Bets Trump is Bluffing on War (Part I of II)
If the notion of doctrine—in the discourse of state action—were to lend itself to holistic appraisal, then it would not emerge merely as a belief system that is established on the basis of authority. A state-sponsored doctrine comes to the fore when there is a correct understanding of the universe of discourse in which a state stations itself, its perception of threat to the discourse, which propels it to continued nationhood, and a clearly defined manner in which it seeks to both fortify itself and respond to threats.
Warlordism & Terror Finance: North East and Bangladesh
One of the measures that were expected to provide thrust to the “Act East” policy was the reopening of the historic Stilwell Road that had linked North East India to China through northern Myanmar during World War II. Constructed under the guidance of an American commander, General Joseph Stilwell, after whom it was christened, the 1079 km long road was meant to ferry military supplies to aid the war efforts of the Chinese leader, Chiang Kai-shek against the Japanese.
Revisiting the Mizoram Accord
The realms of satellite imagery always take you behind in the time machine to understand what happened yesterday. While surfing on Google Earth, the author chanced upon some Chinese ships in Colombo. There were two ships: one was Type 905 auxiliary oil replenishment ship and the other was Type 53H3 frigate. The missing pennant number on stern of the frigate and retractable hangar on the stern of the oiler were convincing giveaways.