We are often told that we are the pre-eminent power in South-West Asia and that we therefore, play a role in these regions which is consistent with our power and size. Some of us came to accept this proposition in the wake of our victory over Pakistan in 1971, which … Read More
To begin with, permit me to say that I root India’s foreign policy in her struggle for freedom. So, of course, did Mr Nehru. But my perception of the Indian freedom movement is different from his. Inspired by the Marxist view of the world in the thirties, Mr. Nehru came … Read More
So Mrs. Gandhi remains extremely keen to keep the Gujarat dissidents in the Congress (I). Indeed, it is difficult to recall another instance when she has gone as far as in this case to avoid a split in a state unit. This raises the question why she has adopted such … Read More
As anticipated in these columns last week, the problem regarding the installation of certain electronic equipment on six F-16s to be delivered to Pakistan immediately has been resolved in its favour. The Reagan administration has yielded to Islamabad’s pressure perhaps partly in view of President Zia-ul-Haq’s visit. But answers by … Read More
Unlike Mr. Nehru, Mrs. Indira Gandhi is not ideologically inclined. She has no hang-up about Asianism or anti-imperialism or whatever. She is interested in asserting India’s independence and promoting India’s interests as she sees them. Her emphasis in her relations with you (the United States) and the Soviet Union will … Read More
It was only to be expected that West Asia would figure prominently in the discussions between President Mubarak and Mrs. Gandhi. The Indian Prime Minister is as anxious that there is some progress towards peace and stability in the region as the Egyptian leader. Countries of the region are India’s … Read More
President Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan is a very shrewd individual and/or he is very ably assisted. He has secured substantial US military cum-economic assistance without alienating the Soviet Union too much. He has allowed some amount of arms to reach the Afghan Mojahedin but within a limit which the Soviets apparently … Read More
As Congress (I) president, Mrs. Gandhi could not have acted differently from the way she has in Gujarat. She was naturally keen to avoid a split in the party unit in the state and did all she possibly could to prevent it.But she could not have yielded to the dissidents … Read More
To begin with, permit me to say that nothing like a consensus obtains in my country on the issue of Soviet presence in Afghanistan and what New Delhi’s response should have been and should be. There is a section of articulate opinion in India well represented in the press and … Read More
Apparently, President Mitterrand means what he says. Apparently, there is no connection between the French decision to supply enriched uranium for Tarapur on the same terms as the US has done so far and the Indian move to buy the extremely costly Mirage-2000s. Indeed, it is indisputable that New Delhi … Read More
