Shruti Pandalai

India’s Defence Budget: Trends Beyond the Numbers

In the larger scheme of things, fiscal prudence is a good trait and the reduction in deficits desirable, yet an overtly ambitious approach of reducing deficits into a number game may lead to developments that may hurt us not only in the security arena but in economic growth as well.

Enduring Legacy of 1962: Cementing the Conflict of Perceptions in Sino-Indian Ties

Fifty years since the 1962 war, India and China have moved on to become world powers with engagement and competition characterizing their relationship in keeping with the rules of realpolitik. Both sides argue that the past has been forgotten, yet the border dispute remains unresolved. Despite the rapprochement and robust economic engagement undertaken, the relationship has a constant undercurrent of tension and is often described as fragile.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger: The ‘Un-Social’ Strategy

The raging controversy on social media regulation post the violence in Assam has left the government in a losing perception battle. It is time to engage with the new media and exploit its potential to communicate strategically and not shoot the messenger

Shruti Pandalai |
August 28, 2012 |
IDSA Comments

Lessons from 2011: The New Media Revolution is a Strategic Asset

What was new in 2011 was the idea of a new media revolution: the convergence of various forms of media—television, social, and online networks which, when combined together, became a powerful weapon in the hands of the common man.

Shruti Pandalai |
January 13, 2012 |
Issue Brief

The Olive Branch from Pakistan, in its Time of Crises

India’s recent encounters with Pakistan show surprisingly warm diplomacy, with an open declaration from Islamabad of “mending the trust deficit.” This upswing in relations however comes with no guarantees.

Shruti Pandalai |
November 17, 2011 |
IDSA Comments

The 2011 Mumbai Serial Blasts and India’s ‘Resilience’

With India’s security apparatus once again standing exposed and the security overhaul envisaged after 26/11 being still a work in progress, it is time for some harsh introspection.

Shruti Pandalai |
July 19, 2011 |
IDSA Comments

al Qaeda: Beyond Osama-bin Laden

The death of Osama bin laden, is not the end of al Qaeda. It may disable it, but will not kill ‘al Qaeda the idea or movement’. We need to remember that bin Laden and al Qaeda articulated a political grievance which will not disappear with his elimination. The 'war of ideas' is still on.

Shruti Pandalai |
May 03, 2011 |
Issue Brief

China Entices Myanmar as India Struggles to ‘Look East’

India must revitalise, implement and act on infrastructure and economic development projects in the North East to build its relationship and harness the energy potential in Myanmar.