Notwithstanding positive developments over the last decade, certain grey areas in industrial licensing and FDI policy need further improvement to facilitate the private sector’s more meaningful participation in the Indian defence industry.

• Laxman Kumar Behera |
• January 27, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

While the project that produced the Report engaged some credible scholars from western universities and elsewhere, but the control and leadership exercised on the project by known non-proliferation activists may have sent a wrong signal to the non-western world.

• Rajiv Nayan , Ch. Viyyanna Sastry |
• January 24, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

The Chinese New Year celebrations formally began on Monday, January 23. China has become 4710 years old as per its lunar calendar. This year will be known as the Year of the Dragon, which symbolises strength and prosperity. The New Year celebration is one of the longest and the principal festive season for the Chinese: the official holiday itself extends over a week or two. Tibet and Tibetans, however, have to wait a little longer for their New Year celebrations.

• Jagannath P. Panda |
• January 24, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

Putin is likely to overcome ongoing protests and return as President in the March elections, although his popularity could fall further if he fails to respond to the growing signs of discontent on significant issues relating to transparency and accountability.

• Nivedita Das Kundu |
• January 23, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

The failed coup indicates the penetration of Islamists and more specifically that of the Hizb ut-Tahrir whose main support base is among the educated youth, who are highly motivated and belong to affluent families in urban areas.

• Smruti S. Pattanaik |
• January 23, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

Ever since the India-friendly Sheikh Hasina government came into office after sweeping the December 2008 general elections, her domestic opponents and their foreign patrons have been plotting the ouster of her government through undemocratic means.

• Rajeev Sharma |
• January 23, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

Wen Jiabao’s visit came about at a time when China is concerned about the ongoing political instability in Nepal and is looking for new political partners after the fall of the monarchy.

• Nihar R. Nayak |
• January 18, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

China’s refusal of visa to an IAF officer from Arunachal Pradesh, while aimed at scoring a political point, creates obstacles towards the very confidence-building that China hopes to see in the eastern sector.

• Namrata Goswami |
• January 17, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

India will need to factor the growing PLA presence in and around Pakistan and be prepared to engage an increasingly confident Pakistan propped by Chinese support and driven by Chinese interests in the region.

• Mandip Singh |
• January 17, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments

If the army is not in favour of a coup, attempts could be made to defuse the tension through a compromise between the army and the government, with some leadership change acting as a face-saver.

• Arvind Gupta |
• January 16, 2012 |
• IDSA Comments