Capt Smit Machchar

One Wounded Indian Pilot Was the Last Line of Defense; That Is the Problem

An Emirati airline, an Indian captain, Israeli passengers, and Saudi authorities all played a part. India, re-elected to the ICAO Council last year, is well placed to push these standards into global aviation rules. The best tribute to Captain Machchhar is making sure the next crew never needs a hero.

Reimagining India-Canada Relations: Towards a Mutually Beneficial Relationship for Wider Public Good

Canada hosts close to 1.9 million persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 3% of Canada’s population, one of the largest ethnic groups in Canada’s multiethnic and multicultural society. Although immigration policy of Canada has tightened in recent years, yet a lot of students who study in Canada prefer to stay back and work in Canada acquiring permanent residency and citizenship.

In Pakistan's and Turkiye's Military Commitment, the Mecca Pact Faces its First Litmus Test

It would also explain why Pakistan is trying to preserve a distinction between supporting Saudi Arabia and fighting the Houthis. Pakistan has every reason to avoid another open-ended conflict in the Middle East. Its military is heavily committed to its own security challenges. Its economy cannot easily absorb the political and financial consequences 

EU and India Should Cooperate Strategically on Middle East Stability

EU and India could establish a regular EU–India-Middle East Consultative Mechanism involving foreign-policy officials and experts. Its purpose would be to coordinate positions before major international gatherings and meetings. 

More on Geopolitics, Security and Strategic Affairs

The shadow of the caliphate: Hizb-ut-Tahrir a threat to India's national security

In India, HT's message poses particular risks. India has a sizable Muslim population which exceeds 200 million, and around 47 percent of it consists of a young population under the age of 19. Socio-economic challenges of the community make the youth population vulnerable to the group's radical propaganda. This is especially concerning as India grapples with its own extremist threats.

South Asia: Redistributive growth needs to be the mantra for policymakers

It is estimated  that about 37% percent of the world’s 1.1 billion multi-dimensionally poor people live in  South Asia. And an estimated 272 million poor people in the region live in households with at least one undernourished person. 

Business and bonhomie in Kazan: The significance of the BRICS Summit 2024

For India, its adoption of The Kazan Declaration represents yet another significant turning point. The Kazan Declaration is anticipated to support the BRICS countries' joint endeavours to tackle global concerns, ranging from security to economic development, and to demonstrate the group's increasing global clout.

China-India agreement: West will need to adapt to a new reality

The broader message of the Sino-India pact is clear: the world is moving toward a multipolar order where the dominance of Western powers is increasingly being challenged by the rise of nations like China and India. This agreement exemplifies the ability of non-Western nations to resolve their conflicts without Western interference

India-China military disengagement in Eastern Ladakh: New Delhi should always be ready for a surprise

China has been saying that the border question should be left separate from the bilateral relationship, implying it should be kept on the back burner. Resumption of patrolling in Ladakh, in whatever form, will be good, But the reversion to pre-April 2020 posture by China is out of the question. 

Nepal Supreme Court’s landmark ruling sets benchmark for LGBTQI+ rights

Nepal made history with its 2007 judgment, becoming the first South Asian nation to formally register same-sex marriage, with a trans woman and a gay man legally marrying in the Lamjung district. It also passed affirming laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, including the legal recognition of a third gender over ten years ago, placing Nepal ahead of many other countries.

Building climate resilience in Pakistan: The SAFER project’s role in addressing water and ecosystem vulnerabilities

The SAFER project achieves two goals, by prioritizing participation of women, children, youth, and resilience of vulnerable communities, and by achieving gender equality and social justice. This ambitious project by Pakistan sets a precedent for other developing nations to follow, showing the importance of community driven, ecosystem based approaches to climate adaptation.

Alternative Dispute Resolution should be encouraged to reduce burden on courts

ADR law aims to make justice more accessible and reduce the burden on courts, which currently have over 4.48 crore (nearly 45 million) cases pending from District Court to Supreme Court, 1.08 crore of which are civil disputes and 3.40 crore of which are criminal cases. According to the National Judicial Data Grid, these cases have been pending for anywhere from one year to more than 30 years. 

Hardened positions in both capitals has India-Canada ties on the edge

Beyond the immediate flare up, the fact that Trudeau is sticking to his guns so publicly without offering any actionable evidence could mean that internally he is certain of the damaging nature of what his law enforcement has gathered. If not, then he is playing a dangerous game prompted by domestic political compulsions.

Mob justice: A growing threat to Bangladesh’s stability

The current government came to power with promises of systemic reform and state reorganization. However, the alarming rise of mob justice across Bangladesh suggests a shift from reform to revenge. Since the police returned to duty on August 11, 21 people have been beaten to death in 38 days, with only eight arrests. This highlights the failure of law enforcement to curb mob violence

Diversity and democracy: Why India remains politically stable in a volatile South Asian neighbourhood

The rise of populism, religious polarisation, and centralization of power have raised concerns, especially concerning freedom of speech. While India's framework of democracy is more vibrant and institutionalized compared to its neighbors where fear of authoritarianism or military interventions is constant, it requires sustained efforts to put that democracy on a solid foundation.

A silent struggle of India’s ageing population: Can entrepreneurs see an opportunity in the elderly?

A growing concept in India, known as silver economics, aims to empower elderly individuals to become entrepreneurs, enabling them to take control of their own solutions and challenging the notion that entrepreneurship is reserved exclusively for the younger generation.

Jaishankar's visit to Colombo: Will it signal continuity or change in bilateral ties under Dissanayake government?

Analysts believe that Jaishanakar's visit will be a significant opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to providing development support for its strategically situated Indian Ocean neighbor amid worries about a shift in its foreign policy under the new president.  

Pakistan seeking to reshape regional dynamics through stronger Central Asia, Azerbaijan ties

Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics has gained significant momentum, particularly in the context of its deepening ties with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan, aligning with the country's goal of becoming a regional trade hub