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China's Interfence in India's Internal Affairs |
 Asia News Agency is pleased to
offer a Special Study on China’s interference in India’s internal
affairs. |
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Emerging Political Scenario: Post Assembly &
By-Elections |
 Asia News Agency is pleased to offer
a Special Study on the emerging political scenario in India in
the wake of the recent assembly and by elections in some major
states. The study is of critical importance as it analyses the
challenges faced by the key national and regional parties which
form the nucleus of India’s political system. |
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The Indian Economy: a strategic success story |
 Asia News Agency is pleased to offer a
Special Study on “Indian Economy-a strategic success story” |
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 Asia News Agency is pleased to offer a Special Study on India and China at a time when relations between the two countries have become strained despite official denials over troop deployments and reports of border incursions. While a new war is very unlikely, former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal says "the temperature on the border is rising." Brahma Chellaney, professor at the New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research, says Chinese cross-border forays nearly doubled from 140 in 2006 to 270 in 2008 and have kept that level in 2009 making "the situation is hotter than the Pakistan border." |
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Naxalites - The biggest threat to India's internal security |
 Naxalism is a euphemism for a violent and militant armed battle against the state seeking ideological support from Marxism-Leninism and strategic alliance from Maoism. The Naxal Movement is the most dreaded and longest armed struggle in the history of independent India. What began as a peasant revolt in a remote West Bengal village of Naxalbari in 1967 has now spread to a large swath in the central and eastern parts of the country. In 2006 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called the Naxalites "the single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country". |
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Special Study: Rural India - Shining And
Rising Through The Gloom |
 Synopsis : Even as the US
and G-20 countries struggle to revive their economies, India’s rural
heartland has done exceptionally well. Rural India is almost shining,
riding high on the increased disposable income, development-driven
government policies and enhanced consumer awareness. Per capita income
in rural India has grown by 50 per cent over the last decade, mainly on
account of returns from rising commodity prices and improved
productivity, along with development of basic infrastructure, better
information services, generation of employment guarantee schemes and
access to funding. Read
more >> |
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Talibanisation of Pakistan: GraveThreat to India and The Region |
 Synopsis :
Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan and has established and consolidated
itself in Pakistan. ANA presents a special study explaining and
analyzing the roots of modern militant movements - Wahabism, birth of Taliban in Afghanistan, rise and growth of the Pak Taliban �Ttehrik-e-Taliban, significance of the Taliban to Pakistan, Pakistan�s strategic psyche, US motives and concerns (Obama�s Af-Pak policy, including his talks with Karzai and Zardari, etc), Indian concerns - its worries about the growing influence of Pakistani Taliban; India�s doubts on Pak seriousness in taking on the Taliban; linkages of the US Af-Pak policy with the Kashmir issue; and doubts on the regional approach of the US, and conflicting interests of India and Pakistan in Afghanistan.
Read
more >>
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General Elections 2009: Winning Votes and Allies |
 Synopsis : With the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections just a few days away we bring you a special insight into the biggest democratic exercise in the world. The detailed 35 page analytical backgrounder covers the following key issues background of the electoral exercise indicating the evolution of the electoral process and the huge administrative security challenges in conducting elections; the pre poll scenario as present - combines and alliances, existing and prospective; the issues, including hidden agendas which have emerged and are developing; the challenges posed by regional politics; assessment of the strengths of parties in various states - a state wise review; the fight of the national parties for retaining and expanding their political space; all important opinion polls; an assessment of the likely post poll scenario including possible seat sharing, alliances etc
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Global Financial Crisis: Impact on India & Policy Response |
 The financial crisis in the US, the worst since the Great Depression of 1929, is progressively reaching perilous proportions. Credit losses once concentrated in mortgages are already bleeding into new, large areas such as credit cards and commercial real estate. The Indian economy has integrated enough with the global markets to feel the impact of the crisis, not only in its stock markets but also through its liquidity and wealth effects. Asia News Agency has prepared a Special Study analyzing the gravity of the crisis and the financial bailout plans to save important financial institutions. It assesses the impact on the Indian economy which after a long spell of growth is experiencing a downturn. Industrial growth is faltering, the current account deficit is widening, foreign exchange reserves are depleting and the rupee is depreciating. All of these can be related either directly or indirectly to the current global crisis. The most immediate effect has been an outflow of foreign institutional investment from the equity market. The Study assesses the downside risks to the Indian economy particularly on the selected segments of industry and services, implications on the outflow of capital, the concomitant effects on the domestic forex market and liquidity conditions, sliding of the rupee, setback to infrastructure financing, impact on the banking system etc. The study spells out in detail India's policy responses of the government and the central bank (RBI) to mitigate the severity of the adverse effects on the economy. It indicates India's approach to financial globalization and the various prudential policies adopted so far to safeguard the financial sector from such upheavals. The government's mega economic stimulus package just released gives an overview of the various incentives, and relief measures to spur economic growth. |
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Special Supplement:Terrorist attack in Mumbai - political implications and government response |
 Political developments are taking place at a fast pace as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called an all-party meeting on Sunday. Earlier during the day, the Prime Minister discussed the operation, casualties and the likely security fallout of the events with the Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, Naval Chief Admiral Suresh Mehta, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, Army Vice Chief Lt. General M.L. Naidu and Intelligence Bureau Chief P.C. Haldar. The Government is under severe pressure to act tough. There are also reports of Pakistan expressing concern over the possible response of the Indian Governemnt considering the role of terror�ists based in that country. The Indian Government may take measures including suspension of talks with Pakistan and pulling back on the confidence-building measures (CBMs). The ceasefire between the two countries is also apparently under pressure. |
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"Prospects of Indo-French Cooperation". |
 "Prospects of Indo-French Cooperation". The paper traces the recent developments that began when the two countries signed a declaration to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes during the then French President Jacques Chirac's visit to India in January, 2006. The agreement was in principle to set up nuclear power projects as well as cooperation in "nuclear fuel management". After the NSG waiver, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed a Cooperation Agreement on the "Development of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy" on 30th September 2008 during his visit to France. The study examines India's ambitious nuclear programme, its interest in European Pressurised Reactor (EPR), the political and technical nature of talks with the French nuclear reactor manufacturer Areva to build six reactors in India, the ambitious plans of the government to develop 9,600 MW of nuclear energy at Jaitapur, Maharashtra etc.
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India � US nuclear deal - Impact on India, US, China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia |
 The India - US nuclear deal is seen as a watershed in relations between the two countries and introduces a new aspect to international nonproliferation efforts. The deal lifts a three-decade U.S. moratorium on nuclear trade with India. But critics say the deal fundamentally reverses half a century of U.S. nonproliferation efforts, undermines attempts to prevent states like Iran and North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons, and potentially contributes to a nuclear arms race in Asia. Asia News Agency offers an in depth study that analyses terms of the deal, its positive and negative features, benefits that flow to India and US, the broader strategic implications, repercussions on China - Pakistan nuclear / military cooperation, possible danger of nuclear warheads falling into �jihadi� hands, the crucial China factor including its impact on future relations with India, US and Pakistan, the critical changes that may be introduced in India � Iran relations, the future of India - Russia nuclear / strategic cooperation and a huge window of opportunity for nuclear commerce. |
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US meltdown: repercussions on India |
 The US financial crisis that broke out a fortnight ago in the form of the collapse of one of the top investment banks, Lehman Brothers, the sell-out of Merrill Lynch followed by the failure of yet another largest US Savings and Loan Bank, Washington Mutual, has spread panic across the global financial system. Asia News Agency�s economic experts have been following the developments and have prepared a Special Study explaining the impact on the critical segments of Indian. This brief 5000 word paper presents the larger macro picture in terms of the manner in which the crisis is likely to impact India. |
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Kashmir � Amarnath and the return of militancy; the root cause and options for a solution |
 After a period of relative quiet, ironically during the Presidency of General Musharraf, there has been a distinct change in the ground situation in the valley. Unfortunately, this change is co terminus with the coming into power of the PPP led civilian government. The study analyses the reasons for this change and underscores the importance and implications of the Amarnath dispute that has for the first time, drawn Hindus against Muslims and have given a handle to separatists to take their agenda forward. The study provides a detailed historical perspective that places the present dispute in context. In the process it highlights the circumstances of Kashmir�s accession to India , the origins of the present conflict, the importance of Article 370 of the constitution and the issues linked to autonomy. Significantly, the study elaborates and explains the various options � past and present - for a solution to the imbroglio. |
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1. Set back to Indo-Pak ties under the Gilani government. Prepared in August and 2. Contours of new Pakistan Government�s policy towards India � hardening stand on Kashmir.� Prepared in June |
 OFFER � Buy both Special Studies for Rs 600 instead of Rs.1850 A series of events and actions by the new civilian Government�have caused a serious deterioration in the bilateral relations.� The ties hit a new low in the wake of bomb blasts in the Indian cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad in the month of July 2008, the incessant exchange of fire across the Line of Control (LoC) and the attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul, allegedly masterminded by ISI. In Kashmir, there have been fierce encounters with militants suggesting that the dwindling number of jihadis has gained strength. The two Studies seek to understand Pakistan�s motives and implications for India. |
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Impact of inflation � policy responses. |
 OFFER - Buy Special Study on for Rs. 500 instead of Rs 700, Aug., 08 The Study explains the manner in which the government has been responding to balance growth with its measures to reign in inflation.� It captures the economic performance of India's economy while seeking to understand the inflation dynamics in India, the impact of global factors on inflation management, an overview of the anti-inflationary fiscal policies adopted by the government coupled with the tight monetary policy stance enforced by the Reserve Bank of India to squeeze excess liquidity in the economy. |
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India's Growth Prospects - The Reality Of Euphoria |
The study emphasizes the significance of the rise of the Indian economy and presents analyses of the lurking threat of social and political sustainability of the present pattern of growth. It identifies the propellers of growth – resurgent Indian corporate, key sectors like telecom, automobile, pharma and civil aviation, sustained per capita income, rising middle class, favorable demographic factor, cheap labour, improved energy scenario etc. The study examines the risks to future growth with special reference to the limitations of the IT revolution, inadequate distribution of the labour force, labour market rigidities, rickety infrastructure, fiscal constraints, weaknesses in agriculture, slow pace of the reforms, weak human resource policies, lagging states, the democratic constraints of the Indian polity and other strategic challenges. While emphasizing that a culture of innovation is fundamental for global economic leadership, the study argues that if India is to become a technological powerhouse, then innovation incubators are essential. Incubators nurture talent among scientists and engineers and provide support during the early years of innovation when the risks of failure are the greatest. In this respect, it sites the substantial progress made by China vis-a-vis India. The study is however, optimistic about the medium term prospects of the Indian economy and such optimism is based on the continuing strength of many positive factors especially globalization and “ catch-up ”, the demographic dividends, the rising middle class, a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, positive expectations of future economic reforms and a generally benign international economic environment. |
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Kashmir Settlement - So near, yet so far |
The Pakistan President, General Pervez Musharraf’s continued talk of ‘self-governance’ and ‘joint management’ to settle the long-pending Kashmir issue has given rise in hopes in certain quarters that a solution may indeed be in sight. But is it realistic to assume that India will accept the Pakistani proposals, given Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s clear-cut assertion that there can be no re-drawing of boundaries? The Special Study which examines the entire gamut of issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, right from 1947, seeks to shed light on the matter. This includes the origin of the problem – the tribal invasion of Kashmir in 1947, the State’s accession to India, UN resolutions calling for determining the people’s wishes, Pakistan using terror and infiltration to destabilize the State and Indian polity, blunders by Indian policy makers, the initiatives in the past few years to talk to representatives of the Kashmiri people and commencement of the composite dialogue with Pakistan. |
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Retail Sector - The Sunrise Industry |
The developing countries are striving to achieve or maintain high rates of economic growth and employment. Crucial to reaching these goals is competition in product and factor markets which leads to greater choice, lower prices, and increased efficiencies in production which ultimately contributes to a country's overall growth and development. Promoting competition is immediately relevant to these countries as they adopt an open market-oriented policy regime in response to heightened competition resulting from regional and global integration. The competitive regime is also influenced by the politico-socio-cultural milieu of any nation. The study focuses on organized retail in India. It provides an overview of the Indian retail sector and deliberates whether the Indian retail sector has really ascended the world stage. It also examines the possible hurdles that lie ahead. |
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Regional Trade Agreements in a Multilateral Trade Regime |
One of the most striking developments in the world trading system since the mid 1990s has been the surge in regional trade agreements (RTAs). From about 50 till 1990, the number of RTAs has crossed 300. As trading within RTAs does not come under the purview of World Trade Organisation (WTO), this explosive growth of regionalism is threatening to emerge as an alternative to the WTO-led debate amongst economists whether RTAs are "building blocks" or "stumbling blocks" of the multilateral trading system. In this backdrop, this study traces the reasons behind this resurgence to regionalism and surveys the literature on RTAs and its interaction with the multilateral trading system. The Study aims at looking at these issues from the perspective of developing countries with special reference to the Indian experience of FTA/RTAs.
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Extremism in India |
Asia News Agency is proud to present its latest Special Study on ‘Extremism in India’. The relevance of the Study has increased after the stepped up Maoist violence in several States. An attempt has been made to bring together a compendium of Left extremist organizations in India. These include the People’s War Group, the People’s Guerilla Army, the Maoist Communist Centre etc. In tracing the origin of the extremist movement the study explains what Naxalism stands for. It seeks to explain the ideology, the organization, the strengths, objectives and areas of influence of the extremist outfits. There is an attempt to analyze the political motives and their strategy to club resources towards a broad-based coalition that would threaten the democratic process. The role of the State Governments and more importantly, of the Centre is also a focus area of the study. The study finally summarizes the status of the various groups operating in the concerned States. |
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State of the Government: Uneasy UPA-Left relations |
The last few months have witnessed an increasing belligerence in relations between the UPA Government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Left Front which with its 60 plus seats in the Parliament provides the necessary support to the minority Government from outside. Relations between the two sides have particularly soured after Mr. Prakash Karat took over the leadership of the CPI(M) from Mr. Harkishan Singh Surjit, who was close to both Dr. Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi. Mr. Karat loses no opportunity to accuse the Government of deviating from the Common Minimum Programme and reminding them that the Left was a watchdog and not the lapdog and that they could topple the Government if they moved away from the agreed programme. Asia News Agency has compiled an exhaustive and in-depth study on what ails relations between the two sides and what could be the consequences for the stability of the Government and the reform agenda of Dr. Manmohan Singh. |
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State Report - Uttar Pradesh |
Asia News Agency is in the process of preparing comprehensive studies on all States and Union Territories of India. The studies would be in the nature and format of internationally recognised Country Reports. We are pleased to offer the first such Special Study in the series, on Uttar Pradesh, in the following standard format : General Overview, Formation of the state, Geography, Natural hazards, History, Culture and Customs, Population demographics, Castes, Language, Religion, Administrative districts, Judiciary, Executive, Political Overview, Party position, Party in power, Opposition parties, Economy, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Industry, Foreign investment, Exports, Environment, Tourism. |
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Nepal under King Gyanendra's direct rule - Maoist insurgency and stir for restoration of democracy |
Since February 1, Nepal has been reeling under royal rule after King Gyanendra, known for his ambitions for an executive monarchy, sacked the Sher Bahadur Deuba Government, put the political leadership under arrest, imposed a state of emergency and consequent restrictions on civil liberties. The King's action, on the pretext of the Deuba Government's failure to hold elections, made difficult by the Maoist insurgency, has been condemned. The political parties are up in arms and there are almost daily street demonstrations against him. The Maoists have stepped up attacks even as he has been isolated from the rest of the world. India, US and the UK banned military supplies. Export of non-lethal military equipment has been relaxed but the overall ban remains in force. The King has not lived up to his promise made to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Jakarta to take concrete steps to restore multi-party democracy. The turmoil in Nepal clearly has serious implications for India. Trouble in Nepal could lead to exodus of Nepalese into India through the open borders while the Maoists of Nepal can forge links with Indian naxalites to wage the so-called people's war against the Government. Asia News Agency's South Asia analysts have prepared an exhaustive study covering all the above aspects of the situation in Nepal and what awaits the King if he does not take early steps to return the country to civilian rule, the scope of the Maoists widening their areas of operation, the political parties forging alliance to mobilize the public against the monarchy while the King uses the Royal National Army to fulfil his ambition to restore the era when Prime Ministers were puppets in the hands of the King. |
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Indo-Pak roadmap to peace - begun by Vajpayee and continued by Manmohan Singh |
India and Pakistan have embarked on a peace process which their leaders say is irreversible. President Musharraf's January 6, 2004 commitment to stop the use of Pak territory for terrorism against India, his conciliatory tone on the Kashmir issue, his visit to New Delhi and meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New York, the resumption of composite dialogue, the dozens of decisions to develop people-to-people relations, including the restoration of air, road and rail links, all point to an Indo-Pak roadmap to peace. This process was initiated by Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee. Gen. Musharraf is responsive to Dr. Singh's suggestion of "soft borders" in Jammu and Kashmir territory. He is advising the Hurriyat leaders to open dialogue with Prime Minister Singh. All these changes in President Musharraf's thinking on Kashmir show his sincerity in viewing the issue from a new perspective of accommodation. |
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International Trade in Textiles and Clothing - post MFA challenges and opportunities for India and developing countries. |
The highly specialised and topical Special Study provides a useful insight into the global trade flows in textiles and clothing. It focuses on the sourcing pattern of apparel importing countries like the US and the EU, India's export competitiveness vis-à-vis other developing countries and the cost structure of the clothing & textile industry in select countries which can serve as pointers to the emerging international trade scenario. The data contained in the various tables in the Study is culled from the authentic sources which have been indicated under the relevant heads.
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Extremism in India |
An attempt has been made to bring together a compendium of Left extremist organizations in India. These include the People's War Group, the People's Guerilla Army, the Maoist Communist Centre etc. In tracing the origin of the extremist movement the study explains what Naxalism stands for. It seeks to explain the ideology, the organization, the strengths, objectives and areas of influence of the extremist outfits. There is an attempt to analyze the political motives and their strategy to club resources towards a broad-based coalition that would threaten the democratic process.
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Post Assembly election, preparing for 2004
Parliamentary polls |
The assembly elections to the
four northern states in December 2003, have thrown a shocker verdict
that is bound to have a profound impact on the future of Indian
politics. Belying all predictions, the BJP has scored sensational wins
in the contiguous heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Chattisgarh. The Study analysis the election verdict. For the first time, the BJP avoided any talk of the Hindu nationalist agenda and focused on the economic feel-good factor. Does this imply the end of the road for Hindutva organizations? Is the BJP transforming itself into a mainstream party capable of taking on the Congress on its terms? The study looks at the possible issues that will dominate the national election. How would the Congress strategists plan their fresh campaign; whether the defeat will spur efforts to form a credible Congress led coalition to match the NDA? The study examines the possibility of realignments and the role of regional parties. It also looks at the role the Third Front may play in the parliamentary election. The study analyses the possibility of an early parliamentary poll and a real life scenario if elections were to be held now. It takes a look at a possible future verdict |
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SAARC and its track record : Issues before
Islamabad summit |
SAARC summit is taking place in
the Pakistan capital of Islamabad on January 4, 2004. Prime Minister
Vajpayee has broken a long silence to confirm his participation. The
Study traces the birth of SAARC, its limited progress, its objectives,
prospects of regional cooperation, the aims of SAPTA (South Asian
Preferential Trade Agreement) and SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade
Agreement), Pakistan’s apprehensions in opening up its market to
Indian goods, and the prospects for the region if India and Pakistan
rise above their bilateral bickerings and create an economic giant
competing with ASEAN and EU. |
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Indian economy relishes its moment in global
spotlight |
A paradigm shift has taken place
in recent months in the way India sees itself and the way rest of the
world appreciates India. India's economy is likely to expand between
seven and eight percent in the current fiscal year on improved
agriculture production and a pick up in industrial activity. The study
examines the factors for setting up an explosive growth rate, the
performance of the agriculture, services, industrial and other sectors
as well as the infrastructure bottlenecks. It critically analyses the
fiscal situation in the States and at the Centre. The study analyses
currency management by RBI, appreciation of the rupee, decline in
interest rates, inflation trends and related aspects. |
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India-Israel strategic partnership |
Since the establishment of
diplomatic relations between them 11 years ago, Israel has emerged
as the second largest trade partner of India in Asia and the second
largest source of advanced military equipment, next only to Russia. The
September 2003 visit of Israeli Prime Minister, a $1 billion annual
trade turnover and a strong military relationship, have generated
speculation of a significant shift in New Delhi’s West Asia. The
study makes an in-depth examination of their present and past relations,
how they prospered and what they hold for future. It also analyses Arab
apprehensions, the emergence of a possible India-Israel-US axis and
related issues. |
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Ayodhya : India’s most volatile
religious dispute |
The study discusses the history
and origin of the dispute, the status of Ram and Ayodhya in the Hindu
psyche, the post independence developments, the talks conducted between
the two communities as well as the initiatives taken by governments. The
study examines the politics of the dispute, the role played by Advani in
reviving the age old controversy, events leading to December 6 –
the day the mosque was demolished and the potential for communalising
Indian society and politics. The study also analyses the positions of
the BJP and the Congress on the issue, the dynamics of BJP’s
relationship with the RSS, the compromise forced by a coalition
government and the pressures from the VHP. The legal status and the
report of the Archaeological Survey of India are also briefly discussed.
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Ups and downs in India-China relations
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Living in peace under the shadow of the
border dispute |
India and China went to war in
1962 over a territorial dispute. Since then they have lived in peace,
uneasy at times. The 1993 and 1996 agreements to keep peace on the
border and an earlier tacit understanding to keep the border dispute on
the back burner helped to develop ties on other fronts. Yet, China is showing little seriousness to resolve the border dispute. China also continues to nurture its nuclear and missile tie-ups with Pakis-tan. It is getting closer to India's smaller neighbours like Bangladesh and Myanmar through economic and military assistance as part of its policy of containing India through strategic alignments with countries in South Asia. The Special Study traces India-China relations from the days of Nehru till the present times |
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Economic profile of India and South Asia |
The key question that the study
seeks to analyze is whether India and its South Asian economies are in a
position to influence global growth. In the process, the study looks at
the strengths of the South Asian economies, the challenges that face
them in economic and social development, their future prospects of
growth, India along with China as growth engines, the functioning of the
SAARC and the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA), the
impact of the WTO etc. In addition, there are brief country profiles on
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan.
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Communalism in India : The Hindu-Muslim
Divide |
This Study traces the historical
and present factors of communalism, the role of Hindu and Muslim
fundamentalist, the communal riots and their impact on the Muslim
psyche, the roles and policies of the Congress, the BJP and most
importantly, the Muslim voting pattern. |
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Profile of Indian Press |
This study lists all the major
newspapers and journals published in India, both national and regional,
including those published in regional languages. It provides details
about their ownership, publishers, the circulation, their areas of
influence, the constitution of their editorial boards etc. Most
importantly, the study indicates their editorial policies and political
affiliations. This ready-reckoner educates the reader on the nuances of
the Indian Press and helps him maintain a correct prospective while
reading specific newspapers and journal. This is our largest selling
study and a must for scholars and others seeking to understand the
Indian Media. |
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Kashmir : Initiatives, Options &
Prospects |
The Special Study examines the
entire gamut of issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, right from 1947,
the signing of the Instrument of Accession, the UN resolutions, the 1953
& 1975 accords, the history of militancy from 1989, Kashmiri
grievances, the autonomy resolution and its serious implications within
and outside Kashmir, the Indian & the Pakistani positions, the
options of the government and the prospects of peace and further talks.
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Politics of Caste, Class & Dalits |
No Knowledge of Indian Polity is
complete without an understanding of the complex caste and class
equations. The Study explains the traditional caste system, the social,
economic and political changes effecting the caste hierarchies, the
emerging class factors, the explosion in Indian society caused by
Mandalisation, the crucial "dalit" (untouchables ) factor and
how the various political parties are exploiting them. Traditionally
exploited by the Congress, these social equations are being exploited by
the BJP, the Communist and by almost all regional parties. |
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Earlier Studies |
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1. Kashmir : Initiatives, options, prospects
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Events in Jammu and Kashmir have
unfolded at a fast pace. It all started with the offer of talks by the
Centre with the Hurriyat. Unnerved and not wanting to be marginalised,
Dr. Farooq Abdullah played the autonomy card seeking, through a
resolution passe d by the Assembly, a pre-1953 status for the State.
This would imply restricting the Centre's powers to Defence, Foreign
Affairs and Communications. This was rejected by the Union Cabinet lock,
stock and barrel saying it can only go as far as the 1975 Indi ra-Sheikh
Abdullah accord and consider further devolution of powers. While talks on devolution are yet to commence, negotiations on the modalities of enforcing a cease-fire began with the Hizbul Mujahideen, a Pakistan based largely Kashmiri militant group, which had earlier announced a unilateral cease-fire. This was a dramatic development in that it was the first time that any kind of talks had taken place with militants. Many observers saw in these developments efforts and initiatives by the US and the ground work prepared by intelligence agencies and emissaries. They also saw in this a pattern which could lead to a solution to the Kashmir problem. But the road to peace will be long and difficult as the massacre of 100 people on August 1 and the car bomb blast in Srinagar on August 10 indicated. Pakistan's dubious role was evident in the quick U-turn taken by Hizbul in calling off the cease-fire and talks when India declined its suggestion to include Pakistan in the talks. At present there is stalemate as well as hope. The Special Study examines the entire gamut of issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, right from 1947, the signing of the Instrument of Accession, the 1953 & 1975 accords, the start of militancy, Kashmiri grievances, the autonomy resolution and its se rious implications within and outside Kashmir, the options of the Centre, the prospects of peace and further talks with the Hizbul Mujahideen or Hurriyat and more. |
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2. Pakistan's intrusion into Kargil and its
implications |
The high altitude and
high-decibel undeclared war in Kargil sector of Kashmir where the Indian
ground and air action flushed out hundreds of Pakistani regulars and the
battle hardened Afghan mercenaries has ended with the total withdrawal
of forces by Pakistan. At one stage the conflict threatened to escalate
into an all-out war between India and Pakistan with nuclear
ramifications. The developments both on the military and political
fronts took place at such a fast pace that it was difficult to
comprehend the seriousness of the conflict, the extent of Pakistani
involvement, its hidden motives of taking peace in Lahore and preparing
for war in Kashmir, the strategic importance of Kargil as the lifeline
between Leh and Srinagar, the Indian intelligence failure, the
implications of India launching the air strikes, Pakistan questioning
the sanctity of the Line of Control in Kashmir, and its Foreign
Secretary threatening to use nuclear weapons if the need arose. The international option, led by the United States, was one of understanding the Indian action against the mercenaries and reprimanding Pakistan for upping the ante by crossing the Line of Control in Kashmir. The Pakistani action leaves many questions unanswered. The study was prepared at the height of the Kargil war. |
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3. Indo-Pak dispute over Kashmir : Root cause
of all troubles |
Few bilateral disputes have
lasted so long, been so intense and acccomplished so little. Two full
scale wars, frequent armed confrontations along the Indo-Pak border, and
over eleven years of Kashmiri militancy have not induced either India or
Pakistan to shift from their positions of five decades. Kashmir is now
being seen as an issue on which a nuclear war can also break out between
the two countries. The study goes into the claims and counter-claims of India and Pakistan on Kashmir, the State's accession to India by the then Hindu ruler after the Pakistani sponsored tribal raids soon after the partition of India in 1947; the special status of the Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and how it was eroded by various governments at the Centre. The study goes into the mistake committed by India in taking the Kashmir matter to the UN, Pakistan's exploitation of the UN resolutions without honouring its own part of the documents; its sponsorship of insurgency and its attempts for foreign mediation etc. The Special Study is a historical perspective of the Kashmir dispute. |
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4. Nuclear test and after: Weaponisation and
quest for nuclear status |
The May 11-13, 1998 nuclear
blast made India the sixth nuclear weapons state. Despite adverse
international condemnation, the threat of a matching response by a
stunned Pakistan, American and Japanese announcement of economic
sanctions, the Vajpayee Government is determined to go ahead with
India's programme of weaponisation and demand its recognition as the
sixth nuclear weapon State by the five nuclear powers. At that time, in
1998, the acquisition of nuclear weapons techology was being justified
as giving the country a nuclear deterrent to meet the security concerns
posed by its two neighbours withb nuclear capability. No amount of
pressure to sign the CTBT in its present form deterred India to demand
that it will sign only as a nuclear weapons State and on its term. The nuclear tests together with the go-ahead given for the advanced version of the Agni missile will give India's defence forces greater credibility and perhaps push India as a countervailing force against China, something the USA has been pushing for notwithstanding its reservations on India going nuclear. Asia News Agency prepared this Study in May 1998 on India's long leap forward in the nuclear field, giving an exhaustive background into India's mastery over a range of nuclear weapon technologies and delivery systems, the various nuclear facilities in India which helped it make the bomb and produce the fissile material, its quest for nuclear weapons programme in response to Pakistan's clandestine development of nuclear arsenal and the threat posed by China, the international pressure to sign NPT and CTBT, the Indian refusal to bow to such pressure, BJP's commitment to give India a nuclear bomb, the future programme of weaponisation, the international repercussion and the force of sanctions, the Pakistani threat of matching response, the fears of India's relations with China deteriorating over the nuclear test and with the US and the West over refusal to sign CTBT. The study was prepared immediately after India exploded the nuclear bombs. |
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5. India's Space programme |
The Study indicates the
organisational structure of the Department of Space, the various units
in India, the satellite programme(INSAT I - II) and its utilisation, the
National Natural Resources Management System ( NNRMS), the Launch
Vehicle programme (ASLV, PSLV, GSLV) and its military/ commercial
spin-offs, the military significance of the missile programme (Agni,
Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag), India's views on the MTCR etc. The study was prepared in 1996. |
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6. India's resistance to CTBT: Its nuclear
weapons option and capacity |
This is an exhaustive Study on
the stand taken by India at the Disarmament Conference, the compulsions
behind swimming against the international current in favour of the
global test ban treaty, the kind of American pressure it would be
confronted within the coming days, the American duplicacy of not
practicing what it preaches, the national consensus in India against the
CTBT, the case of building nuclear weapons, as also the various kinds of
nuclear facilities like nuclear reactors, fast breeders, spent fuel
reprocessing plants, heavy water manufacturing capabilities and the
other paraphernalia which has been built up to give the country nuclear
weapons once a political go ahead is given. The study was prepared at the time of the Disarmament Conference in 1996, but the arguments put forward by India at that time as well as the logic of India still not signing the CTBT remain the same. |
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