Col R Hariharan

India’s long held position is that country specific resolutions are never helpful and dialogue is the way forward. Does its surprising abstention from voting on human rights in China serve its national interest?

The last head of state of the Soviet Union ended the Cold War and was more than just a transitional leader. He was known for two vital reforms—perestroika and glasnost—and was a humane leader

There was much consternation in India over the Chinese spy ship docking in Sri Lanka. India expressed its security concerns over berthing the ship at the Hambantota port. The truth is that symbolism triumphed over substance

By Col R Hariharan In...

By Col R Hariharan Th...

By Col R Hariharan In...

The Taliban sealed the fate of the democratically elected government in Afghanistan when it marched trium­phantly into Kabul on Aug­ust 15. The Latin phrase veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered) attributed to Julius Caesar following his victory at the Battle of Zela in 42 BC may well apply to the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan.

While the Quad meets India’s aspiration of becoming “a stabilising power”, the “India way” is not only being tested by China, but by other members of the group, particularly the US.

The firming up of the Quad alliance after a decade, despite the continued differences in strategic security priorities of its four members, is related to the rise in power of Xi Jinping in China in 2012.

The New Year eve announcement of the Indian Army appointing Major General Gautam Chauhan as Additional Director General (Human Rights) formally recognises the importance of human rights in military operations.