The State Visit of Russian President H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin to New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, is not merely a routine diplomatic exchange; it represents a pivotal moment in global diplomacy. This summit, occurring against the backdrop of an intensely volatile geopolitical landscape marked by the lingering impacts of the Ukraine conflict, forces a comprehensive reassessment of the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.’ The core dynamic now defining this relationship is a sophisticated act of strategic balancing by India, leveraging Russia’s crucial, albeit redefined, military role against a mushrooming, energy-driven economic dependence.
Tag: India
The 26/11 Attacks and the Unfinished War on Terror
On November 26, 2008, ten young men from Pakistan sailed unnoticed through the dark waters toward India’s financial capital, leaving a trail of violence in their wake. They had already murdered the crew of an Indian fishing trawler, the Kuber, and now they were approaching Mumbai’s coastline in inflatable dinghies. Their landing at two separate locations in Colaba around 8:00-9:00 PM marked the beginning of a sixty-hour siege that would claim 175 lives, injure over 300, and traumatise a nation. As we stand seventeen years removed from those terrifying nights, the trail of 26/11 continue to shape geopolitics, counter-terrorism strategies, and the lives of survivors in ways both profound and disturbing.
Unhappy Leave: The Radical Idea that could Redefine Work-Life Balance in India
For decades, Indian employees have powered through stress, anxiety, and burnout under the weight of a culture that glorifies overwork. But a quiet revolution may be on the horizon, inspired by a daring experiment in China. Earlier this year, South China Morning Post reported that Pang Dong Lai, a retail company in Henan, introduced “Unhappy Leave”—10 days off per year, no explanations required, simply because employees didn’t feel happy enough to work. The news, also covered by Money control and Business Standard, sparked a global debate about the future of humane work policies.
Not Louder Ads, but Fresher Connections: The Matcha Effect is India’s New Branding Mantra
The production of matcha tea has historically represented a commitment to authenticity and meticulousness in Kyoto. In the crowded digital landscape of India, professionals are keenly searching for that ideal blend of innovation, energy, and trustworthiness. Every company is competing for a limited chance in the smartphone screen market, ranging from beauty brands to food delivery apps. Traditional marketing approaches often struggle to keep pace in this competitive landscape. Introducing the Matcha Effect Model, an innovative framework designed to transform conventional brand development tactics for today’s digital landscape.
Tariffs ≠ Collapse: India’s Trade Journey through Trump-Era Tariffs
When the “America First” trade policy was declared by U.S. President Donald Trump in his previous term, he framed it as a move to protect U.S. workers from what he labeled unfair foreign competition. India, even as a long-time U.S. ally, found itself squarely in the crosshairs. Trump claimed that India charged high tariffs on American products while gaining preferential entry into U.S. markets. Such a disparity, he said, required a corrective measure. The tariffs did not come as a blanket measure initially but were developed incrementally through a series of increments.
How Long Will the India-China Diplomatic Rekindle Last?
When the American President Donald Trump launched his trade war, both India and China were in his sights. Trump’s officials maintained America was a victim of “unfair trade practices” and thus slapped a barrage of tariffs on steel, aluminium, and a variety of manufactured goods emanating out of India and China. Although Beijing was primary target, India lost duty-free trade privileges under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2019.
Modi vs Indira Gandhi: Leadership Styles That Shaped Two Eras of Indian Politics
On July 25, 2025, Narendra Modi surpassed Indira Gandhi’s tenure as India’s prime minister. He became the second-longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru. This has opened the debate of Modi vs Indira, who did better leadership within their respective tenures. While Indira Gandhi served 4077 consecutive days from 1966 to 1977, Narendra Modi has surpassed it. Both the leaders have been influential in their own right, impacting the country’s politics, strategy, economy, foreign affairs and nationalism.
Saiyaara: The Bollywood’s Enlightening Star Redefining the Marketing Imagination
Helmed by Mohit Suri and starring fresh faces Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the July 2025 launch of Saiyara defied the conventions of Bollywood. Despite lacking star power, connections to well-known franchises, the film impressively garnered nearly ₹200 crore within just nine days of its release, cultivating a garnered acclaim as one of the year’s best emotionally resonant cinematic experiences. This outcome was not a mere coincidence; it stemmed from astute marketing strategies rooted in behavioural science, emotional branding, and a digital-first approach to communication. The movie’s return on investment transcends mere financial gain; it encapsulates a profound experience.
Operation Mahadev: Strategic Closure to the Pahalgam Terror Strike
Operation Mahadev stands out not only as a military victory but as a new perspective on evolving national security practices. This operation aimed to neutralize the attackers of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. On July 28, 2025, Indian security forces conducted a joint operation in the Dachigam forests near Srinagar. It provided immediate retaliation and a data-driven closure, supported by continued intelligence, forensic verification, and international diplomatic efforts.
Post-Pahalgam: Rethinking the Indus Waters Treaty amid Climate Pressures
Pahalgam attack in Kashmir has once again brought the India-Pakistan relationship into sharp focus. In the aftermath of such violent incidents, there is often a renewed scrutiny of the strategic levers both states hold over each other. One such lever—frequently invoked in times of heightened tensions—is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Signed with World Bank mediation, the IWT is widely regarded as one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in history. Despite multiple wars and skirmishes, the treaty has endured. But with accelerating climate stress, dwindling water resources, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, its resilience is being tested like never before.